Offsite Pro's and Con's--VRBO, Craiglist?

[HWY20RIDE4MYSON]

I guess this is still considered a strategy. I see alot of great condo's and vacation homes. Which are much cheaper then the double and triple priced WDW resorts during New Years. Are they all pretty legit? I've used VRBO for other trips but never for WDW. I was a little worried of scams. Just thought I'd see of any recomendations. I love staying on property but not for the prices of that week. I've seen really nice condos and vacation homes so was looking for good reviews and or experiences!
Thank You

 

[patty57]

I've used VRBO and Homeaway many times for rentals, although not in FL. It is a legit site, however that doesn't mean every listing it has is a legit listing. You need to do your research and follow their guidelines to try and prevent scams. I have never used Craig's List for a rental, and don't think I ever would. There are scammers galore on Craig's List.

Adding that I don't have any recommendations to give you for specific homes/condos in the WDW area. The only recommendation I would give is to avoid Craig's List for renting.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I used VRBO many times over the years never ever a problem. Craigs List NO there are so many foreclosures in FL I think there was even a crime ring for awhile that were scamming people by renting out houses that didn't belong to them

VRBO is a great way to go. I know other people that have found very nice condos to rent in the WDW area using booking.com search locations of Lake Buena Vista, and Kissimmee, not just Orlando

 

[Diz Crazy]

We've used VROB about 5 different times at DW. We have been happy and no problems each time!!

 

[nugov2]

We have stayed on and off site. Now that we are a family of 5 off site is the only choice for us!!
Pro:
*tons of space to spread out(for us everyone has their own bedroom because we choose a 6bdrm)
*can enjoy the pool/hot tub while the kids are asleep
*we have our own car and do not have to wait in long lines and be crammed into public transportation with hot, sweaty and crabby families.
*ability to cook your own meals if you want(we pretty much ate out the entire trip, but it was nice to have fresh fruit and other items and access to the full kitchen)
*If you pick the right house you have private pool/hot tub and a resort pool with waterslide. You only get a waterslide at WDW if you stay at a deluxe or mod.
*better than deluxe accommodations for mod pricing
*If you pick the right house you are just as close to the park as the values and even some mods.
*If you pick the right house the kids get to sleep in an amazing themed room. Our last house my dd got her own princess bedroom, there was a toy story room and a mickey room. The kids went crazy for them.


Cons:
Still can't find any

Some will say:
* EMH(we avoid that park)
*not having public transportation
* and the ever popular "disney bubble". I don't feel any less magical or inside the bubble off site.
*early booking, which I can see that, but you can book one night at a hotel on site and not use it to get that perk for your whole trip. Some find that price worth it for the early booking, some do not. Our last trip we had every ADR we wanted without it, but with the new FP+ it is something we are considering for our next trip.

I would avoid CL and stick with VRBO. If you go with Windsor Hills( a beautifu community very close to the parks) they have their own website too with more options!

 

[HWY20RIDE4MYSON]

We have stayed on and off site. Now that we are a family of 5 off site is the only choice for us!!
Pro:
*tons of space to spread out(for us everyone has their own bedroom because we choose a 6bdrm)
*can enjoy the pool/hot tub while the kids are asleep
*we have our own car and do not have to wait in long lines and be crammed into public transportation with hot, sweaty and crabby families.
*ability to cook your own meals if you want(we pretty much ate out the entire trip, but it was nice to have fresh fruit and other items and access to the full kitchen)
*If you pick the right house you have private pool/hot tub and a resort pool with waterslide. You only get a waterslide at WDW if you stay at a deluxe or mod.
*better than deluxe accommodations for mod pricing
*If you pick the right house you are just as close to the park as the values and even some mods.
*If you pick the right house the kids get to sleep in an amazing themed room. Our last house my dd got her own princess bedroom, there was a toy story room and a mickey room. The kids went crazy for them.


Cons:
Still can't find any

Some will say:
* EMH(we avoid that park)
*not having public transportation
* and the ever popular "disney bubble". I don't feel any less magical or inside the bubble off site.
*early booking, which I can see that, but you can book one night at a hotel on site and not use it to get that perk for your whole trip. Some find that price worth it for the early booking, some do not. Our last trip we had every ADR we wanted without it, but with the new FP+ it is something we are considering for our next trip.

I would avoid CL and stick with VRBO. If you go with Windsor Hills( a beautifu community very close to the parks) they have their own website too with more options!

