Do u ever feel like kids missing out not being onsite?

[Lindateddy]

We've stayed both offsite (2 bedroom Quality Inn Suite) and onsite (Coronado Springs) and for our October trip we are going back to offsite and trying Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

The first offsite trip was nice, we had a full breakfast buffet, the ride to the parks was 1-2 miles, tops, and we appreciated having so many options for dinner, etc, after we left the parks. Plus we had two bedrooms and a pull out couch, everyone got their own sleeping space, and TWO bathrooms - heaven!

When we stayed at Coronado there really wasn't much theming, and we only used the pool once (way too tired from all the other stuff we were doing!) The shuttle took longer to get to the part than the car had last time, and we got really tired of restaurants really quickly. (Don't get me wrong, I love to eat out, but after six days I just wanted to make everyone soup and sandwiches!) Our five year old didn't want to go to the last table service meal on our last night there. He begged to go back to the room with Nana, he just didn't want to go into another restaurant! Plus, the prices on property are quite high, and you really are trapped there with few options...

So this time it's Bonnet Creek with a kitchen, we'll probably eat breakfast, then back lunch snacks and perhaps eat dinner out a few nights. We'll have a rental car, but we might take the shuttle, who knows? And it's so close to Disney property that our car will get us there faster, I think... Plus, it's a difference in price for sure....$845 for BC for five nights in October, renting vacation points for a one bedroom villa will be over $2200 for the same time. That means we can go to Universal with the money we saved...yay!

I am definitely a fan of off-property, can't imagine a time I'd stay on property again...

 

[rellinge]

I agree with the consensus so far. My kids, 12 and 8, have stayed both on-site and off-site multiple times. While they definitely ranked the time we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge among their favorites, they've a) liked the home we stayed in best and b) were more concerned about the parks and activities than where they slept.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I agree with the consensus so far. My kids, 12 and 8, have stayed both on-site and off-site multiple times. While they definitely ranked the time we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge among their favorites, they've a) liked the home we stayed in best and b) were more concerned about the parks and activities than where they slept.

When my family went to Disneyland when I was a kid we didn't care where we stayed, as long as it had a swimming pool. That was our only criteria. Now that we're old geezers and the kids have grown and gone, we have more sophisticated taste (o.k. I'm a Disney hotel snob) the swimming pools really don't matter, but we HAVE to stay on property. The kids don't care nearly as much as the adults.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

My kids prefer offsite, because they love the space and the private pool. Also, we tend to relax on vacation, so we spend a lot of time in the rental house. If you're a go-go-go type of vacationer, you might be happier onsite.

You can rent houses or condos with over-the-top theming, and there are some offsite hotels with excellent theming, as well, if that's an interest of yours. We tend to want the break from Disney 24/7, and also do Universal/Seaworld while we're down there. A more Disney-centric family might make different choices. My gang also doesn't care to eat out, so that's a big plus for offsite/full kitchen for us.

If you're truly not sure, consider doing a split stay, or trying off-site just once--with the understanding that, if it doesn't work out, you'll go back to onsite. We kind of stumbled onto offsite when we wanted to extend a trip, and I ended up selling my DVC, because my kids never wanted to go back to onsite. Go figure!

 

[pigletto]

I have always been a resort changer.. I think it's part of the fun for me to book and plan, and change my mind 5 times

However.. this time it's not so fun. We're bringing dd's friend and all of a sudden our needs are dramatically different. We do just fine in one room for the four of us. It's a whole different ballgame when you add in another 15 year old girl. Now I want more bathrooms, space for privacy, a kitchen to save money.
I booked Art of Animation.. but it was over 2000 for the 5 of us. That's no food or tickets, no full kitchen.
Ok.. so maybe a one bedroom at OKW (I LOVE OKW) but even if I get a 40% AP rate or the bounceback rate it's going to be over 2000.

I want to try WBC. The two things holding me back are transportation and not technically being onsite.

