Humor Me! ;)

[Beemitchcowski]

About this time last year...I was doing some extensive research on where to stay..we were planning our September trip and our FIRST trip as a family to Disney World! We have 2 children...a 6 year old son (he has high functioning ASD with SPD--sensory processing disorder) and our almost one year old daughter...coming with us was our older sister (she was coming to help out with the kiddos)...so 3 adults and 2 children. We decided that staying offsite would be best for us because we reallly didn't want to be crammed into a single hotel room (since our sister was coming to "help") she thought it would be fair for us to include her in wherever we stay...there was no way we could afford 2 hotel rooms at a moderate....yes we could of done a value..but we didn't want to be crammed sleeping on full size beds... Also..we weren't sure how or DS would handle being "immersed" in Disney 24/7...how he would handle having to wait for a bus..the sound of a bus (especially a packed bus)..

We chose a very nice townhome at Windsor Hills...my DH was SOLD on having our own private pool! My son LOVES LOVES LOVES the water and can swim pretty well...so we figured it would be a nice way for him to "calm down" after being in the parks. We were very happy staying there...but part of me was constantly thinking..."am I missing out on magic?" Like when we had to lug our luggage through the airport...and have to wait til 4pm to get into our rental house...driving by the tacky souviener shops...passing the construction on our street getting to our townhome... on the flip side..it was nice getting inside our car and noticing that some people were still waiting for a bus! It was nice being able to put the kids down for bed and then being able to relax and not have to go to bed at the same time. I didn't mind the cooking so much...(of course my sister helped! ..we basically did quick things..like Tacos..burgers on the grill...pasta...we only ate 2 QS and one table service and one off property restaurant while we were there..(Friday-Saturday)...It was kind of nice doing laundry (even though I noticed a "stench" because of florida's water).

Sometimes I wish that I didn't do sooooo much research!

On our trip..we ended up upgrading our tickets to annual passes....(we must of felt the "MAGIC"...right! ...We figured we would just plan our trip a week or two before our year would be up!

Well my husband changed companies and as a bonus has been offered extra vacation time!....AND since we live only a few hours away from family now...our vacation time doesn't have to be spent going out of state to visit family for holidays!

SOOO...We decided to plan a trip for MAY!...While we were at Disney in September..I kept on looking at the Bonnet Creek Resort sign! While doing research for our Sept trip..I came across them and it was actually a choice between Windsor Hills and Bonnet Creek.

I really really want to try Bonnet Creek this time! I think it would be nice to be at a resort and be "within the gates"....I'm hoping that we can have groceries delivered and never have to leave the "gates".....at $120/night...I don't think that would even get us a Moderate with the AP rate...right?

My question after all this babbling: Does it sound like we are making a good decision?..Oh..and I should add..our sister is not coming with us this trip..just the 4 of us..part of me thinks that we should take this opportunity and stay ON SITE..and stay at lets say POFQ or CBR....BUT then we know that we would have to get the dining plan..which would add to costs... sure we wouldn't have to have a car..but I here its a nice added bonus not to have to rely on buses...especially with our son...now I've been looking at rates and right now it is $700 for a van rental! I'm sure it will go down right? When we rented a van through Alamo in September we got a STEAL of a deal at about $150!

Also when we were there..we really didn't go back for naps...We would get there at around the time of rope drop and stay until about 4pm or so..go back to the house and we usually just stayed in...which was OK...once we went to DTD...and MK for fireworks...usually our kids were tired and just wanted to relax!

Thanks for taking the time to read and feel free to respond!

