Off-site hotel would Save us $1400. WWYD?

[bumbershoot]

I've seen your posts before. Have you looked for any deals on cars? Bid on priceline? etc?

 

[blessedby3]

I would also suggest looking into Bonnet Creek. If it is only 2 of you, then you could get a 1BR and it would be cheaper than the Hawthorne you are talking about. We are staying 7 nights in a 2BR for $832 in October for the first time. It is literally on Disney property, but not a Disney hotel. We have been diehard on site folks, but it is getting so much more expensive for our family of 6 to stay on property.
I also think your rental car sounds crazy high. I would check out www.mousesavers.com for discount codes for rentals in Orlando.

 

[Random Ninja]

Thanks u guys. Keep responses / ideas coming. Reading them all twice.

To clear up some stuff, yes we've paid thousands for one week @ WDW, but we used to not care as much. Now we're paying down mortgage and focusing on that, plus taking vacation $2k+ in summer. If we just went on 1 vacation a year, we'd stay at the GF!!!

I don't know if the time will come and it's not the summer so I won't be as adventurous to take a long drive so far away from home.

It also kind of annoys me that Disney charge for every little thing - they can't offer a free breakfast? even donuts for crying out loud??? gimme a break!
And the prices are so high - it's ridiculous. The rooms look small and door to outside, DH doesn't want, so there goes moderates and value resorts.

I have a PIN # and they supposedly applied it, along w/ AAA, but that's the price. They don't care about saving people money.

When are you going? The LM rooms in AoA open this fall and they supposed to have interior hallways. The rooms will probably be a bit small as it's a value resort but it is brand new.

 

[sukhakuli]

I have to wonder why you are renting a car. Do you not own a car? We usually drive to WDW because the costs of flying a family of 5 are prohibitive, not to mention I don't want to deal with security and the way the airlines treat their customers. And we always drive our own vehicle. It never occurred to me to rent one.

Also, you need to think about what type of vacation you want. Sometimes for some people spending extra for amenities and location is worth the money. But some people prefer saving money, and enjoy their trip more if it isn't costing an arm and a leg. that's really individual.

The PP are right, though, Disney is not a budget destination.

 

[kkandaj]

I think your rental car is WAY overpriced. We will have a Ford Escape for 8 days (starting this Saturday) and are paying $160. My parents will be driving a Ford Explorer Elite and are paying $237. Minivans were at $195 the last time I checked. You just have to shop around and look for codes. All of those prices are through major brands at the terminal. A few months ago, prices were way up, but in the last 6 weeks, they have dropped dramatically!

We are on offsite family because of the money. I can't comprehend spending $2000 more for what I would consider less. We are staying in a 3bdrm at Bonnet Creek for $795 from Sat-Sat. The values were coming up more expensive than that--and CBR, which is RIGHT NEXT to Wyndham Bonnet Creek was near $3000. We need a kitchen because of DS's multiple food allergies--and we also have a party of 8, so the space won't hurt. The dining plan isn't an option for us, because of DS. For US--and I know this is my opinion--I can't justify the extra money.

 

[momto2inKC]

We can stay at Hawthorn Suites for $750ish or POR for $1350 or WL for $2150.
This is only for 6 nites. We are hoping to drive to WDW so we'd stay at hotels 2x on the ride there and back.

Tickets $700 (univ and 5 day)
Rental car: $800 or $600 if not suv

I am getting un-enthused over my trip.
Was excited, but after realizing it's $3000k min. after food etc. Not that excited over blowing money for one week.

I hope I will even want to take the long drive down and be in the mood for that drive. Will not fly this trip.

For that kind of savings i'd stay offsite too. We are doing the same on our next trip. We have booked the Drury for about $110 a night. For that we're getting hotel, breakfast, dinner, 3 adult drinks a piece each night, plus free wifi.
Your car rental seems *really high. We are renting a full size through Avis for our drive down. The rental is for 12 days and is only $250 with unlimited miles. Try www.carrentalsavers.com to see if you can find a better deal. Also I generally get the best discount booking with my Costco discount or Entertainment card discount.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I would stay at a value before I'd stay offsite.

With the kids we always stayed deluxe, YC/BC are our absolute favorite.
When DH and I went without the kids for my birthday last year it was like you said about $1400 more to stay at the BWI vs the All-Star.

I sucked it up and stayed at the All-Star. Yep it certainly wasn' the BWI but then we saved a ton of money that we could use on other things and still had the convenience of "on-site".
We took a taxi almost every night to the BW to walk around and have drinks and spent more at the Food and Wine Festival. It still didn't equal to that $1400 we would have spent extra to stay at the BWI.

