Need some "OFFSITE" encouragement!!

[Pug Mom]

One of the downsides to coming on these boards is seeing everyones posts sometimes makes you question the plans you've already made. For some reason, I am having "offsite" anxiety. My husband and I (no kids) are booked for a 6 night stay at the Radisson Resort Parkway for $69 a night. Before I found these boards, I was so excited about our trip and choice of hotel as the pictures of its pool facilities (the most important aspect for us) look fabulous from the pictures I've seen. Plus theres two outdoor hottubs (a must!!). I know our trip will be great but I can't help this annoying feeling I now have, thanks to the "ONSITE" diehards from these boards, that somehow I have made a mistake by not staying onsite. This is our first trip so I guess we won't know the difference of not having the "Disney magic". We will be renting a car so we can get around freely. While I am well informed of why the onsiters choose to stay onsite, I would like to hear from some of the DIEHARD OFFSITERS! I want to hear more from the "other side" who believe the magic is still possible staying 1.5 miles away from Maingate. There has to be some of you out there!!

 

[crazyme5kids]

We stayed off-site and I don't regret my choice one bit! Disney is very easy to drive to, and quite frankly, after doing some research it sounds like you have to budget a lot of time getting to different places using Disney transportation. Some will say that being able to take a break and go back to the hotel during the day and then back to the parks is a nice perk. We did that too. You only pay once a day for parking and just show your parking voucher when driving to a different park. Personally, as much as I liked Disney, I really, really liked Universal. Staying off-site and driving around gives you so much more flexability. We did stay two nights on Universal property for the front of line access, very cool. After that we moved to an off-site place. Do what's right for you!

 

[baileybrad]

Can't speak to the specifics of your hotel choice. If the pool area is important to your family and it looks great then that is definitely a positive. We are DVC owners and have stayed on-site many more times than off. BUT each trip is good in its own way....the main thing is your family....as long as your family enjoys the trip and each other....where is the downside. Have a great time. Enjoy spending the money that Disney might have gotten their hands on if you were onsite.

 

[Gagebre]

I do the same thing! I read all the posts about staying onsite, usually make my reservation for one of the onsite hotels, but at the last minute I just can't justify the cost and talk myself out of it. I did enjoy my stay at the All-Stars Music several years ago, but the room was really small and I felt really cramped on the double bed with my husband (we had to get the double bed room since we have two kids). We tryed the bus once, but had our car and drove the rest of the time. To me the real advantage of staying onsite would be if you could afford to stay at one of the resorts on the monorail, but it's so expensive. I have stayed at several of the hotels around Disney World, some of them nice and some horrible. I stayed at the Radison on Parkway about 8 years ago and thought the pool area was very nice, but I remember not really liking the restaurant there. I can't remember much about our room though! I'm sure it's changed alot since that was so long ago and I'm pretty sure it's been renovated since we were there. I usually try to stay in the newer hotels in the Lake Buena Vista area. That way you know it will be clean (I had a bad experience with a Quality Suites in Kissimmee which looked wonderful in the pictures and the description they gave me, but was disgusting when I got there. I checked out after one night). Just be careful and do your research about the hotels and you'll be fine, plus you'll have a lot of extra money to spend on food, etc.

 

[eeyoresmom]

I know how you feel. we went and Jan and after spending so much time on these boards I changed my plans and doubled my accomadation budget to stay on-site. We needed 2 rooms at the all stars for 6 of us and while it was ok we are staying offsite when we go back in 2 days.Although the all star rooms are very small, we've also been to the Poly(a deluxw) and those rooms are rather small also.Let me say that I am a Disney nut(have been 4 times this year and live in MA!)I really don't get what people say when they say it's more "magical" to stay on-site.The only real benefit I believe' is if they reinstate EE.Also consider how expensive the food is on-site.We find it much more comfortable to rent a suite off-site that has a fridge and microwave.Really,if it's in your budget and you'd like to see for yourself what all the hype is about'try it.tha's what we did last trip and now we know we receive much better value off-site!

