Need advice on off site vs. POFQ

[Disneytrip]

I am visiting 3/1-3/7. I have a rate of 148.00 (AAA) for POFQ. My boyfriend and I are going as more of a relaxing getaway rather than to see all the parks (we did this last winter). We'll visit Disney for maybe a day, Universal a day, but really want to relax at hotel. I wouldn't mind staying off property if I could just find a place with a nice pool, hot tub, and comfy beds but they all seem to cost a fortune (160+) at which point I'm like we might as well stay on site and have the magical express, and easy Disney transport to other resorts and boat rides to Downtown Disney. However before I decide this is it, I'm hoping someone can give me advice on places outside the Disney resort that might be economical but also a nice place to relax at during the day. Also--in regards to Universal does anyone know about transport from Disney resorts to Universal? Do you have to take a taxi? Thanks!!

 

[disneysteve]

I wouldn't mind staying off property if I could just find a place with a nice pool, hot tub, and comfy beds but they all seem to cost a fortune (160+)

I don't know what places you are looking at but that's way off base. For less than $100/nite, you can rent a 3-bedroom, 2 or 3 bathroom single home with your own private pool and hot tub, full kitchen, living room, dining room, etc. Some even include computers and Internet access, VCR or DVD player and video game systems.

As for hotels, I think the most we ever paid for an offsite hotel room was about $59/nite. Browse a site like hotelkingdom.com to see some options. Just as an example, Residence Inn on Marbella Palm Court has studios for $85 for your dates. There is plenty out there if you search around a little.

 

[powellrj]

depending on when you go, you can sometimes stay on-site at Universal for around $129 a night and get front of the line. We like to stay in the DTD area off-site for less money and more room. Last time we stayed at Cypress point that we booked a 2 bedroom condo for under $100 a night using www.hotelkingdom.com

 

[Disneytrip]

Thanks! Looking at hotel kingdom now, seeing Radisson Worldgate, Florida Mall (? I like to shop, is this any good?) and the Regal Palms, any reviews on these?

 

[MickeyMickey]

Try the Radisson Resort Parkway. You can get a $59 rate from the link on allearsnet.com. This place gets great reviews.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

First, I have to ask, will you have a car. As much as I love off-site now, I wouldn't do it if I didn't have a car.

So, if you have a car...............and it's just the two of you, I would try priceline, resort. Look on the site, www.biddingfortravel.com .........lots of info on there.

 

[Disneytrip]

I guess that is our biggest issue, no car. What about the Raddison Parkway? reading good reviews and free transport to Disney and Universal..but would also like to eat at Disney resorts. getting rate now of 115.00/125.00 for weekend.

 

[hercamore]

w/o a car, I'd stay onsite or at one of the dt disnye hotels. I believe Mousesavers had a good rate on the Best Western in dt Disney.

herc.

 

[hercamore]

P.S.

Re: the Universal transport from Disney, you can call Mears from Guest Services at your Disney resort to set up a pickup time.

$15 round tirp, I think, but not sure.

You can post on the Universal board for more speciific info on transport from Disney.

herc.

 

[spiceycat]

us and WDw aren't close to each other.

they are in different cities.

so decide where you want to be the most if WDW then go with POR or I happen to love Pop Century if you are on a budget. Once at WDW you can use their buses to visit the other resorts.

if you decide US/IOA then I would go with their onsite hotels.

I am seeing Universal's Royal Pacific for $159 on hotelkingdom this Sept. Staying onsite at US/IOA gives you a better benefit than even staying on site at WDW - FOLE - front of line excess.

there are around 20 to 30 minutes apart. (could be 40 to 60 minutes in bad traffic)

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

I guess that is our biggest issue, no car. What about the Raddison Parkway? reading good reviews and free transport to Disney and Universal..but would also like to eat at Disney resorts. getting rate now of 115.00/125.00 for weekend.

Yea, the only way I would do WDW with no car is on-site, just MHO. In fact, when we have stayed on-site, we still used our car. I hate waiting for buses.

We rely on WDW transportation when it's just DH and I and we fly. Other than that, we drive. I know others stay offsite and use the shuttles, I just think that would be a hassle, especially if you want to go to other resorts.

And the value resorts are nice, but if you want to relax by the pool..........well, let's just say I wouldn't exactly use the word "relax" when speaking of the values. Way too many kids........and I contributed 3 to the mix. Stick to the quiet pools at POR.

Good luck deciding.......

 

[disneysteve]

Yea, the only way I would do WDW with no car is on-site, just MHO. In fact, when we have stayed on-site, we still used our car. I hate waiting for buses.

I totally agree. I honestly think I would rather stay home than go to Disney without a car. I would absolutely not stay offsite without one (and I wouldn't be too happy about staying onsite without one but I'd do that if I had to).

 

[melomouse]

hi -
Just a thought - if you were ready to pay $160/ nite for a room, you can do LOTS better offsite and the savings will allow you to both have a great resort experience, get to the parks you want, and rent a car!! Mousesavers and DIS search tools are your new bib le - Research and you will be very pleasantly surprised!!!