How Important to Stay on Property

[lexntaysmom]

I'm trying to plan out a trip to WDW next summer, or even next Jan depending what would be the best time to go.

This will be our first trip down there and really I would like to do Universal and Sea World as well. My question to all of you whom have gone before how important is it to stay on property. I think I can get a much better deal staying off site or even renting a condo or something for a couple weeks. I know it would cost extra for parking. My other worry is my son is in a wheelchair, so I wonder if it would be to inconvenient not staying on property. I'm guessing we would also need to rent a car if we are not staying at Disney right?

We are in CO, so airfare really costs a lot so going to FL every couple years may not be a possibility so I would like to get the most out of this trip as possible.

Any thoughts from those that have been before would be appreciated. I have been waiting years for this trip and we finally have all our bills paid off so we can now save for the trip. (Just paid off our car loan in full today-- YAHOO!!)

Thanks
Melissa

 

[MidgeD79]

We usually go during the summer and when it's that hot we stay on-site so we can use the early entry.My son was in a wheelchair and it didn't make any difference if we stayed on-site or not, but we ALWAYS had our van if we stayed off-site.

 

[squirrel]

Since you are already planning on visiting other parks, you will need to rent a car to get to the other parks easily.

I guess it depends on how you feel about not staying on property. I like to stay on property, but I don't leave WDW property to go to other parks. It's convienent as I don't need to rent a car or hire one. Disney's ME picks me up at the airport and drops me back after the vacation. I have also been going during Free Dining and that is a good deal for me to stay at a WDW resort.

 

[Stumpy]

Having done both, I have found it more convenient to stay on-site, but there are trade offs to each decision. You may find a slightly cheaper deal off-site, but as pointed out you will have to have a car and pay for parking, which can add some expense, probably about $45-$60 per day for both. When you factor that in, the Disney properties are quite convenient and not that much different with regard to cost. Plus, they do have plenty of handicapped accessible transportation. The downside is that their transportation system can sometimes take a little while, but it's nice to be on vacation and not fight traffic or navigate a foreign location.

The last time we stayed off site it just seemed less fun. The area outside the parks is quite tacky looking and even though the room we had was nice, it just lacked something. Plus, even though most of the off-site areas are not bad, it just felt much safer being on property.

As far as handicapped accessible off-site, that's always a gamble. My guess is that since it's a tourist destination most places will be quite accommodating, but you just never know. Disney, on the other hand, will definitely be accommodating.

 

[starann]

I prefer to stay onsite for the convience, so we sacrifice some things to afford ot do it (we stay value). We like using the meal plan and EMH so for us it is worth it.

You would have to rent a car if you want to go to other parks, but once you are in Disney property, it's pretty easy to travel using their transportation.

You may want to ask on the Dis-abilities board about hotel or condos that would be accessiable.

Good Luck!

 

[Kay1]

I like both on and off. I have a handicapped son and if he used a wheelchair, I think I'd go with offsite. You could get a much bigger room or house or condo and not have to wait for the Disney buses.

Windsor Hills is beautiful and very close to Disney. We rented a very nice 3/2 over Christmas - the busiest, most expensive time of year - and paid only $890 for the entire week, and that included tax. There are also lots of suite-style hotels near Disney like Staybridge, Hawthorne, or Homewood.

As for parking, if just one of you got an AP you'd park for free. Not sure how many days you were planning to spend in the parks so you'd have to do the math.

 

[mrsklamc]

Are you able to travel with your son with a regular vehicle, or do you need one with a lift? ( I've no experience renting that type of vehicle.)

If you can travel with a regular vehicle I would stay offsite; windsor hills is beautiful and is in a safe gated community. Also, the pool is zero entry ( I think that's what they call it; I mean to say it has a slope not a ledge.) it is also very close.

If you have to rent a vehicle with a lift I would say stay on property because then you can use Disney transportation and just rent for the day to go to seaworld. (assuming it's cheaper to rent by the day.)

 

[eliza61]

I'm trying to plan out a trip to WDW next summer, or even next Jan depending what would be the best time to go.

This will be our first trip down there and really I would like to do Universal and Sea World as well. My question to all of you whom have gone before how important is it to stay on property. I think I can get a much better deal staying off site or even renting a condo or something for a couple weeks. I know it would cost extra for parking. My other worry is my son is in a wheelchair, so I wonder if it would be to inconvenient not staying on property. I'm guessing we would also need to rent a car if we are not staying at Disney right?


Any thoughts from those that have been before would be appreciated. I have been waiting years for this trip and we finally have all our bills paid off so we can now save for the trip. (Just paid off our car loan in full today-- YAHOO!!)

Thanks
Melissa

Hi Melissa,
My family and I have done it both ways. We have had terrific vacations no matter where we have stayed. I'll give you my view of pros and cons.

Pros for onsite: 100% Disney magic and extra magic hours. Since you are going in the summer, it's pretty cool to be able to get back to your resort easily.