 

[Sandiebean]

I am a diehard stay-onsite person. HOWEVER... I can't really say what it's like to stay offsite. We've stayed at other hotels... just not outside of Disney. So I won't comment that it's better onsite. I personally can't imagine staying offsite.. so I don't. My advice... go.. you can't NOT enjoy yourself. You'll have the time of your life. Also.. if you can... stay onsite for a couple of days.. just to see if it is better. Maybe you'll think staying offsite is better. Some people can't enjoy themselves if they are spending too much money. Some can't enjoy themselves if they aren't. Know what I mean?

We all have an opinion. Thankfully.. opinions are free.. or society would die from debt.

Sandie (who wants to hear your trip report when you get back)

 

[LeahA]

This is my 6th trip to Disney and we have stayed offsite each time. I have always enjoyed my hotel choices, some more than others, but, overall, have always been satisfied. I've always had a great trip to Disney/Universal. I too, have booked onsite numerous times, too many to count, and always end up cancelling. I would love to experience onsite one day, but, I love getting a good deal. I got the Hilton DD for $60.00 per night for our next trip through Priceline. Even though there have been some mixed reviews on the hotel, we still are going to stay there, because we are only paying $60.00 per night. I also read the boards and feel everybody's excitement about staying onsite, I get sad, jealous and not excited about my own trip. But then, I have to think, I've never had a bad trip to Disney, even when I was 7 months pregnant, I still had a good time. So, the short of it is, the onsite hotels are not going anywhere, you got a great deal, and the Radisson is suppose to be very nice. You don't need to stay onsite to have a great vacation.

Have a great trip!!!

Leah

 

[dgaston]

I like to stay onsite, but have also stayed offsite. On our last minute spring break trip in early March, I got the Wyndham Orlando near Universal for $30 per night thru Priceline. It led to us having a terrific visit at Universal which we hadn't been to in 9 years. I'd forgotten how much I like Universal Studios, and their take on movie-making. The two days we spent at Disney were fine--I used the AP lounge in the Land, watched Illuminations from the AP viewing area, had a wonderful dinner at Boma (using Disney transport from Epcot and back). I think what makes it magical is knowing how to plan the attractions and things that interest you from reading the DIS boards. And I found driving to the parks was easy. One day we started at MK, then drove to Epcot where we were ending. It was easy navigating I-4 in the time frame we were there.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Debbie, how did you like the Wyndham? Iasked for reviews but so far no luck. Igot the same deal you did (leaving tomorrow!)I'm paying an extra $35 night for a suite. Any info you can give would be great. Thanks.

 

[tonilea]

We have stayed @ the Wyndham Orlando twice, and enjoyed it very much both times. IMHO, I would ask for a building away from I Drive (road noise) and we prefer the top floor, because it is quieter.

for more reviews, go to www.biddingfortravel.com and scroll down (it is at the bottom) to "florida hotels". You should be able to find several reviews there.

 

[dgaston]

I joined Wyndham by request and had them link that number to the reservation. Requested extra pillows, and on arrival received some cheese and crackers, and a small bottle of wine. The room was clean (bldg 13) away from International drive, and just a short walk by the tennis courts to the main pool, smaller heated pool (March 4-8 was COLD!) and a hot tub. My children enjoyed the game room, but we were park-focused enough that I know we didn't discover everything the Wyndham has to offer. The toiletries said "Golden Door." I found it wonderful for the low price we paid.

 

[emmalgin]

Search my name and you will see numerous pro offsite postd. Number 1 is money. Eating and Staying offsite is a huge savings. Then there is shopping for your spouse and Universal and IOA is more suited for adults, especially if roller coaster fans. Use Priceline and costs savings are enormous. Rooms offsite are bigger, many include breakfast....

 

[emmalgin]

In many cases you could offer a broom closet on-site at Disney or the Four Seasons off-site and people will say the broom closet on this site.

