Disney Property 4 days or off site for 8

[perdidochas]

I am just starting to plan our 1st trip to Disney
Me my dw dd 4 and dd 5 will be driving form Texas in June of 08. We are working on saving money now for our trip we don't want to use any of our credit cards to pay for the trip. The way things look now we are going to be able to afford 4 days on property or 8 days off.
We are not at all opposed to staying at super 8, best western type hotels. All we need is a couple of beds in a shower. A pool and small fridge would be great but not required.
The only problems I have thought of yet are -
1. Are we going to spend hours fighting traffic getting in and out of the World?
2. Is our trip going to much less "magical" sating off site?
3. Where is the best area to look for our cheap hotel?
4. Any suggestions on a good hotel to stay at?
5. We would love to have any opinions On Disney or Off Disney?
Thanks

We have always stayed off site (we are planning to do one day of onsite our next trip). We usually priceline it, and have gotten good luck, except for our last trip (don't stay at the Super 8 Maingate, as the rooms on one side face the Publix loading dock, which is very active from about 4-6 in the morning).
1. I've never had a traffic problem when I stayed close.
2. It's pretty darned magical regardless.
3. Stay in the Old-Town Kissimmee area or the Maingate area.
4. Stay away from the Super8 Maingate. The Days Inn maingate was OK.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

The whole adr thing seems a bit over whelming. This is our first visit to WDW and I am not sure how many days we are going to want to spend at each park. We were planning to just wing it most of the time.
We are planning at least one character meal but the others we were just thinking cs.

Please don't wing it. A WDW trip is an expensive trip, you can't just walk into the MK without knowing anything. Believe me it will ruin your whole trip. Its alot of work to plan a WDW vacation, why do you think there are so many discussion board and reference materials on it?

First ask yourself how many times do you plan on visiting WDW, if you think its something that you will do each year or every other year, you can plan accordingly, such as taking it slow, doing just 2-3 parks per trip. There isn't a law that I'm aware of that says you have to hit a park each and every day.

Also, take into account that you are driving - I suggest that you don't hit the park the moment you get on property, Go the next day, you all need your rest, so just explore your resort, take a monorail ride past the MK so the kids can see the Castle.

When we go, we go for 6 days and only go to 2 parks. MK and another one, this year its EPCOT, last year was MGM. We enjoy swimming, resort hopping doing charatcer meals, (so you don't have to wait in the hot sun in the parks to get autographs).

When ever you talk to people that say, "the lines were too long", "I couldn't get into any restaurants" whine whine whine.....those are the folks who decided to just wing it.

 

[RJD]

I have done both and I definitely prefer on the property. But I would do 8 days as opposed to 4 if I had to make that choice. Like other posters said, there are lots of nice properties very close to WDW for less money. When we stayed off site I don't remember fighting alot of traffic or anything like that. I do remember I had found a website that had all the Exit #s for the various parks and we used that so we had no problems getting around. I guess I vote for 8 days offsite.

 

[perdidochas]

The whole adr thing seems a bit over whelming. This is our first visit to WDW and I am not sure how many days we are going to want to spend at each park. We were planning to just wing it most of the time.
We are planning at least one character meal but the others we were just thinking cs.

Get an ADR for the Character meal (so you need to decide on one park for one day). Other than that, if you're happy with CS, don't worry about planning ADRs. I would have a vague plan for each park if I were you, and learn about how to use Fastpasses. My family's enjoyment level at the parks went up immensely after we learned how to effectively Fastpass. We could then spend more time just absorbing atmosphere instead of waiting in line (the FP is pretty much a "virtual" line). We also bring lunch (or dinner) with us (sandwiches, etc.). We don't do it so much for cost (although that is a side benefit), as for relaxation. For us, it's more relaxing to just find a bench and take lunch out of the cooler, than it is to find a CS, etc.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

The whole adr thing seems a bit over whelming. This is our first visit to WDW and I am not sure how many days we are going to want to spend at each park. We were planning to just wing it most of the time.
We are planning at least one character meal but the others we were just thinking cs.

