No Discounts---Go Offsite?

[calpete]

We are planning a one-time only family vacation in October of this year with plans to primarily visit WDW. Since this perhaps will be the "once in a lifetime trip" for my family, I planned to stay in a WDW resort. However with a lack of discounts for WDW resorts, the price differential is significant when compared to "offsite" hotels. Is it really worth the current price differential to stay onsite for a one-time trip to WDW? Our original plan was to get annual passes for resort discounts and because our trip will be about two weeks. It appears possible that there will be no AP discounts for the time of our visit. Any thoughts on the current value of on or offsite would be much appreciated.

 

[Lesley]

That's an entirely personal choice.....

But if it were a once in a lifetime trip, I'd probably look at my options on site first. Check into AAA discounts and packages. A AAA membership will cost much less than what you will probably save with a 2 week stay. That said, I'd make sure the discounted rate is still available for your dates. Also check the packages against what you would pay for AP's and rack rate room where you really want to stay. According to the Mousesaver's newsletter, Disney is currently attempting to make the packages a better value.

As seasoned WDW visitors, staying off site isn't really a huge sacrifice....we often drive to the parks anyway and we know our way around. For a first time, or one time visitor there are definite advantages to staying on site....and I'd go as far to say that if you aren't renting a car, its the only way to go.

As much as many are feeling a bit spiteful towards Disney right now (I know I am to a degree....) there are advantages to staying on site, and if this is the only time you're going to go to WDW I'd say go for it and do the thing all the way!

 

[eeyore0062]

If the is the only time you will be going to Disney, then to have the full Disney Experience, you really should stay onsite. After having done both, I will NEVER stay offsite again... and we go several times a year! It is worth the extra money not to have the transportation hassles, pay the extra money to park your car in the park lots everyday, and really truly immerse yourself in the MAGIC!

Go for it, you won't be sorry... however, if you don't, you might!

 

[lilboo]

If this is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip...the annual passes don't make sense...especially with the scarcity of AP discounts.

AAA as suggested above may help and Disney packages, though many prefer 'a-la-carte', may actually prove to be a savings in the end for you...you may actually want to tak advanage of all those 'perks' esp. if you don't foresee going again for awhile, if ever.

I'd take a WDW Mod or Value over offsite, especially in October since the crowds are fewer and the atmosphere in general more relaxed. Oh and I hear DVC points can be rented for a song these days; you may want to look into that.