If you can afford $200+/night and money is no object then certainly stay on site. If $100 is your budget and you don't care about the size or amenities in your room, stay on site. If you have no problem starting your day with a $5-$10 breakfast of taost, coffee and juice, stay on site.

If you plan on wearing mouse ears, disney t-shirts and matching shorts, stay on-site...... If you have no interest in escaping the cocoon that is WDW, stay on-site. If you are looking for value for your dollar (no connection passes), you may look elsewhere. If you don't want to drive and not in the main properties and happy to go by a bus schedule stay on site.

Yes I am sarcastic, but I like all the options off site.

I am staying with kids in one of the top timeshares in the area (2 BR) for $299 for the week (includes taxes). Paying half the price for passes to Universal and IOA. Seeing Sea World (kids loved it last time). Spouse loves shopping in the outlets. I like Outback, heard great things about Jungle Jims and many other Orlando Restaurants. I am saving I would say $1,000+ staying offsite for a week.....

I think you'll be fine.

 

[C.Ann]

Another die-hard OFF-SITE fan here.. To me the "magic" is in TANGIBLE goods that I can buy with the savings of staying off-site and bring back home with me.. There is just no way - no how - that I think the prices they charge for rooms at the Disney Resorts are worth it..

Renting a car for me is a must - on-site OR off-site - because I like to explore lots of other things while in Florida.. Getting to the parks have never been a problem - 5 to 10 minutes at the most - and according to what I've read on these boards, people ON-SITE often have to wait much longer than that for the Disney Transportation..

Obviously eating off-site is much cheaper - not to mention having a much wider choice - and if your off-site accomodations have cooking facilities you can really save a bundle..

If the "prestige" of staying on-site isn't an issue for you then stay off-site and save yourself a boat load of money.. I guarantee you won't miss a thing - and your money will go MUCH further..

 

[Disney Talker]

I am also a die hard off siter...no interest in on site stays...

We have been to WDW 12 times now and have stayed off site in Kissimmee all twelve times..We have wonderful trips and have no regrets or feel we have missed anything at all staying off site. I am sure others would, but not us...all we want is a decent place to sleep and some good restaurants to eat in for breakfast and dinner if the parks close early. Who is to say there is less magic at WDW because you are not paying $200 a night to sleep on property..I find that whole statement to be not true and pure propaganda on Disney's part.

Mind you I love WDW and Universal as much as any on site folks do..but it is expensive to even visit on a cheap budget trip..I have no desire to give WDW any more of my hard earned money than necessary. WDW is a business not a charity and they are out to make money as any corporate organization is..So the PR dept came up with the idea and slogan that if you do not stay on site and pay large amounts for a room..then you are not getting all the magic...Brilliant idea on their part, people who have not visited feel they are missing a lot to NOT stay on site..Return visitors are afraid to stay off site for fear that they will miss something if they do..It has made Disney millions of dollars, hope that PR person got a nice bonus for that thought....

Hotels are not all flea bags that the off site hotels are portrayed to be here..They are normal chain hotels that you will find in any city. They are just as clean and well kept as any other hotel anywhere, and the folks who run them are very polite and friendly to the visitors as they would be any other place. Off Site places are definitely not all seedy run down places, run by uncaring people of questionable background. I am sure you COULD find places like that, but if you stick to the chain name ones you are pretty sure of getting a decent place to stay.

You will find all the chain restaurants you know from back home here and some other really good ones too,with good deals on breakfast and dinners. It is much cheaper to eat off site too if you are staying out there..the food courts and all food on property is very expensive, so if you stay there you are basicly paying disney prices 24/7 which can be extremely pricey.

The drive in is quick and easy..and I often "beat" my on site friends to the parks as they get caught waiting for buses. They waited 20 minutes or so minimum for buses, we were in the parking lots from 1-92 in under 15 minutes, and that is counting stopping and paying the parking toll, so where is the fast advantage of staying on site. Actually on 1-92 you are closer to MK, Epcot and MGM than the All Stars On Site resorts are distance wise and you can get there just as fast driving as they can.