We are planning our 25+ trip and I refuse to be consumed by the ADR game. On the other hand, we always want to include some table service meals (it is a vacation, after all). We look at the park hours, figure out which parks we will definitley be in, based on night time EMH (our favorite park time), and then book at least those two or three ADRs. We can always cancel if plans change, but at least we have something.

 

[mikymouse]

We are not sure we are going to want to take the time with the adr's and with young kids on vacation a sit down meal may not be the best use of our time.

I would highly recommend taking a break by either going back to your room or planning a sit down meal with a well timed ADR.

I would also recommend a planned "nothing" day either on day 3 or 4 as Disney is a very overwhelming place for both the big and the little.

This plan worked best for us.... Start Early and End Late - This included being at the park at opening, 3 hours of fun, late breakfast/early lunch ADR at Park for the day, 1 more hour of fun, 3 hour afternoon break at room, back out for dinner or more park time. There was one day when we took our time and got to the park around 10-11AM...it was hot and crowded and we were all very tired by 4-5PM. We spent about the same about of time in the park but didn't have as much fun and spent more time waiting in line with the later day crowds.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would encourage you to rethink the Dining plan and ADR's. With young girls a break for a meal may be welcome, and if the kids enjoy meeting the characters this is a good way to meet them without standing in lines. With the Dining Plan included a lot of stress is removed because there is no need to reduce the number f TS meals. If you want to hit several character meals in order to let the girls meet a variety of characters you can without checking all of the prices.

We always had our big meal in the evening, we would go back to the room to shower and relax and then go for dinner and maybe go to the park for the fireworks. Many here have their big meal for lunch, break up the day and then head back out to the parks. We went a few years ago after not being back for 18 years and prior to that trip the Concierge at AKL advised that we all have a good meal once a day. She told me that Disney is stimulating to children and adults and the break helps to wind down.

 

[Cinderella]

Definitely offsite with double the amount of time. While I prefer onsite I'd rather have a longer vacation. Look out for deals on and offsite and crunch the numbers.

I have used priceline before and got an amazingly low deal on the Hyatt Orlando by bidding on the Lake Buena Vista area. The hotel was just fine and the journey to Walt Disney World was short.

 

[suevee]

Ken,

ADR's are not really as big a hassle as they seem. You make them so you have them if you need them and cancel them if they don't work into your touring plan. In June sitting down in an air conditioned restaurant while the characters come to you is great. It is often the break in the day our family needs. And the looks on our kids faces are priceless. Dinner with the princesses, breakfast with Stitch, lunch with Winnie the Pooh, breakfast with the Little Einstiens, and any meal with Mickey is part of our overall trip experience. Also the DDP allows you to try restaurants you may not have been able to afford otherwise.

If you look at the counter service and table service prices then you may find that the Disney Dining Plan may be more cost effective (and more relaxing)than bagging it on a hot humid June day. Especially if you end up buying meals out of pocket for an unplanned splurge because it is hot, humid, lines are long, kids cranky, and you are tired. Personally, I have found planning helps control my splurges and keeps me on budget. Also the people here love to help plan vacations to get the best bang for the buck.

I don't mean to hard sell you, just be sure that the DDP is not for you before you decide. Check it out and make a pro and con list before you write off the ADR's.
Look at the menus and costs on Deb Willis site - www.allearsnet.com

Of course yours is a young family with lots of energy and I am a Grandma who often wilts mid-day!

 

[jenseib]

As for bagging it, be aware that technically Disney doesn't allow it. I know some people do it, but you could be told not to bring it in. Most of us all bring in snacks, and have never had a problem, but bringing in several lunches is different. Plus you would have to lug the maround al lday too (or half the day. I'm with the others at rethinking the dining plan too. We enjoyed sitting down each day to a nice meal.

