If you've stayed off site...

[HunnyPots]

We stayed offsite for the first time last month and it was great! We have no desire to stay on property again. We rented a 4 br home with a private pool for less than the cost of one room at Pop Century. We drove to the parks in under ten minutes every morning - no more waiting for buses for us!
It was a bargain plus it made for a much more relaxed trip. I loved everything about it!

 

[IDoDis]

In '06 we stayed for 7 nights at Pop Century. We loved it and I thought that would be our "Disney Home." Then this past May '08 we took a 10 day trip because we wanted to do Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure. Having to take a paid shuttle bus or rent a car from Disney for 3 days to get to the other parks was going to cost as much as a 10 day pre-paid rental through Priceline ($12 per day). So, that got me to thinking about staying off-site since we'd already have a rental.

We stayed at Windsor Hills and LOVED IT!!! That will be our new home when we go back. I doubt I'll ever stay on-site again unless it's just DH and I when the kids are grown and gone.

Advantage:
1) Lots of room -- The kids had their own bedrooms w/ TVs & DVDs, a playstation w/games, and we had two bathrooms and a washer/dryer right in the condo. We also had a nice balcony to sit out on in the mornings while we ate breakfast. Four of us in a value resort tiny room for 10 days would have been torture!

2) It took us literally 15 minutes from the moment we pulled out of our parking space at Windsor Hills until we were entering the front gates at the parks during the Memorial holiday. It's really a five minute drive to the parks from Windsor Hills. The one park that took the longest was Magic Kingdom because you have park at the transportation center and then take the monorail or a ferry after that.

3) We all agree that we were able to get back to the condo faster driving ourselves than we did staying on-site and waiting for a bus.

4)The pool at Windsor Hills had a really cool slide which was a big plus for the kids. The pools at the value resorts don't have slides.

5) We bought breakfast food and ate breakfast in the condo each morning which saved us quite a bit.

6) We ate lunch at the parks each day and had most of our dinners off-site. We still had great meals at a fraction of what we'd have paid for sit down places in Disney. We still did a couple of our favorite places, but we were happy with eating off-site, too!

7) DS got pneumonia on our trip. He was sick the last 4 days, so it was really nice having his own room to be in since he was coughing up a storm.

8) We had free high-speed wireless internet which we couldn't get at Pop Century.

9) Windsor Hills was $85 per night vs Pop Century at $109 for weekdays, $119 for weekend nights and $124 for the Memorial Day holiday. In October, the rates will be less at both places.

Disadvantage:
1) If you've never been to Disney and stayed on-site, I'd say that it's important to have that experience. Once you've experienced it though, it's just as magical not staying on-site.

2) We had to pay $11 per day for parking and we had to pay for gas and for the rental car. It was basically a wash though due to the cheaper rate at Windsor Hills.

3) You cannot get the dining plan if you stay off-site.

4) If you arrive late, check in can be more difficult at WH since each unit is owned individually. Look for owners who have lock boxes so you don't have to drive to their office somewhere to pick up the keys. Since we arrived after midnight, our owner gave us the lock box code so we didn't have to drive to a separate office.

5) No daily maid service at the condo, so you have to run the dishwasher, etc... We also had to provide our own trash bags and paper towels. We were also only provided with one roll of toilet paper per bathroom, so we had to buy more. This could vary from one owner to the next, so make sure to ask what is provided and what isn't.

6) No EMH if you stay off-site. We always make it a point to avoid EMH parks because that park is the most crowded, but that shouldn't be a factor if you are going in October. In May & early June, the parks were open until 10:00 or midnight on some nights, so we didn't need the EMH anyways. In October, the parks close earlier, so that would be something to consider.

 

[Kycha]

2) We had to pay $11 per day for parking and we had to pay for gas and for the rental car. It was basically a wash though due to the cheaper rate at Windsor Hills.

Since OP is going again in January, it would make sense for at least one of them to get an annual pass. Then you wouldn't have to pay for parking. Plus, there are other perks with the AP. Like, shopping and dining discounts.

 

[Sora777]

the first time my FH (future husband) and I went to disney together we stayed offsite. While on the trip we decided we would stay onsite the next time because it seemed so much easier. We do rent a car either way but we like the perks. I like being able to send my purchases back to the resort. i like the idea of having a room charge.

 

[disnee4mygirls]

I have always been on a very tight budget so we only stayed on Disney Property once and that was while I was a cast member and got extremely reduced rates. There were always long wait times on the buses to get around and some times a bus wouldn't even stop because it was already full. We have never stayed on property since. We have always been able to stay in much nicer places alot cheaper than Disney. We know the area from having gone so often and having lived there so driving is not a problem for us. We would rather save the $$$$ to spend shopping than being on property. Sadly you don't have the free parking nor the EMH.

