Convince me... Villa instead of Value

[TinkTink78]

I know the answer, but I am always second guessing myself.

DBF and I will be now traveling with another couple that hasnt been to Disney but once...

Sooooo here lies the question....Do we go with the Disney "experience" at POP $484 for each room x 2 rooms OR a 5 bedroom villa with a pool, full kitchen, washer and dryer for 5 nights for $560 total, $280 per couple to split it.



I know the answer, but need some feedback.

TIA!!!!!!

 

[yourMaire83]

Villa sounds fun! I think they have DVD players... bring some games (like SkipBo or Yatzee, since you'll have a dining table and living room. What resort are you thinking of? You can Google the floorplans.

 

[traveljunkie2]

I've never stayed onsite, but I really think that having a kitchen and laundry make an offsite villa so much more enjoyable, even if the prices were the same for each. Even when you factor in parking, you are still saving money. Plus, with a 5 bedroom, you will probably have 3+ bathrooms, two or more living areas, TV's in all of the bedrooms, parking right outside your door. I struggled with this for a wihle when we considered going during free dining and when I priced packages it would cost about the same to stay in one room onsite vs. a 3 br offsite. To me the space and privacy that a villa offers is so much more valuable.

 

[thesupermcclains]

this is a tough one...both have their perks.

First the Value Resort, POP.
1) Bus service is awesome, especially if you ALL want to have a little to drink, then no one has to drive home and volunteer to be the DD.
2) In the Magic, I don't think I have to elaborate here.
3)May feel like more a vaction to you, to not have to worry about cleaning the kitchen, making breakfast, and having someone come into your room everyday to pick up after you

Next, the Villa
1) Lots of extra room, and probably your own private pool and spa.
2) Kitchen and Laundry facilities to clean and cook at your own pace
3) Privacy and ability to just "hang out" with out worring about the resorts other guests.

I think that both have their perks and downsides. While you can't argue with the price of the vila, you have to consider if it is worth it to you to stay off property and have to worry about DD's (if you drink), parking, and cleaning up after yourselves. Renting a villa is alot more self serving than staying in a hotel.

That being said, we ALWAYs stay on property and this upcoming vaction we chose to stay offsite in a Villa in Windsor Palms. So this vaction will be a little different for us than our normal disney vacation, but I think having all the privacy and our own pool will more than make up for it!

good luck deciding! I hope i was able to help.

 

[DonnaL]

We've stayed onsite (mostly) and offsite in a 7 bdrm villa two years ago for a family reunion (East coast meets West coast.....loads of fun). Each has it's advantages. However, for $560 total (does that include taxes, also?) you probably should check the villa out pretty good before renting. I've seen 2 and 3 bdrm condos and townhomes at Windsor Hills sometimes renting for that, but, not a 5 bdrm villa.....and even those are usually at least $800......unless it's a last minute deal trying to fill a vacant week. Also, are you familiar enough with the area to know which resorts are closest to the parks? Sometimes advertisements will make it seem like the villa is right next door to WDW when actually it's at least a half hour drive. Don't know how frequently you visit, but, if you decide to stay in the villa and will be visiting again within 12 months.....or need a reason to visit again within 12 months......you might want to look into an annual pass for one member of your group......that way, parking is covered......or if you decide to stay onsite and get an AP.....you could get an AP room only discount.
Also, you do get some slight discounts at some restaurants and some Downtown Disney merchants with the AP..........just a thought.

 

[gallagher35]

I know the answer, but I am always second guessing myself.

DBF and I will be now traveling with another couple that hasnt been to Disney but once...

Sooooo here lies the question....Do we go with the Disney "experience" at POP $484 for each room x 2 rooms OR a 5 bedroom villa with a pool, full kitchen, washer and dryer for 5 nights for $560 total, $280 per couple to split it.



I know the answer, but need some feedback.

TIA!!!!!!

I've also done both and agree each has their perks. Are you going to relax and hang in your villa or are you going to eat & play at the parks A large house is very nice but for a short 5 day trip, the convenience of Disney of might be a value in itself. Depending on the time of year you travel, extra magic hours could be worth it alone, don't forget the $14.00 a day parking fee that you will pay if not staying with Disney. Also the gas money to drive yourself around town. Do you need to rent a car now?? Airport transfers?? I myself didn't realize all the little extras that are involved in having a larger unit to stay at! For us those it works out b/c most times we drive anyway and stay for 2 weeks so only have 10 day pass and hang at the villa the other days (plus need to do laundry b/c can't pack for 10 day LOL). I'm sure whatever you decide it will still be great -- I mean, how can Disney be bad

 

[gallagher35]

When are you travelling?? Is it during free dining?? That would make the Disney value room a great deal!

 

[Brian Noble]

When comparing prices, make sure you include the cost of theme park parking and (if you are flying in) a rental car to the offsite option. The rental car really isn't optional.

Two couples---the two value rooms could be fun, as long as double beds aren't a problem. The transportation flexibility is nice in case you want to split up from time to time, or one couple wants to turn in (or get started) later. It's also nice to let someone else do the driving if you decide you'd like that second drink at Jellyrolls, etc.

The house will have the private pool---it can be nice to get away from the kids in the pools when you're not personally interested in playing yet another round of Marco Polo. The house might also be a good idea if you are concerned that the other couple might not "get" Disney right away.

My gut is that since you live in NJ and are presumably flying, that the cost difference is going to be pretty minimal once you add in a rental car (or two). I've done both onsite stays and off. With my kids, I'd prefer the villa for the kitchen, etc. Going down with just my better half and another couple sans kids, it's a closer call. I'd pick based on the vibe you want.

 

[Smithkids]

Another thought to consider- since there will only be 2 couples- do you need 5 bedrooms? You could probably get away with a 2 or 3 bedroom to save even more.

Like others have mentioned- you'll have to factor in rental car (if needed), gas, price to park, etc... Those expenses alone might eat up the savings between onsite and villa.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I would go with the villa simply because of the room you will have. It is more fun with your friends when you are in the same "room" instead of different ones.. I would have more fun in the villa....