I am sure it is very nice staying on site my friends love it and would not even consider staying where I do..but they have never tried it and never will as they would feel..cheated ..they said so they pay the huge amounts for lodging. Me...I would rather go more often and stay in a more reasonablely priced place and spend my money on more fun things than a hotel room.

Let me say, I either drive down or rent a car, so I have never tried off site transport..but I would have a car if I stayed on site, do not like depending on buses to get me where I want to go.

Go and have a great time...off site is fine, though many will not agree with me..that is their right of course. Many of us feel off site suits our needs and prefer it actually.

 

[robinb]

It all depends on who you ask ...

This question always cracks me up ! If asked here, everyone says off-site is just as nice. If asked on the Resorts board everyone says on-site is the ONLY way to go . I personally do both. I own DVC points so I stay on-site Sun-Fri when it's cheaper and then off-site on the weekends. I *always* use Priceline to get a good deal. You could pay as much or even less for a Resort quality hotel (MOWC, DD Hilton, Wyndham Palace) than you're paying for your 2-3* Radisson Resort Parkway. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com and read the Orlando Board and the Hotel Bidding FAQ. You'll be glad you did.

Here's the MOWC:
http://www.photoaccess.com/share/guest.jsp?ID=A647FE23545&cb=PA

Here's the Wyndham:
http://www.photoaccess.com/share/guest.jsp?ID=ACA69922065&cb=PA

I didn't take any pictures of the Hilton .

FWIW, I cancelled my AKL reservations this month and made some at ASSp for $74 per night. We're buying more DVC points and I wanted to save some $$. I am still thinking about bidding on PL and saving even more.

 

[Lisa P.]

We've enjoyed every WDW trip we've taken and they've been divided between onsite & offsite stays (some trips included both). The nicest things about onsite (for us) have been:
1. EE... now gone.
2. splitting up and using Disney transport to regroup... possible for offsite people with cell phones and/or taxis now.
3. theme pools with slides.

Only #3 matters to us anymore so we hardly stay onsite anymore. Only the deluxe resorts seem worth it to us and those are so ridiculously expensive that we only bother when we can get a tremendous discount or a DVC trade (for other timeshares, we own). We like the water parks much more than the regular pool slides so even that doesn't really matter to us anymore.

For offsite, we just love to stay at spacious luxury timeshare condo resorts! The area offers many. They have beautifully landscaped pool areas and the big villas are fabulous. When it comes right down to it, we really enjoy the Florida warmth, the relaxing, beautiful pools, and the comforts of our villa on a nice family vacation. Since this can be found offsite as easily as onsite at a small fraction of the onsite cost, it's a no-brainer!

The Disney parks are such fun! We like to drive under those purple gateways on our 10 minute drive in. Disney transport is hit-or-miss for convenience and efficiency and we dislike standing on a crowded, aromatic bus (mix diesel fumes with all-day perspiration). We drive our car even when staying onsite (except for MK). Once you enter the turnstiles, it doesn't matter worth a whit where you slept that night. You are at Walt Disney World!!!

We have packages sent to the entry gate area when we shop in the parks, rather than wait to see that our purchases make it safely to our room the next day. We enjoy coffee or ice cream while waiting for the park to empty out at night, whether driving or headed for the Disney transport (standing!) lines. We use Park Hoppers for the best value either way. We use FastPass to limit our ride waits, either way. When spending less for a better room, we may enjoy more meals at the fun, themed restaurants onsite and/or the greater variety of restaurants offsite!

It's a sure thing that a lot of people on these boards get pretty touchy whenever anyone criticizes the "magic" of staying onsite. But as one who's done both, many times, I remind you that the word Magic was aptly chosen... it means "illusion." And all that glossy Disney marketing casts a marvelous spell on many who partake! The lovely evening lighting, mood music, and detailed design are, no doubt, fun and inviting. But you will get lots of it all day long at the parks too! And some offsite places include similar elements.

