Considering staying off property - what did I forget

[shalom]

4) Transportation - this was a biggie but I think I have it all figured out. We can take our hotel transportation TO the park in the early afternoon. In the evening, we can head back to our fav hotel, have a drink in the bar, and take a cab back to our hotel. Extra 15 minutes or so is nothing. We do not like to drive in Disney. We do not use ME - we take a towncar to and from the airport.

This would be my only concern. Most offsite places do not have shuttle schedules I'd like to work with. There is a Lynx bus route on Irlo Bronson that runs twice an hour to the east (and I think almost as often to the west) that should work fine for you if you're good with that sort of thing and only plan to do Disney. And, as has been mentioned, Wyndham Bonnet Creek has one of the best shuttle systems going.

I'd post to the Orlando Resorts board for more specific advice on shuttles. We're fine with staying offsite, and definitely prefer the extra room, but I'm not sure I'd like it without a car!

 

[disnut8]

1) We do feel like some of the "magic" would be lost having to head to the parking lot and fighting traffic back to the hotel. If we head over to a resort (we spend most time at EPOCT so we would stroll back to the BC, have a drink and get in a cab)

2) We do like our wine on vacation and would rather not have to worry about driving. My husband really feels like he is on vacation when he can have a few glasses of wine and not have to think about driving! We would most like be there during food and wine. And if not, we are very good about making our own F&W festival

xoxoxo

But the "magic" wouldn't be lost with having to be in a cab and going offsite? I've stayed onsite and offsite and seeing that first Denny's or McDonald's or 7-Eleven when I have to go offsite kills the "magic". Even in a cab and paying another $20. And I believe if you take a cab, you still have to pay the $14 parking fee? Someone correct me if I'm wrong on that one.

I think you might find it all balances out in the end but you'll have to do some number crunching since you are still in the planning stages. Also, factor in your time levels.

I was a die hard opponent of taking a bus back to Pop Century after Illuminations until I actually did it. Value resort and huge lone line after the show. First bus pulled up, it was filled. I was prepared to wait twenty more minutes and I waited....... 30 seconds because another one was right behind. And this one was a nice upholstered tour bus so we rode back in style.

Disney transportation can surprise you.

 

[lucas]

But the "magic" wouldn't be lost with having to be in a cab and going offsite? I've stayed onsite and offsite and seeing that first Denny's or McDonald's or 7-Eleven when I have to go offsite kills the "magic". Even in a cab and paying another $20. And I believe if you take a cab, you still have to pay the $14 parking fee? Someone correct me if I'm wrong on that one.

I think you might find it all balances out in the end but you'll have to do some number crunching since you are still in the planning stages. Also, factor in your time levels.

I was a die hard opponent of taking a bus back to Pop Century after Illuminations until I actually did it. Value resort and huge lone line after the show. First bus pulled up, it was filled. I was prepared to wait twenty more minutes and I waited....... 30 seconds because another one was right behind. And this one was a nice upholstered tour bus so we rode back in style.

Disney transportation can surprise you.

Exactly. And when we stayed off site, we wanted a snack when we returned to the hotel. Instead of having a WDW food court (and not wanting vending machines from the hotel) it was hard to find something to eat unless you drove to it or walked across a busy street. More loss of magic.

And, no Disney channels on the tv! No Stacey and Duffy! No refillable mugs in am or pm. No pin trading in the resort shop. I don't like not having the option of going back to the hotel mid-day if I want to. And, I feel safer at WDW resorts and like the family atmosphere.

 

[MelissaTnNc]

We stayed at WBC for our offsite portion of our two week split stay last year and the bus schedule was great, even in September.

 

[lucas]

From: http://allears.net/acc/onoff.htm

Where to Stay
At Disney or Off-Site

One important decision you will make as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World, is whether to stay on-site at a Disney resort or off-site at one of the many hotels in the surrounding area. The purpose of this page is to offer some suggestions as to what criteria might be considered when making such a decision and to summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Things to Consider When Making Your Choice

When attempting to make the choice of staying on-site or off-site, it is helpful to know the answers to the following questions:
•What is my budget?

•How far in advance am I planning?

•How many people are in my party and what are their ages?

•Do we want to all stay together in one room or suite or villa?

•What hotel amenities are important to me?

•Will I have my car/rental car?

•Will I be spending most of my time visiting Disney attractions, or will I be visiting non-Disney attractions too?



Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Choice


Off-site Advantages:
•Generally better/larger accommodations for the same or a lower price.

•More likely to find rooms in desired price range at the last minute.

•Better access to restaurants, shopping and other non-Disney attractions.

•NOT immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.

•Some hotels offer scheduled shuttle service to the parks.

•Some hotels offer free breakfasts.

•Many off-site hotels offer discounts to non-Disney attractions and restaurants.



Off-site Disadvantages:
•Getting to and from the parks may be more difficult. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks from the parks.

•On peak holidays parking lot(s) at WDW might be closed.

•Quality of the rooms varies; as does service.

•Off-site guests must pay for parking at Disney theme parks if they drive unless they have an Annual Passport.

•Shuttle service is limited at many hotels, some hotels share shuttles making the service very slow and/or crowded, and some hotels charge for using their shuttle service.

•Hotel staff may be less familiar with Disney property.

On-site Advantages:
•Getting to and from the parks is generally easier. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks.

•Immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.

•Disney resorts offer wonderful theming.

•Disney staff provides excellent service.

•Properties are always clean and well-maintained.

•Priority on tee times on Disney golf courses.

•Room-charge privileges throughout WDW.

•Ability to purchase Magic Your Way tickets.

•Merchandise delivery to your Disney hotel.

•Access to WDW's closed circuit TV information channels.

•Unlimited use of WDW transportation system.
• Magical Express transportation to/from airport to WDW Resort at no charge
•Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan.

On-site Disadvantages:
•Rooms are more expensive.

•Availability of budget-priced rooms is limited, especially at the last minute.

•Dining is generally more expensive.

•Getting to and from area's non-Disney attractions may be more difficult.

•Going from resort to resort relying on Disney Transportation can be long and/or a hassle.

 

[TeresaWen]

So many great comments - Thank you!

When we have to get a car my husband acts as DD - letting me drink with dinner and he drives back. I am VERY blessed.

We have stayed at the Swan and the Dolphin and do love them. We can get a larger room there. Good point...they offer great discounts too and are in the area that we love!

I get the points about the car...maybe we will rethink this and get a car...may not have to use it every day but it will be nice to know it is there if we need it.

We do take taxis often even when staying on property because we enjoy dining in other hotels...we have never waited more than a few minutes for a taxi but it is something to consider...we would most likely be looking for a taxi at one of the monorail resorts or the BC/YC

SO agree about feeling safer at a Disney Resort. This is a great point.]

Think I will look at renting points too.

You guys are the best