Having a tough time choosing

[Kemorr]

I am currently booked at BLT for 10/5-10/13 in a 2 bed villa. The total price of my vacation with the dining plan (it will save me money based on our ADRs) and 5 day base tickets is $10,666.57. I have 2 VIP tours planned for while we're there (I'm going solo with my 3 kids). Although I can afford this vacation, I was really hoping for a room discount or free dining. FD wasn't available for our dates and the BLT was excluded from room discounts. That got me thinking about WHY I am spending all this money to stay there, so I looked into alternatives. Here is my alternative...

Condo resort 7 minutes from the gates (have stayed there before when I did a mommy and me trip with my oldest and really liked it). I would get a HUGE 4 bedroom/4 bath villa, which means that all my kids could get their own room and bathroom, which would reduce my stress because they do not sleep well in the same room together. I would rent a car, pay out of pocket for dining (dining plan would cost me $1000, I have budgeted $1200) and keep all my ADRs, and do ANOTHER VIP tour (making that 3 out of 5 days of VIP touring versus 2/5), plus get PARKHOPPERS versus base tickets and still SAVE $2900!! (And yes, I've taken into account parking, gas, everything.)

On paper, the off site makes so much more sense, but I have this silly emotional pull to staying on property. We stayed at OKW last year and had an awesome time but that was our first trip to Disney. But I'm sold on the whole "on property" thing.

I just can't choose. An extra day of VIP touring and a bunch of saved cash would be great versus an emotional pull. My DH is supportive of whatever I choose and has told me to pick whichever one I want.

What would you do?

 

[ArwenMarie]

Sounds like a good problem to have

It sounds like you're a bit uncomfortable with the cost now, so I do think you probably want to cut back somewhere, but only you know where. If it was me (since you asked!), I would drop the tours as needed to get back into a more comfortable price range and stay at BLT. That's just me.

 

[Kemorr]

Thanks, I'm not really uncomfortable with the cost in that this is a typical amount we would spend for a vacation and not too different than what we spent last year (although we got FD then). What I am uncomfortable with is spending the extra money for something that isn't "tangible" the "disney feeling". With the offsite choice I can write all the benefits on paper, with onsite, it's a feeling (does that make sense?!). As for the VIP tours, with 3 kids (6, 5 and 5) the idea of doing a 3rd tour (and having a 3rd day with another set of hands) is VERY exciting to me!

 

[dmoore718]

Are any of the other villas included in any of the specials? How about Beach Club or Boardwalk Villas? That way you could still have the magic of staying on property but feel satisfied in getting a deal on what you want as well.

 

[justcruisin]

What stood out for me was your stress level. I'd go with whatever YOU will enjoy the most. There will be on-site options in your future but if the condo works for your family at this point go for it!

Just wondering --- think about purchasing 10 day non-expiring passes for everyone. I love knowing the "pass" is ready to go for my family.

As a DVC member, I know it doesn't work for every family; one of our best trips was with another family in a rental in Orlando! Don't force staying onsite if it doesn't work!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Thanks, I'm not really uncomfortable with the cost in that this is a typical amount we would spend for a vacation and not too different than what we spent last year (although we got FD then). What I am uncomfortable with is spending the extra money for something that isn't "tangible" the "disney feeling". With the offsite choice I can write all the benefits on paper, with onsite, it's a feeling (does that make sense?!). As for the VIP tours, with 3 kids (6, 5 and 5) the idea of doing a 3rd tour (and having a 3rd day with another set of hands) is VERY exciting to me!

I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't afford the trip now that you didn't get a room discount. It just seemed to me like you were almost starting over from scratch with the trip now because of it, hence, uncomfortable with your original plans now.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Kemorr]

I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't afford the trip now that you didn't get a room discount. It just seemed to me like you were almost starting over from scratch with the trip now because of it, hence, uncomfortable with your original plans now.

Good luck deciding!

Oh, no problem! I didn't take it that way! Just wanted to clarify.

dmoore - OKW and Saratoga are included, but I felt like if i was doing those, I may as well be off site with more space. I had initially chosen BLT because I was solo and didn't want to rent a car)was going to depend on monorail). Last year we did OKW but rented a car and drove to all the parks. I don't really want to deal with 100% buses with all our stuff and 3 kids etc.

