Off property or AS Value Resorts

[joedplumber]

We are trying semi off-site as DIS folks call it in 2014. We stayed at POFQ in 2012 and for us the "Magic" ended each day when we all crammed into a little hotel room. Considering its costing less a night for a 2 bedroom suite then a value I just had to move from the on-site option.

I am looking forward to having the kids in their room sleeping or watching TV while me and the DW relax with a bottle of wine and unwind in the living room.

The full kitchen may or may not be used but who knows.

I know the washer & dryer will certainly be used as my DW just loves coming home from vacation and unpacking clean cloths.

Even when staying onsite we still drive so that not an issue just the $14 a day in parking which is still cheaper when all things are considered.

 

[ICF]

I always find the offsite vs. onsite debate kind of amusing. Particularly when most of the onsite cheerleaders haven't actually tried an offsite trip. I think its important, when evaluating the various replies, to try and determine who has been there, done that on both sides of the coin and can really offer a well-balanced opinion.

I agree. If $$'s were no option and I could have a deluxe room then I'd probably do on-site too. I can see where people like not driving, extra magic hours, ME, and the like -- but it's not the end all or be all to having a vacation at Disney.

It's annoying that some people think that staying in a condo/townhouse off site somehow turns it into a Florida vacation and not a Disney one. My Windsor Hills Townhouse this summer had Disney literally EVERYWHERE in the rooms. Pictures in all rooms, bedding in the kids room, Mickey ice cube trays, coasters, etc. Everywhere we looked Disney was around us.

We didn't feel our DISNEY vacation was at all diminished due to not being cramped into a small value size room.....or having to ride in comfort of our van with plenty of space for all of us and the ability to sit down and leave when we wanted...vs waiting for the buses and "hoping" we could actually get a seat to sit in after a long day.

For me and my family ---- our vacation was 1000 times better staying in our 3 BR Windsor Hills townhouse than it ever would have been going back to a value room smaller than your typical Hampton Inn. I get that not everyone can say that....but we sure can.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

It's annoying that some people think that staying in a condo/townhouse off site somehow turns it into a Florida vacation and not a Disney one.

Sometimes, I wonder if they do actually think that, or if that's just something they are telling themselves to help justify paying 4* prices for a 2* room.

 

[2DisPrincesses]

Sometimes, I wonder if they do actually think that, or if that's just something they are telling themselves to help justify paying 4* prices for a 2* room.

I don't think it makes it any less of a Disney vacation, but it does feel different to us. Others don't feel the same and that's great for everyone- there is more room for us under the free dining promotion and room only offer which makes people like us happy and people who feel as you do are happy staying in your beautiful condos and townhouses

 

[Cynt]

I was an onsite SNOB until my May 2013 trip with the family to WBC. I'm a believer. There is life after onsite. The only thing I didn't like was driving to the parks but I don't like to drive. It was easier to transport 9 people in cars then to catch the shuttle bus. Because we saved so much money staying offsite we ate at the parks or Disney hotels whenever and whatever.

So my new rule of thumb is 2 people or less onsite. More than 2 people offsite.

 

[Lewisc]

ASsuming that either option is about the same price, what would you prefer?

we've never stayed at an All Star Value .... which one is best or are they the same? thank you.

You can stay at a WDW and not have a car. DME and Disney transportation works fine.

I wouldn't rely on offsite shuttles.
Not an issue if you're going to have a car. Make sure you include Disney's parking fee if you're crunching numbers to the dollar.

Will you have a car? Will you be staying at a time where you might be able to get "free" dining? How many people in your family?

Family of 4, who will have a car and won't be able to book "free" dining....I'd stay offsite. You can get much nicer accommodations for your money. Is there a chance one parent will want to go back to the room during the day with a young child/infant while the rest of the family stays in a park? Disney works better.

