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

[surfgirl]

Disney has resorts that will fit into your budget, you just don't like them. They don't owe anyone a deluxe vacation at a value price, which is what you seem to want.

Good point. However, I find Disney prices to be deluxe prices at value level resorts!

I admit to be a bit of a hotel snob - just give me a plain 'ole Marriott, I don't need Ritz Carlton or anything. However, for Disney, that is a "deluxe" resort at super deluxe prices. Part of our problem is that we are a family of 5 so we become limited with regard to hotel choices.

I *could* afford to stay deluxe on-site, I just prefer to stay off-site for much less money and much more room. Honestly, kids and parents are all much happier this way.

OP, I vote for offsite. Are you taking votes?

 

[dealia]

I had this same internal fight with myself. After adding up ALL things...(parking,food, rental car) It ended up to be a small savings for us to stay @ the Port Orleans with a free dinning offer I got in the mail. The one down side to this for me was that we would have more room in our room if we stayed off site. My kids said the would much rather stay on property than have a larger room. Port Orleans here we come.

 

[bumbershoot]

Unfortunately many insurance companies do not insure rentals, unless one is needed in case of an accident. I was trying to rent a car when we were planning on a westward trip and was told I had to buy the rental companies insurance. So maybe that's why?

As long as it was your exact insurance company telling you that about your specific insurance, OK, get the rental agency's insurance. But rental companies sometimes lie about it, say it's the state's policy, etc etc. So the important thing it to talk to your own agent (or the 800# if you don't have an agent) and find out for your EXACT insurance.

I think you are making a mistake on narrowing your car rental search to Hertz only for the unlimited mileage perk.

I do, too.

OP if you give us the info on where you are driving the car from, and how long you'll have it, etc, I'm SURE people would be glad to help you find a better deal. And if there's no better deal now, I bet tips could be given on how to keep looking. For instance, mousesavers.com has a whole set of pages about coupons and codes for many rental car agencies, to help get those rates down!



On the other hand, be sure to budget for parking if you stay offsite!

 

[blessedby3]

Bonnet Creek has the lazy river you are looking for

 

[rellinge]

Stay in an off-property condo. It will be nicer than the Hawthorne and less money.

 

[beansmom]

i would go moderate and save that much money but i'm not a fan of offsite.

 

[luvsJack]

Been to Disney 5 times. Stayed onsite all but the last one. Every trip I price it out on site and I price it out off site. I tell dh how much we can save by staying off site and he says he would rather spend the extra money.

Well, last trip we had no choice but to stay off site (didn't plan the trip). I will NEVER suggest staying off site again. Some are fine with it, but its not for us.

None of us felt like we were really "doing Disney" and just were not happy off site. Disney is expensive and if I am going to spend that much money, I would rather do it and be happy with my choices.

Of course, your "happy choices" may very well be different than mine, just my experience.