 

[VanessasMom]

We rent DVC and stay in a studio so we don't feel so cramped at one of the value resorts and it costs nearly the same to stay at the Boardwalk Villas as it does to stay at the value resorts at Disney. I looked into staying offsite this time, but it costs the same for us and the convenience of walking out of epcot or dhs and right to the resort and hopping into the pool just can't be beat. We also love the ME and Disney transportation. You may have to wait a few minutes for a bus, but that is nothing to my poor DH who drives 3 hours everyday in traffic for work. I like to give him a vacation too. We love doing the EMH and are trying the dining plan this year. We are definite on-siters.

That being said, we would definitely be up to renting a condo elsewhere for vacation though! Love the convenience and space you would have and could see how people like that. Very nice. To each his own. There are nice things about both ways. You have to decide what is most important to you and go from there.

 

[mum4jenn]

I have a question????

Many of you talked about giving your husbands a break on driving. Is there a law that says the wife is not allowed to drive? If you want to give your dh a break in the driving...SHARE the driving or even do all the driving!!!! I drive a times when my dh is tired or has a headache or stressed or( if he did too much celebrating in Epcot).

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

we ALWAYS stay offsite and will probably always do it this way. We have a time share up here and we always trade it for 2 weeks at a timeshare in Orlando. We love that we can get a 2 or 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo. There are 5 of us (soon to be 6!) and we always have atleast 2 family members that come along for the trip. We love that we have our own space and the option of a kitchen.

At some point, we will try staying onsite just to try it out. But in all honesty, we don't mind the driving and what not. We always stay very close to the parks.

 

[SoccerDad]

Something else to consider is that staying offsite for your October trip and then onsite for your Jan/Feb trip would give you a perfect comparison, within a short timeframe, of how staying offsite vs. onsite works out for your family. That's a great opportunity on its own.

We stayed onsite (AS Movies) in Feb 2007 and offsite (Windsor Hills, "Mickey's World 1") this past Feb, and for us offsite was a better overall value. I don't believe we saved money on lodging when you factor in parking fees, but got more for the same money. We did save money on food because we ate breakfast at the condo and then ordered takeout a couple nights when we were too beat to sit in a restaurant.

As far as the 'magic' goes, I don't think there's much in staying at the All-Star resorts. Sure, the hotels are decorated nicely on the outside, and themed on the inside, but they're cramped and very minimal. I thought the cafeteria was a nightmare - and we stayed in the offseason! I'm sure the experience is better at a Moderate resort, but then the price is even higher.

The condo we rented at Windsor Hills was decorated with a Disney theme in the kids' room, and to us that was important. We passed over several condos that didn't have Disney decor. Our boys loved their room and the private pool. We loved the separate bedrooms, washer/dryer and kitchen.

Another thing to consider is that the pricing is negotiable at Windsor Hills since you are dealing with multiple owners. I was able to negotiate rates for our stay with a couple different owners when we were deciding on who to stay with.

My wife and I agree that when the kids get a bit older, we will probably still vacation in Orlando and start to visit other attractions in addition to Disney. Staying offsite makes even more sense in that case.

 

[madge]

would you do it again?

yes I would!

I have 3 kids ... and once they were all out of diapers, sleeping in their own beds ... we need more room! Everyone is much happier with their own space, a whirlpool tub, full-size fridge for snacks ... and being back at the resort (almost always) faster than waiting for the WDW buses!

We have it down to a science, now. I'd be happy to share how it works for us, if you'd like.

 

[crisi]

I have a question????

Many of you talked about giving your husbands a break on driving. Is there a law that says the wife is not allowed to drive? If you want to give your dh a break in the driving...SHARE the driving or even do all the driving!!!! I drive a times when my dh is tired or has a headache or stressed or( if he did too much celebrating in Epcot).

We tend not to drive on vacation - he has expensive taste in cars which makes cheap rentals impossible (for driving or riding in). My navigation skills drive him batty, but my driving skills send him through the roof. Me driving is NOT a way to relieve HIS stress.

On occation, I do drive on vacation - we went out to the Bay - they joined me on a business trip. With the rental through work and in my name, I did the driving. In San Francisco. So it isn't that it never happens - and if he wasn't feeling well it would - but both of us would rather not drive on vacation. And if we have to drive, both of us would rather it be him.

 

[The Sweetness]

Last summer, we stayed onsite. It was nice to have the ample food court so close. Ariel loved the pool, and the trans was convenient. (we were at ASMO, and if I stayed onsite again, Id stay there again, no question ((unless $$$ was no object )) On my next trip in 2010, we are going to USF for a day each, and a day at 2 or 3 (hopefully) WDW parks. Maybe a day at SW, but unlikely. We'll stay at the HOjos on Int Dr. The provide a little breakfast, and bus trans to wherever we want to go that day. Its clean, and has parking outside our room. There are many restaurants and bars w/in walking distance if we want. It will be just fine. Besides, we are going for the parks, not the resort. Thats just my way of seeing it

 

[Chelley00]

We stayed offsite in '06 and loved it so much we're staying at the exact same place in Oct. With 6 of us, we need the room and the money is saves us.

