Never stayed offsite. How is it?

[Funkyzeit mit Bruno]

In 6 or seven trips to WDW we never stayed offsite. We stay at diney value resorts during the off-season, so we pay anywhere from about 60-80 dollars, depending on the type of discount.

We've been considering staying offsite for our next trip, this coming September. How does staying offsite compare? What should I expect to pay per night? Where can I find good deals?

Thanks

 

[Jamieb]

There are some people who will only stay onsite, some who only stay offsite, and some who do both.

I have stayed both on/off site and this next trip we are staying offsite. I just won a 2 Bedroom condo on SkyAuction for $326 total for seven nights.

I love staying on site, it adds to the experience but there are some good options offstie as well. Last year we won an auction on skyauction as well and stayed at Vacation Village for $290 for the week and it was a nice place.

There are plenty of hotel choices, some can be had for cheap, some can be much mroe then staying at a value onsite.

You may want to look at www.skyauction.com there are some September specials running if your going for a week.

There are also a lot of private villas to rent, with private pools. We almost did that this trip, but were able to get a great deal on the auction so went that way instead.

 

[zaxmom]

I reccomend also looking at www.hotelkingdom.com We have used them a few times with no problems. For our next trip we have booked Cypress Pointe, a 2 BR condo for $64 a night. It is located next to Downtown Disney. Looks like a great deal to me. We love going this route and having the extra space. The private master makes us feel like we are on vacation, too. I like staying offsite because dining options are so much easier. If we were staying onsite, it would be hard to just go through a drive thru on our way back to the room and such.

 

[spiceycat]

just remember that a car is necessary if you stay off-site - the buses schedules for off-site resort aren't very guest friendly....

they generally go a couple of times in the morning and a couple of times in the evening.

so if you are use to coming and going as you please - bring or rent a car.

I love to do both - I got a wonderful rate through II for the Marriott Grande Vista Resort for $223 (including tax) for the week.

I have also gone the skyauction - for my brother's family - they loved it....

I have used hotelkingdom too

all are very good suggestions.

you have to decide what you need - a place to sleep - that can be anywhere from $20 to $300 per night - just depends upon what you want.....

there are very expensive places to stay off-site - there is the new Ritz Carlton, Gaylord and the Universal hotels, Hyatt Grande Vista, Marriott World Center....

you can also try
www.priceline.com

if you don't care - just want a place to sleep.

 

[dougsmom98]

We got a pretty good deal through hotelmartusa.com for a 2 bedroom villa that sleeps six, has a washer and dryer, full kitchen, TV and VCR... for $69/night tax included at the Fantasy World Villas. We did a lot of searching of discount sites and this was the least expensive one that we found. I am too nervous to bid for travel since we have three kids 5 years old and under. We haven't stayed here yet, but according to epinions.com, I think we got a pretty good deal. We have never stayed on site and someday hope to, but with kids and the amount that they eat and drink it makes sense for us to have a refridgerator and a place to cook food.
Good luck.
Amy

 

[disneysteve]

I've stayed onsite 8 times anywhere from Fort Wilderness to Contemp. I'll probably never do it again.

The 14 trips we've stayed offsite are so much better.

Much more space, far cheaper rates, far greater amenities- kitchen, washer/dryer, multiple tv's, private pool, free breakfasts,etc. depending on the place. The onsite options just don't compare at all.

We need a car regardless of where we stay, even onsite, as we like to be able to come and go when we want and not spend half our trip riding buses, so the Disney transportation is no draw for us. We only visit offseason so crowds aren't an issue and EMH isn't needed.

 

[Amirah95]

Hi Steve,

Not to get off topic but where is the best place to stay off-site (timeshare, hotel or vacation home) in your opinion? Where do you stay often when you're out there? Or do you stay in the same place all the time?

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by Amirah95
Hi Steve,

Not to get off topic but where is the best place to stay off-site (timeshare, hotel or vacation home) in your opinion? Where do you stay often when you're out there? Or do you stay in the same place all the time?

I think it depends somewhat on what type of accomodations you want and need and how many in your party. For us, I don't think there is anything that beats a rental home or condo. For about the cost of a value hotel onsite, you can get a 2 or 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo offsite. For about the cost of an onsite moderate (or less) you can get a 3 bedroom, 2 or 3 bath home with a private pool. These condos or homes come with a full kitchen equipped with all cookware and serving items (plates, glassware, etc.) and appliances. They usually have multiple tv's, vcr/dvd, some have video game systems, computer with Internet access and other perks. All the comforts of home and then some. And nothing beats having a screened in pool all to yourself. No screaming kids (except your own ). No searching for a lounge chair.

Having said all that, rental homes are definitely not for everyone. Some people don't want to see anything resembling a kitchen when they are on vacation. Nor do they want to have to make their own beds or clean up after themselves. Houses don't come with maid service (though it is available for a fee). And some people prefer the feel of a resort-type setting where there are more facilities, perhaps activities, maybe a restaurant or bar onsite, etc.

Where have we stayed? We've done Days Inn (2 or 3 times), Homewood Suites, Days Suites, EconoLodge (2-3 times), Radisson (I think that's what it was), rental homes in Lindfields (3 times I think), rental condo in Windsor Palms. A wide variety. Next trip in November it will just be the 3 of us and we'll probably go back to Days Suites unless we can find a great deal on a 2-bed condo. I'll probably look for a good rate at the Residence Inn also because we are Marriott Reward members.

I'm always happy to answer any questions about offsite stuff so feel free to post or PM if I can help.

By the way, Tanya, are you going for Jersey week? That's Oct. 30- Nov. 7. That's when we'll be there.

 

[stacy6552]

Adter our first trip off site(wyndham palace), we ran home and bought into DVC. If you're used to disney, stay with them. You will miss the pixie dust.