Offsite or on...opinions, please

[mbb]

Here's the problem...we're going to be at OKW, DB and DSIL are flying in to have a mini-vacation with us (at the end of our vacation, and the beginning of theirs...haven't seen them in a couple of years - we're excited! - live at opposite ends of Canada!! ) We have suggested doing point rental for a studio ...but they aren't warming up to the idea - we don't have enough points to just book it for them...

anyway, they are thinking of staying offsite, at the Econolodge Maingate or similar...and then shuttle bus to TTC or a park, then WDW transport to get to us...can they even use WDW transportation (they will have PHP - sshh, don't tell them...tkts are Christmas surprise from us ) to get from a park to OKW? They really don't want to rent a car...thinking budget - obviously - is a difficult issue...maybe we should just rent a car for them...?

Would it be easier - at all - to stay at AllStars? or at a DTD hotel that they could walk to the ferry- to OKW...so confused, any advice or tips would be much appreciated...dates are Jan29-Feb2 TIA!!

 

[cdrn1]

The DTD thing sounds like the best option to me, although I really don't know anything about transportation to/from OKW. One ferry ride sounds much easier and faster than bus to TTC them bus to OKW. And yes, the PHP entitles them to use the WDW transport system if they do decide to stay offsite.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

First they wont be able to get a bus to OKW from TTC they would have to go via monorail or ferry to MK then get the bus to OKW Resort. Very time consuming, plus from that I know the transportation from off-site resorts don't run a certain schedule like Disney Transportation does...so even longer.

The launch from OKW to DTD isn't a all day thing either, you would need to check that schedule also.

 

[wdwphanatic]

Although it would be more than staying at an Econolodge, they be getting a deluxe property onsite and, imo, it would be worth a few more dollars for that. I've stayed that time of year on rented points and it's cost me, on average, about $130/night, which is about the price they'd pay for a moderate AND they'd get a microwave and fridge to save on the cost of meals... If you figure in the cost of a car rental as well, then this would definitely be more economical.

Good luck,
Sarah

 

[mbb]

...with the hassle for them (notice how we're not volunteering to go anywhere ) DH suggested that we do half of the point rental, and they could do half...would work out about the same $ for them... thanks for all your suggestions!!

 

[freediverdude]

Plus if you're DVC members, I think you could have the points transferred to your account and make the reservation, instead of your relatives having to worry about someone else making the reservation and having control over it. This should alleviate any worries from them about renting, because once the points are transferred, you have control over them. If they still won't go for it, then yes I would try to talk them into a moderate or downtown disney resort.