 

[gabzee]

Personally, I would not go to Disney and not stay on Disney property. To me it doesn't feel like a true Disney vacation to me. You don't have to have a dining plan if you stay onsite. For our family, it is not worth it to get the dining plan. If you wanted to save some money, you can buy some breakfast goods to bring down (ex: cereal, granola bars, bagels, etc.) and you can buy milk and whatever to augment it when you get there. If you are going towards the beginning of May (before Star Wars Weekends), the crowds shouldn't be that bad. There are so many activities for kids to do onsite! I think it would just add to the experience. We have never had problems with buses. We went last year around the same time that you are going and we NEVER had a full bus. In fact, all of the buses were pretty much empty. From what I got from what you were saying, you felt like you were missing out when you were carrying you bags at the airport and having to wait to check in, etc. If you stay at Bonnet Creek you would still have to do these things. Just a thought!

 

[Beemitchcowski]

Personally, I would not go to Disney and not stay on Disney property. To me it doesn't feel like a true Disney vacation to me. You don't have to have a dining plan if you stay onsite. For our family, it is not worth it to get the dining plan. If you wanted to save some money, you can buy some breakfast goods to bring down (ex: cereal, granola bars, bagels, etc.) and you can buy milk and whatever to augment it when you get there. If you are going towards the beginning of May (before Star Wars Weekends), the crowds shouldn't be that bad. There are so many activities for kids to do onsite! I think it would just add to the experience. We have never had problems with buses. We went last year around the same time that you are going and we NEVER had a full bus. In fact, all of the buses were pretty much empty. From what I got from what you were saying, you felt like you were missing out when you were carrying you bags at the airport and having to wait to check in, etc. If you stay at Bonnet Creek you would still have to do these things. Just a thought!

Personally, I would not go to Disney and not stay on Disney property. To me it doesn't feel like a true Disney vacation to me

THIS is the sentence that I keep on hearing over and over in my head...and I REALLY wish it didn't....(not your fault BTW....I've heard it from MANY people! ...Including a friend of mine that on her first trip bought into DVC and they have gone about 2x a year since)....I kinda feel that if we go and we stay ONSITE that I am going to feel like I "shorted" our family last time... and that if we start planning onsite...that we are going to go into "sticker shock"...and then realize we can't go again for a few years...(we kinda "locked" ourselves into going with buying an annual pass!)

 

[Straitlover]

Since you have AP's you cna get the Tables in Wonderland card. Lots of people say that ends up saving them more money than buying the Dining Plan.

 

[Beemitchcowski]

We have decided on Bonnet Creek.... I called Disney and got a quote with our Annual Pass Discount...and right now we think that Bonnet Creek is the best price/option for us since we will want a rental car anyways (even if we stayed on property)....BUT...I am determined to stay on property at least once..but it will probably be when we do a shorter trip!..


I know there will still be some "magic" on our trip! Magic is what you make of it...right? ....( or is that just what us "offsite people" say...

I will still look into the Tables of Wonderland discount! Thanks!

 

[Detailor]

We have decided on Bonnet Creek.... I called Disney and got a quote with our Annual Pass Discount...and right now we think that Bonnet Creek is the best price/option for us since we will want a rental car anyways (even if we stayed on property)....BUT...I am determined to stay on property at least once..but it will probably be when we do a shorter trip!..


I know there will still be some "magic" on our trip! Magic is what you make of it...right? ....( or is that just what us "offsite people" say...

I will still look into the Tables of Wonderland discount! Thanks!

I think that's a good choice.

Personally, I would go to Disney and stay on Disney property but only if we were staying at one of the DVCs. We've done that and liked it (Saratoga Springs). But we've really liked the space and amenities offered by many of the very nice timeshare resorts in the area. I think that Wyndham's Bonnet Creek should work well for you - great location and some really nice resort amenities.

Dick Taylor

 

[Beemitchcowski]

Thank you!

If money wasn't the object..then I would stay at a DVC hands down. I would probably look into Davids Disney Vacation Rentals...I know sometimes he as really good last minute deals....(If only taking a vacation last minute was that easy for us!)....Part of me is glad that we went the route that we did last time...considering we didn't know how well our son was going to take everything...PLUS...now we are able to go again! If we would of stayed onsite last time...we probably wouldn't be able to go back as soon!...My son LOVED having his "own pool" and he doesn't know any better!.....I'm looking forward to Bonnet Creek! After all..It wouldn't have its own HUGE thread on it if it wasnt well liked....right? I'm thinking it will be a nice "middle of the road" option for us!

