First WDW vacation!

[princessap]

We are planning on taking our two girls for their first WDW trip next April 2010...they will both be under 3 years old and I am wondering whether people who have taken their kids at this age would recommend onsite or offsite...I am still undecided as to where we should stay...any advice would be greatly appreciated!! thanks

 

[laura001]

Staying onsite has many benefits. A few: you can use Disney's Magical Express to get back and forth to the airport, you don't have to drive in and out of the parks each day, pay for parking, can leave and go back to the resort mid-day if you would like, everything is right at your fingertips, you can purchase the dining plan if you want, the cost can be the same if not less than other off-site hotels.

Once you stay on-site, I can't imagine ever staying off-site again.

 

[princessap]

thanks! do you think a room is fine or do we need a villa??

 

[laura001]

thanks! do you think a room is fine or do we need a villa??

Oh my, for sure you will be fine booking a room, and depending on what your budget is, will depend on what resort you will choose. I have clients that start with a large budget and then realize that they can have the vacation they want for less, which of course saves them money and everyone is happy!

 

[minnie56]

Oh yes! Onsite..especially with a little one. When those little legs get weary it's great to be able to get back to your resort and take 5..whether it be in your room or a dip in the pool.

I am partial to the Moderate Resorts but depending on Budget..Values are great as well!!

How exciting!

 

[xipetotec]

We are planning on taking our two girls for their first WDW trip next April 2010...they will both be under 3 years old and I am wondering whether people who have taken their kids at this age would recommend onsite or offsite...I am still undecided as to where we should stay...any advice would be greatly appreciated!! thanks

Oh absolutely on-site!! At that age, if nothing else, you can go back to your resort for a mid-day nap and then go back to the parks after. Totally worth it!!

 

[calgarygary]

Absolutely off site!!! Unless you are going to adjust your sleep/dark time to that of your toddler, you will require a suite or villa. Disney's rates for that style of accomodation are easily 3X as much or more as you could find elsewhere. For example, I can currently book a 2 bedroom villa at Marriott's Cyress Harbour for under $900 for an April week. A 2 bedroom at SSR would run $6100. I don't know if the onsite ambiance (at SSR???) and "free" ride to & from the airport justifies the extra $5200. Granted, you could get a 1 bedroom at SSR for "only" $3600. Folks tend to forget that there is very little time difference in getting to the nearby resorts outside WDW vs. taking the bus. I like onsite, but because our family needs/wants the space, it is just too expensive. Also, there is absolutely nothing preventing you from taking those rest breaks at an offsite hotel/resort - once you have paid for parking, you are good for the day at all parks.

 

[minnie56]

So there you have it! Many of us feel differently..I have stayed offsite a few times and there's just no comparison. But that is MY opinion!!
I love being smack dab in the middle of it all..I also love the Dining plan. I want NO part of meal prepping whilst on Holiday!

 

[princessap]

where did you find the great deal at the Marriott...I can only get it for like 2000 dollars! thanks for the advice!