If I can stay off site for free, should I?

[hopetoseedisney]

We have found out that friends in the area are willing to host us in a spare room, or there is also a possibility of staying in a cabin owned by friends........they are both within 10 minutes of WDW, and it will be FREE. We can also fly free, but then, we'd be left without a car, but could probably rent a car cheap. Should we do this, or is it better to stay onsite??? I need to know quickly so I can make plans. Thanks.

 

[Janell Ebert]

Rent a car and enjoy. That would be my idea.

 

[BethR]

I agree with Janell! Rent the car! You will save a lot of money. So then you can put it away for a return trip!

 

[tink2dw]

Stay free!! Rent a Car!! Check www.MouseSavers.com for Car Deals!!

 

[kilarney]

If staying for free would allow you to take an extra trip (whether or not you go back to Disney), then by all means stay free.

 

[TreeOfLife]

Staying offsite is far better than not going at all.
Being a Disney resort guest does not give you more than the chance of entering alternating parks one hour early in the mornings and purchasing e-tickets at a fee. Although they are nice options, they can be worked around.

Visiting Universal, however, and especially during busy seasons is well worth staying onsite. With front of the line privileges you can see everything and ride your favorite attractions as often as you wish, cutting the long lines. That helps you do far more in less time.

Enjoy you vacation!

 

[JOC]

Free is always good...lucky you! I hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[GoldenOldie]

IMHO, Stay in the cabin owned by friends or stay onsite.

Nothing will strain a friendship faster than "staying for free" visitors. It's really amazing how many friends and relatives one finds they have after they move to Central Florida.

YMMV

 

[Ratpack]

If it's free, it's for me!!!!

 

[wtrflea]

I also agree that you should stay free! It will allow you to have more $$$ to spend/save. If you want the "full" disney treatment, then maybe you can stay at a disney resort for a night or two.
We are going in May and were offered a free room off-site. My DH says it will weaken his magic feeling of Disney and I disagreed. Honestly, how long are you in your room? I know that we are always on the go. So we decided to compromise. We are first staying offsite for free and then moving over to CS for a couple nights on disney property to end our trip. I got a good rate for CS. I can tell you that I am saving enough the first few nights by staying free that it paid for CS room and have some $$ left over! I am glad that a family member offered us his free accomodations!
Good luck with your decision and enjoy your trip!

 

[MrsPete]

On-site is -- in my opinion -- absolutely wonderful: the theming, the transportation, the early entry. If it were a matter of low-price vs. high price, I'd say stay on-site. But FREE -- you can't pass that up!

 

[heart4dis]

I agree to save your money and stay off-site. If you have frequent flyer points, check out the program and see if they provide points or discounts toward car rental. Ours does (through credit card points) and we may get our car rental free, too.

If you have very young children, have a plan for the afternoon rest--either going back to wherever you are staying or finding a place to hang out and rest.

 

[dahess]

free!

 

[jilljill]

A free room near WDW - jump at the chance!
We either stay on property or at a timeshare about 10 minutes away and I don't care where I stay because it is closer than being home.

 

[travelitis]

FREE!!

Now I know many will disagree with me about this, but I find the WDW transportation system s-l-o-w, because I use an ECV. We always have a car and unless we're using the monorail, we drive. I went once without a car and hated being so limited. Of course I needed something that couldn't be found anywhere on Disney property, and the CMs sure did try. With a free room and air, splurge on the car and get a convertible.

 

[Debbie]

uh...yes.

 

[dis4me]

I'd like to offer some advice from someone who has been there done that. Stay for free Howerver Make sure your guest are well aware of your plans ahead of time So they don't make plans for you. Invite them along if possible.Treat them to a nice dinner(it is way cheaper than a hotel room. Other thatn that HAVE FUN.We try to stay with friends every other trip and do onsite oncle and a while. Although I enjoy the atmosphere of WDW resorts.I also enjoy having alll the amenities of home for free.