Drury vs All Star Movies - help!

[CaroM8]

Hi everyone!

We did our first WDW trip last September and went all out (within our budget!) staying 8 nights at CBR with the DDP and did all the things! It was magical, and I am hooked. I need to go back this year, so looking at ways to make it way cheaper.

First of all it will be only myself and my 7yr old daughter. Hubby came last time, and even though he enjoyed it, it's not really his scene.
We will be staying 4 nights only, and 3 park days. No hopper. Looking at last week of September.

Looking at prices - we could stay at any of the All Star resorts for about $1700 (I like having the free water park entry on first day, if we get there early enough, depends on flights)
Also saw the Drury by DS - about $800 for the hotel, plus tickets comes out to about the same $1700. But includes breakfast and evening snacks (which we may or may not be around for, hard to tell)

Having stayed in the Disney bubble, we found it so convenient. How is the Drury in comparison? Especially taking the shuttles into consideration (like getting dropped off at TTC instead of directly at MK). In terms of food and meals - my daughter is more of a snacker and I'm pretty easy too so I don't think the DDP is worth it for us this time around.

Thoughts on those two hotels? Thanks friends!

 

[Mouse Tracker]

All Star, no question

we found it so convenient

Especially if there is a "surprise" need to get back to the room

 

[Skippyboo]

They have not dropped the discounts for late summer. So the onsite hotel price will probably go down. The Drury is nice but I think onsite transportation is better than the shuttles. Plus you get that water park.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

includes breakfast and evening snacks

I'm not a fan of lobby food, you don't know what's fresh- who has been before you. It also takes up time traveling to the park on a shuttle and honestly not worth it in the evening (especially if cutting into park time).

 

[Skippyboo]

I'm not a fan of lobby food, you don't know what's fresh- who has been before you. It also takes up time traveling to the park on a shuttle and honestly not worth it in the evening (especially if cutting into park time).

They have a big area on the 2nd floor where they have the food. I have stayed there a couple of times for a night before my Disney cruise.

 

[Karalee402]

Honestly, if it meant being able to come back more often, I'd consider the Drury. It's actually a pretty nice property, and with three kiddos, the free breakfast is a huge win! They also have granola bars and snacks that you could pack in your park bag for the day. You can find the transportation schedule on their website, so you can always weigh if you feel like they are making runs to and from the parks enough to meet your needs.

 

[brockash]

Hi everyone!

We did our first WDW trip last September and went all out (within our budget!) staying 8 nights at CBR with the DDP and did all the things! It was magical, and I am hooked. I need to go back this year, so looking at ways to make it way cheaper.

First of all it will be only myself and my 7yr old daughter. Hubby came last time, and even though he enjoyed it, it's not really his scene.
We will be staying 4 nights only, and 3 park days. No hopper. Looking at last week of September.

Looking at prices - we could stay at any of the All Star resorts for about $1700 (I like having the free water park entry on first day, if we get there early enough, depends on flights)
Also saw the Drury by DS - about $800 for the hotel, plus tickets comes out to about the same $1700. But includes breakfast and evening snacks (which we may or may not be around for, hard to tell)

Having stayed in the Disney bubble, we found it so convenient. How is the Drury in comparison? Especially taking the shuttles into consideration (like getting dropped off at TTC instead of directly at MK). In terms of food and meals - my daughter is more of a snacker and I'm pretty easy too so I don't think the DDP is worth it for us this time around.

Thoughts on those two hotels? Thanks friends!

We would never choose to stay offsite if it wasn't our only option. Heck, we did Swan and Shades of Green which are onsite and pretty nice locations however we still prefer even the cheapest value over them. Unfortunately for our wallet, we live for the bubble. lol. 100% Movies.

 

[Middle of Main Street]

We stayed at the Drury over Presidents Day this year as a last minute trip. It was nice if you plan to spend a lot of time at the Springs and like to walk. They offer shuttles, but they are very limited. We took lots of Lyfts. The food options were okay. I'd definitely choose staying in the bubble if it's an option.Transportation is worth it.