 

[Darcy03231]

For me, a lot depends on the number of people going and their ages. Last summer there were nine of us. I rented a 5 bedroom/3 bath private pool home. We loved it and I would definintely do it again. There was tons of room for everyone to spread out and have their own bed, we loved having the full kitchen and private pool and being able to put the kids to bed and the adults stay up and visit was priceless.

This fall its me and a 4 y.o. and we're staying onsite at ASMo. Under this scenario it was just as cost effective and easy to stay onsite.

If I go again with a larger group or just my two kids (16 & 14, almost 17 & 15) I would definitely stay offsite. We were all much happier not crowded into one small room.

 

[snowman1035]

We have done both. We purchased a timeshare and just love it and saves us alot of money. They both have the pros and con to them. The pros to staying onsite to us are: 1) you don't have to drive or pay parking fees; 2) you get the extra magic hours. The cons to staying onsite: 1) the rooms aren't very big; 2) at the end of the night the bus lines are long and you could of driven back quicker; 3) the price to stay on property getting expensive. The pros to staying offsite: 1) savings; 2) you can eat your breakfast and save money; 3) short distance to drive to the different parks (5mins); 4) the places are bigger and therefore you can spread out and not be in someones way. The cons: 1) DH does get tired of driving he is a truckdriver and drives every day, but we know the area very well and he has got his complaining down to almost none now. It is the person choice as to staying on or off property. We just rather stay offsite and save money and put that extra towards something else. It's not easy deciding where to stay.

 

[5 at disney]

In our May 2007 trip, we stayed at POR and in a townhouse at Windsor Hills. I liked both but for us we liked staying on site as it is just so much more convenient. We drove so we had access to a car. I really think it really depends on your situation and family. If it was just me and my DH then offsite saving would be ok but with kids in tow, I do not like to do off-site.

 

[kfeuer]

Yes, we have stayed offsite and definitely would again in a condo or pool home (not a fan of offsite hotels). We've stayed in Windsor Palms several times and the driving is very easy. AK is about 7 minutes away, MGM and Epcot are under 15, but MK takes longer because you have to park at the T&T center and take the monorail or ferry over (monorail is quicker). Disney is very well signed, if you follow the signs you won't get lost.

If you're worried about crowds, subscribe to tourguidemike.com. We were just at Disney the first week of June, and the longest line we waited in was probably 10 minutes. You don't need EMH to avoid lines.

We save tons of money by eating breakfast and some dinners at the rental unit (I don't cook, but sandwiches/rotisserie chicken from Publix, etc. are easy and cheap compared to eating out).

My kids love having a private pool. Several times while we were in the parks, my 7 year old asked me when we'd be going back so he could go swimming!

However, as much as I like staying offsite, part of the ease/cost-savings of it is because we live close enough to drive and we bring lots of food/supplies with us, all purchased on sale. We're going to be moving to Spokane, WA soon and I don't know when we'll get back to DW, but when we do I'll be much more inclined to stay onsite again.

I strongly suggest trying it at least once and see how you like it.

 

[LIBLULA]

We have stayed onsite and offsite. I prefer offsite.This summer we have rented a 4 bedroom/3 bath villa with private pool/hot tub and game room for about 125 a night. It's nice to have our own bedroom. Your not crammed into a hotel room. When we stay onsite--we never use the transportation anyway--hate the waits and crowded buses.

 

[hinodis]

Last November we stayed in a 5 BR / 4 Bath house in Formosa Gardens. It was awesome! It was about a 10 minute ride to the park. We had a AAA diamond parking pass. The best thing about the house was the huge screened in pool and jacuzzi! We all loved it! We had a great time grilling out and swimming. This house was sooooooo big! We pad $160.oo a night. I have a family of five and the space was great. We had one empty bedroom but that was ok. There was NEVER a problem with traffic coming or going. We were 2.5 miles from disney.

 

[Miz Diz]

We stayed offsite in May when my dh had a conference. We stayed at a nice hotel that was about a 15 minute drive to WDW. We went to WDW together over the weekend and during the week, I went while he worked.

We both agreed we would not stay offsite again. We have a new appreciation for the WDW bus system. We timed how long it took us to get to the gate of the park and it was about an hour with our 15 minute drive time.

You have to drive there, park, and get on the tram to get to the front gate (unless you get there really early and are close enough to walk). At MK, you take the tram to the Ticket and transportation center, then take the boat or monorail to the MK entrance.

Coming home from MK was worse. We left at close. We had to get over to the TTC (waiting in line for the monorail), wait in line for a tram, once at our car it was slow moving to get out of the parking lot. The bus would have been a lot easier and quicker, even with the wait time.

We also felt we were missing out on some of the magic.

Just a note - if you have an AP, the parking is free at the parks.