On or off site with 8mth, 4, 7 and grandparents

[jbaker]

I am planning our first trip to Disney with our three children and my parents for the first week in August. The kids will be 8 mths, 4 and 7 by the time of the trip. I have reservations for two rooms at the Holiday Inn Family Suites but I am second guessing our plan now. We will have a rental car since we have a family wedding to attend at the beginning of the trip.

Would we be better off ditching the car and put the money towards staying on-site at a budget or moderate resort and taking the Disney transportation? Does a house rental work out better for families?

Based on my one other trip to Disney with my husband years ago I was thinking that a typical day would be going to one park in the morning taking a break in the afternoon and then go to another park in the evening. Does that work best with young children?

I have learned so much from reading these forums and really appreciate everyone contributing their experiences!

 

[AreWeThereYet]

Our first two trips to WDW we stayed off-site and thought we were doing great. However, our third trip down I had a business trip and we stayed on-site (Caribbean Beach that trip) and we immediately decided to stay on-site from now on.

We have stayed on-site from that point on.

Now about transportation - we tried the Disney transportation system that first trip and decided to always drive our vehicles from then on as well. They are efficient and they do get you to where you want to go eventually, but we like to have a little more control over when we go where we want to go and how we get there. Like I said, they will get you there, sometimes it might take a little longer than you expect is all.

Don't know if this helps any, but we were sold from our first on-site stay and would highly recomment it if it's a possibility.

 

[CEDmom]

With such a diverse age group I'd stay on-site. There will be times that one child will have had enough and needs to go back to the room while the rest of the group will want to stay. This will be a problem with only 1 car. Also it will be difficult/time consuming to take a break in the day for a swim etc when offsite.

 

[all4fun]

I agree with the pp's - staying on site would definitely be more convenient. If you can keep the rental car, you should do so, since the transportation system is reliable, but not really efficient. You might try hopping over to the DVC Rent/Trade board and seeing if renting some points at one of Disney's "Home away from Home" resorts might save you some money as well. I don't know what the points are renting out at right now, but usually it's a pretty fair deal for apartment-style lodging that is on-site. Just thought you might not want to overlook that option.

Hope you have a magical trip!

 

[Miniefan]

We just got back from a 5 night vacation March 25-30, and We stayed at the Allstar Music Resort, it is considered a value resort but in my opinion is 10 times better than most off property upscale motels. It is a really nice property for families, and although the rooms are not large, they are very clean and nice. Each allstar resort has 2 themed pools which are also heated and a huge food court, serving anything you guys could want to eat, fast food type meals, pizza and italian, a hot dinner bar with roast chicken, london broil, a market with sandwiches, etc., and a dessert place, not to mention each of them has a nice gift shop, in case you didn't get what you wanted at the park. There is transportation to all parks, water parks, downtown disney, and the ttc. They also give you a parking permit for your car, which entitles you to free parking anywhere on the resort. The allstar properties are very much comparable to holiday inns, but with a great disney touch. I would definitely recommend staying on Disney even if you have a car it is so much easier getting in and out of the parks, do it once and I promise you every time you come back you'll stay there again. I have 2 kids ages 4, & 6 and every day we were there we took a mid day break. Also, to Disney Resort Guests Only,certain parks open one hour earlier for guests only, this is fun, you can get a couple of the must do things over with earlier in the morning before the genereal public is there! We would ride the bus to the park every morning, and come back to the resort at lunch time and swim, then eat dinner off property and come back that evening. We had a wonderful time. Magic Kingdom is better and less crowded at night, not to mention all the lights are somewhat more magical. The on property resorts are not as expensive as some might think and they also are offering spring and summer rates that are really good so check them out . Have fun
Kim

 

[DisneyMomx7]

With little ones I would definitely stay on site. Keep your eyes on these boards and sometimes you can get a code that will lower the price of your hotel. Try the values or moderates. When we went last year with a 2, 4 and 5 year old we always had to take an afternoon break from the parks to swim/nap and just rejuvenate ourselves. Have a wonderful trip no matter where you end up staying.

 

[my3princes]

We have stayed at the HI Family Suites with 3 generations and 9 people total. We loved it. The kids loved the pool and some of our family wasn't too into Disney and took days to do other things in Orlando. We love Disney and used the HIFS bus transportation to get to WDW each day. I think the buses run every 1/2 hr to the WDW transportation Center. Having said that we are going back this year with 3 generations. We are driving and bringing our Camper and Staying at FW. The transportation is quicker and we like the Disney magic 24/7. For the family members who are not Disney Fanatics we figure they can do whatever they want on or off site.