Thank you for the great info

 

[momof2n2]

We have stayed on and off site. Now that we are a family of 5 off site is the only choice for us!! Pro: *tons of space to spread out(for us everyone has their own bedroom because we choose a 6bdrm) *can enjoy the pool/hot tub while the kids are asleep *we have our own car and do not have to wait in long lines and be crammed into public transportation with hot, sweaty and crabby families. *ability to cook your own meals if you want(we pretty much ate out the entire trip, but it was nice to have fresh fruit and other items and access to the full kitchen) *If you pick the right house you have private pool/hot tub and a resort pool with waterslide. You only get a waterslide at WDW if you stay at a deluxe or mod. *better than deluxe accommodations for mod pricing *If you pick the right house you are just as close to the park as the values and even some mods. *If you pick the right house the kids get to sleep in an amazing themed room. Our last house my dd got her own princess bedroom, there was a toy story room and a mickey room. The kids went crazy for them. Cons: Still can't find any Some will say: * EMH(we avoid that park) *not having public transportation * and the ever popular "disney bubble". I don't feel any less magical or inside the bubble off site. *early booking, which I can see that, but you can book one night at a hotel on site and not use it to get that perk for your whole trip. Some find that price worth it for the early booking, some do not. Our last trip we had every ADR we wanted without it, but with the new FP+ it is something we are considering for our next trip. I would avoid CL and stick with VRBO. If you go with Windsor Hills( a beautifu community very close to the parks) they have their own website too with more options!

Love offsite.
I've rented 7 times in that area.
Love
Www.vacationhomerentals.com

Visit Orlando attractions board.

 

[kathy884]

My favorite (more of a resort feel than a home rental) is to rent from a timeshare owner at one of the many lovely timeshare resort properties in the area. I usually find my rentals on Redweek.com or TUG2.net

If it's more than four nights I want my own kitchen and outdoor space (balcony or terrace) and Disney properties with that are sky high even renting points. That makes offsite an easy choice for me. The quality for the price you get offsite IMHO is incredible in Orlando. The area has always been overbuilt and offers some very nice deals.

 

[libertybelle08]

I've used them a couple times. In February, I booked through VRBO and stayed at World Quest Resort. It was very affordable and pretty smooth sailing getting into the Disney compound from there. The drawbacks were having to check in at a different resort (something to do with the property management) and getting back to the condo after a long day in the park. I used Home Away for our upcoming trip. It appears to be legit, but like you, my dad is suspicious.

 

[sethschroeder]

Con:
No mid-day resort rests without traveling off Disney property
No walking to the parks (staying in Epcot area even Swan and Dolphin)

 

[HWY20RIDE4MYSON]

Con:
No mid-day resort rests without traveling off Disney property
No walking to the parks (staying in Epcot area even Swan and Dolphin)

Very true but im really only considering offsite for the new years holiday prob the 28-3rd. We usually stay at wolderness lodge. After doing the math by the time I rent a car and pay for parking at the parks, plus fight the crowd everyday ..we may just stay at a value resort

 

[sethschroeder]

Very true but im really only considering offsite for the new years holiday prob the 28-3rd. We usually stay at wolderness lodge. After doing the math by the time I rent a car and pay for parking at the parks, plus fight the crowd everyday ..we may just stay at a value resort

Why not look at Swan + Dolphin? Might not be that much more? Not sure haven't really looked that much into it.

 

[danielangie]

We always rent offsite now as well, as we are a family of six and need the extra room!

We have stayed at Windsor Hills Resort the last three times- 3 bedroom 2 bath HUGE condo!! Wonderful gated resort, beautiful pool-we are a mile outside of Disney at this location-we love it at Windsor Hills!

We always book through Vrbo.com!

 

[patty57]

Why not look at Swan + Dolphin? Might not be that much more? Not sure haven't really looked that much into it.

I love the Swan & Dolphin. If the OP is thinking of one of the values, the S/D will be a lot more than that. If you can get a discount at the S/D, it's closer to the price of the moderates...never as inexpensive as the values.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've stayed off site many times, but I would never do so over a major holiday. EMH is so important, as it the ability to book your FP+ 60 days out instead of 30. Plus if you are off site you are one of the first ones blocked out of the parks as they reach capacity.

As far as avoiding the EMH park goes, that becomes impossible if you wish to visit the Magic Kingdom. It is the early morning EMH park every morning for the last week of December. And that is true of most major holiday weeks.

 

[TeacherDL]

I'm so glad to hear the positive reviews of Windsor Hills. We are going to try staying there for our next trip. We have always stayed onsite, but we are going to try some different things in Orlando this time.