 

[ldo]

personally, we have done both--dining plan and bagging with only 1 character meal. IF you do not feel you really want a sit-down meal everyday, then you can save a lot of money by sharing larger combo meals and bagging. When bagging, we bring sandwiches, chips, cookies, juice boxes for us--all in 1 SMALL soft-sided lunch lunch bag---in 10 years of Disney, no one has ever said we could not take it in--but we make sure to bring a small bag.
Some other money saving tips--you can buy a double burger and get an extra bun for $.79--a tip I learned here.
Also, kids meals can be a decent value, b/c you get drink, meal and 2 sides. And breakfast is a bargain--for $3.69, you get 2 pancakes or small waffles, 2 pieces of sausage, and applesauce and a drink. My 3 kids and I split 3 kids meals and were stuffed each morning.
I agree with others, make at least 2 ADR's for character meals. Then, see how it goes when you get there--that way, if one doesn't fit into your schedule, you have a backup and if you go to one and love it, you have another already booked---just be nice and cancel if you are not going to use your ADR--the hotel concierge can cancel--as can any other table service restaurant.

 

[septbaby]

The cheapest "rooms" at Disney are the camp sites at Fort Wilderness. Venture to the Camping board if this is something you'd consider.

I just had my first multi day on site visit to Disney World (others were just one day trips). Now that I know, I won't do off site again if Disney is my destination. I once stayed in an "inexpensive" hotel one night before meeting my family to begin a stay at a great timeshare property. Lets just say I'm glad that was my solo night and my family didn't have to endure that place.

As for AAA, if I'm driving my family from TX to FL I'd want some coverage just in case an emergency happens. If you don't already have something like that I'd consider it. There are discounts beyond Disney that AAA offers, esp for families. Here are just a few examples:
- 40% off sales at Reebok family of outlet stores (20% off any other day)
- discounts for regional water/amusement parks
- hotel and rental car discounts
- discount passes for local movie theatres

If you book your trip direct with Disney you can make payments as small as $20 to pay off the trip. It must be paid in full 45 days before check-in. That could ease your mind about having the trip paid for vs loading up a credit card. You also have the 45 days to pull together that extras money. I gotta tell you things have a way of coming up and I was so glad that even my food was paid for before leaving via the dining plan. There really was very little pull back I could even consider doing for the trip.

I've read that many parents tell gift givers to give their kids Disney gift cards in the year ahead of a family trip. Those would be great for those onsite extras and don't come directly out of your pocket.

Hope you are able to plan a magical stay for your family!

 

[Nancyg56]

Just adding to the great tips here.

My DD puts small amounts on a Disney Gift Card whenever she is in the mall. That little bit really adds up by travel time. We both got a Disney Visa, was offered a code for cardholders and applied it to our last trip. We saved and additional $500 making the trip under $650 per person for 7 days and 6 nights. Not too shabby for a moderate, tickets and meals.

I chuckled at suevee the Grandma. I am a Nana and I found that my DGD had a lot of energy, but she really needed a break, her Mom and Dad were also looking forward to the breaks even more than this old girl .

We booked through Disney and made payments all along the way. I found that if we treated the trip like a bill we paid it before the extras and it was not as difficult as trying to see it as a debt that was hanging in front of us.
You certainly must do what makes sense for your family but before you decide look over your options. I am not a numbers cruncher but I have taken advantage of all of the experts here who jump in to help. If you plan well the ADR's are not an inconvenience but an enhancement to a relaxed vacation, the meal plan is not a burden but a convenience that at least helps you to break even, and the onsite resorts are a welcome respite with their theming and their transportation when the family needs to take a break.

I use the Unofficial Guide to help me plan the best days for the parks and the best touring plan. It is available in the library or in book stores. Others have used Tour Guide Mike, but the site gave me a headache. I have read that those who like to navigate through websites are very pleased with the plans they can make and that the forum on that site also has a lot of people who love to help, just like the folks here on the DIS. Both are inexpensive investments in making the most out of a vacation that can be very overwhelming.

What ever you decide just remember that you cannot do or see it all and your vacation is what you make it. Disney with children is one of the most magical places I know and if you remember that you are experiencing memories in the making the rest will fall into place.