Extra Night Question (on/off-site)

[bsmcneil]

Quick Rundown:

Taking my two kids (9 - went once as 2.75 y/o - and 5, who has never been). First full week of Feb, basically. I rented DVC but then realized that maybe it would be nice to come in the night before (I'm trying to have lots of breaks as they're little, not used to it, and we each have significant health stuff). So, I finally settled on when (I went back and forth between Fri night, Sat, or early Sunday (our reservation starts on Sunday).

I think I'm settled on flying in on Saturday (get there around 4p) and sort of get settled, etc - maybe have some pool time or Disney Springs (or maybe the fireworks cruise as a special treat). But my question is really - would you (or do you suggest that I should) stay on-site or off-site?

Here's the rest of info that might be useful to know:

• On-site would need to be a value.
• I'd prefer to be as frugal as possible (especially since this is basically a place to sleep the night before our trip really begins - though convenience is important, too (more on that below, mostly re: transportation.
• I don't think we're renting a car - so, I plan to use Mears Connect. But that means that when I go to AKL/Parks on Sunday, I'll need to use rideshare to get over there (whereas if I stay on-site, I already have my transportation stuff figured out and it'll be slightly easier re: split-stay/baggage).
• I think the price difference between on-site vs. off-site lodging would be something like $100 more for on-site. The added ride-share doesn't seem to be all that much (I'd venture 15-20), which takes the savings down to about 80.
• I doubt we'll take advantage of the early entry, generally.

I think that's it.

 

[Gehrig1B]

You can move your luggage to your DVC Resort Sunday morning and leave it with Bell Services, then take Disney transportation to the park. If you stay the first night at a Disney property they will move the luggage for you. That would be what I would do... The convenience of it all is worth the extra $100 or so.

You will be making a mistake by not taking advantage of early entry, 30 minutes may not seem like much but to get a jump on the crowds those in the know have estimated using early entry will save you about 2 hours waiting in line over the course of a day.

One more thing, the 5-year-old will need a car seat per Florida laws if riding in a car.

 

[figmentfinesse]

I vote on site for the luggage transfer and having easy transportation around the resort as a whole.

 

[gottalovepluto]

On-site. The added stress of off-site hotel switch with two young kids and health issues is totally not worth it.

And definitely don’t book something like a fireworks cruise for arrival night when you’re depending on an airline to be on time.

 

[Carol_]

I vote off site. The $$ saved on that one night can go towards plenty of other stuff. There are great off site hotels with pools for night #1, then leave your stuff at bell services where you’re staying night #2 in the am before you hit parks or whatever. (You can always access it for example if you want to go to the DVC pool during the day.)
(Also, check out places close to DS.)
If you choose on-site, you won’t regret it. The value hotel theming (especially at AOA) is awesome.