Help! We've never stayed offsite before and I have questions

[lilasmom]

We've been to WDW several times over the last couple of years and have always stayed onsite. We've stayed at the BC, YC, Poly, and BLT. Well, this year I waited and waited for a discount I could use for where we wanted to stay and it never came. I did get a Pin, but it is only good for resorts I have no interest in staying in. I resigned myself we wouldn't go this year and I would cancel our SW airfare and hold onto to it until next year.

But, I really want to go THIS year! I want to see my almost three years old face when she sees the Fairies and I want to go to MNSSHP (I love it !). So, I started looking at offsite options. Everyone seems to love Wyndham Bonnet Creek so I looked into it. I emailed Ken Price and can get a 2BR for our eight night stay even at this late date.

I then looked at renting a minivan for our stay and have found that Budget seems to be the best deal ( with the promo code X474200) by far of any of them.

I am really excited to be going, but I am feeling overwhelmed at all the things I now need to plan for.

Where's the closest grocery store to BC ?

What time do we need to leave in the morning to make RD ?

How much are the tolls ?

Where do we park the car when we visit the parks ?

Should I think about upgrading my ticket to an AP to help pay for park parking ( Also, a good reason to get my hubby to go back next year!) ?

Should I consider getting a GPS system ?

Should I buy a Tables in wonderland card ?

Do we go to Universal Studios ? My son is 7 and loves Harry!

Buy our tickets from undercover tourist ?

Should we go and see the ocean one day ? Where ?

Any help you guys will be greatly appreciated !!

Thanks !!

 

[tkldisney]

We've been to WDW several times over the last couple of years and have always stayed onsite. We've stayed at the BC, YC, Poly, and BLT. Well, this year I waited and waited for a discount I could use for where we wanted to stay and it never came. I did get a Pin, but it is only good for resorts I have no interest in staying in. I resigned myself we wouldn't go this year and I would cancel our SW airfare and hold onto to it until next year.

But, I really want to go THIS year! I want to see my almost three years old face when she sees the Fairies and I want to go to MNSSHP (I love it !). So, I started looking at offsite options. Everyone seems to love Wyndham Bonnet Creek so I looked into it. I emailed Ken Price and can get a 2BR for our eight night stay even at this late date.

I then looked at renting a minivan for our stay and have found that Budget seems to be the best deal ( with the promo code X474200) by far of any of them.

I am really excited to be going, but I am feeling overwhelmed at all the things I now need to plan for.

I can answer some but not all.

Where's the closest grocery store to BC ?

What time do we need to leave in the morning to make RD ? I would allow 15 min driving time. Depending on time of year depends on how long it will take to park and get to entrance.

How much are the tolls ? From MCO, using 417 South exit, there are two, $1.25 tolls to exit 6.

Where do we park the car when we visit the parks ? In each of the parks lot, then tram/monorail/walk to entrance. You'll pay once each day so keep your receipt to show at the next park if you choose to park hop.

Should I think about upgrading my ticket to an AP to help pay for park parking ( Also, a good reason to get my hubby to go back next year!) ? That all depends on whether it's worth or not to you. It will save on having not to pay to park each day.

Should I consider getting a GPS system ? Not necessary driving around disney, very well marked. Also easy drive from airport. Just follow 417 South. IF you plan on driving around Orlando, could help. I wouldn't rent from car rental company, if you have one great, but wouldn't spend a lot of $ for one unless you'll use in the future. Pluse you pay for upgrades. We use the one on our cell phone (Sprint) and it works great if we need it. You can add for a month then just cancel the plan. Verizon works the same way.

Should I buy a Tables in wonderland card ? IF you do get AP, then to me TIW is worth it. If you dine at several TS places then you'll pay for it quickly.
$75.00 w/AP. You can also use in the lounges for drinks and it also includes discount for alcohol.

Do we go to Universal Studios ? My son is 7 and loves Harry! Universal is not far from WDW, and sounds like something your son really wants to see, go for it!!!

Buy our tickets from undercover tourist ? I purchase family members from them. I have AP. If you want AP, purchase from Undercover, then exhange at any guest services window at entrance to parks or the one in Downtown Disney. Or just purchase AP once your at Disney.

