Dockside Inn or off-site condo?

[happylittlefamily]

We are planning a week in early May. I have my family of 6 (4 teenagers) booked to stay at Dockside Inn 2 bedroom because I thought it would be fun to stay on-site and easier with transportation. But now I'm wondering if it would be better to stay in an off-site condo to have space, extra bathroom, and full kitchen. Most resorts are closer to Disney, so there will be the daily drive. Also, the kiddos won't be able to hop on a bus and head to the parks even if Mom and Dad want to take a break. We are buying annual passes, so theme park parking won't be a factor.

If you have done both, is one better?

 

[Gr8t Fan]

We visited in December and stayed in a timeshare condo offsite (Blue Tree Resort). We went back and forth between Dockside and offsite, and decided the extra space, full kitchen and washer & dryer were worth more to us than being onsite. No regrets at all. We had a great trip.

 

[lisam70]

I've stayed at Vista Cay a few times its really nice and close to US also a shopping center right there with grocery store and restaurants
When my kids were teens we preferred the extra room
Yes onsite transportation is easier but having the extra space can also be necessary
Depends which is most important for you

 

[bchbetha]

4 teens would love being able to have all of Universal at their disposal. I wouldn't go offsite. I get wanting more space but the pros of being on are too high.
eta- I think you will be spending more time at the resort, parks and CityWalk and use your room to sleep. I think that it's nice to have the space to spread out and ability to cook but I think that this isn't that type of vacation. It isn't beach week where your house really matters. t's park week and the park is what matters.

 

[mommytutu]

We fly in, so we don't have a car with us. My husband isn't interested in renting a car because he doesn't want to drive on vacation. He doesn't even want to drive 2 hours to DAL airport...he has for real asked me how much it would cost to Uber to the airport. If someone lives close enough to drive in or visit often their answer might be different than mine.

My kids are 13, 18, 19, and 24. They like to come and go, sleep in, stay out late, and just do their own thing. We stay on site because it's so easy to go back and forth between the parks and resort. I'm not interested in cooking, washing dishes, or doing laundry while on vacation and there is 0% chance my kids would do any of that (although I do understand the appeal of wanting to take clean clothes home with you). I'll have Publix deliver some drinks and snacks for the rooms. One year 5 of us did stay in one room at HR and it wasn't so bad, there wasn't space to roam around the room, but we're not in the room much and having only one bathroom was the worst part. This year we're opting for two rooms at HR because of the easy walk to the parks. If anyone feels like they need some space or need to burn off some energy they are more than welcome to walk around the resort and check it out.

 

[RocketCityMama]

We stayed at Dockside last June for 4 nights with 4 of us in a 2 bedroom suite. It was great for everyone to have their own beds, the space was okay, but is a bit tight with many suitcases, so pack light/combine if possible. If you're really just sleeping there, I think you'll be fine, and the fact that you can just get on the bus and go is a perk. There is a small fridge and microwave and sink in the kitchen area, not tons of storage is really my biggest issue. I think 6 with one bathroom might be the biggest drawback, but if you can plan your showering times, you might be okay. :O)