Explain Disney to me, please!

[lolobug]

Hi!
I've never been to disney, I'm not even aware of its true size. I am planning a trip for my (2) kids ages 2 and turning 5. Initially we were going to stay at bonnet creek (price difference) but I'm not sure if we are better staying at disney. I imagine we will come and go to the parks 2-3 times each day. Is it just as quick to get to bonnet creek as it is to get to a resort at disney? Or would staying on site be easier?
Thank you!

 

[bluejasmine]

Sent you a PM I can help you but there is too much info to type here! lol

 

[lolobug]

Sent you a PM I can help you but there is too much info to type here! lol

Thanks!

 

[princessap]

I know you were considering the poly and I would totally recommend it. It is great having the monorail access and the view from the beach of the castle and wishes is great. My kids loved swimming and seeing the castle from the pool!

We had standard view room and I would book it again. I actually thought we had lagoon view as our view was amazing and if you leaned a little bit you could almost see the castle!

 

[Missytara]

I am about to leave for my 11th trip; 9th since 2000. I have stayed on-site since 2000, and three of those trips were the land/sea package, while the others were 8 day resort trips.

There is nothing like being immersed in the Disney experience.

My DSB and DSIL went a few years ago and stayed off-site. There is no gray area with my DSB; it is either black or white. He came back and he couldn't believe I spent so much money to stay on-site. He just didn't get it.

Fast forward three years later, I snagged them a discount to stay at POP. They had no idea about discounts, etc.

He got it.

Definitely stay on-site at least once......you will be hooked for life.

 

[CinderellaMouse]

I have only stayed off-site once when I was 3, so I don't know how long it takes to get back to an off-site hotel, but I can't imagine it being quicker than getting to a Disney resort. It's easy to move around Disney property with the bus system that drops you off and picks you up near the gate of the park. No parking lot and no figuring out where to drive.

Disney World itself is huge - the whole property is 47 square miles. In contrast, Manhattan is only 34 square miles. It's not unusual to have a 20-minute drive between a park and a Disney hotel.

I'm excited for you and your first trip!

 

[goofy4tink]

I have friends that love the resort at Bonnet Creek. But, even they say that staying onsite at WDW is a must for those with little kids and going for their first time!!!
I am heading down in 12 days for my latest trip...been well over 30 times so far. I can't say which level resort is best for you. If you were looking at the Polynesian, then money may not be a huge concern. If you can swing it, stay there. Your kids will want to spend the majority of the time at MK and it is so easy to get back and forth if you are at a MK resort!!! You may want to look at WL as well. There is a boat you can take to the MK, as well as a bus. And it's a fun resort for kids!!
But try to stay onsite for your first visit. Then, decide if you want to stay offsite on future trips. I love being immersed in all the 'Disney-magic', but others don't really care. I seldom rent a car, depending on Disney transportation. I have seldom had any issue with their transportation system.

 

[Coach81]

Must stay on site.... must stay on site....

once you do.. you will understand why...

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

It is a huge property with many hotels and 4 theme parks. I have read that it is bigger than Manhattan. There is also golf, fishing, and shopping. Plus 2 Water Parks and 2 mini golf parks. Downtown Disney has shopping, dining, movies, bowling, a cirque de soleil show, and Disney Quest.

We really enjoy staying at a Disney Resort. We park our van and ride Disney buses. While we are there we forget all the problems back home and enjoy talking and spending time together.

Most rides at the Magic Kingdom can be ridden together. Epcot has the World Showcase with food and shops from counties around the world.
Animal Kingdom has animals and rides. We love Kilimanjaro Safari and Kali River Rapids. Hollywood Studios has some great rides and shows.


Enjoy planning your trip. Keep in mind that you can't do everything in one vacation.

