First trip with Best Friends family

[Heyanthony]

I'm planning a 2013 trip with the Bestie and her girls, we will be two moms, four girls. I've been a few times before, but it will be her girls first time there, and only her second. This is going to be a big deal because it's probably going to be the only time we all get there together like this.

My quandry...on site or off site. I love the look of the Sheraton Vistana and the Little Tiki Village, yet it is a lot of fun to stay on site. Or...a house? with it's own pool and hot tub....I'm going buggy trying to decide.

Staying on site, fun yeah! but we are going to do Universal for two days, maybe Seaworld. Trying to do it all in 10 days or so. So the house would probably be most cost effective, am I making it less "special" by not staying on WDW property?

For me, offsite, fine. Been there, done that. But it's their first time down there and I want it to be great. Opinions on how much on site brings to the table?

We don't have money to burn, so to speak. I'm stressin'.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

No need to stress. You have many options. Since they have not been before I would consider staying on-site. For us there is this magical feeling being there that you cannot get off-site. You get free transportation, EMH plus you can add the DDP (great deal if you have kids 9 and under.) We always stay at Pop. You can't beat the value especially if you can get a discount. You can stay in 2 connecting rooms. Another option is a family suite where 6 can stay and you would also have a kitchenette. If you do not get the DDP you can get groceries and make light meals and save a lot of money. I'm not sure but the new resort across the lake from Pop should be open by then. It will be mainly family suites and a lot of it geared towards girls. I think one section will be the Little Mermaid. Also, you will not have to pay $14 per day parking if you are on-site. Ten days is plenty of time to do everything you want. Have fun planning. I find that is the best part.

 

[homedad]

i would also say stay on site, and so far have never considered going elsewhere because we only have a week. Since you want to both Universal and SW what about a split stay. 4 days out and 6 days at WDW? Moght be best of both worlds and with a little planning shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[SunnieRN]

I agree with HomeDad. A split stay could serve dual purposes! Are you driving, or flying? The hard thing about flying, is getting around affordably. From and to the airport, from and to Universal and Sea World.

A family suite would be plenty big and you would have a small frig, for drinks and snacks. The Sheraton Vistana looks beautiful. There are also beautiful resorts near Sea World!

I would talk things over with your friend, with concerns to 'onsite magic and the dining plan' vs offsite lodging and saving $$$. If this is going to possibly be the only time you get to go together, she may want to try and stay 'onsite.

Have a wonderful time planning and try not to sweat the decision making, as you will have a LOT of fun no matter what you decide!!

 

[cheshireqt]

You have lots of time to make the right decision. And to change your mind a few times
As far as Disney resorts, I personally like staying on site and feeling immersed in the experience. Also have you considered staying one night at a Universal hotel. You get 2 days of unlimited front of line (FOTL) access and early admission to IOA (Harry Potter). (FOTL does not work for Forbidden Journey, Olivanders, Petradon flyers and rip ride rocket, but it does for all the other rides in both parks including hippogriff and dragon ride in the HP area). The perk is good for the day of check in and the day you checkout. Depending on time of year that may be a really, really good thing! There are also partner hotels (less expensive) that will give you FOTL once per ride. Not sure about the early admittance. One of those partner hotels might be a good bet if you stay on property at Disney and then move for 3 nights, or so, fitting in Universal and Seaworld, or whatever else it was you wanted to do in the Orlando area. It would almost be like 2 trips in one!

 

[marcemc]

Another vote for staying on site, specially if this is one in a lifetime trip.

Regarding costs, check their value resorts first to get an idea of what the minimum would be, you will be immerse in the whole Disney thing & you can take advantage of their early entry, transportation,etc.

Good luck & have fun

 

[Heyanthony]

Thanks so much! I've been leaning toward staying on site, and then moving for two days at Universal (never been there myself!) just kinda nervous at being "in charge" ya know? It's going to be so much fun to plan! I can't wait, yet love the planning part.