I told the kids when we go next time I think we may stay value. They are older now, we stay at the parks longer and with the extra money saved we can do a water park and DisneyQuest.

 

[arihillfarm]

Where are you getting your car from? We are going in June and got a minivan for $230 ish for 12 days thru costco. Amazing deal. Dh got a small car from them for 3 days this past wknd from MCO for under $30 (had coupon in addition to Costco discount. These prices include all the taxes.

How long ago did you book the minivan through Costco and does that include unlimited mileage? If I could get a deal like that, that's the difference in gas prices for me driving my 15-16mpg SUV 2500 miles RT to Orlando and back versus driving a 23-24mpg minivan and I'd save the wear and tear on my car. I wonder if it's too late now to get such a deal since we're leaving in 3 1/2 weeks?

-Astrid

 

[tripplanner2]

I think your rental car is WAY overpriced. We will have a Ford Escape for 8 days (starting this Saturday) and are paying $160. My parents will be driving a Ford Explorer Elite and are paying $237. Minivans were at $195 the last time I checked. You just have to shop around and look for codes. All of those prices are through major brands at the terminal. A few months ago, prices were way up, but in the last 6 weeks, they have dropped dramatically!

We are on offsite family because of the money. I can't comprehend spending $2000 more for what I would consider less. We are staying in a 3bdrm at Bonnet Creek for $795 from Sat-Sat. The values were coming up more expensive than that--and CBR, which is RIGHT NEXT to Wyndham Bonnet Creek was near $3000. We need a kitchen because of DS's multiple food allergies--and we also have a party of 8, so the space won't hurt. The dining plan isn't an option for us, because of DS. For US--and I know this is my opinion--I can't justify the extra money.

How did you get a 3 bedroom at WBC for such a low price? I have been checking but nothing comes close to that, especially for a 3 bedroom.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I agree that I think you car rental is very high. Have you tried hotwire?? I have a car right now that I booked through hotwire (Alamo) for $200 for 14 days - yes it is a compact but I don't think minivans were that much more - somethnig to consider anyway. I have one for the last two weeks in May also through hotwire for $250 for 14 days (Budget).

I am at the Hawthorn Suites right now - I do like the hotel and the location is convenient, breakfast is included and cocktails Mon.-Thurs. which is nice- but it is not Disney magic and I really miss the Disney magic honestly. I'll be staying onsite at SSR next week for my birthday. The kitchen does help with food costs that is true. So if spending money for food at Disney is an irritation for you and you do decide on an onsite stay - may be consider prepaying for the dining plan.

All in all - it will be something you have to decide for yourselves what is most important. Whatever you choose have a great trip!!

 

[kkandaj]

How did you get a 3 bedroom at WBC for such a low price? I have been checking but nothing comes close to that, especially for a 3 bedroom.

Just sent you a pm with who we rented through. Let me know if you have questions!

 

[Karenj2]

For me, staying onsite is worth the $$$ - we just adjust WHEN we're going... I'd rather go every other year and stay onsite. (Or, more realistically, I'd rather alternate between one year at the BC and one year at POP and go every year - hey... I gotta be honest!)

We fly, though - and to me, having the ME, and not having to stress about driving myself around unfamiliar roads, and remembering if I locked my car, etc. is completely worth the extra money.

As you mentioned, it could cost you around $3k - I compare that to a week at the Jersey Shore (my in-law's favorite vacation). There, we not only have to cook (or pay additional $$ for restaurants), I also have to bring my own sheets, pay additional for beach tags/entertainment, plus sometimes pay for parking and even clean up at the end of the week. And it's not nearly as much fun as being at WDW!!

(And for us - we use our Disney Visa for rewards dollars for the trip, plus DH can sometimes get rewarded at work with GCs, so we rarely actually pay $3k for a trip.)

 

[djm99]

The only thing I personally enjoy (and miss when not staying onsite) is the ability to walk to the food court – That's it! The buses can be convenient, but can also be a royal pain in the butt. The pools are awesome looking, but often excessively crowded. I love looking around the gift shops, but they are overpriced (compared to offsite prices). We've stayed onsite SEVERAL times when they have REALLY good deals but Disney has moved financially out of my comfort zone. For example, I'm renting a 3 BR condo in Windsor Hills for $100 a night. This included the taxes and cleaning fees. For an entire week that's $700. I'm a family of 4 (with my two nieces going too) - that's 6. We have the cool pool, beautiful surroundings and sooo much more than I'm willing to pay for onsite. So, I have to agree with others who've asked, - is Disney $1400 worth extra. If you ask me - I wouldn't say NO, but H. E. Hockey sticks no. I can think of 1000 things I could do with $1400.

