Do you think this is worth it?

[djm99]

Okay, this is the situation. I am traveling with 2 other families next week. One of the families called me today and heard that Disney had $55 a night rooms (Value resorts). Well, I immediately called because I had reservations for 2 nights in Days Inn Lake Buena Vista - near DTD - $36 a night (before we check in into the rental house we've already paid for). Well, the plan was to cancel Days inn for those 2 nights for Pop Century. Come to find out that the $55 rate is for the later part of August and the early Aug rate is $74.

Of course I was extremely excited about the cheaper, but I still want to with the $74. The other families are a little hesatite to spend double the price. We are driving in on Aug 6 around 2-3 pm (we probably will not do a park that day). Sat Aug 7, we will use our 3 day plus hoppers on that day (if you stay onsite). But Sunday of course is check out and we will move in rental. We are planning on using all our days at Disney along with days in Universal and 1 day in Tampa. Do you think its worth it to stay onsite? We will be out of an extra $84 for those two days. Its not much but it is money??? What would you do??? Convince me!!!!

 

[Carrieberry]

OMG!! If I have one word of advice for you it is this:
IF YOU CAN DO IT STAY ON SITE!! I dontt know what that particular Days Inn is like, but some of them are downright scary! Staying on site is worth every extra penny! You will really feel like you are in the middle of Disney, totally immersed. You won't even have to go on to the main streets once you arrive. Just use the buses to get everywhere! The food court is great. The pool is nice and clean and big, and the lounge chairs are new! Pop Century is brand new and the Days Inn is probably at least 20 years old. Even if it has been refurbed it still can't compare with new clean rooms, bathrooms and furniture. I would spend the extra money and stay on site. Of course if you can't afford it, you can't afford it, and staying off site is better than not going at all. Just my opinion, but there is a reason those rooms over there are so much cheaper!!

 

[ciera321]

I agree with Carrieberry you should stay on site if all possible. There are so many extras to staying at a Disney resort. You will love it!! (and probably never stay off site again!!)

 

[Hockeychic]

I have stayed both on and offsite and will never stay offsite again. There is just something about the Magic at Disney and you don't have the be at the parks to experience it, it is everywhere.

I have stayed at Magic Castle for one of those $35.00 deals and I have never been so grossed out in my life and will never do it again.

I have booked 3 room only nights wrapped around my package with park tickets and I am also paying a little more but in my opinion worth every nickle.

So in a nutshell my vote would be to stay onsite.

Tell us what you decide

 

[MrsJ Henry]

On site is MUCH better. I have stayed off site at some Days inn and I too think some of them are very scary!!! If you do stay in one PLEASE check with others to see what they think of it.
There are also so many other perks to staying on site.
Even $74 is VERY worth it!!!!!!

 

[djm99]

You've convinced me I already booked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[OffToDis]

definately stay in the value resort-surrrounded by the magic of disney. also for $12 get the drink cup and drink all your drinks coffee and soda free during your stay and the transportation to the parks right at you door step every 15-30 minutes you cannot beat this the resorts are very colorful lots of fun right in the resort

 

[OffToDis]

when we arrive on a friday we always rest up but also go to Epcot at night and catch illuminations depends on what type of pass you have epcot stays open until 9 pm and dont forget sat night is the only night you can catch the big parade at the
magic kingdom in the evening these two things are a must for you

 

[simonmunro]

I beg of you, stay ONSITE! I've been going for about 14 years and after the first trip I knew, there's no other way for us. Over the years I've gone through all the work and creativity that I've read in your pre-trip and the one HUGE disappointment I've had repeatedly is family and friends staying offsite. Have you ever stayed offsite, and with all those kids??? Popping back to the room on the bus with little ones is so important to us. Aanyway, the pixie dust is INSIDE. Well that's just me, have you stayed offsite before? PLEASE stay onsite, I'm for sure reading your trip report, love your writing style by the way and your organization. I swear this is the truth, when I read the pre-trip I honestly thought before this post "how is someone so astute, organized & creative, with this otherwise brilliant plan staying offsite?

Please, write us an updated pre-trip with your decision.

 

[djm99]

I will be arriving Aug 6-8 at Pop Century. When should I send in my reguest and what do you suggest I request?

I booked a standard room in the 70's, but I'm open to any decade. The two rooms that were booked will be occupied by adults (with small children) that are in thier early 30's. We were all born in early 70's. Help!!!!

 

[picantel]

I have stayed at the 4 star hilton and the pop century and movies and would take a value over a 4 star regular hotel anyday of the week.

 

[WhiteRabbit21]

I agree. Staying onsite is by far the best experience. We stayed at the Old Key West Resort and it was amazing. I have never stayed in a nicer place and I felt very safe. I completely agree with staying on site.

 

[Hockeychic]

Yaaa good for you, you will not reqret it.

Have fun!!!!

 

[karemore]

Normally I support staying offsite, but in your case, staying on site makes more sense.

It's August, so traffic to and from the parks will be congested.

And with three families involved, not everyone is going to be on the same schedule. Onsite you can use disney transportation to go back and forth to the rooms.

But, you also have to consider the cost and if the other families want to spend the extra money. That's the price of a few meals...it may make a difference for them.

Plus it's much cheaper to eat offsite.

Talk to them and if any one family can't pay the extra money, go with the original plan.

That's the only fair way to do it. I'm assuming you all already agreed on the first plan.

Karen

 

[Lou-Ann]

PARKING.............Don't forget to subtract the daily fee for parking you will now not be paying for.That makes the savings even greater.........Have fun. You will not be sorry you switched....