Need Advice - First Time Staying Offsite!!!

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Hi all you SMART Disboarders We have always stayed onsite at Disney, but this year we are renting a house so we have more space! All of the planning I've done in the past has revolved around onsite stays, and I'm kind of at a loss for planning with an offsite stay. We'll be staying for 2 weeks and will buy 10-day park hoppers. It will be me, DH, DD9 and DD6 plus my sister (my best friend and built-in babysitter). What all do I need to be thinking about to make this a GREAT vacation??? TIA

 

[Brian Noble]

1: Avoid EMH parks.

2: Enjoy!

 

[TrustedTraveler]

I'll tell you what we enjoy about renting a home offsite: relaxing! Depending on the weather and crowd levels (thank you Tour Guide Mike) we take a day or two each week just to relax and enjoy the pool or be a couch potato.
Hope you have a GREAT vacation!

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Go early leave early.

 

[KayR]

I agree with all of the above.

In addition, make sure you know how long it takes to get to the parks from your VR. Helps you get there in time for rope drop / opening. Depending on the time of year, get there for opening (or in reality, before opening)

You can still eat at the resort hotels even if you are not staying onsite.

Consider other alternatives, such as seaworld or the many other attractions in the area. Some are wonderful half day events which won't leave you tired like a full day at the parks.

Plan time for relaxing by the pool or just chilling out at the home.

If you don't want to shop for groceries use www.gardengrocer.com

--Kay
--Kay

 

[disneysteve]

I agree with the other comments. We just returned from a 2-week rental home. The new Super Target on 192 West is great. Much better prices than Publix or Winn-Dixie.

Are you sure you really need a 10-day pass? Remember, you can buy fewer days and add on if you change your mind. Unless you are absolutely positive you will want 10 days, I'd suggest buying 6 or 7 and upgrading if needed.

Enjoy the peace and quiet that you simply don't get onsite. After a busy day, it is so nice to kick back and relax.

If the house has a DVD player, pack some favorite movies.

 

[spiceycat]

might also price the annual pass for one member of your party. It gives a few discounts on restuarants and sometimes WDW resort - but the big reason is you don't pay for parking.

you only need it for one member (assuming you are renting a big enough car for everyone to ride together)

that say - if everyone is use to going their own way - then this might be a problem.

 

[isla bonita]

Are you sure you really need a 10-day pass? Remember, you can buy fewer days and add on if you change your mind. Unless you are absolutely positive you will want 10 days, I'd suggest buying 6 or 7 and upgrading if needed.
Enjoy the peace and quiet that you simply don't get onsite. After a busy day, it is so nice to kick back and relax.
If the house has a DVD player, pack some favorite movies.

I have got to agree with Disney Steve. Having a home can just add that relaxing part to your holiday that you just can not get from a hotel.

Breakfast every morning can be filling but not expensive.
Sleeping in your own rooms gives you both privacy and down time. Nothing worse then getting dressed in a steamy small bathroom.
Take full advantage of the home if they have a games room have fun with your family.
Have fun in the pool soak up some of those warm rays of sunshine.
If the community has any amenities check them out. While down my daughter tie dyed a t-shirt cost $7.00, did wter games, face painting, arts and crafts $2.00, made her own sunday $2.00, and more.

When you return there will be no reason to need a few days to recuperate. Your laundry can be all done with little effort.

Have a lovely time.

 

[disneysteve]

Your laundry can be all done with little effort.

True. This has a couple of advantages.

1. You don't need to pack nearly as much. You can bring just enough clothes for 1 week (or less) and have enough for 2 weeks.

2. You don't come home with a ton of dirty laundry.

We did laundry almost daily, though that was mainly to keep us stocked with clean towels. It isn't hard at all to toss a load in when we got back from the park. By the time we were ready for bed, it was done. Or we did it when we took a mid-day break.

 

[tinkerbellmichelle]

Way less to plan, isn't it??? Enjoy your time now to dream about your trip


Maybe plan a few non-disney things. Like the medieval times or pirate dinner theatre???

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

We are really excited to stay offsite for our next trip. I am particularly excited about having a washer/dryer. Sad, huh? I HATE doing laundry at WDW. It takes soooo long!!! Glad to hear everyone's positive offsite experiences and I enjoyed your trip-reports, Steve.

 

[Disneyforus]

I agree, take less clothes and throw a load in each day when you get home...by the time you are ready for bed, throw them in the dryer.

Also, plan for time at home. Our kids would have liked more time to swim and play, then we had planned for, when we stayed offsite in 07.

I brought lots of Disney with us to make it seem more Disneyish. (snacks, dollar store toys etc...so the kids would have fun little Disney surprises every couple days)

 

[mossy1]

I agree with the previous responses, and must say having your own washer/dryer is awesome. Don't forget about stopping at the Disney outlets. Enjoy your trip!

 

[mic&min]

We also planned our first offsite visit for spring break. The price at Windsor Hills was so much cheaper than Disney and we are also planning on visiting parks.

I told the girls we were only taking carry ons this trip as we could do laundry every day. So looking forward to that.

Enjoy your trip!!

Mary

 

[kydisneyfans]

Less planning
Better food, more dining options, better prices
More flexibility
Depending on where the condo is located, quicker to get to the parks.
More relaxing, not everyone is crammed into a small room.
Get to see the rest of Orlando

Drawback:
Pay to park

 

[crazelion]

Better dining and it will be cheaper.
More than one TV that is really important
Get to sleep in
I have own car to drive where want to.

I have nice trip.