 

[djmeredith]

I disagree with the opinion that it is much easier and/or quicker to take a mid-day break when staying onsite. The last time I stayed off site, I went as a nanny with my cousin, her friend and their total of 6 daughters (ages 2-10). We stayed at a condo less than 5 minutes from Disney property (can't remember the name). After that trip I stayed at the Contemporary Garden Wing with my two nephews (ages 3 and 4). July 4th week this year, I stayed at Pop with young kids. All three trips the groups took mid-day breaks for the young kids. I found it was actually quicker and easier to jump in our van, drive to the condo, and park right in front of our door for a break than it was to walk from the bus/monorail stop to our rooms onsite. Then if you return to the park from offsite later in the day, the parking lots have cleared out a bit and there is usually a fairly close spot available (especially off season). Late afternoon July 4th weekend this year I found a parking spot at Epcot closer than the value stops. The walks from the park entrance to bus/monorail stop and then from bus/monorail stop to your room can be VERY long and the wait can also be long. (At least if you're taking the tram to your car you are guaranteed a seat on the tram and in your car.) I have found the walks to/from value resorts to bus stops are quite lengthy and time consuming. Obviously, the main benefit of staying onsite is that you do not need car, ever.

As far as the "Disney Bubble" theory goes, I am a huge Disney World fan and can't wait until I can afford to go again, but there is nothing magical about paying more money for less quality! The "Disney Bubble" barely seems to reach the value resorts these days. The rooms were small, grungy, and lacked theming. The Pop food court/main pool was in no way "magical" in my opinion. We avoided the main pool altogether because it was so crowded and loud, but the bowling pin pool near our room was great. Food service at Pop was extremely slow even though the lines only had a couple of people in them and it was not crowded overall. The cashier lines were slow even in non-peak times. It was very loud, and the tables, floors, and drink stations were dirty even during non-busy times. I saw CMs literally standing around leaning on trash cans in the eating area while dirty tables/floors were in their sight line (more than once I saw this). I would've rather grabbed fast food (basically same quality as what the kids chose at Pop) and ate in the comfort of my condo kitchen or bigger hotel room enjoying a nice quiet meal with my family.

I fully admit I have not stayed moderate or deluxe recently, so perhaps those levels are worth it these days. However, I plan to return next year and if my budget only allows value onsite, I will choose a higher quality offsite hotel or condo. I would rather save money and have a nicer hotel/condo offsite and use the savings to spend more days in the actual parks, at Downtown Disney, or at Disney character meals.

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

I disagree with the opinion that it is much easier and/or quicker to take a mid-day break when staying onsite. The last time I stayed off site, I went as a nanny with my cousin, her friend and their total of 6 daughters (ages 2-10). We stayed at a condo less than 5 minutes from Disney property (can't remember the name). After that trip I stayed at the Contemporary Garden Wing with my two nephews (ages 3 and 4). July 4th week this year, I stayed at Pop with young kids. All three trips the groups took mid-day breaks for the young kids. I found it was actually quicker and easier to jump in our van, drive to the condo, and park right in front of our door for a break than it was to walk from the bus/monorail stop to our rooms onsite. Then if you return to the park from offsite later in the day, the parking lots have cleared out a bit and there is usually a fairly close spot available (especially off season). Late afternoon July 4th weekend this year I found a parking spot at Epcot closer than the value stops. The walks from the park entrance to bus/monorail stop and then from bus/monorail stop to your room can be VERY long and the wait can also be long. (At least if you're taking the tram to your car you are guaranteed a seat on the tram and in your car.) I have found the walks to/from value resorts to bus stops are quite lengthy and time consuming. Obviously, the main benefit of staying onsite is that you do not need car, ever.

As far as the "Disney Bubble" theory goes, I am a huge Disney World fan and can't wait until I can afford to go again, but there is nothing magical about paying more money for less quality! The "Disney Bubble" barely seems to reach the value resorts these days. The rooms were small, grungy, and lacked theming. The Pop food court/main pool was in no way "magical" in my opinion. We avoided the main pool altogether because it was so crowded and loud, but the bowling pin pool near our room was great. Food service at Pop was extremely slow even though the lines only had a couple of people in them and it was not crowded overall. The cashier lines were slow even in non-peak times. It was very loud, and the tables, floors, and drink stations were dirty even during non-busy times. I saw CMs literally standing around leaning on trash cans in the eating area while dirty tables/floors were in their sight line (more than once I saw this). I would've rather grabbed fast food (basically same quality as what the kids chose at Pop) and ate in the comfort of my condo kitchen or bigger hotel room enjoying a nice quiet meal with my family.

