Off-site vs. on-site, Please help!

[bizwiz24]

Hello,

I am college student and this is my first vacation without my own family. I will be going with first timers: my girlfriend, her mom, her sister (age 9), and her brother (3 yrs.). I've been there 5 times and have always stayed at either the Hilton or Wyndham.

On this vacation I have chosen the Hyatt Grand Cypress over the Caribbean Beach Resort, I got a great $80 per night deal. Does anyone think this was a good choice? What are the advantages of being on Disney territory? The CBR did not seem too Disney-like and seemed more like Puerto Rico.

Also, does anyone know if parking at the parks is validated while not staying on a Disney Resort? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Everyone have a great day!

 

[Schmeck]

benefit of onsite - extra magic hour (or whatever they call it), constant transportation that gets you as close to the gate of each park as possible, no need for a car, close enough to parks to go back for a nap midday.

benefit of offsite - saving $ on a room that you won't be in that much anyways!

What I would want to know before staying offsite - how long of a drive is it to the parks each day, is it possible to go back for a midday break (does the 3 yr old need one?), do you want to have to drive/park/walk every day to get to the parks?

 

[momof2inPA]

People on the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board seem to really like that Hyatt, and I have never heard of someone getting that kind of rate.

On the other hand, I have spoken to many Disney visitors who did not like CBR.

Does anyone in your group go often enough that purchasing an AP would make sense? There is free parking with an AP.

 

[Kapp]

but we really believe that if you are going to the "World", you need to stay in the World to get the true vacation feel. You don't have to worry about parking, finding your car!, paying for parking, building in travel time, etc. Other than that, the Extra Hour in the morning is great and is the general Disney feel. You may want to look on Priceline or another similar site to see if you can get the Swan or Dolphin for a good rate (or is someone going a Nurse or Teacher? There is a good discout for that too!). You may also want to touch base with a travel agent to see if they know of any good in park deals.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[wimom02]

That is an amazing rate for the Hyatt!! We've stayed at and loved the Hyatt resorts. This one was featured on the Travel Channel's show with Samantha Brown as one of the best family resorts in the country. It is so close to WDW and has such great recreation (pools, waterslide, beach, mini golf). You may need a car for getting to and from the parks when you want, but I've seen it listed that it only takes 5 minutes or so. You could do breakfast at Chef Mickey's or AK to add to the magic with the $ savings. Check out the reviews on trip advisor for this Hyatt.

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by bizwiz24
Hello,

I am college student and this is my first vacation without my own family. I will be going with first timers: my girlfriend, her mom, her sister (age 9), and her brother (3 yrs.). I've been there 5 times and have always stayed at either the Hilton or Wyndham.

On this vacation I have chosen the Hyatt Grand Cypress over the Caribbean Beach Resort, I got a great $80 per night deal. Does anyone think this was a good choice? What are the advantages of being on Disney territory? The CBR did not seem too Disney-like and seemed more like Puerto Rico.

Also, does anyone know if parking at the parks is validated while not staying on a Disney Resort? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Everyone have a great day!

Hi, Welcome!
The Hyatt Grand Cypress is one that dh & I have "drooled" over since seeing it on Great Hotels! We are definently going to stay there one day! But, that will be a "non-Disney"trip. (We either do Disney or non-Disney trips where is it only Disney or no Disney.)

When I go to Disney, I want to stay on-site. There is just no comparision. After you're tried it once, there is just no going back!

Now, by my count, there are 5 of you. I don't believe 5 can stay at CBR. I believe the only mod which can accomodate 5 is Port Orleans, the section with the trundle beds.

I haven't stayed at CBR, I have several friends who have. They have all loved this resort.

Happy planning!!

 

[bizwiz24]

I would like to thank everyone for your comments. I have taken everything said into deep consideration. FYI, I have called and confirmed with the hotel and they will have no problem accommodating the 5 of us, since there are 2 children. Apparently there are rollaway free of charge.

Over the course of the day my girlfriend has been convinced that on this paticular occasion, we will stay at the Hyatt Grand Cypress. Perhaps on future trips we will make an a attempt at a Disney Resort.

Once again, thank you very much for your comments.

 

[Paul Samanant]

It sounds like you've decided and that is fine. One more point to be brought up for staying onsite (for future consideration):

A major part of WDW are the parks at night: shows, dinners, events that go on in the evenings and nights: Spectromagic, Illuminations, Phantasmic, MK fireworks are some specific events (in addition to just walking around World Showcase, Boardwalk, MK or any park in the evenings (also all the Disney restaurants). Those are spectacular and for us, a major part of the vacation.

We have found that the best way to take those in, is to tour the parks in the morning (when crowds are less), but then to take an afternoon break at your resort (swim at pool in afternoon). Take a rest. Get cleaned up, and then to go out again in the evening. Staying onsite makes getting there in the morning easier (as well as facilitating the afternoon break)

We know many people who stay offsite, get there later as a result, and battle at the parks/crowds all day and they are wiped out come evening time. They are then done for the day, or are tired come evening time, whereas if they would have taken the break, they would have enjoyed the evening. More often than not, these are the same people who dislike the disney experience and don't go back.

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

One other thing to keep in mind. With a 3-yr old in your group, you may want to "split up" occasionally. I can just see that the 3-yr old is tired and needs to go back to the hotel, but you and your girlfriend want to stay.

Another big plus for staying on-site.

However, since you aren't you may want to bring some taxi money!