Should we go and see the ocean one day ? Again, thats up to you. If you've never seen, then yes it's worth the trip. Where ? I think it's about hour drive, but others will be able to answer.

Any help you guys will be greatly appreciated !!

Thanks !!

Hope this helps!!

 

[poison ivy]

Before you make yourself nuts, I'd try again on that pin or something else to see if you can get an onsite discount.

As far as what time to get to the parks, allow 20-30 mins to drive; pay to park and get to the gate etc. Plan to line up no later than 20-30 mins prior to park entry. They should open the turnstiles up anywhere from 5-15 min before offical opening time depending on the park and you'll reposition inside. It takes time to get thru the ticket scanners.

Also you lose the EMH's which I'm sure you already know.

I believe the tolls are no more than $5.00. You also have to factor in gas and all additional taxes/fees etc for the rental and the lodging. Plus the daily parking fees at the park.

We go thru this all the time. it always ends up slightly more expensive to stay onsite with smaller accomodations, but we love the Disney quality at the resorts.

good luck. Oct is my favorite time.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I did my first off site trip this year. Just a note on the GPS - I found it really helpful wandering around Orlando. We were looking for the Coldwater Creek outlet on I drive - and found the GPS invaluable. So if I were going to do some wandering around outside of Disney I'd use a GPS - I would never rent it from the rental car company though. Buy your own and bring it in your carryon would be my advice - or if you already have one then just bring it along with you.

 

[osugal]

One of the cool things about staying off-site is that you can easily go to Universal for a day. We went to Harry Potter last year and LOVED it!!! You also have to eat at Giordano's Pizza!

 

[jeff968]

You'll do fine. For Groceries, we go to the nearest PubliX, great prices and good selection. Universal is great fun and you'll love Harry Potter. We went last year. With the ages of your kids, you should look at Marriott's Harbor Lake resort. Very nice and themed toward your children.

Have a great time and be prepared for all the extra room you will have, the in-room washer and dryer, and all the money you are going to save. You may never return to on-site. It was been years for us.

 

[Straitlover]

For the grocery store, I'd hit Publix. Leaving WBC, take a left on Buena Vista (a rt would take you to DTD), then take a left on Victory Way, go past Pop Century. At the stoplight, take a left on Osceola parkway. go down and turn right at the Gaylord Palms Hotel. When you get to the light at Hwy 192 (only aobut a half a mile from GPH), it's in the shopping center on your left. You may ahve to actually get on 192 to get in the shopping center. It's been awhile since I've been that way, so i cna't remember for sure.

It's only about 6 miles from the WBC to Publix.

 

[Cruz91]

Publix is a little more pricey, depending on how much you want to buy. The WalMart isn't that much further (but not the same direction). The folks at the front desk can give you very good directions to either place (as well as anywhere else you want to go).

Also - If you go 2x in a 12-month period, the AP is the way to go. I can't force myself to buy AP's and go to Universal, though. It's like wasting money. That, and cheating on Walt.

 

[100AcreWood]

The part I can answer is I have bought tickets many times from Undercover Tourist. They are great!

Staying offsite is our favorite way to go. We usually save a lot of money and have a bigger place. Have a great trip!

 

[Nugget]

We are not familiar with the Orlando area and we're going to be renting a car, staying offsite and eating mostly offsite. I noticed the Universal website lists the address of their parking garage so you can program a GPS. The only directions I could find for Disney from our Hotel were to hop on I-4W and follow the signs. It doesn't sound too bad.
As for price, a GPS is an added daily fee with the rental car, but for the length of our trip, it costs the same to just buy one. My husband picked one up for about $60 and I've used it twice already. I really like it.
Also, regarding car rentals, it can be cheaper if you wait until the last second for a reservation or if you make it way in advance. We made a reservation in April for a $180 car, but when we checked in July that same car for the same dates and times came to a little over $400. Now, the rental cost shows as $229. We'll be checking the cost again a day or two before we leave and changing our reservations if it is lower.