Need advice about staying off property

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We have done both and often do a split stay. Even when we stay on property we mainly drive to the resorts, my DH doesn't mind driving and prefers it to the buses.

We have stayed at Windsor Hills about 5 times and are going back for Christmas. It is a really easy drive to WDW from there. A lot of property owners offer mid stay cleans where they will change bedding, clean and wash towels etc, this does cost extra but for us it is still cheaper than on site and we still have all the extra room. Some even offer daily freshen ups, but I've never tried this. We have stayed other places like Sheraton Vistana, but think the drive from WH is one of the easiest.

The advantage of staying on site for us is just the resort atmosphere of say somewhere like CSR and the fact that our dd can have a bit of freedom, like going for a drink by herself now that she is older. But we still drive to many places and eat offsite at times. As we normally go for up to 3 weeks, the benefits of being offsite are space, cost, a bit of quiet and going home with a suitcase of clean clothes!

WBC is virtually on property so I think the driving should be really easy. Have you made a decision yet?

 

[mckennarose]

We had a discussion at dinner tonight, and DS brought up a couple of other Cons for staying off property.
* Giving up EMH - We have made use of those when staying on property.
* Having the 60 day window for setting up fast passes. From what I can tell, correct me if I'm wrong, it may be impossible to get FP for 7DMT or Frozen. We skipped those two rides this trip. If we have a longer trip, we will make each of these a 1st priority upon entrance as best we can.

We stay offsite and our experience has been great. We visit WDW at least once a year, usually Spring or Fall.

I've never had an issue getting FP+ for 7DMT, or other biggies (ie: TSMM prior to the 3rd track opening). The only exception was A&E meet and greet in MK back when they were in MK. But a lot of on-siters had trouble getting that one too and it was never on our "to do" list.

We have not been there since the new FEA opened and having all adults, we wouldn't be interested in it on our upcoming trip. Again, that's another one on site guests have trouble getting too.

We have always steered clear of EMH because of the crowds. Half our family stays on property as DVC owners and they usually steer clear of EMH too.

I'm of the mindset that there is no wrong way to do Disney. If having an extra 30 days for FP+ is important for a family, go for it. IMO, the only difference would be that you *might* have a better chance at FEA or if you're going during a very busy time. Same with EMH, if staying onsite for EMH as a perk is important, go for it. I would much rather have the extra money we save by staying offiste to use for other experiences, meals, souvenirs, etc. FWIW, we have a standing invitation to stay onsite with our DVC family members and still choose to stay offsite for a lot of reasons.

 

[Beemitchcowski]

We love Bonnet Creek. We figure it costs about $160/day if we include what we have to pay at Disney to park.and a car rental...PLUS our food expenses are way lower because we can make some of our own meals and pack lunches easily for the parks. Plus it's very laid back and we aren't crammed into one room.

 

[Beemitchcowski]

We love Bonnet Creek. We figure it costs about $160/day if we include what we have to pay at Disney to park.and a car rental...PLUS our food expenses are way lower because we can make some of our own meals and pack lunches easily for the parks. Plus it's very laid back and we aren't crammed into one room.