Pros for offsite: Better accomadations for less money. I love Disney but the truth of the matter is you pay for the convienence of being close to the parks and you pay out the nose. You will always get better resorts at better prices off site. Heck the Waldolf Astoria just opened a new hotel (true luxury) about a mile away from disney and it's less than Disney's Grand Floridian.

One advantage to staying off site especially since you will have a car to go to other places is that you will not be locked into eating at Disney parks. disney is so crazy popular that you almost have to "lock" yourself in because of having to plan your day around a reservations. Absolutely no "winging" it.

Staying off site you'll have tons of restaurants that are as good (if not better) as on site.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

In September, not too bad. In June/July it's required as far as I'm concerned.

When we went in September we did stay offsite and I didn't mind a bit but in the blasting heat and crowds of summer it's so nice to go at night emh when it's less crowded and less hot and to help because during the day the lines are insane!

edit: we always have our car and sometimes eat off site to make up for the cost of staying onsite.

 

[disneymarie]

I have stayed both. and it would depend on cost anymore.
On site I had specials a few times, Just AAA discount last year. We had a room, no where to make a meal, through together breakfast and occasional Poppa Johns delivary to the room.

There are a few sites now that have bussing to WDW and also the extended hours with suites. For an extened stay, and the most home like convienance our next stay would be there. We have friends that were true onsite folks but to go for 10 the cost savings was the breaker, plus the rental got them to other parks on what was saved. Meals too was a saving.

It was so nice when we went the suites, the 2 bedroom., 2 bathrooms, living room, full kitchen with a dish washer. Plus we are a large family. We had two rooms at the Resorts. $$$$
There is free Inet, great arcades, some have kids programs, the pools and play area are wonderful.

I have been reading the thread about the best budget places to stay and found many helpful hints. I have to mention, it is pay for parking, but convient with a wheel chair.

Figure the cost. try the Hilton and double tree. Also try the hotwire and orbitz special searches. I just saw a Hilton for $89 a night Celebration area Main gate.

 

[Planogirl]

Also, check Expedia. I've found great specials on a lot of nicer hotels using that website.

 

[ICF]

we prefer offsite....

paying for parking sucks, but you get more space, a cheaper price for the rooms and don't have to wait in line for buses.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have been waiting years for this trip and we finally have all our bills paid off so we can now save for the trip. (Just paid off our car loan in full today-- YAHOO!!)

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

With a child in a wheelchair, I'd vote for staying on-site at one of the monorail resorts like the Contemporary or Polynesian. It would be so easy to get to MK and Epcot via monorail, and you'd only have to deal with buses to get to 2 of the parks. Heck, from the Contemporary you could walk to the MK and from the Poly you can walk to the Transportation Center and get a direct monorail to Epcot. That would be my choice, though expensive. Convenience is worth a lot to me!

You might consider renting a car from the on-site location (at the Car Care Center, I think) to do your days at Sea World and Universal. That way you could still take advantage of using Magical Express to/from the airport and wouldn't have the expense of the car rental for your entire stay.

Another benefit to being at the Contemporary or Poly would be that there is a daybed as well as 2 queen-sized beds, so your children would not have to share a bed.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful stay no matter where you are!

 

[a1tinkfans]

I'm trying to plan out a trip to WDW next summer, or even next Jan depending what would be the best time to go.

This will be our first trip down there and really I would like to do Universal and Sea World as well. My question to all of you whom have gone before how important is it to stay on property. I think I can get a much better deal staying off site or even renting a condo or something for a couple weeks. I know it would cost extra for parking. My other worry is my son is in a wheelchair, so I wonder if it would be to inconvenient not staying on property. I'm guessing we would also need to rent a car if we are not staying at Disney right?

We are in CO, so airfare really costs a lot so going to FL every couple years may not be a possibility so I would like to get the most out of this trip as possible.

Any thoughts from those that have been before would be appreciated. I have been waiting years for this trip and we finally have all our bills paid off so we can now save for the trip. (Just paid off our car loan in full today-- YAHOO!!)

Thanks
Melissa

Melissa, First, CONGRATS on paying off the car/bills!

I REALLY think that staying on property has HUGE advantages (extra hours, transportation, true disney "feel", great amenities, and I would NOT stay off property any more, we have not for many years) ) BUT if you really are thinking of being off property for days at a time, it may NOT be worth it for your family. IMHO many people think they'll go to MK for a "day and see it all" or HS and the same thing....In my experience, it never happens....so, knowing what you want to get out of your Disney trip is the first thing, then see what your real budget is, I mean if cost prohibits it/things, well, you will save outside, for room, but then pay for parking each and every day....can't get extra hours, which may be a good option for you........so many options. Are you going when FREE dine is usually available? It is difficult to figure what would be best without knowing more details of what you would like to happen on your vacation, whats the priority, parks? meals? see it all/commando style? relax each day at resort? Lots to consider. The people here on the DIS are the most "knowing" you will find, everyone has their opinions of course but most will help you if you ask.
So, start that planning and ask away and most of all....
I want to wish you and your family the MOST MAGICAL trip Ever!

