Going Solo: Is On-Site Worth the Extra $?

[WaltD4Me]

I'm planning my first solo trip and am trying to decide if staying on-site is worth the extra money?

I would really like to stay at POFQ (I don't care for the Values) We stayed there on a family trip in 2004 and everyone loved it. But I can save $200-$250 on the room by staying at DTD hotel (I'm thinking Hilton or Grovesnor)

I loved POFQ on the family trip, mostly for the pretty, quiet setting and the atmosphere. The kids loved the pool, but I don't care anything about the pools and probably won't even bring a bathing suit on my solo trip.

I have also stayed at the Grovesnor. It's nothing great, just ok and the rooms are rather drab, but it was fine for that trip and I really loved the location and being able to walk across the street to DTD.

So I'm in a quandry...is it worth the extra $200-$250 just for me to stay at POFQ or should go with a DTD hotel and take the extra cash for the parks?

 

[spotdog]

I like staying on Disney property for the atmosphere and free transportation. As a single woman I feel very safe.

My favorite resort is Wilderness Lodge. It is a bit pricey, but I have also stayed at the mansions at Magnolia Bend in Port Orleans Riverside. It was quiet and I loved the room.

 

[extraredstuff]

I'd also vote for on-site, for the reasons mentioned regarding safety and atmosphere. Disney is my escape from the real world, so I like to enjoy that "Disney bubble" feeling for the whole stay.

I know you don't like the values much, but would you think about saving a little money and spilt a stay between the Port Orleans and one of the Values? I did this on my last solo tip, spent the first 4 nights at Pop, last 4 nights at Riverside and saved over $150 doing this.

Course then I went and bought DVC..... so ended up spending WAY more then I saved

 

[maine_jennifer]

If it were me, I'd probably have to decide how much time I was going to spend at DTD. If I wasn't going to spend a lot of time at DTD, I'd spend the extra and go to PO-FQ. I stayed there with my nephew and LOVED it.

 

[Missy1961]

I don't drive so I needed to use the Disney buses. The shuttles from other hotels to the parks is not always good. I know some people don't like Disney Transporation, but it has always been good & reliable for me.

I also know that a lot of folks don't like the values, but I do. I've stayed at All-Star Movies twice now, I didn't find it noisy. The food court is loud in the morning, but that's bearable.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm voting with everyone else and recommending that you stay of site for all the reasons mentioned. The big one is that I feel so much safer on site (whether it's true or not). Right now I've got a rate of $109/nite at POR for November. I've always stayed at POR, before we joined DVC. I felt guilty staying solo in deluxes. Now somehow using "points" doesn't hurt as much as spending real money, so I usually pick BCV, which I love.

 

[taswira]

If having the extra money to spend in the parks or resort would make you happier or if you plan to spend a lot of time at DTD, then stay in the DTD area. If the convenience and relaxation of staying on-property at WDW is more important to you (as it usually is to me), just do it and enjoy yourself.

Only you can decide which will make your solo vacation more enjoyable. Whatever you decide, have a magical time!

 

[spiceycat]

if you need the WDW transportation stay at WDW.

remember if you are flying - WDW will transportation you from the airport to WDW.

the DD hotels won't.

I happen to love Pop Century! yes it is a little louder than POR but not that much - or at least it wasn't to me.

you could also rent some points and stay at OKW (same section are POR), SSR (next door to DD), VWL (boat ride to MK), BCV (5 min walk to EPcot), BWV (10 min walk to Studios). Both BCV and BWV have boats that go to both Epcot and studios too.

tell me your dates and I can give you an estimate.

weekends fri/sat are expensive at DVC resorts - so avoid them if you can.

oh the free transportation (DME) are included with the DVC resorts too.

 

[Thumper's Tara]

I think it is worth it to stay on-site. It makes the trip more magical! Just my thought though!

Have fun on your trip!

 

[Hugpug]

I solo most of the time and always stay on site. I will be at POFQ this Dec 11-18 for my first Christmas Dreams. IMHO it is well worth the extra dollars. You can get to DTD by boat from the resort and it is a wonderful ride. Bus stop right there to all parks. The only problem if you want to call it that is if you want to resort hop. This you would lose a lot of time to use the buses. This is one reaso for a car rental or use a taxie. Taxies I unstand run around 10-20 depending on were you are going. If just a few this would be the way to go but for many I would rent a car.