 

[lolobug]

I have friends that love the resort at Bonnet Creek. But, even they say that staying onsite at WDW is a must for those with little kids and going for their first time!!!
I am heading down in 12 days for my latest trip...been well over 30 times so far. I can't say which level resort is best for you. If you were looking at the Polynesian, then money may not be a huge concern. If you can swing it, stay there. Your kids will want to spend the majority of the time at MK and it is so easy to get back and forth if you are at a MK resort!!! You may want to look at WL as well. There is a boat you can take to the MK, as well as a bus. And it's a fun resort for kids!!
But try to stay onsite for your first visit. Then, decide if you want to stay offsite on future trips. I love being immersed in all the 'Disney-magic', but others don't really care. I seldom rent a car, depending on Disney transportation. I have seldom had any issue with their transportation system.

Thank you! My problem is I have Champagne taste and a beer budget! Lol
The poly is expensive for our family, we could swing it but its NOT in our price range. I have never been and I just think the transportation with a double stroller and 2 kids loving the MK might be worth it. Is it just as easy to travel from the WL as it is the Poly? Thanks!

 

[lolobug]

It is a huge property with many hotels and 4 theme parks. I have read that it is bigger than Manhattan. There is also golf, fishing, and shopping. Plus 2 Water Parks and 2 mini golf parks. Downtown Disney has shopping, dining,

We really enjoy staying at a Disney Resort. We park our van and ride Disney buses. While we are there we forget all the problems back home and enjoy talking and spending time together.

Most rides at the Magic Kingdom can be ridden together.

Enjoy planning your trip,

Thank you!

 

[princessap]

When are u planning on going? most likely discounts will come out. We went in march and booked in october the day discounts were released. they went quickly though!

We have done bonnet creek before but only did one park day on those trips. if you plan on doing all the parks onsite would be best. the monorail is very convenient and for us was worth it!

we liked the poly so much I am having a hard time booking somewhere else

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Although it may not appear to be related, I need to ask...............
-How long will your visit be?
-Do you think you will take a relaxed approach to the parks or will you guys be in the "I'm excited mode" and want to do lots and lots of things?
-Are you guys early risers?
-What month is your visit?

The answers will help others make suggestions.

You guys will have a great time regardless of where you stay, but there is something special about staying on property................even if its at a value resort!

 

[Suzanne033]

Thank you! My problem is I have Champagne taste and a beer budget! Lol
The poly is expensive for our family, we could swing it but its NOT in our price range. I have never been and I just think the transportation with a double stroller and 2 kids loving the MK might be worth it. Is it just as easy to travel from the WL as it is the Poly? Thanks!

No worries!!! Disney has accomodations for every budget. And the transportation is easy from all the resorts!! When my DD was little we always got a double stroller and never had a problem. We have stayed at All Star Sports, BC and Poly when she was young.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. I have lots of info in my planning archives.

 

[pixarmom]

Thank you! My problem is I have Champagne taste and a beer budget! Lol
The poly is expensive for our family, we could swing it but its NOT in our price range. I have never been and I just think the transportation with a double stroller and 2 kids loving the MK might be worth it. Is it just as easy to travel from the WL as it is the Poly? Thanks!

I agree that on-site is absolutely the best way to go. And for first-timers with young kids, Poly would be a first choice. If that doesn't fit the budget after you've checked into all the discounts, WL is another good option. (But be sure to look around for discounts - we very rarely pay rack rate at a Disney resort, unless it's holiday season!)

It's not as easy to travel to/from WL, but it's still a great resort. At Poly, the monorail takes you direct to MK and Epcot, and then you'll need to take the bus to DHS and AK. At WL, you'll take a bus to Epcot, DHS and AK, but you can take a bus OR boat to MK. We love the boat to MK from WL. It's such a relaxing way to start and end the day. Just not as convenient for going back and forth. When we stayed at WL (2x) we didn't take breaks during the day. Staying at Poly or the Epcot area resorts, it's quite easy to take breaks. It's not great on the bus with a stroller, but we still think it's FAR better to take the bus than to drive a car. Disney transportation provides a nice break from all the buckling in carseats, following directions to the destination, walking from the parking lot, etc.

But if WL fits the budget, it's a beautiful resort with an amazing lobby, nice pool and beach and newly redecorated rooms. I'd easily choose it over anything off-site!