In any event, most folks barely spend any time at their resort on their first couple of WDW trips. The parks and some relaxing downtime at the pool will truly fill your stay! Our first few visits were offsite and we had an absolute blast! You will too! So don't sweat these boards. When you go on your vacation, the only people you'll need to please will be your DH and yourself... not a few dozen strangers on a public access bulletin board! Go, stay at the Radisson as you're planning and just enjoy yourselves!!! Hope that helped!

 

[BarryHom]

I tend to stay offsite when possible. The reason is that I spend so little time in the room that I don't see why I should spend a lot of money on a room. Parking is not an issue since my AP gives me free parking anyway and I usually have my own car. I do sometimes stay onsite, but that's if I get a sweet deal. I usually use Priceline and bid $20 for a 1 star hotel. Most of the places that I've been at are decent.

The only time I ever spend a lot of money on a hotel is for the Universal onsite hotels. The reason? You can use your room key as an all-day Universal Express pass. That alone is worth paying over $100 a night for a room!

 

[Mr D]

My family of 5 stayed at a vacation rental home at Families First, it was just a couple of miles away from WDW, the house was huge and in excellant condition, just like a brand new home with many luxury items. It had an enclosed heated pool, central A/C, fire and securuty alarms and best of all....absolute silence, no rowdy late night parties, no midnite "thumps" no long distances to transportation areas (rental car in garage), our own washer and dryer, cooking OUR food, etc.
We were there just after Thanksgiving last year for a full two weeks, I paid about $66 per night due to specials at the time, since we live in Alaska our annual vacation means a lot for us, we look forward so hard to the date every year when we leave to have fun in Orlando, I will never consider staying on WDW property when there is so much more to be had....and for less. Its just an idealogy that never took hold on me to give up money for high priced lodging that falls short, especially at the WDW resorts lately.

Even right now I am planning on staying at the same home for our next trip, possibly even consideration of purchasing a home for our own and having a management service rent it out when we are not there, thats usually the case of these homes, many are privately owned.
And they are expertly maintained as we saw at Families First, they never even solicted for us to buy! That was another major plus on their part, though our vacation was substandard (mostly because of conditions at WDW) it was excellant as for our lodging.

 

[Carrieberry]

We have been to WDW three times in as many years. Our last trip was in Dec of 2000 and after the buses and crowds (supposedly the slowest time of year - first week of Dec) my husband said he wouldn't go back for at least four years. We are now planning a trip to Orlando for this December, and the only way I got my husband to agree to go was by saying that we didn't have to go to Disney. Can you imagine? A trip to Orlando without doing Disney at all? We are going to go without the kid's for a much needed couples vacation. We are staying offsite for five nights and onsite at the new Royal pacific Hotel at Universal only-I stress this point-and only because we want the Express access while we visit the Universal parks on these days, otherwise it would be off site the entire way. I did get DH to agree to a couple of nights at Downtown Disney, and once there, I am hoping to convince him for a day at Epcot, but my chances are slim. Let me explain further.

When we were there, the Disney buses quite honestly, made our trip a nightmare. They were constatly overcrowded, always full, and always twenty minutes off until the next one. I don't know if this was bad luck, or just the price you pay when you stay at a moderate resort, but they were awful. One night we were at Epcot and four buses for Coronado Springs showed up in the forty five minutes we waited for the Port Orleans bus. I realize Coronado is right by Epcot but come on! We ended up having to take a taxi back to the hotel because we never saw one of our buses! I would have been willing ot overlook this if we didn't have to wait thirty five minutes two nights later at Downtown Disney after the ferry stopped running. Anyway, we had excellent bus service when we stayed at All Stars so this was very dissapointing.

This trip we will be at the Radisson Universal for $89 a night and we will be renting a car. We look forward to driving to off site restaurants, the Kennedy Space Center and visiting Sea World and other things Orlando has to offer-and there are a lot -outside of Disney property. Who knows, maybe this will enable me to talk my DH into another Disney trip next year-off site of course!