Never stayed onsite before-lots of questions

Freyja · Feb 10, 2008

Although I love the luxury of staying at a villa off-site I would love to experience staying on-site at least once. Value resorts are the only resorts we´d be willing to pay for. Considering how big our family is, 2 adults, 4 kids and a baby, the suites at the ASMU or two rooms at other value resorts seem to be our only options.

So, what are the biggest benefits of staying on-site? How long does it take me to get from the parks back to the hotel for a mid-day break? Do hotel guests get free parking at the parks? Any other perks? Which value resort has the most fun pool and theming for kids?

Please tell me anything you´re willing to share :goodvibes

cnids00 · Feb 10, 2008

We just stayed off site on our last trip and what we missed the most was the transportation and being able to go back mid-day for a swim, nap or just lay down and stretch our legs! And then head back to the parks or DTD for more fun! We parkhop and use the buses, boats, monorail all the time, so transportation was the thing we missed the most being off-site!

Can't help you with pools, to me they are all good, my DD would say the CBR and OKW pool for having slides, to me any pool is just the greatest!

Staying on-site this next trip and can't wait to get back!!! :goodvibes

soccerchick · Feb 10, 2008

We stayed onsite the first time only because of the American Heroes Certificate DH got back from 9/11. After that, we were hooked, even when we had to pay "full price."

When we planned trip #2, DH was all for staying on site.

Next trip, Free Dining was offered and definitely worth staying onsite for. Did tons of character meals with the kids, the plan included tips then so it was awesome.

We've been to Orlando many times, so we aren't worried about seeing other sites during Disney trips. The only things I would sometimes like to do is go to the outlets, but I'm not sure if the "good" Disney outlet is even there anymore. I also live 5 minutes from outlets at home, so I get over it.

Are you flying or driving? Free ME is also nice. It was been 7 years or so since we drove down, but I'm pretty sure you can park for free as a resort guest.

It is just so easy to get around via bus service. In two onsite trips, we've only had two times where we had to wait for a bus longer than 10 minutes. Depending on which resort and which park, it will take you 5 to 20/25 minutes to get to the park - traveling time. You'll need to plan your "get in line" times depending on how early you want to get to your park and how crowded it is.

I personally love POP and would go back there in a heartbeat. We are trying AKL next trip thanks to finally getting a postcard code!

Other Disers will know about other options for your family size that may be a better deal than two rooms at a value.

pat fan · Feb 10, 2008

We are firm believers in the values, ASMusic in particular! We are willing to fork out the extra couple bucks for a preferred room as it's the closest to the food court, main pool and busses. I know that there are Family Suites in the Calypso building ("our" building) and while I haven't stayed in one, I was able to see into one as I walked by. Very nice!

Benefits to on site:
1. Transportation, I can't say it enough. It starts with Magical Express at the airport and goes on from there. I haven't timed how long it takes from the hotel to a park and back, but not long. The Unofficial Guidebook has the numbers all broken down for you though. Even if you rent a car (we do), having the option to split up your transportation is nice.

2. Tickets. If you stay on site, you can have your room key and your park passes put on one card. How sweet is that? Instead of having to keep track of a key and a pass, it's just one card! Also, you can have charging privileges put on your card and not even have to bring cash with you, or another CC. All you will need cash for is ice cream vendors etc....

3. Shopping. If you buy anything (who doesn't?) you can have it sent right to the front desk of your hotel! No need to lug it around all day, just pick it up the next day at the desk!

4. Staff. The CM's at ASMusic are some of the very best. So happy to help you and make sure your stay is magical.

5. Theming. Gotta say, I was never a big fan of lime-green, but now it's my favorite color! Whenever I see it, it makes me think of my home-away-from-home....the Calypso building! The main pool is great...where else can you have the Three Caballeros squirt you with water while you swim? They also have games poolside during the day and show movies at the pool on a large screen at night. last summer they had Cars, POC, Toy Story and more.

I'm sure there are more advantages, but that's my list for now. Have fun planning!

dzneelvr · Feb 10, 2008

We are champions of the All Star Movies :thumbsup2

in fact, this year I'm surprising the family with connecting rooms! I chose them over the suite because 1) I DON"T DO kitchen on vacation 2) no one has to sleep on a pullout--we all get a bed.
To be honest, we've never considered staying offsite so I can't do a comparison for you. On site is such a positive experience--you are blanketed in Disney service from the minute you wake up until you put your head on the pillow.A few things to add to the other posters: we truly enjoy those late night bus rides back to the resort--the drivers are great storytellers and it seems that the "early am" shifts are a hoot :rotfl:

They will answer any question you have. EMH (morning/evening) by staying at a resort, we get to stay in the designated park 3 extra hours :worship:

and that is the best time to get our fill of all the rides as the "families with smaller kids" segment is long gone

Food: the food court at the ASMo is wonderful! My family doesn't want all our mealtimes filled with park/resort ADRs because we like to eat a few meals here-it's that good :lovestruc

.Finally, we've noticed over the years that the mousekeeping folks have gotten so much better at respecting the Do Not Disturb sign on the room if we're sleeping, getting us extra pillows, giving us extra towels if we don't want our room made up that particular day, etc. All in all--on site is totally for us! popcorn::