 

[ToddyLu]

Ultimately you are missing hidden Mickey's on the shower curtains and in the carpet. This coming from a die-hard DVC Member with an AP and a TIW card. Bonnet Creek is in a great location. There is not much magic while waiting on a bus to get somewhere--I know becasue we own points at AKV and take buses everywhere. Yes, they play Disney Music on the bus and that's nice. I guess what I am trying to say is do it your way. You are "practically" on property, would be driving a car regardless and maybe don't have to wait in line for eggs in the morning.

The TIW card costs $75 dollars and you purchase that by having your AP at Guest Services. It saves 20% on most TS meals. You still have an automatic 18% gratuity added. Alcohol is included int he discount. Many people think you aren't saving much if the discount is 20% and the added tip is 18. You need to spend 375$ on food during the trip to make it worth while. We definitely do...and we get two trips a year out of the card...so we do not do DDP.

If you guys eat heavier meals and will get 2 trips out of the card then do it--but it doesn't sound like you enjoy eating at the parks anyway.

I couldn't stay off site and I get why you stuggle with that...but understand on site isn't perfect (close, but not perfect ) either. Vacation is what memories you make with your family ...not if the topiary out the door is shaped like Mater.

DH and I do not have kids we splurge to own points at Disney--it is typically the only place we vacation.

 

[Beemitchcowski]

Ultimately you are missing hidden Mickey's on the shower curtains and in the carpet. This coming from a die-hard DVC Member with an AP and a TIW card. Bonnet Creek is in a great location. There is not much magic while waiting on a bus to get somewhere--I know becasue we own points at AKV and take buses everywhere. Yes, they play Disney Music on the bus and that's nice. I guess what I am trying to say is do it your way. You are "practically" on property, would be driving a car regardless and maybe don't have to wait in line for eggs in the morning.

The TIW card costs $75 dollars and you purchase that by having your AP at Guest Services. It saves 20% on most TS meals. You still have an automatic 18% gratuity added. Alcohol is included int he discount. Many people think you aren't saving much if the discount is 20% and the added tip is 18. You need to spend 375$ on food during the trip to make it worth while. We definitely do...and we get two trips a year out of the card...so we do not do DDP.

If you guys eat heavier meals and will get 2 trips out of the card then do it--but it doesn't sound like you enjoy eating at the parks anyway.

I couldn't stay off site and I get why you stuggle with that...but understand on site isn't perfect (close, but not perfect ) either. Vacation is what memories you make with your family ...not if the topiary out the door is shaped like Mater.

DH and I do not have kids we splurge to own points at Disney--it is typically the only place we vacation.

I should probably add that before this ....we have NEVER really been on a family vacation before!..So these trips are HUGE for us! ..and we were sticker shocked just by what we paid last time!..So baby steps!

I guess I can buy a Disney music CD and put it in our car (just like the buses--he he)..and make mickey mouse pancakes in the morning!:

I don't think we will end up getting the card...if we were doing a TON of specialty dining...then I would...Our son did enjoy our only TS Character meal we did!...was the food worth it? No..but My son meeting Special Agent OSO? Priceless!

Thanks everyone for your support! (and making me feel a tad better! )

 

[ToddyLu]

I often think that there is a sweet family staying 10 miles off property because that is what they can afford. Then there is the 10 year old (like I was) that knows their family would never be able to afford the Disney trip. I think Bonnett Creek really sounds terrific and I would think it is giving you the best of both worlds. See even when you own DVC, have an AP and TIW card it is still expensive and you wish you could do better--like having enough points to stay in a 1 br each trip. Many times I have to tell myself that I am truly fortunate to be able to go and stay in studios each trip.

