Offsite Hotels for 1st Time Visitor?

[cafelattemom]

I will be visiting WDW for the first time in early December and am so excited! Unfortunately, I am overwhelmed with all the choices (i.e. which character breakfasts, itinieraries, transportation) and am not sure if hotel shuttles are my best route. I am planning to book the Radisson Resort Parkway but I am travelling with my 4 year old and my 72 year old mother. My budget does not allow for the premium Disney resorts and I am wondering if WDW veterans have any thoughts on this. Thanks.

 

[leebee]

We've been to WDW over a dozen times and have stayed onsite only once, so I'm probably not your most unbiased advisor, but...we didn't love being onsite (don't flame me!). We stayed at POFQ and while the mattresses and sheets were superior, it was, after all, a hotel room with 2 double beds and a teeny tiny bathroom, one TV, external corridors, and a small round table with 2 chairs. The busses were a nightmare in late June...took 1.5 hours to catch a bus to Magic Kingdom and then the monorail to the Polynesian...a 20 minute drive from most off-site hotels, maximum. Then, there was the wait for the bus BACK to the resort at park closing...1 hour for bus after Fantasmic, and it was packed to the gills with hot, tired, cranky people. I LONGED for my own car to whisk me back to my hotel where I could be cool and comfortable. Regarding the food court at POFQ, I was amazed by all the variety available; definitely not just burgers, fries and nuggets, but the prices! You pay for convenience and theming, but you really pay for the Disney name. Regarding Disney transport, to be fair I'm never happy with hotel shuttles, either. They are never there when you need them, and often take a circuitous route...although as long as I have a seat, this is OK. Travelling with a 4yo and a 72 yo (I've done both), I'd find a great rate on a hotel or suite (check hotelkingdom.com, skyauction.com, discounthotels.cc) and then get a rental car; mousesavers.com has great codes and tips for keeping the cost low- check transportation and budget boards for tips too.

When will you be in WDW? We are goind Dec. 8-15, and my mother-in-law (no, this is a good thing!) from Cleveland is considering coming also! Maybe we'll see you!

 

[spiceycat]

you can stay on-site at a value resort with a code now for $55 - this offer quits on Oct 10 - and it is for stays now until Dec 25.

Off-site transportation is not that good.

some resorts only have you going to WDW once in the morning - once before lunch, then once in the afternoon

coming back - same way.

the lines can be long and if you miss it - get what you get to take a taxis.

since you are saving money by not staying on-site go rent a car.

leebee - there is certainly no reason not to take your own car if you stay on-site. Some of us love WDW transportation - others don't it is your choice. I certainly NEVER drive to the MK - that would be silly. but Epcot I do generally drive too or boat too. Studios no- take bus or boat. AK I have only driven there - next trip we will take the bus - see which has less of a walk to the park.

if you stay on-site and park in the theme parks it is free.

off-site it will be $8 per day (not per park - once you pay it that is it for the day)

for early Dec - I would go with the value resorts - your child will love the All Star Movie.... You however would probably like Pop Century (my favorite of the value resorts).

if you stay on-site get a collapse cooler - so you can breakfast in your room - save some time and money getting to the parks.

 

[ILUVDXL]

We found the Radisson Parkway shuttle inconvient, but then again we were always use to staying on property. You'll be much better off if you have a car. The Hotel, however, is beautiful

 

[Local_Girl]

We stay offsite all the time. I just checked out Skyauction Ready Set Go auctions for early December, and if the check in dates are okay for you, there are some great deals to be had there! For example, Cypress Pointe Grande Villas has 2 bdrm units available for one week, with check ins on 12/3, 12/4, or 12/5. There are several other condo-type resorts listed for that time frame (but CPGV gets pretty good reviews here on the DIS)...and with the RSG auctions you can pick up a week for around $260 total, give or take a couple of dollars. Regardless of where you stay, I would recommend renting a car if you are staying offsite rather than relying on shuttle transportation.

Good luck and have a nice trip!

 

[spiceycat]

there are some wonderful off-site hotels - that have special that beats hands down even the deluxe resorts - but they certainly aren't cheap either - ritz-carlton, Grande Cypress Hyatt, Gaylord, - Universal's hotel (Loews) - I also loved the Reinassuance at SW - lovely hotel.

the new Marriott.

I also have enjoyed the Laquinta, Rodeway Inn, Holiday Inn, Day Inn, Best Western, Hojo, Sheraton, budget inn, econ lodge, comfort inn,

there are several hotels along US 192 Kissimme- you name it you can generally find it here - just outside the WDW. there are also several hotels in Lake buena Vista - just outside DD. the guide books like International Blvd - I don't too far to drive to WDW.

but if I have to pick between the LaQuinta and a value resort at WDW - guess what the value resort wins!!! Now the Grande Cypress Hyatt would win - but I haven't seen that thing for anything under $200 a night - if you do please post!!!

 

[crazelion]

I would check out hotelkingdom.com for good hotels rates. Then I would go to tripadvsior.com for hotel reviews. I post the board ask if anyone have stay at the hotel.

If have AAA and senior citzens check to see if the hotel have these rates.

If stay offsite rent a car. They have some awesome flea markets and outlet malls.

Get as many coupons as can for many fast food and sit down food places as can. The coupons is everywhere. The savings is good.