I fully admit I have not stayed moderate or deluxe recently, so perhaps those levels are worth it these days. However, I plan to return next year and if my budget only allows value onsite, I will choose a higher quality offsite hotel or condo. I would rather save money and have a nicer hotel/condo offsite and use the savings to spend more days in the actual parks, at Downtown Disney, or at Disney character meals.

Where did you "jump into" your van at MK ? How on earth was that easier than Contemporary ? Disney Quality is second to none ! Saying that there are always some problems when you deal with people in general whether they are employees of WDW or elsewhere. That's why Walt invented Audio-animatronics

 

[luvmy3]

If doing only WDW as my vacation, I'd stay onsite. If I was doing other parks as part of an Orlando vaca then I'd stay off site.

 

[ICF]

Playing around on the Disney.com site, to just see how expensive onsite would be for 7 nights in early June.

We stayed this year the 1st week of June at WH for $550

To stay the same week (Sat May 31 - Sat June 7) for 2 Adults & 2 Kids staying in the cheapest room at the hotels would be:

Polynesian - $474 / night - $3323 Total
Old Key West - $405 / night - $2835 Total
Contemporary - $371 / night - $2597 Total
Wilderness Lodge - $319/ night - $2233 Total
Caribbean Beach - $191 / night - $1337 Total
Pop Century - $112 / night - $788 Total
FW Campsite - $54 / night - $378 Total

Granted, these are not discounted rates -- but if you get "free" dining the room isn't discounted then either.

Sure -- we have some extra $60 for Parking (4 days X $15) -- but on our non park days where we did DTD & Blizzard Beach we didn't have to pay for parking those days...so our "cost" if doing an equal compare was $610 vs the above rates. Those above rates also don't include tax -- so that would be a nice chuck added to the above in most cases as well.

Those saved $'s can buy a lot of "magic"!!

 

[Grumpy4196]

We have stayed off-site once and I found that it is great for everyone except the person who is doing the driving after a long day in the park. We always stay on-site now even if it can be a little cramped at times.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Everyone has a different idea of what they want their vacation to be. Me, personally, I don't *want* my vacation to be exactly like being at home. I want it to look different, feel different. I said earlier that I like my "Disney bubble" - one of my favorite things about staying on-site is the lack of outside "noise." I *hate* all the noise that has infiltrated every corner of everywhere. Almost every restaurant has TVs tuned to sports or news, or pop radio playing. Even the post office and doctors' offices have TVs. You don't see that in Disney. If there is a TV, it's showing Stacy's Top 10 or maybe a Disney movie. When we're on vacation, I don't want to eat at McDonalds, or Olive Garden or anything else that is in 99% of the cities in America. When we're on vacation, I don't want to drive to/from the parks. Even if it takes a little longer, I don't want to get into my 150-degree car - I want to get on an air-conditioned bus and get off the bus and walk to my room.

What I like about staying on Disney property is that we, as a family, ACT differently there. It doesn't feel like we're at home, like it would if we were in a condo with kitchen, laundry and 5 TVs. The kids aren't fighting over what to watch on TV. My husband isn't sitting there channel surfing for two hours before we go to bed. I'm not sitting there thinking, "oh, I should be doing laundry" or "I should clean up the kitchen." It's just different, and that's what I like about it. As we drive on-property, we open the windows and joke, "smell the Disney air - it's different!" And it does feel different to us.

I can appreciate that many people like their space, like their privacy, don't want to be on top of their kids 24/7. I get that. However, I never feel "cooped up" like so many of you put it, in my room with my kids. We walk around and enjoy the resort. Go to the pool, eat at the food court, visit the arcade or playground. Look for alligators in the lake at CSR, watch the bunnies on the lawns in the twilight. Browse the gift shop. Get an ice cream treat. Watch the sun set. I'd much rather be doing that than watching another NCIS rerun. And yeah, I'm sure I could do all those things at some off-site complex. But I'd rather do it at Disney.