Can you tell us what things you are planning to do on this fun trip. DH and I will be there 5/4-5/11. We are eating at California Grill, Boma and Bluezoo. I can't wait to see the F&G festival at EPCOT.

 

[ToddyLu]

I am sending you a PM.

 

[Rowanoverdramatic]

In my opinion, it doesn't matter where you stay! It's all about what you make of the trip! When my family go, we'll be staying in a villa in Kissimmee as that's the only way we can possibly afford it! It will still be just as magical.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[gabzee]

Personally, I would not go to Disney and not stay on Disney property. To me it doesn't feel like a true Disney vacation to me

THIS is the sentence that I keep on hearing over and over in my head...and I REALLY wish it didn't....(not your fault BTW....I've heard it from MANY people! ...Including a friend of mine that on her first trip bought into DVC and they have gone about 2x a year since)....I kinda feel that if we go and we stay ONSITE that I am going to feel like I "shorted" our family last time... and that if we start planning onsite...that we are going to go into "sticker shock"...and then realize we can't go again for a few years...(we kinda "locked" ourselves into going with buying an annual pass!)

We have decided on Bonnet Creek.... I called Disney and got a quote with our Annual Pass Discount...and right now we think that Bonnet Creek is the best price/option for us since we will want a rental car anyways (even if we stayed on property)....BUT...I am determined to stay on property at least once..but it will probably be when we do a shorter trip!..


I know there will still be some "magic" on our trip! Magic is what you make of it...right? ....( or is that just what us "offsite people" say...

I will still look into the Tables of Wonderland discount! Thanks!

The reason why I said I would not go to Disney and not stay on property is because that it all I know!! We have never done anything different. However, I think the Bonnet Creek will be a GREAT option for you and your family since it is practically onsite. I hope you have a MAGICAL vacation!!!!

 

[shalom]

.a 6 year old son (he has high functioning ASD with SPD--sensory processing disorder)

Most Disney resorts are really stimulating, IMHO. I suspect that's part of what many people mean by saying onsite is "magic" -- there's a lot of energy there. Which is great if you like that stimulation, not so great if you're already overwhelmed. So if I've got a fair grasp of your son's condition, then I think you're making the right decision in staying offsite. I'd ask for building one/a quiet area if you're staying in Bonnet Creek and not try to be near the pirate pool.

There are plenty of people who've stayed both onsite and offsite who much prefer offsite, sometimes because they need that escape from the mouse in the evening, either because it's too stimulating or because they need to get grounded every night in order to relax and really enjoy the fantasy of WDW. They just don't talk about loving offsite as much as the guys who love the onsite magic, because a lot of onsite lovers are enthusiastic talkers who like a friendly debate, while offsite lovers are more likely to be quiet, and really aren't interested in defending their position.

I kinda feel that if we go and we stay ONSITE that I am going to feel like I "shorted" our family last time...

Even if you do stay onsite one day and love it, that isn't going to make your vacations offsite any less special. You obviously had a great time last visit, right? I say, WDW is overwhelming, so why not save staying onsite until the parks get familiar, then you can plus things up again by staying onsite.

Personally, I would go to Disney and stay on Disney property but only if we were staying at one of the DVCs.

I would add, "But only if you're in a 1 BR or above." If you're traveling with kids, then IMHO the DVC studios are just glorified hotel rooms. Actually, I've gotten more amenities in some hotel rooms, so just hotel rooms, no glorification.

Onsite is not more magic for everyone, not matter how magic it is for some; what matters is what works best for your family.

 

[hockeymomNS]

Oh, I'm just going to jump in...........First of all, I think that you should try to stay on site so that you know if it is for you or not.

My kids are now 18 & 24. We have done on-site, off-site and home rental. For us, there were different needs at different stages, ages and type of trip. When the kids were little, a few "all consuming magic" was great. Not every trip, because finances or "just a change to see if we like it" was in order. As these boys became men, they loved having their own pool, room and "big fridge". It was also nice to have room to put them to bed and stay up at times when they were just worn out. On that note, some trips were pretty commando and we all went to bed at the same time.