I will admit this though; if I'm flying in, I will reconsider this drastically. I do think that flying in; using ME without the stress of renting a car is a great perk. But if I'm driving - I'm staying offsite.

 

[blueferral]

Before we bought DVC we used government employee vacation opportunities website. They rent out timeshares that are not being used for 350/400 bucks for the week. We stayed in a two bedroom lock off for 350 bucks, full kitchen, half kitchen, two full bathrooms, washer/dryer, two balconies, three pools, etc. You don't have to stay the whole week if you don't want to. Also, you DO NOT have to listen to their timeshare sales pitch, you are exempt. If your willing to sit through the pitch and can say no you can usually get free or super cheap 1 day passes to Disney for yourself and spouse.

It wasn't Disney on property but the price was great. If you work for the government or have a friend who does this may be the way to go if your trying to save some $$$.

Just go to the site, see what is available then check that place out on Tripadviser.

Also, I pretty sure you can find a better deal on that car rental.

 

[rlduvall]

I only see a $600. dollar difference between Hawthorn Suites and POR. For only a $50. a night difference, for me personally onsite is the only way to go.

 

[mygirl]

I would also suggest looking into Bonnet Creek. If it is only 2 of you, then you could get a 1BR and it would be cheaper than the Hawthorne you are talking about. We are staying 7 nights in a 2BR for $832 in October for the first time. It is literally on Disney property, but not a Disney hotel. We have been diehard on site folks, but it is getting so much more expensive for our family of 6 to stay on property.
.

we have always stayed onsite, but our needs have changed. i will forgo being onsite for a full kitchen, and living space so that i do not have to go to bed when kids do . and for our dates, and party size, WBC was over $1000 cheaper - and bigger/better accomodations!!

save your cash - you will have fun no matter what!

 

[ccgirl]

I actually prefer off site. I enjoy getting a break from the so called *magic*. I want more "grown-up" decorations and amenities. I have stayed on site at the BWV, BC, AKL, ASMo, and POFQ. My best trips have been off site in 2BR timeshares for a fraction of the price. We have a car anyway as I cannot stand the WDW transportation. Even my DD when we went last year preferred off site. We stayed at ASMo in 1 room and they went to the Marrior Harbour Lake in a 2BR timeshare. WHen we go there she said, "finally I feel home, I have room to spread out." I no longer feel the WDW are worth what you get for them. I realize others feel differently.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Me personally, for that substantial of a difference, I wouldn't think twice about staying offsite.

That said, I am not a big fan of the Disney rooms. We like at least one separate bedroom, kitchen amenities for if we feel so inclined to use them, and laundry facilities. You can get far more spacious accomodations offiste for a fraction of the price of staying in a Disney resort.

With the savings, I would rather add on something else to the vacation.....whether it be a day at Discovery Cove, or whatever. Or be able to go more often by applying any savings to a "next trip". Or like some of the PP's, I could easily find places to invest $1400 in upgrades to my home or put toward another major purchase.

We loved POR on the whole (it was a great resort) but the room was small. Thankfully we didn't spend much time inside. I would much rather have more spacious accomodations at an offsite resort (and there are many options with great amenities like lazy rivers, waterslides, etc.).

 

[tzolkin]

I only see a $600. dollar difference between Hawthorn Suites and POR. For only a $50. a night difference, for me personally onsite is the only way to go.

Exactly what I was thinking.

The price difference keeps being referred to as $1400 more to stay onsite vs offsite. But really it's $1400 more to stay at a Disney deluxe resort.

I'm not sure of the OP's dates, but I just checked for 6 nights in August at Pop Century is $638. So if the OP was willing to stay at a value it would actually be cheaper than the offsite option listed.

 

[DisneyFairytale]

We can stay at Hawthorn Suites for $750ish or POR for $1350 or WL for $2150.
This is only for 6 nites. We are hoping to drive to WDW so we'd stay at hotels 2x on the ride there and back.

Tickets $700 (univ and 5 day)
Rental car: $800 or $600 if not suv

I am getting un-enthused over my trip.
Was excited, but after realizing it's $3000k min. after food etc. Not that excited over blowing money for one week.

I hope I will even want to take the long drive down and be in the mood for that drive. Will not fly this trip.

Those hotel quotes are horrible. You know we only go to Disneyland, nor the world-but we never stay onsite. We will stay at good neighbor hotels which as close if not closer and it will save 60-70% of the hotel cost. Its a lot of money you can use for something else.