And yes, we stayed off-site for our honeymoon so I have done that. After our first on-site stay, my husband looked at me and said, "we're never staying off-site again!"

 

[eyehartdisney]

has anyone stayed at the non-disney DTD hotels? What are their shuttle schedules like?

 

[djmeredith]

Where did you "jump into" your van at MK ? How on earth was that easier than Contemporary ? Disney Quality is second to none ! Saying that there are always some problems when you deal with people in general whether they are employees of WDW or elsewhere. That's why Walt invented Audio-animatronics

I did not make the specific caveat that at MK there is no direct access to your vehicle in a parking lot, but I just assumed everyone here knew that. So yes, the monorail to Contemporary is definitely easier than getting to a vehicle in the parking lot and then to an offsite hotel. However many people, including me, can't afford the Contemporary. I only stayed there because they gave us a free upgrade from POP.

Which brings me back to my declining customer service at Disney point. That upgrade is an example to me of the stellar customer service standards Disney used to employ but no longer does. Back in 2008 when smoking was still allowed in rooms, we checked into POP but our 2 adjoining non-smoking rooms were literally smoky from cigarette smoke coming through the vents. (Front desk explained that the vent system was set up in groups and someone in a room in our group was smoking where they shouldn't be.) When we went to front desk to switch rooms the only rooms they had available faced the main pool, which was too loud for us with little ones. So they very generously offered an upgrade to Contemporary. We checked into Contemporary only to find a room with a pile of Cheetos left on the carpet and had to call mousekeeping. They very generously offered compensation for that in the form of free waterpark tix for all of us. My sister had similar awesome customer service experiences the next year in 2009. That's why it was so disappointing for me to return this year to experience such a lack of customer service throughout our 8 night stay this year. The slow service and dirty environment were every day cleanliness problems in the POP food court, not just a random occurrence. Not to mention that the two times I went to concierge for assistance they literally could not provide me the info I was seeking because their computer systems could not read the tickets we had because they were part of a WWOS tournament package. The last time I checked, WWOS was ON Disney property and advertised as part of Walt Disney Resort, so why are there systems completely incompatible?! The CM's were very nice and apologetic, but Disney's overall lack of modern technology is inexcusable for a company who makes such a huge profit and claims to be customer friendly. (Don't even get me started on the lack of cell service in our rooms.) If I were paying Motel 6 prices for value level resorts and getting this level of service, I would not have a problem. My problem is that Disney is now providing 2* level service (at best) in value resorts, but charging 3 and 4* service.

It may seem like I'm ranting negatively about my recent visit, but in reality I had a great time everywhere except Pop, even with the high crowd levels during July 4th week.

 

[bookgirl]

I am one person alone or sometimes my parents or a friend might stay. If I was part of a big group I would rent a condo but in my case with 1-3 people I like onsite.

I prefer onsite and have done and have planned value stays. I like being on site. Being able to bounce back and forth between my room and the parks with very little time spent in transportation. I even like riding the disney buses.

Values are very basic rooms and the hotels lack a true resort atmosphere for me. You also have very basic food court options, and very little in room amenities. I am okay with this. But you have to know what you're getting.

I prefer ASMu (stayed there and AoA) mostly because I hate the giant icon themeing of the other values. I know that I am an exception to the rule. Lots of people love the kitchey icons and the larger than life thememing, but I'm not one of them. I actually prefer subtle but well done room decor, lush greenery and scenic walkways, water ways or lakes and themeing that is not Disney persay. Which is why I love MODs and like Deluxes. However if I go in with the mindset of expecting a 'basic' hotel stay I am fine.

I don't mind basic rooms. I'm usually in bed or just chilling watching tv/reading if I'm in the room. I am fine with the shower vanity split. I don't particulary like double beds but if I'm sleeping alone a double bed is totally acceptable.

I'd prefer a coffee maker in the room, and I wish you got the foam disney cups in the values but again workable. I actually do prefer iced coffee and mainly use the coffee maker for hot water. With the fridge I can still keep a few things handy.

