New to Off-Site, please help :)

[chicagoshannon]

So here's my big question. There are six of us. Two parents, two kids and two grandparents. Would you stay in two rooms at a Disney moderate or a two bedroom villa at Wyndham Bonnet Creek? It looks like the costs are about the same for both when you factor in fall discounts at the WDW resorts (which I assume will be comparable to the summer discounts), and the need to rent a car and increased park ticket prices when staying OP. I think we will probably eat cereal in our rooms for breakfast and will eat lunch and dinner out either way so the kitchen at BC is not a huge cost advantage.

Park tickets don't cost more when staying off property.

We always drive (from IL) so don't have to rent a car. It's much cheaper than 6 people flying plus renting a car. Food costs a lot less at restaurants off property so there is a big savings there.

We get a three bedroom when we go with my parents so no one has to share with the kids.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

I would go with a 3 BR at WBC. You'll have 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, and access to all the pools, lazy rivers, playground, etc, and it's closer to the parks than some Disney resorts. If you rent 2 hotel rooms, one set of adults is going to have to share space with kids, and that isn't always comfortable. With the 3 BR, you can put the kids to bed and hang out in a group of 4 or divide into the bedrooms / main area with 3 tvs to occupy those with different interests. You will also have a W/D, which is key for me. I pack less when I know we can wash what we have. Pop in a load after the kids are in bed and no going to a shared laundry room.

We're Wyndham owners, so I have no idea who to rent from, but there are plenty of good suggestions on the We love WBC threads.

I would assume just about any 3BR condo rental in the area will have similar advantages, but won't be as close to Disney. That may or may not matter as much to you.

 

[Portugal1000]

So here's my big question. There are six of us. Two parents, two kids and two grandparents. Would you stay in two rooms at a Disney moderate or a two bedroom villa at Wyndham Bonnet Creek? It looks like the costs are about the same for both when you factor in fall discounts at the WDW resorts (which I assume will be comparable to the summer discounts), and the need to rent a car and increased park ticket prices when staying OP. I think we will probably eat cereal in our rooms for breakfast and will eat lunch and dinner out either way so the kitchen at BC is not a huge cost advantage.

For me it would be a no brainer, WBC everytime. Better rooms, better pools. It all the times we have stayed there, never had a single bad experience.

 

[kokomos]

So here's my big question. There are six of us. Two parents, two kids and two grandparents. Would you stay in two rooms at a Disney moderate or a two bedroom villa at Wyndham Bonnet Creek? It looks like the costs are about the same for both when you factor in fall discounts at the WDW resorts (which I assume will be comparable to the summer discounts), and the need to rent a car and increased park ticket prices when staying OP. I think we will probably eat cereal in our rooms for breakfast and will eat lunch and dinner out either way so the kitchen at BC is not a huge cost advantage.

I would only stay onsite if your going during free dining.

 

[andiraye]

We did FD last year and it was a waste for us. Because of all the desserts with the meals we didn't use enough snack credits, even using them some days for breakfast. So I'm balancing WBC against a room only discount. Thanks for the thought though!!!

 

[gdrj]

I think it depends on your group.
We stayed at WBC for XMAS 2013 with 7 inc Grandparents (3 Bedroom). Thoroughly enjoyed. Grandparents not big park visitors nor Disney fans so being close but "off property" worked well for us, and they really enjoyed resort. Also were able to cook meals/.

My preference is to be on property for to be able use buses (or boats) when we don't want to drive. On property for me allows more of an escape when I can don't see the car for a bit! We also like EMH's once or twice during a trip.

 

[doclegler]

Lastly, does anyone have any suggestions on buying tickets other than through Disney? I'm sure there are threads on that, but I'm having trouble finding them.

For tickets, we always use undercovertourist.com
Reliable and fast every time!

 

[cnetbuild]

Take a look at Home Away or VRBO and you'll find thousands of villas available in many locations, many configurations, and many prices. The challenge will be to narrow it down to one you can pick! The prices are usually much cheaper than anything you can get on property. If you rent in the Formosa Gardens general area? You can be from driveway to walking through the Animal Kingdom gates in 15 minutes. I have went through most of the neighborhoods around Formosa Gardens and my favorite is Indian Creek. I probably shouldn't announce that's my favorite because I couldn't get into Indian Creek this summer - it was too full! I recommend you stay in the area just south of Rt 192 and west of I4. The area from i4 to Rt 27 is filled with pool houses, condos, and villas. Rt 192 has every store and restaurant you can imagine. And then check out my blog for great tips, good restaurants, where to shop, and the secret back way into Disney World.

 

[Happiest mommy]

following this post as well, we are looking into renting a home for the first time and taking our fur babies