 

[Eeyore_lives]

IMO it is worth every penny I spend to stay on-site!

There are sooo many reasons: I also feel safer; the atmosphere can't be beat (I've stayed value AND moderate) - just walking into the hotel lobby instantly puts me into a I'm-on-vacation-at-Disney-and-I-can-hardly-believe-it mood!; convenient transportation - the buses work great with only the occasional snafu!; food choices - I can buy either a decent meal or just a snack and easily transport it back to my room to relax; the package delivery service is AWESOME - go shopping and have it waiting at the hotel the next day so you don't have to schlep it around - too cool!; the CM's are the best - always friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable (at least this has always been my experience - others may differ!); pools - all resorts have them with some themed more than others. Geez - not that I have a strong opinion or anything.........

I think POFQ is an excellent choice (I've stayed at POR - loved it!!!!) - I particularly enjoy the boat ride to DTD . But, ANY vacation to Disney is what matters - whether you end up staying on- or off-site!!!!!! You'll have fun no matter where you stay, I'm sure!

 

[WaltD4Me]

Thanks so much for all the replies....I guess I was feeling like since "it's just me" it wasn't worth it to spend the extra money on the room.

As long as I can get a decent rate, I think I will go with POFQ. I would love that $109 rate Simba's mom is getting!

Really though, if worse comes to worse the Grosvenor isn't that bad. It's definitely NOT Disney, but I didn't have any trouble with their buses, you can still do package delivery from the resorts there and I always use a car service so I won't be using DME either way. And no matter what I'll be in Disney so I'll be happy!

 

[graygables]

Our first family vacation was GF/AKL (we won the GF part from Kelloggs!), so I thought for certain I was a resort snob. Then the AP bug bit me and I had to go back...alone!!! There was no way DH would put me in a deluxe without him, so I opted for the Pop. I thought it was a terrific resort for a solo traveler! My trip was short, just a few days, so I needed to cram in as much as possible. It was a bed and a snack and cheap, too. The Disney atmosphere just made it that much more special.

When I go with DH, it's AKL all the way, but just me, I'll take the Pop!

 

[MagicKingdom05]

I say yes the extra $$$ are worth it to stay on site. Just being able to get back and forth to your resort in a timely fasion when you want to makes it worth it.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I'm going to go in a different direction than all these good folks. I would look at that $200 to $250 as an option to do something new. You could use that money to:

1. Stay onsite...great if you will spend time exploring the options at your chosen resort. POR/FQ has some really nice features to it. Based on your post resort exporation doesn't seem to be in your plans (I'd bring the bathing suit...if only so you can stick your feet in the hottub). One other (big) reason for staying onsite is the Extra Magic Hours. Especially when traveling solo this can help you maximize your trip...you can ride the rides whilst most families are eating and then use the late EMH in places like Fantasyland when the babes have gone to sleep.

2. Stay offsite and rent a car. You don't say when you are going but a car rental can do a nice job of expediting your travels around WDW.

3. Stay offsite and spend your evenings at downtown Disney. Since you would be staying at the Grosvenor you will have full access to Disney transportation just by crossing the street.

4. Stay offsite and go to the Spa at Saratoga Springs or do something with that extra money that you have always wanted to do (for example I always wanted to do the Richard Petty driving experience).

If I were in your exact situation I would stay offsite since I wouldn't have any plans to use the resort amenities that are exclusive to guests of the resort (the pool).

 

[eblack0409]

I prefer to stay on site, but DH and I get the Dining plan, so it's worth it for us. We prefer the values simply because we aren't in the room that much, it seems pointless to pay tons of money for a place to sleep and shower, in my opinion.

The choice is yours...have a great trip!

 

[CoasterAddict]

I scrimp on a lot of things, but not Disney. I really echo doubletrouble, though. It depends on what you need in a magical vacation. I really want to be immersed in the WDW atmosphere. I just haven't found the same degree of escape when I've stayed off property. But if that atmosphere isn't key to your vacation-pleasure, well, $200 could go a long way towards something *else* that would make things perfect for you.