 

[Marionnette]

Hi!
I've never been to disney, I'm not even aware of its true size. I am planning a trip for my (2) kids ages 2 and turning 5. Initially we were going to stay at bonnet creek (price difference) but I'm not sure if we are better staying at disney. I imagine we will come and go to the parks 2-3 times each day. Is it just as quick to get to bonnet creek as it is to get to a resort at disney? Or would staying on site be easier?
Thank you!

You're going to spend an awful lot of time "commuting" if you plan to return to your resort 2-3 times each day. By the time you walk to the front of the park you're in, wait for a bus back to your resort (or a tram to your car) and then drive back to your resort, you're talking about an hour or so one-way. Multiply that by 2 for round trips and then by the number of return trips you plan to make. That's 4-6 hours out of each day spent going back and forth between the parks and your resort. This is going to be true whether you are staying onsite or as close as Bonnet Creek. And in some cases, Bonnet Creek will be a shorter commute than a Disney resort.

 

[abner1776]

The decision to stay "on property" or "off property" takes into effect many different and conflicting questions so I agree you really need to consider everything before making a decision, BUT that said, your comment about visiting the parks 2-3 times a day is very telling.
Generally, off property resorts do not have the best transportation options(unless you have a car) as compared with on property resorts, whcih is one reason why visitors opt to stay on property.
I cannot speak for Bonnett Creek but if I were you I would fully explore how you are going to get to and from the parks from Bonnett Creek 2-3 times a day and how much time you will spend waiting and on the buses.
All on property resorts have very good transportation and of course the monorail resorts have the best transportation options of any resorts...but your "beer" budget may not allow for the monorail resorts.

 

[MeeskaMomma]

Must stay on site.... must stay on site....

once you do.. you will understand why...

Agree!! It is hard to explain, but the Disney resorts are so magical. My DH who is very impatient when things are not done in the most efficient manner possible was utterly impressed with the entire Disney operation. So much so he doesn't want to ever take a non Disney vacation. He started looking into adventures by Disney as soon as we got home. It was truly a worry free vacation.

 

[excitedfamof4]

We just returned from a week visit to WDW and stayed at Bonnet Creek! It was amazing! I have stayed onsite and offsite and both can be a wonderful experience! We drove our own car so transportation to all of the parks was super quick and easy. The resort itself was wonderful for me, my hubby and my 2girls. There was so much to do for everyone!

We got a quote from VS for Bonnet Creek and saved so much money staying there and still had all the magic! We could see Epcot and the Magic Kingdom from our balcony...it was awesome!

While staying at a onsite Disney resort is wonderful....it was just as wonderful at Bonnet Creek which is still "on-site".....you will be amazed at how just as close it is.

If you budget doesn't allow a Disney property right now...then definitely try Bonnet Creek! With the money you saved you will be able to use more towards making your trip a time you and your kids will always remember...plus have some money left over...which is always nice!
Whatever you decide enjoy your trip!

 

[goofy4tink]

Thank you! My problem is I have Champagne taste and a beer budget! Lol
The poly is expensive for our family, we could swing it but its NOT in our price range. I have never been and I just think the transportation with a double stroller and 2 kids loving the MK might be worth it. Is it just as easy to travel from the WL as it is the Poly? Thanks!

Yep. There is a boat to MK from WL as well as a bus. There are buses to all other spots.
Here's the thing...even the value resorts have a lot going for them, especially for kids!! They are bright, and colorful..a ton of fun. BUT they are values!! Many families use double strollers at WDW, with little to no trouble. The thing to remember, no matter where you are, is that you need to have the kids out of the stroller, and the stroller folded up before you get to the front of the bus line!! Nothing is more annoying than a family waiting until they get to the door of the bus, then they take the kiddos out, all their bags that are beneath the stroller, then dad has to figure out how to fold the dang thing up, as mom struggles with the bags and the kids, getting on the bus.

You might want to check into the moderates as well. They have slides at the pools, a table service restaurant onsite. They are nice than the values. Yes, you do have to use the buses but it's really not that big a deal. But do check out WL and see what you can find for decent prices. Check out the area on this board that deals with discounts. Good luck!!