Offsite or onsite

[littleacceb]

Hi all. We’re a large party with teens down to an infant and would like the teens to have some independence on our next trip. Is staying onsite the only way?

I have zero experience of offsite shuttles and their reliability/security but I feel comfortable with them taking Disney buses.

 

[EmilyGahr]

With staying off site, you'll typically have to rely on Uber/Lyft. Are you comfortable with your teens being in an Uber without you? Will they be comfortable having to request the Uber themselves on the app?

Some offsite hotels have shuttles, but from what I've seen they can be hit or miss in terms of reliability.

My recommendation would be renting DVC points for some of the larger villas.

 

[jmasgat]

Are you comfortable with your teens being in an Uber without you? Will they be comfortable having to request the Uber themselves on the app?

Unless they're 18, I don't think they can take an Uber/Lyft on their own.

A Disney Springs hotel might be an option. It is close enough to walk there, there's stuff to do there, and there are also Disney buses to resorts so they could get around to them (and parks). And some hotels (Like the Hilton) do have shuttle service to the parks.

Depending on the size of your group, I might also look into renting DVC points for a villa.

 

[littleacceb]

Thanks, folks. I think jmasgat is correct - under 18s have to be accompanied by an adult to ride in an Uber. I should imagine actually that any hotel shuttle might have similar rules.

There are 8 of us, so we’re thinking two AofA suites, or one suite and one room.

I love DVC but it definitely still seems to have deluxe resort prices!

 

[Disney.Dreamin.Dee]

If you want the teens to be able to come and go as they please then I'd stay in a Disney resort or Swan/Dolphin nothing else offsite.

Offsite shuttles tend to have limited times and drop off/pick up locations.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Just about every hotel in the area is going to have some sort of shuttle system to and from the parks. Some better than others.

I've never used offsite transports to come and go throughout the day, but I've never had an issue getting to a park before opening or leaving at closing. Most I've seen have scheduled drop offs and pick ups every few hours.

We stayed at the Disney Springs Hilton twice and their transport system was perfect!!

 

[Eastern]

Check Swan for AP rates. It is cheaper than POFQ and Swan has queen sized beds.

 

[bastraker]

We live in New Jersey. My son is 15 and he and his friends uber often without adults. Not sure if that is a state to state thing.

 

[jimmymc]

Offsite shuttles usually run a few times in the morning and a few after park close. It's tough for them to get from the hotel and back during the day, but once they take the shuttle to property they can use Disney transportation to park hop.

There are some cheaper hotels with large rooms in walking distance to Disney Springs.

 

[dixonyy18]

I always say that if you can afford it, stay on property and get the full immersion!

 

[littleacceb]

I always say that if you can afford it, stay on property and get the full immersion!

That would always be my preference but with a group of eight and the older two brothers unwilling to share a bed, it may not be doable...