How important is Disney theming to you when renting off-site?

[4forMe]

I love Disney theming when we rent offsite; however, I wouldn't rule out a house that didn't have any theming. I'm just more drawn to those homes that do have some sort of Disney theme (even if it's only one bedroom).

My DH could care less about Disney theming - the bottom line for him would be the price.

What about you - how important is Disney theming when you're looking to rent a home/condo offsite?

 

[mecllap]

I don't expect any Disney theming off-site, and don't even miss it onsite. Sure it's fun, but cost and quality of the lodging are much more important.

 

[Pineapple Whip]

I had to vote other because I don't care about Disney theming at the hotel, but price isn't the bottom line.

Growing up and into adulthood, I took Florida vacations. WDW, Sea World, and Universal were attractions to visit during the trip, not the entire point of the trip.

There was never a need to be submerged in anything 24/7, aside from my family spending time together. There is also so much to be missed offsite by just staying within the resort boundaries the entire time.

To me, going to Florida and spending the entire time inside WDW is like going to NYC and spending the entire time in Times Square. Anyone who thinks staying offsite is just about saving money is missing an awful lot.

 

[pipervali]

I'm probably in the minority, but I prefer a non-Disney theme when we're down in Orlando. I'm also not one for the total immersion though, so that's probably it. I look more for affordability and upperscale design and interior

 

[shalom]

I voted "not important at all," although price is not the ultimate criteria for us. Price would be the highest criteria for hubby, but he's not the one who picks the resort. I look for the best price that includes what I want - space (we get at least a 2BR condo), good kitchen, quiet resort, nice view.

If we ever stay on-site, we'd most likely choose one of the Disney resorts that a lot of people think "aren't Disney" - the DVC units or the Grand Floridian, for example. I like a quiet resort, and by that I mean more than that people aren't noisy at night. A lot of the Disney resorts are "visually noisy" to me, so maybe I should have gone beyond "not important" and said "not wanted." I think a lot of the Disney resorts are gorgeous, but they're also stimulating. When I'm tired, I don't want Disney.

 

[jeff968]

Disney is certainly fun but our #1 attraction for our trips to orlando is the Florida sunshine. We travel in February and after 3 months of winter there is nothing like relaxing by the pool side while it is snowing back home.

 

[bytheblood]

I don't have any expectations for Disney decor/themes when I am offsite. I would never expect that. If I want that, then I can book at one of the WDW resorts. IMO, it would be silly to book offsite and expect that.

 

[Beccabunny]

I fell into the Disney theming trap last year and booked a townhouse with a princess room. Now my daughter wants a princess room for next year's vacation. The townhouse was nice, but there are so many others we would consider with or without theming.

 

[kidshop]

I wanted the theming for the kids bedrooms...specifically my almost 4 y/o dd. It was hard to find, but I found a pink princess one and I don't think she will want to return home. For us and the older boys theming isn't a requirement, but it's fun and I like to have a bit of Mickey around. I did pass right by the houses that looked like the Golden Girls set! (though maybe that IS the theme )


There are some awesome houses with incredible theming but they are usually large 5-6 + bedroom houses and expensive...but so cool!

 

[Brian Noble]

I voted not at all, but not because of price. It just doesn't matter to me. I'm much more concerned with a mix of price, amenities, etc.

we'd most likely choose one of the Disney resorts that a lot of people think "aren't Disney" - the DVC units or the Grand Floridian, for example.

Our onsite stays have been OKW (3x) and VWL. Neither seemed to scream "Mickey Mouse", and we actually prefer that.

 

[3kidsfordis]

I'm voting not at all. Although i haven't rented a home. I've rented condo/hotel rooms. What I want is:
1. a great pool and slide
2. easy commute to Disney/Seaworld and other attractions
3. nice, upscale furniture but not so nice as it is not family friendly!
4. a bedroom with a king.
5. Second bedroom with two queens
6. washer/dryer
7. kitchen
8. on-site restaurant-even bar/grill type is good!

 

[leanne11]

i guess it depends on if you have small kids....this trip we wouldn't stay at a house without the themed room ... some mickey rooms are amazing..and it will help our 1 yr old not miss being on site...some rooms are way more decorated than say the POP. onsite.. ..but alooot of townhomes dont have 1 room at all decorated...we have the downstairs bedroom not themed for our niece and she seems to love the pix..were still gonna look at price but the theming rooms are a deal breaker for us

 

[kathy884]

I voted other. We don't care about Disney theming at all, but price alone is not our criteria. We look for high quality at a great value not just price and a big part of that is the quality of of the accomodations, ammenities offered and quality of ammenities, resort atphosphere, resort location, space, and comfort. I usually prefer a high quality timeshare condo resort over a villa. I have teens and don't want a Mickey room, a princess room, or a pirate room, etc. And I like to get away from the Disney 24/7 immersion. Don't get me wrong, we love their parks and resorts, but prefer to stay offsite (so many high quality great values) and do some other non Disney things too.

 

[northriver]

We rented a fabulous condo last trip with very little Disney theming. The twin room was lightly themed with some framed Mickey line drawings and a stuffed Minnie & Mickey on each bed. My 5 yr old enjoyed the "theme" of her room. The rest of us appreciated the location, the upgraded furnishings, the spotlessly clean condo and fabulous service we received from the owner MUCH more than we would have appreciated a "themed" condo!

 

[MinnieForMe]

I don't expect or need a Disney feel but it has to have a resort feel. We've never rented a house but always stay in the larger timeshare resorts.

 

[hkp1042]

Since this is our first trip to Disney and we are staying off-site I really wanted the kids room to be Disney themed just because I think it ill make it even more magical for them.

Like you though my husband could care less and is all about the price

 

[Brian Noble]

it will help our 1 yr old not miss being on site

I really wanted the kids room to be Disney themed just because I think it ill make it even more magical for them.

My experience is that most kids could care less---as often as not, it is the parents, not the kids who really want a themed room. As I wrote, even our onsite stays are not at resorts that are particularly "Disney", and my kids would rather have their own beds than have a Mickey lamp in their room.

 

[TrustedTraveler]

After Disney all day, I'll looking for comfort at night, a well stocked kitchen and a warm pool in January at a price that allows us to come every year.

 

[HunnyPots]

From all the pictures I've seen while scouting for homes, "Disney themed" more often than not amounts to some Disney posters on the walls and a cheap character bedspread from Wal Mart so, no, I do not have a need for this kind of themeing. Besides, there's plenty of that Disney feel at the parks all day!

 

[KellyWasHere]

Doesn't matter to me at all, I would actually rather avoid it. I do not enjoy 24/7 total immersion. My kids are 4 and 1 and they will have no clue or even know they're missing out on anything.