 

[nugov2]

I personally would do the condo. I too find it less stressful when I am vacationing and we all have our own space. I love my kiddos, love being with them, snuggling with them...but after a long day I enjoy quiet time for myself. I also like getting up and sipping coffee before my little talkers get up. This is best done in a larger vacation home. I will be honest with you(and this may be our own doing) but my kids are much happier in a home/condo situation and dislike even a larger hotel room. My dd actually said to me why would a whole family cram into a bedroom for a week when they can have a whole house. I mean that is really what a hotel room is...the size of a bedroom. (though you will have a villa so a little more space) It is just our style and what makes us enjoy our vacation even more. I can't imagine a vacation we will take longer than a day or two(especially while they are younger) that doesn't involve at least 3 bdrms. It also appears you are going alone with the kids. I would really need the space to decompress after a long day in the parks if I was the solo adult. Either way sounds like you will have an amazing vacation no matter what option you choose. Enjoy

 

[Marthasor]

Unless you were planning on doing EMH, I would stay offsite at the condo and do the extra day of VIP. If I'm not mistaken, the VIP tour guide will pick you up at the condo, so that would eliminate driving on those 3 touring days.

I vote for being more comfortable and well-rested! It will make for a better trip for everyone!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Unless you were planning on doing EMH, I would stay offsite at the condo and do the extra day of VIP. If I'm not mistaken, the VIP tour guide will pick you up at the condo, so that would eliminate driving on those 3 touring days.

I vote for being more comfortable and well-rested! It will make for a better trip for everyone!

They'll pick you up even offsite? Wow, that's really awesome. Makes sense but I never knew that.

 

[Kemorr]

They'll pick you up even offsite? Wow, that's really awesome. Makes sense but I never knew that.

They will! Off site guests pay $25 per hour more than on site guests, but even with the added cost of the tours, we're still saving that amount of cash.

I'm 99% sure we'll choose the off site option. I know I am going to miss the Disney ambience but when it is quiet at night time because my kids all have their own space and when the tour guide is taking my two not at all brave kids on dumbo for the 10th time while ODD and I ride Space several times, I know that I'll appreciate the decision!

 

[SillyFamily]

Um I have another suggestion. Disney has mommy and me helpers that you can get. they will go with you to the park. Ride rides with your kids. They are way less than the vip guides. So you could stay on site. Do ur 2 days vip. Then have 3 days with a helper. Why take buses to non monorail parks hop in a cab and be there in mins.
Cause can you really beat watching wishes from your balcony?


Hope this idea helps

 

[Kemorr]

Um I have another suggestion. Disney has mommy and me helpers that you can get. they will go with you to the park. Ride rides with your kids. They are way less than the vip guides. So you could stay on site. Do ur 2 days vip. Then have 3 days with a helper. Why take buses to non monorail parks hop in a cab and be there in mins.
Cause can you really beat watching wishes from your balcony?


Hope this idea helps

I've never heard of those. Do they have info on the website or do you need to call a certain number? I have a Lake View at BLT, so not sure I'll be able to see Wishes.

 

[fiversmama]

Kemorr, We are in a similar situation and (as my other posts reveal), I am at an impasse in our decision making, as I'm attached to the "feel" too.

I will have my DH along, so I do have the extra set of hands, but my kids (DS-11 & DS-5) do much better, as do we, with a little more space. We stayed at a stunning 3BR/2BA condo villa on a lovely off-site property last Thanksgiving week. A true, full kitchen with all the amenities, a double balcony, a golf course view and even a small, onsite waterpark. My OS asked, "Why aren't we staying there again?" and I couldn't really answer him.

We don't shop enough that getting packages back to our rooms matters, we generally avoid EMH due to crowds... the ONLY thing that comes to mind is midday breaks from the parks and possible much-needed naps for my YS.

I know this isn't helpful, but I wanted to let you know I completely get it. What the Disney "feel" is worth is totally subjective, but my instincts tell me that more people who are searching for the types of rooms we are probably go for it than don't.

I'm a unfamiliar with VIP Tours... have to check out info on those! Sounds amazing. Good luck!

 

[ashearer]

What about taking a friend,babysitter, teen niece or nephew if you can. Might be cheaper than hiring helper at Disney ?I loved Saratoga and got FD and 40% off room 3 years ago an transport was fine and being next to dTD was great as was the pool.

 

[dimndgal1]

I've never heard of those. Do they have info on the website or do you need to call a certain number?

I am not sure if it's what PP was referring to, but my friend used something called Kids Night Out and they had a program where you pay to have a Mother's Helper at the park for the day. I don't know a lot of details, but she absolutely loved it and the helper she had has done it 3 times for them total.

 

[ArwenMarie]

They will! Off site guests pay $25 per hour more than on site guests, but even with the added cost of the tours, we're still saving that amount of cash.