I do not mind the basic food court as I tend to eat a quick breakfast/snack in the room in the morning (which is where hot water usually comes in handy) and then eat in the parks the rest of the time. If I do eat at the Value resort then I am pretty happy with a chicken quesidilla or hot dog. I am not a foodie and don't mind food court type foods ocassionally. I average maybe one or two meals in the food court. Mostly I'm just getting ice or water from the soda fountain. Of grabbing some milk for the morning.

I am not a pool person. I sunburn and I find laying around outside in the sun highly overrated. Don't need a pool slide or cabannas or fancy pool features. I do miss a hot tub but I've found at Disney it's very hard to find an uncrowded hot tub so I tend to give them a skip even when at the Mods/Deluxes.

Staying offsite would basically give me the same rooms as Onsite with a big difference. No buses, going back and cooling off in the middle of the day. No Disney Bubble, and no 2nd hand enjoyment of a whole resort of people also in the Disney Bubble.

For the 20-30 bucks I'd save offsite (I will not be staying at any of the really cheap hotels offsite, it's just not me, nothing against anyone who does but I don't like true value stay chain hotels and the level I will stay at runs about the same as a value with only a few extras not at a Disney hotel) I'd rather just be onsite at ASMu.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Where did you "jump into" your van at MK ? How on earth was that easier than Contemporary ? Disney Quality is second to none ! Saying that there are always some problems when you deal with people in general whether they are employees of WDW or elsewhere. That's why Walt invented Audio-animatronics

Which offsite properties have you stayed at, Wilderness Fan 55? I am just curious as to which resorts did not stand up to "Disney Quality", and in what ways you found them lacking.

 

[Planogirl]

You can find wonderful places to stay offsite for even less than the values if you shop around. I will never stay in a value again if I can help it. It's just not for us. The only possible exception I might consider is if I was on my own but even then I'd rather not be in a value personally.

We do always try to have a car though and that is true whether we stay onsite or offsite. I like having a kitchen if possible if only to keep things like yogurt and lots of cold drinks and fruit. Plus maybe a frozen pizza for late night munchies.

You can find great rental homes with pools and lots of bedrooms and full kitchens and laundries for great prices. I've also found true luxury hotels at great prices and often the service is just as good as anything at WDW. It just depends on where you stay.

 

[navywifetill2002]

If the prices are equal there are other things to consider. Will you rent a car only if stating off property? What will parking cost you over the course of your stay? Would you eat more meals off property to save money if you stayed off? Do you need a "break" from driving (DH drives all over for work so he enjoys a week without having to get behind the wheel)?

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I'm sitting in a lovely Windsor Hills townhouse right now. We're getting ready to head to AK for the day. Everyone is making their own breakfast - which is easier on the budget and the stomach. The car is parked right in front of the door. No walking to a bus stop and waiting for a bus. We've been here for 8 days and all of our clothes are clean, thanks to the washer/dryer upstairs. It's so easy to toss stuff in whenever we get a full load. We're watching the news on our big screen TV. We have 3 bathrooms for the 5 of us - no waiting or fighting for bathroom time. Everyone retreats to their own room at night. If someone wants to watch TV late, they can either stay downstairs or watch their own in their room without bothering anyone else. This is, by far, the most relaxing time we've ever had on vacation. I can't imagine going back to a little hotel room again!

 

[ICF]

I'm sitting in a lovely Windsor Hills townhouse right now. We're getting ready to head to AK for the day. Everyone is making their own breakfast - which is easier on the budget and the stomach. The car is parked right in front of the door. No walking to a bus stop and waiting for a bus. We've been here for 8 days and all of our clothes are clean, thanks to the washer/dryer upstairs. It's so easy to toss stuff in whenever we get a full load. We're watching the news on our big screen TV. We have 3 bathrooms for the 5 of us - no waiting or fighting for bathroom time. Everyone retreats to their own room at night. If someone wants to watch TV late, they can either stay downstairs or watch their own in their room without bothering anyone else. This is, by far, the most relaxing time we've ever had on vacation. I can't imagine going back to a little hotel room again!

I'm jealous!!!!!