 

[elvispursley]

I've never stayed at any of the all stars but I'd absolutely stay at one over staying offaote. The only way I'd consider it would be if I rented a car. Thebthkught of being limited to the Drury's shuttles would be enough to negate any savings. I seem to recall that you had to make a reservation for the shuttle when I watched the review of the Drury on Allears. I'll take Disney buses all day over that!

 

[WLWildlife]

On-site gets my vote. The transportation alone is what seals the deal for me. Especially for a short trip. I don't do the dining plan either. I have breakfast and snacks delivered or bring from home in my suitcase. I don't buy any LL either and I still get to do everything I want with out being in the parks open to close. There are as many ways to enjoy a trip to Disney as their are guests. Have a great trip whatever you decide.

 

[wendlle]

All Stars are great, you'll love it and so will your 7yo.
Stay onsite, transport is easier and you'll probably find the rate goes down for September anyway before you go.

 

[OP95]

Was also having this dilemma but decided to choose movies. As others said it’s great to be in the bubble especially if you have a little one and to use their transportation which is always great. Have a good trip!

 

[loves to dive]

Another vote for on site. We always stay in the bubble even though we drive down and have a car so transportation isn't an issue. We park the car and never get in it again until time to leave, I love the Disney transportation. Keep in mind, the room will be smaller at All Stars then the moderate you stayed in, there will only be QS at the resort. I've stayed in just about every Disney resort with the exception of WL, RIV, AoA and SS and there is something good and bad to be said about all of them. I've even stayed at the Fort in our RV and at Shades of Green back when it was not just military and often stay in Swan/Dolphin.

 

[hes122]

I have stayed at Drury Inns several times over the years and love having the convenience of breakfast and dinner being included (the evening spread is usually enough to be considered a full meal IMO), BUT that only works if you're planning to be there to take advantage of the amenities. I enjoy the advantage of being in the Disney bubble too much to give staying off property a hard look again.

 

[karen4546]

I would suggest onsite for many of the reasons mentioned above. Wait to see if there will be discounts. Check out a reputable DVC rental site to see if they have anything with your dates and within your budget-sometimes renting points is less than a value resort.

Have fun!

 

[Dug720]

We took lots of Lyfts.

I'm firmly an in the bubble girl, but this is an excellent point. The "savings" with the included breakfast at the off-site one could well be cancelled out with all the Lyfts/Ubers.

 

[CaroM8]

I would suggest onsite for many of the reasons mentioned above. Wait to see if there will be discounts. Check out a reputable DVC rental site to see if they have anything with your dates and within your budget-sometimes renting points is less than a value resort.

Have fun!

I am also waiting to see if they come out with some discount for the fall.

I actually did look into the DVC route - saw some of those "Confirmed DVC Reservations" and saw some at AKL within our date range, for just a couple hundred bucks more. Very tempting.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

Drury is really nice but your DD will definitely like staying at ASMO with the giant icons, it will be more fun for her. Plus, WDW buses are a LOT more frequent, but you may have to deal with an over full bus too. Discounts will come out for values, so you will not be paying $1700.

 

[CaroM8]

Drury is really nice but your DD will definitely like staying at ASMO with the giant icons, it will be more fun for her. Plus, WDW buses are a LOT more frequent, but you may have to deal with an over full bus too. Discounts will come out for values, so you will not be paying $1700.

I know Disney does what it wants but is there a pattern to when the discounts for the fall usually get released? For September - October?

 

[Anthony1971]

For the record we have owned DVC for over 20 years. Long prior I did stay offsite from HOJO not to far from the airport to the old name hotels on Hotel plaza drive then we started staying at Disney hotels only... With that Breakfast sure sounds tempting to me these days as this wins over rope drop.... Younger and with a 7 YO I think the bubble wins for the theming and transportation - I put the theming first as there is always Uber or Lyft if the times really do not work.
If you decide to rent DVC make sure your dates are 100% as owners have rules and we do in fact have restrictions if cancelled after 30 days before check in. Points also expire. I would suggest you look at the DVC rental boards and find a friendly non professional renter (which is forbidden by our contract-this is here for a reason research as this is hot topic) and stick with SSR or OKW for best availability that can be booked close to your dates.