On or off Property

[pollioni]

Hello all,

I am in the stages of planning to make my next trip to WDW.

My questions is, with budget in mind and the fact that I am running the Marathon on Sunday the 8th. Here are the issues

I have to be at the start line @ Epcot at 5am and there are shuttles from all the resorts directly to the start line.

Should we get a Disney villa thru someone with DVC points to sell (so we can save $$ on food) or stay at a budget resort.

The alternative is staying off property possibly at a villa nearby.

Any suggestions???? Ideas???? Thoughts?????

 

[ChisJo]

First of all - good for you for running that marathon. I have always wanted to run a marathon, and am hoping to do one in 2 years (starting easy and work my way up).

Now for the real issue here. The primary question you need to ask yourself is: Besides the marathon, how often are you planning on being in WDW? If you are planning on being there for the most part of your trip, I would definately stay on property and disregard the outside villas completely.

Secondly, are you the type of person who, when on holidays, enjoys cooking? If so, I would definately try to rent the DVC villa. But, if you find that you may be in the parks, and are not near the DVC property anyways to cook, maybe the budget hotel is a better choice. I have always found that when I go, I gt so hungry while in the parks that I end up eating there anyways, despite if I have the food at the hotel.

Also, are you worried about the money? If you are worried about the money issue, compare the two. Renting DVC points and buying groceries for most of your food, or, staying in a budget hotel and getting some food at the grocery store, but the majority in restaurants.

Also, have you thought about transportation if you stay off property? The bonus of staying on property is the transportation, and seeing as how you have a start time of 5am (what is with that crazy hour anyways???), I would have to say that maybe someone else carting me around would be much appreciated. If Disney is guaranteeing transportation for you, I would take it.

I would definately start by comparing the 2 price wise and work from there.

Jo

 

[NancyK]

Welcome to the DIS boards!
We did the 1/2 marathon this past January and I would definitely stay on property if we ever do it again. The buses for the marathon start leaving the hotels at 3 a.m. and it was really worth it to us not to have to worry about the traffic.
Nancy

 

[Disney5Mom]

We enjoy staying on site at values or moderates and we eat one sit down meal a day. We prefer not to cook. We shopped at a local supermarket for breakfast foods and snacks which we stored in our hotel fridge...but felt we did not save that much.

 

[Sandy22]

I know for my family, it's cheaper to stay in a Disney bugdet hotel and eat in restaurants than to rent DVC points. Plus the thought of spending time cooking and doing dishes while I'm at Disney is horrible!!!