It's hard when you've been an onsite vacationer for so long. But the savings is sooooo tempting.

If someone could assure me that the shuttle isn't all that bad I think I will make the leap. If we hate it we can go back to onsite next time.
My kids say they don't care. It's me having issues with going outside of the familiar. It's silly.

 

[EMHDad]

I dont think my kids would care or even realize the difference either way. We stay offsite and they are completely happy. More so actually, because we are renting a 4 br home with a private pool for less than the cost of a value room as DW. My boys will love that they have their own private pool only 4 ft from the house. They would choose that over any onsite location.

Also, putting kids to the side for a moment, I don't understand why parents wouldn't want more space for privacy from the kids. The rental house is less than a value resort room. However, I would choose the offsite rental house over a poly or GF room any day. This is a vacation and I would never want to spend a week in just one room for the whole family. My wife and I want our own bedroom and our own privacy. Even a deluxe room isnt worth that. lol

 

[disney-akj]

When we arrived for our character breakfast and went up to the desk to let them know about our arrival/ADR. They asked us "Are you staying at a Disney resort?" Since we were at WBC, I said "no". When we left the counter my 9 year old asked me why I said we weren't staying at a Disney resort. I had to explain to her that even though WBC is right next door to CB, it is in fact not a Disney resort. She didn't even know the difference between off-site/on-site. She just loves the room and the resort at WBC, which we do too. I think sometimes parents (myself included) over analyze things, when in reality our kids could care less because they're at Disney.

 

[princessap]

Thank you everyone for your replies! I am still torn about never staying onsite but someone recommended doing it when my kids are older and am thinking that may sound good
I keep thinking the money saved could be put towards experiences and really that is what the kids remember right? I may do one or two night stay if a room only discount comes out for animal kingdom....or may try little mermaid rooms for one night as my youngest loves Ariel and would love it!!
Thanks and keep the replies coming!

 

[Catira]

We have stayed onsite as well as off site. A couple of years ago we stayed at Saratoga Springs during xmas week in a 1 bedroom. Immediately my kiddos asked why I booked at Saratoga instead of Wyndham Bonnet Creek where we always get a 2 bedroom villa!

They prefer the spacious accommodations then staying onsite if it means sleeping on a pull out sofa.

The proximity to disney parks at Bonnet Creek is great. We hardly ever take advantage of EMH or use magical express so staying onsite for my family is not a vacation deal breaker.

 

[MinnieTeacher]

I too have been having the same thoughts about are my kids going to miss out not being onsite. We have always stayed onsite but this year Disney did not give me a good enough deal to stay with them. I couldn't justify $1,000 more for the exact same vacation I took last year. So we debated back and forth and finally decided on Bonnet Creek. It's "onsite" but not. My kids are super excited because with money saved we get to do 6 disney days and 2 universal days!! They are also excited about having their own room and about all the resort amenities. It in my opinion is better than anything Disney had to offer in my budget. I'm getting a 2 br condo with mini golf, multiple pools with lazy rivers, a splash pad, kids activity club and so much more for less than the cost of 2 double beds at the pop century!!! I'm excited! I don't think we'll miss a thing!!

 

[ccgirl]

we have stayed at bonnet creek twice and loved it. But we only did 2 parks while we were there. Our next big trip will be 10-14 nights and we are doing every park, mnsshp, BBB and lots of character meals. I am debating a split stay between on and offsite but am now leaning towards offsite the whole time.
and spending the money saved on lots if experiences for my kids.

does anyone feel like they are missing out on anything by not staying onsite?

why can offsite not purchase dining plan?

NOpe...my kids don't feel like they miss a thing. They actually prefer it because we can stay in a 2BR timeshare as opposed to a resort room. We always stay close so we can actually drive back for a break (if we wanted) just like if we were staying at a WDW resort.

Dining plan is not offered off site because it is designed to fill the rooms at WDW. Honestly, my family eats cheaper than the dining plan costs anyway so it's not big deal for us.