Feel like I need to get off Disboards.

[saylorbunch]

We leave in August, so I've pretty much planned everything out by now. Every time I turn around, I'm feeling more and more screwed over for not staying on site. It's just too expensive for a family with 4 kids. Options are too limited. We're staying at a Villa for about $77/night for 2 weeks. Staying on site, we'd have to cut our trip down to 4 days. Now, if you're staying on site you can make a lunch reservation at BOG. Come on! I feel like I no longer have a shot at getting Fastpasses, or eating at BOG at all...

 

[MOpGrad2013]

It's easy to feel this way, but if you hop over to the orlando hotels thread, you will find a ton of people who only do offsite stays. Believe me, I'll gladly take the $77 per night and longer stay. You have that many more days (maybe depending on your tickets) in the park to be able to wait for your special must do.

It's also easier for you to try offsite dining which, I have learned, can be even tastier, more entertaining and definitely less expensive.

But, if you are indeed getting bummed out, take a bit of time off. Start that trip report journal...we want to read all about it!

 

[juliebug1997]

As someone who just had to postpone her summer trip for the second time (and we're not going now until December), just be glad that you're getting to go. You honestly can't help that Disney is testing a few things. Just be happy that you're getting to do something that millions of others aren't getting to do right now and enjoy what you can do. We were supposed to have Dining with an Imagineer yesterday and the dessert party tonight and BOG tomorrow for dinner. Major disappointments......

 

[Itinkso]

BOG does not take reservations for lunch. Everyone stands in a line, first come - first served.

Fastpasses are available to all guests! Are you sure you received this info from DIS?

 

[amomma23]

BOG does not take reservations for lunch. Everyone stands in a line, first come - first served.

Fastpasses are available to all guests! Are you sure you received this info from DIS?

Several people traveling in August are getting to test FastPass+ and those with a RO reservation number are able to schedule a time slot (and place a meal order, if they want) to eat at BOG for lunch.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Personally, staying on site just doesn't matter to me unless I'm going to spring for something like the Savannah view at AKL (and I do not have that kind of coin). With the exception of MK, I can drive to the parks faster than anyone on the bus. Don't get EMH, but those days are too crowded anyway. And the only time we're at our room is to eat (no stove at on site values) or sleep.

I'd rather save a few bucks, stay longer, and go back sooner.

 

[ses1230]

First of all, a two week trip -- that is Awesome!!!

Second, FP+ and placing your BOG lunch order -- these things are still in the testing phase afaik. You can still go to BOG lunch and get fast passes.

Have a great time!

 

[hookedonears]

We leave in August, so I've pretty much planned everything out by now. Every time I turn around, I'm feeling more and more screwed over for not staying on site. It's just too expensive for a family with 4 kids. Options are too limited. We're staying at a Villa for about $77/night for 2 weeks. Staying on site, we'd have to cut our trip down to 4 days. Now, if you're staying on site you can make a lunch reservation at BOG. Come on! I feel like I no longer have a shot at getting Fastpasses, or eating at BOG at all...

You're fortunate to be able to go for 2 weeks. I couldn't be away from work that long without going broke. However, If I were planning a 2 week stay, We'd have to do Universal, Sea World and a half dozen other tourist attractions, because, there's just not enough to do at Disney for us, to justify such a long stay.

 

[Simba77]

We leave in August, so I've pretty much planned everything out by now. Every time I turn around, I'm feeling more and more screwed over for not staying on site. It's just too expensive for a family with 4 kids. Options are too limited. We're staying at a Villa for about $77/night for 2 weeks. Staying on site, we'd have to cut our trip down to 4 days. Now, if you're staying on site you can make a lunch reservation at BOG. Come on! I feel like I no longer have a shot at getting Fastpasses, or eating at BOG at all...

