Off-site Strategy help!

[minmate]

Okay, I can't take the New England winter anymore and I *think* I've found a way to escape! It just so happens that Orlando is just about the cheapest warm place to fly to from here, so.... considering this was NOT a budgeted trip, we will be staying off-site... probably the Residence Inn Lake Buena Vista (they say they have a shuttle... I think it only goes to DTD though)... I need off-site tips as usually I'm an on-site only, EMH type of gal!!!! I need your suggestions! We will be going in April... talk about your last minute trip!

 

[zurgswife]

Stay on site..

Ok seriously i have heard bad things about shuttles.(friends of mine hated it) too much time is spent waiting on shuttles...is it possible to rent a car??? If not I would try to finangle my movement to get places on WDW bus system...DTD to BWV/YC/BC the walk to MGM or Epcot. DTD to Contemp/Poly/GF and walk/monorail to MK...the tough one is AK but it is so small maybe a shuttle to there from your hotel..

 

[EsmeraldaX]

We stayed off site last Feb because we were offered a huge condo for 10 days for practically nothing. It was not the worst thing in the world. But my best suggestion to you is rent a car. Find the cheapest rental car you have to, but rent a car.

Parking at the parks was never that bad. There are shuttles in the parking lots to take you from your car to the front anyway. It's worth it to not have to deal with shuttles from offsite hotels and be bound by their often bad schedules. You will be very glad you rented a car.

Aside from that, the only things we missed were EMH. We still got up in time to be there for the parks regular openings. The drive was never terrible. We stayed at a place called High Point.

 

[crzy4mk]

We have always stayed off-site. With a good plan, it's not bad at all. First of all, you must rent a car. Depending on how long you are staying, that shouldn't cost you too much ($100 or so). Second, since you are familiar with EMH and know that most on-site people take advantage of this, you need to avoid the EMH parks. Other than those two things, staying off-site is not all bad. No, you don't get the 24/7 Disney magic, but it is definitely doable.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Another thing, I did find it kind of relaxing after a day at the parks to come home to the relative quiet of the offsite resort.

 

[kilee]

Rent a car-- I know you've been told already-- but it will make everything easier. Our first trip we tried relying on the shuttles and it was awful. First, they only ran like 4 times a day. Twice in the morning and twice near closing. With a rental car, you'll be fine. There are a lot of really nice off-site accomodations to pick from.
Last minute trips can be really great too. We have airline tickets for 4/12-4/20, but we're only 75% sure we're going. I have a rental car reserved, but nothing else done. So, I'm hoping to firm up some plans in the next 10 days.
HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!

 

[wdwmastermomma]

We always stay off property. It's not bad at all. Car rental is a must. I agree with avoiding the EMH days as all the people staying onsite will be there.

 

[paoil]

We've stayed at that Residence Inn--and it's nice. But also take a look at a house rental. A house is spacious. Most come with a pool and a lot of them are closer to Disney property. For our last several trips we've stayed at a house and we actually enjoy the break of being "off-property" for part of each day. In fact we're leaving in 6 days--staying at a house in Emerald Island.
And ditto on the car rental. It's the only way to go when you're off-site. Have fun. An impromptu trip is exciting.

 

[EthansMom]

Off-site -- definitely rent a car. I think I was able to rent an off-airport econocar for about $20/day a couple years ago. Plus, figure in parking at the parks -- what's that about $7 a day I think (unless you have an AP, in which case it's free). But definitely worth it if you're staying off-site.

Of course, when you consider these costs, you may find staying on-site at a Value or even a DTD hotel to be more attractive.

EthansMom

 

[bearzabout]

Check out mousesavers.com for great advice on car rentals. I usually can get a midsize for about $16/day AFTER taxes with National.

I used to love staying on site. Now I love the different experiences I have when staying off site. Use this trip to try new restaurants near Disney. There are some great options (that will save you a bundle as well).

Possibilities:

Bahama Breeze (their drinks are made with pureed fresh fruit)
Orlando Ale House (heaven for a beer lover and a bargain as well)
New York China Buffet (has a great $6.99 lunch buffet)
CiCi's Pizza (all you can eat pizza, salad bar and desserts for $3.99)
Sweet Tomatoes (amazing salad bar restaurant by Universal)

Just think of all the fun things you can do instead of waiting for a bus.

Have you checked out the cheap condos on Skyauction.com?

 

[sk!mom]

Look for car rental deals. Then bid less than the best deal on Priceline. We have gotten some terrific deals on rentals through Priceline. Since this is a budget trip bid on the smallest car that could possibly fit your needs.

 

[eeyore45]

i've recently found this site (thanks to someone on the Dis!) and used it to use Priceline to get a great deal on a hotel!

http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?

 

[lisa_from_nj]

Some may be good, but I had a not so great experience a few years ago. It seemed like we were always running to catch the bus. One time we tried to take the last shuttle which was at park closing. Lots of people had the same idea, there was a big line, the bus filled and we had to wait for the bus to drive to the hotel and come back to pick us up. Not fun with a sleeping child to say the least. Then there was the time we ran like mad for the dumb bus (it always took longer to get back than we expected) and missed it. We had to call a taxi. Which would not have been bad, except we didn't need the mad dash to the bus.

Also, you mentioned the bus goes to DTD. I don't believe you can take a Disney bus directly to a park from DTD, you have to go to a resort first then wait for and get on another bus - big waste of time and no fun!

Now we stay on site, usually at Pop Century. It is just so much easier.

 

[MinnieMom]

We've stayed off-site many times because we like to do a big gathering with my parents and my sister's family. All in all we end up having about 12 people, so we get a 6-7 bedroom house with a private pool and have a blast!

I love staying onsite too - there's nothing like it, but I say you'll have a great time no matter where you stay!

I definitely do agree with the others about getting a car though. It will just make things easier and less stressful!

Have a great trip!!