I'm 99% sure we'll choose the off site option. I know I am going to miss the Disney ambience but when it is quiet at night time because my kids all have their own space and when the tour guide is taking my two not at all brave kids on dumbo for the 10th time while ODD and I ride Space several times, I know that I'll appreciate the decision!

Sounds great! You'll have excellent days in the parks, and then relax in your spacious home at night. Win-win.

 

[E-P-C-O-T]

I don't know, but, even though I now enjoy staying offsite, I would never stay offsite if my husband was not with us. It would be too stressful and not feel lime a vacation to me.

I love staying onsite when I travel alone with DD, that way I don't have to deal with our luggage, as we take the Magical Express, don't have to carry her car seat, as we had a horrible experience with a disgusting car seat that we rented at National and I always bring my own. Also, having an excellent food court and several restaurant choices as you walk out your room door with a hungry kid is priceless. What about entertainment? At BLT or any other Disney resort, you will have activities at the resort for your kids when they get back from the park, whick they may or may not have offsite. These reasons are very tangible and I could probably name a few more.

The way I see it, it's your vacation too, do what will make your vacation more enjoyable for everyone, including mom

 

[nugov2]

Kemorr, We are in a similar situation and (as my other posts reveal), I am at an impasse in our decision making, as I'm attached to the "feel" too.

I will have my DH along, so I do have the extra set of hands, but my kids (DS-11 & DS-5) do much better, as do we, with a little more space. We stayed at a stunning 3BR/2BA condo villa on a lovely off-site property last Thanksgiving week. A true, full kitchen with all the amenities, a double balcony, a golf course view and even a small, onsite waterpark. My OS asked, "Why aren't we staying there again?" and I couldn't really answer him.

We don't shop enough that getting packages back to our rooms matters, we generally avoid EMH due to crowds... the ONLY thing that comes to mind is midday breaks from the parks and possible much-needed naps for my YS.

I know this isn't helpful, but I wanted to let you know I completely get it. What the Disney "feel" is worth is totally subjective, but my instincts tell me that more people who are searching for the types of rooms we are probably go for it than don't.

I'm a unfamiliar with VIP Tours... have to check out info on those! Sounds amazing. Good luck!

We were off site at WH. My brother and parents all came down at the same time and they did midday breaks. It was really close and there wasn't a time where the wait for the bus was less than 5-10 minutes. Factor that in and you are back offsite faster. We did valet parking at Contemporary though so that we could walk to MK and you get it all day so you can come and go as you please. My brother and my mom both reported it was very easy and they were back and forth very easily.

I agree with you on the "feel" be subjective. Like I have posted for us it is my kids who want the space as much as us, so they would be very unhappy at a WDW resort. For us we were probably at the resorts as much as we would have been had we stayed on site minus sleeping time. We really ate there or at a park multiple times a day and enjoyed all the activities minus the pools. I know for us they felt all the Disney magic they could have possibly wanted and then some, but were happily enjoying their private space each evening.

 

[Kemorr]

I don't know, but, even though I now enjoy staying offsite, I would never stay offsite if my husband was not with us. It would be too stressful and not feel lime a vacation to me.

I love staying onsite when I travel alone with DD, that way I don't have to deal with our luggage, as we take the Magical Express, don't have to carry her car seat, as we had a horrible experience with a disgusting car seat that we rented at National and I always bring my own. Also, having an excellent food court and several restaurant choices as you walk out your room door with a hungry kid is priceless. What about entertainment? At BLT or any other Disney resort, you will have activities at the resort for your kids when they get back from the park, whick they may or may not have offsite. These reasons are very tangible and I could probably name a few more.

The way I see it, it's your vacation too, do what will make your vacation more enjoyable for everyone, including mom

The luggage and car seats are going to be the biggest issue with staying off site. I'm pretty sure I can manage with one suitcase as we'll have laundry (with either option) but the car seats will be a pain. My ODD is in a booster, so I think I will take the bubble bum inflatable one for her, that will leave me with 2 for my other two kids.

As far as activities at the resort, I am not at all concerned. My kids go to bed early and we will be in the parks most of the day, so after park activities aren't an issue. We have one resort day planned, the off site place has a huge pool with a full size pirate ship with several water slides, a splash pad and other fun things. Actually, the pool at the off site place looks a lot more fun than the one at BLT. They also have an on-site restaurant, store and Pizza Hut. There is no food court at BLT, just a single QS restaurant plus CM, The Wave and Cali Grill (the latter of which we wouldn't use). So other than ME, still no "tangible" benefits over off site. And ME is a very small percentage of our stay.