First time "Good Neighbor" - need a reality check (pep talk?)

[8lovesmickey]

Attitude is everything! If you go expecting not to feel the magic, then you won't (no matter how magical things may be). If you go expecting to be really excited about being at DLR and expecting to enjoy your stay no matter where you are, you'll be surprised how much magic will come your way (and in the most unexpected places)! People post about being disappointed at the GCH and the DLH. Others post about having a wonderful time at the Motel 6 and the Super 8. Your trip will be terrific if you focus on staying positive and on appreciating all the good things.

Thanks for the reminder - as an eternal optimist myself, I completely agree. When I was in college, my sister and I went and stayed in a super shady motel off the beaten path because that was what we could afford, and we had a great time. I guess I've gotten old and soft...

 

[BarbieGal457]

You aren't alone! As a lifelong WDW vet I was a bit nervous about this too when I went last August (it was my second time to DL but first staying over). We stayed at the Fairfield Inn as it was QUITE a bit cheaper than Disney hotels and I have to say I was very happily surprised. As much as I would love to stay at a DL Disney hotel, I just can't justify the price for most nights. I can't speak to your location (though it seems people on here like it!) but we loved ours. I never once felt outside the "bubble." We had a higher floor theme park view, and do again this April, so I think that really helped. We saw everything right from our room, and walking back at night, the same thing. It was also mayyyyybe a 5 minute walk to the gates, can't beat it! I didn't miss not be able to send packages back either, and that's something I do a lot in Disney World. We do not take much into the parks so I was able to put the small items in my boyfriend's backpack and then picked up a shirt and purse on the way out at night. Saving $700 is no small peanuts, at least to me. I think once you get there you will be so excited and be happy that you have an extra $700 + breakfast money to use elsewhere!

As with everything DL, I went into it with an open mind and have always been happy and never felt let-down. I am a lifelong WDW visitor and have always stayed at Disney-owned properties but with the great people here and just making sure I kept my mind open to new experiences, I've had a great time! Just think, that $700+ can buy lots of delicious dinners, fun artwork, anything!

 

[8lovesmickey]

You aren't alone! As a lifelong WDW vet I was a bit nervous about this too when I went last August (it was my second time to DL but first staying over). We stayed at the Fairfield Inn as it was QUITE a bit cheaper than Disney hotels and I have to say I was very happily surprised. As much as I would love to stay at a DL Disney hotel, I just can't justify the price for most nights. I can't speak to your location (though it seems people on here like it!) but we loved ours. I never once felt outside the "bubble." We had a higher floor theme park view, and do again this April, so I think that really helped. We saw everything right from our room, and walking back at night, the same thing. It was also mayyyyybe a 5 minute walk to the gates, can't beat it! I didn't miss not be able to send packages back either, and that's something I do a lot in Disney World. We do not take much into the parks so I was able to put the small items in my boyfriend's backpack and then picked up a shirt and purse on the way out at night. Saving $700 is no small peanuts, at least to me. I think once you get there you will be so excited and be happy that you have an extra $700 + breakfast money to use elsewhere!

As with everything DL, I went into it with an open mind and have always been happy and never felt let-down. I am a lifelong WDW visitor and have always stayed at Disney-owned properties but with the great people here and just making sure I kept my mind open to new experiences, I've had a great time! Just think, that $700+ can buy lots of delicious dinners, fun artwork, anything!

Thanks, Barbie Gal! You're so right. We usually stay on property at WDW as well, but a value or moderate seems reasonable given the perks (including transportation) there. Now if my trip would just come - 120 days feels like a long time!

 

[LittleFlounder]

I am also a very experienced traveller to WDW, where I've always stayed on property ("in the bubble")...but last year took my very first trip to DL. As there aren't as many DL resort hotel options, and certainly not on the same "value" price level like WDW, I stayed off property, about a block away from DL. Because my hotel was so close, and the walk was quick, I never once felt like my trip was less magical than if I'd stayed on property. Walking from the regular street, right into the parks felt very magical to me...like walking into the magic!

 

[Susie63]

Hi Dis-ers - After an examination of our budget, we have decided to stay in a "good neighbor" hotel for the first time. We have previously stayed in all three DL hotels, with the last two stays at the PPH. This time we can't justify spending literally twice as much for a room, so we're booked at the Best Western Park Place Inn. We'll stay 3 nights and have 4 day park hoppers (we also have Best Western rewards so that makes it even cheaper).

But I think I need a pep talk. Do I need to lower my expectations? Or not? Will I be so overjoyed at saving $700 (plus free breakfast) that I won't be bothered by not having early entry every day, not being able to send packages to the hotel, and having to leave 'the bubble'? How bad is the walk? (Honestly the BW looks closer than the PPH now that we can't cut through the Grand...?)

We're traveling with two other families and most of the kids (including both of mine) are teenagers, so naps and strollers aren't an issue. I guess part of me is just spoiled and a little concerned about not feeling the magic. With your help (and $700), I'm hoping to get over it.

Thanks!

What kind of deal did you get with your points?

 

[sophy1996]

I'll agree. At WDW we stay at Disney hotels, but at DL we stay at BWPPI. Once we stayed at GC, and it was lovely, but the price differential just isn't worth it.

 

[22Tink]

Another vote for BWPPI. It's our 'go to' because of its great location and free hot breakfast. As mentioned, it's nothing special but it's clean and we really appreciate the 5 minute walk at the end of the day!!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

While staying off site doesn't allow you to send packages back to your hotel, you can still drop off any larger packages at the News Stand by the turnstiles (on the far left when facing the Mickey flower face), then pick everything up when you are ready to leave. We've done that before (smaller things can just go in the backpack) -- very convenient!

 

[8lovesmickey]

What kind of deal did you get with your points?

We got the "Best Western Rewards Rate" which looked about $10 cheaper a night than the regular rate. Plus we have a $50 credit because we had stayed enough times in the last year. Also when we tried to book through both Disney and a travel agent, we were told they were out of mini-suites, but when we called and used our rewards number they had a mini-suite available. We use Best Western on our Midwestern road trips a lot so it works out!