Hopefully I haven't confused you.............most of all, you are going to Disney!!!!

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

We stayed at Bonnet Creek in 2010 and LOVED it! It has a real "resort" feel to it, the pools are awesome and the bus system is not bad. You will have a blast!

 

[Beemitchcowski]

Most Disney resorts are really stimulating, IMHO. I suspect that's part of what many people mean by saying onsite is "magic" -- there's a lot of energy there. Which is great if you like that stimulation, not so great if you're already overwhelmed. So if I've got a fair grasp of your son's condition, then I think you're making the right decision in staying offsite. I'd ask for building one/a quiet area if you're staying in Bonnet Creek and not try to be near the pirate pool.

There are plenty of people who've stayed both onsite and offsite who much prefer offsite, sometimes because they need that escape from the mouse in the evening, either because it's too stimulating or because they need to get grounded every night in order to relax and really enjoy the fantasy of WDW. They just don't talk about loving offsite as much as the guys who love the onsite magic, because a lot of onsite lovers are enthusiastic talkers who like a friendly debate, while offsite lovers are more likely to be quiet, and really aren't interested in defending their position.



Even if you do stay onsite one day and love it, that isn't going to make your vacations offsite any less special. You obviously had a great time last visit, right? I say, WDW is overwhelming, so why not save staying onsite until the parks get familiar, then you can plus things up again by staying onsite.



I would add, "But only if you're in a 1 BR or above." If you're traveling with kids, then IMHO the DVC studios are just glorified hotel rooms. Actually, I've gotten more amenities in some hotel rooms, so just hotel rooms, no glorification.

Onsite is not more magic for everyone, not matter how magic it is for some; what matters is what works best for your family.

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANKYOU!!!!! For this post..I just might have to print it out and put it on my refrigerator! It makes so much sense!...One big reason why we stayed off site was because we were afraid of it being "too much" for him and figured what a shame it would be if we paid extra to stay onsite to find out that its just too much (which is okay)..Also..thats' why we didn't do a ton of dining..he doesn't have a fear of Characters..but we weren't sure if the the surroundings would be too much for him...and if he would be able to focus enough to eat.

 

[Beemitchcowski]

I often think that there is a sweet family staying 10 miles off property because that is what they can afford. Then there is the 10 year old (like I was) that knows their family would never be able to afford the Disney trip. I think Bonnett Creek really sounds terrific and I would think it is giving you the best of both worlds. See even when you own DVC, have an AP and TIW card it is still expensive and you wish you could do better--like having enough points to stay in a 1 br each trip. Many times I have to tell myself that I am truly fortunate to be able to go and stay in studios each trip.

Can you tell us what things you are planning to do on this fun trip. DH and I will be there 5/4-5/11. We are eating at California Grill, Boma and Bluezoo. I can't wait to see the F&G festival at EPCOT.

That would be us...the "Sweet family" ..luckily we don't have to stay 10 miles away...but I totally understand what you are saying...that even if we "splurged" and stayed to POFQ...we would be saying how if only could we have stayed at the Poly...and so on...

We were very excited when we told our son that we were taking him to Disney World..It was a very proud moment for us because it is something we have always wanted to do...but just weren't able to do until recently...and of course he is very excited that we are going again!

 

[Beemitchcowski]

The reason why I said I would not go to Disney and not stay on property is because that it all I know!! We have never done anything different. However, I think the Bonnet Creek will be a GREAT option for you and your family since it is practically onsite. I hope you have a MAGICAL vacation!!!!

Totally understandable! Disney has great accomodations and perks! Thanks!

 

[Beemitchcowski]

In my opinion, it doesn't matter where you stay! It's all about what you make of the trip! When my family go, we'll be staying in a villa in Kissimmee as that's the only way we can possibly afford it! It will still be just as magical.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you! Enjoy your trip as well!