 

[jam217]

I have done both and I think it depends on your circumstances. Last August my son and I went and we stayed at the Doubletree in DTD.

For $400 (that includes all taxes and fees), we had a suite that included a separate bedroom, livingroom and mini kitchen with microwave and refrig. It worked out really well for us because he likes to stay up late watching tv and I get up early. We were both able to do our own thing without disturbing each other.

And the DTD hotels do have a shuttle service. The one thing that I liked about the shuttles is that they give you times for pick up in the parks (twice an hour) and they usually ran on time.

 

[debbiecarr98]

I think that you may be happier staying offsite with your son. My son is a paraplegic and we have done both, but the rooms in Disney are so small that he could barely around. Also, the buses from the resort to the parks were time consuming with the driver having to get the lift, strap him in, etc. If going to places other than Disney are of importance as other posters have said, you have to have a car. Just remember, as mentioned the parking fee, but overall, I think you will be much happier. We like Hawthorne Suites, but it has been a few years since we stayed there, and there may be something better now.

 

[cinderellamom123]

I would check out Bonnett Creek. It is right next to the Carribean Beach Resort and closer to Disney than several of their own resorts. It is a condo atmosphere. We paid $120 per night for a two bedroom/bath condo with laundry and full kitchen. Each night we watched the epcot fireworks from out balcony. IT JUST SO HAPPENED THAT THEY PUT US IN A HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE ROOM. THE SHOWER WAS A HUGE WALK IN. THERE WAS LOTS OF ROOM TO NAVIGATE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMMEND. We rented from Ken Price at Vacationgrades.com

 

[Suz D]

It's hard to give an opinion without knowing your budget, but if you take $$ out of the equasion, we prefer to stay on property. That being said, if you are planning to stay for two weeks, it might be nice to have the extra space. The longest trip we've made, we stayed 10 nights at Pop Century, but we were just a family of three at that time. It was very doable. We are value resort people, and if you get either a Disney Visa card or an annual pass you can get great room rates. We have paid as low as $59/night for Pop Century and four weeks ago we paid $89 at Port Orleans and then $144 for a Savannah view at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I would also encourage you to wait until January for several reasons. The crowds will be significantly less which will make your stay more enjoyable. The only thing you will encounter in Jan is the marathon which increases the crowd level for a short time. The weather won't be as beastly hot . Four weeks ago the weather dipped down into the high 20's and didn't get above 55 degrees on the very warmest day. That was when that really unusual cold snap occurred and you will most likely have weather into the low-mid 70's during the day and into the 50's at night. Coming from where you live, that is definately warm for winter. The negative about going in January is that the park hours are reduced, but for us, that's just not a problem as we prefer to get up early so we don't like to stay late the night before.

Staying onsite also helps the pace of your stay. It's very easy to go to the parks early in the morning (for extra magic hours), then go back to your room for a break and a nap either right before or right after lunch. That gives the kids a nice bit of down time as there is quite a bit of stimulation at the parks. We've found that it helps keep everyone's spirits positive rather than exhausting ourselves with commando style touring. Then you can go back to the parks for the evening and spend a few hours enjoying the magic.

Along those same lines, if one of your party becomes tired or doesn't feel well, it's very easy to just have part of your family go back to the room and the rest stay at the parks. When we've rented a car and stayed offsite, the whole family has to go back to the room if one person needs to go back. It's just too inconvenient to go back and pick up the stragglers (plus if a child doesn't feel well, they would need to get back in the car to go pick up the others).

Finally, staying onsite allows you to take advantage of the dining plan. We've always done the full service dining plan but this last trip we did quick service and loved it! It's expensive (around $30 per day for anyone over 9 and around $13 for anyone under 9) but was really worth it for us. We didn't have to stress about a schedule for dining, didn't have to worry about making all of the reservations, and didn't have to eat the least healthy thing on the counter service menus just because they were cheap.

As a PP mentioned, there is a car rental place near Magic Kingdom and they will come pick up the "driver" anywhere on property. They picked my husband up at Epcot once. They will also drop you off wherever you need when you return the car. It's very convenient and actually cheaper than renting at the airport because they don't have some of the surcharges. Renting an accessible van and paying for parking (unless you have an annual pass) will most likely eat up a lot of what you save when you stay offsite.

Sorry this is so lengthly. I tend to be long winded.

 

[debbiecarr98]

As far as getting picked up and dropped of from the car rental company, we ended up getting burned by this, when we called for pick up, which we did the day before we need the pick up, they told us that they were too busy and couldnt pick us up until lunch time. This really would have ruined our day, so I took the bus to DTD and then got a cab from there, but it was really a hassle. Just plan ahead if you do this, not saying that you will have a problem, but it was something that could be avoided with advance planning, just so you know.