1) You'll get Fastpasses just like everyone else
2) The only people that can reserve BOG are possibly those who are part of the test for FP+ (and Magicbands). That is a small % of resort guests (testing is just 4 resorts), and not all of them will reserve BOG, and ones that do, won't do it every day. Most of them will use FP+ for attractions. There has virtually always been a wait time for BOG for lunch. That wait time is not going to be impacted by this small round of testing in August. Many of those people reserving a FP+ for it are those who were already going to eat there regardless, so if they weren't getting in with FP+ they'd be waiting in line and slowing it down that way, too. I honestly don't see any impact on the wait time whatsoever - and if anything, you might see an extra 5-10 minute wait to get in at the absolute most. This might be different when FP+ rolls out full for everyone, but that's not here yet.
3) At this point, with Magicbands just being a test at 4 resorts, and with not everyone reserving FP+, the impact on you is going to be small. And anyone who's staying on-site - even people at the Polynesian, for example - are on equal footing with you in terms of FP.
4) You'll be fine!
5) Have fun!
6) Enjoy your extra days @ WDW thanks to the cheaper off-site accommodations!

 

[Robbi]

OP, I'm considering staying offsite in Nov 2014. I'm taking my daughter, her DH, their baby, her BF and BF's DH and baby. We're DVC members but I'm not sure that I want to use 2 years of pts for 1 vacation. We've been to the Bonnet Creek Resort which was very nice and we've also rented a house and that was nice too. Don't feel bad about staying offsite. If we weren't DVC members, we'd probably stay offsite more often.

 

[doconeill]

This is only a testing phase. As mentioned, only a limited number of guests can use the BOG Fastpass+ per day, and not everyone is going to do that.

Frankly, I don't think it will make the lines there any worse than they already are...

Eventually, everyone will be able to do it...even offsite people...as long as you have a ticket registered with your profile.

Besides, I didn't think it was actually showing up as a choice...

 

[princess8813]

We stayed offsite in June and had just as much fun, used just as many fast passes, and what we saved on room costs I just dumped on more Disney souvenirs!! Agreed, you do miss a bit of the "magic", but we drove to all the parks.....no waiting for busses ever! It was great, no more than a 15 minute trip either way. Did some offsite dining for lunches (TS in parks for dinners), so when I felt like I needed to overdose on salad and vegetables we had that option as well. Enjoy your trip offsite, you are very lucky to spend 2 weeks in our Magical Place! Remember - no bus lines! Relax and enjoy!

 

[doconeill]

Interesting...I checked it out, and it's not directly tied to the FP+ testing, but seems related.

I tried it myself, but I got an error.

 

[Surfinpiratee]

Can I ask where you are staying?? DBF and I are still debating on staying.on or off sitr

 

[DisneyFanSince71]

I'm with you... I have 4 kids and rarely stay on site because of the expense. (last 3 trips, I only spent 1 night at WDW). A couple of years ago we rented a 4 bedroom house with a pool for $70 per night. The advantages were so much more space and MUCH EASIER getting into/out of the park. No matter where you are at Disney its always a hike to get to certain locations. On the other hand, with a car you drive right to the park you want in 15 minutes, much quicker than Disney transportation.

I sympathize with your plight as Disney does not make it easy for families of 6 and the chatter on the DisBoards for those who can't afford ressies every night can feel bad.

But I know you will have a good trip and its always a great thrill to walk into any Disney park and you will get more days because of your decision.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

It just depends what you're into. I wouldn't want to stay for 2 weeks, but I do enjoy the perks of staying onsite. Everyone is different.

 

[ArwenMarie]

If you feel like the Disboards are stressing you out or bringing you down, you absolutely should take a break. It's not worth it! Enjoy your two-week vacation with your family.

 

[joanchris]

We stayed offsite our last two trips, and got everything done, even Christmas week. We had huge lists, but lower expectations for Christmas week, due to crowds (combined with being offsite). We did all the headliners, many more than once, plus all the other (many) things we wanted to do. Don't worry! Enjoy your long trip!!!

 

[Satchmo128]

If you feel like the Disboards are stressing you out or bringing you down, you absolutely should take a break. It's not worth it! Enjoy your two-week vacation with your family.

Completely agree!
We have never stayed on-site at WDW and still have a wonderful time on our 9-day trips!

Hope you have a magical vacation!!

 

[saylorbunch]

Can I ask where you are staying?? DBF and I are still debating on staying.on or off sitr

We rented a house in Kissimmee from VRBO. It's a 3 BR with twin beds in both bedrooms (perfect for our 2 boys & 2 girls), 2 bath with a pool and game room. $930 for 12 nights! We only go every 4-5 years, and this is our first time renting a house. Ever! We stayed at All Star Sports five years ago, but we just outgrew that room, and everything else is too expensive!