 

[jme829]

We have 3 kids and that is where we stay...Maybe you could upgrade to a 3 bedroom suite...might be cheaper than 2 separate...there would be a private bed for mom dad and baby (they have cribs), a bed room for 4 and 7 and a bedroom for grandparents...for us the room to spread out and the free hot breakfast buffet 9in itself an awesome deal ) (plus we get our room free anyways due to hubbys frequent stay perks )make it very worthwhile for us to stay there..and it is very close to most parks...at most a 10-15 min drive anywhere. closer than some on site hotels.!

 

[dijid]

You have to decide what's most important to you. Do you need more space and more bedrooms? Will you be going back to your room frequently, or stay all day at the parks? Will your group always travel together or do you think you will split up?

We have restled with a similar decision - at one point it was my family with 7mo, 2.5yo and 4.5yo + 2 of my siblings. When it was that group, we decided a large condo with 2 rental cars was a great option. We could get a 3BR at Cypress Pointe for about $100/day including tax. If money was no object, we'd have opted for a 2BR at Old Key West onsite. When the number in our party reduced, we opted for a Wilderness Cabin instead. We liked having the separate bedroom and the option for our family to split up and use WDW transportation.

 

[HeatherC]

I also have 3 kids. They are now 3,5 and 7. We have only stayed offsite so I can't compare to onsite. But...having said that, I don't think we will be staying onsite until my kids are a little older. I am looking forward to the day when we will, but I think we have become very spoiled with offsite for the following reasons.


1.We were able to have very large, beautiful accomodations at a fraction of the cost. We've stayed at Orange Lake, Marriotts Grande Vista and Vistana Villages recently. All had awesome facilities, were very clean and an easy commute to Disney. All of them were around 1500 square feet.
It was wonderful to be able to make breakfast in the morning, have 3 tvs for the kids to unwind, space for them to run around and then be able to put them to bed in separate bedrooms. And we also packed far less because we had washer and dryers. The other reason it worked for us is because my kids did not want to sit in a restaurant at the end of every day. If they wanted to go home, we did and just made something quick and easy in our kitchen. Saved us a lot of time and grief. It really enabled my dh and I to feel like we were on vacation and not all cramped together.

2. My kids were 9 months, 4 and 6 the first two times we went. They were so excited and overwhelmed that we found they were totally wiped by the end of the day and were quite happy to "leave" Disney for the quiet of "home". That being said they also loved going back the next day.

3. Having a car was wonderful. Yes, we did have to pay for parking. But if you do 4 or 5 park days that is only around $30 - $35. We saw way too many exhausted moms and dads lugging and carrying kids while they were waiting for Disney transportation. When my kids said they were ready to go, we just went and didn't have to wait for a bus or try to find a seat. Plus, some resorts share transporation, so you may find that depending on where you stay, you may have to stop at another resort or two first. That would not be fun for me when my kids are tired and cranky. That's when I get tired and very cranky!! LOL

4. Because we spent so little on lodging, we were able to go for at least 10 days each time. This helped with little ones because our kids do need downtime or it is a nightmare for us! This way we would do one or two days at the parks and one or two days at the pool. We didn't feel pressured to hurry up and see it all.

But...all this being said, I'm sure you will have a terrific trip no matter where you stay. I'm just saying what worked for us. I think it really is personal preference whether to stay on or offsite. I honestly think there is no right or wrong answer. After all, every family is unique and needs to find what works for them.

When my kids are a little older, we will probably try onsite and I'm looking forward to it.

Have fun planning!!!

Heather C

 

[tink2]

My parents have been to WDW with us three times and are going again this year. We always stay on-site. We have two rooms this year- have had 3 in the past as my brother and his family also went. We ask for two connecting rooms- that is nice b/c of the door in-between. It helps communication and the parents help with a crying child in the mornings or evenings. Also, my mom isn't in the best of health and often either sleeps in to meet us at the parks or comes to the room early. That is where the buses work wonders for us! She feels very comfortable traveling by herself. And, depending on which hotel you choose, when you go back, you don't necessarily have the busy feeling of the parks. The resorts we have stayed at were all peaceful and tranquil- very relaxing! We've stayed at POFQ, POR, and AKL. All nice and a relaxing pace after the parks!
Either way, you'll have a magical time with memories to last a lifetime for your family!

 

[Ahrizel]

I'd go for a house. We've never stayed on site, but with a group house or condo rental is still the best way. We're going in June-me, dh, sis and her dh-their 3 kids 6, 7, 9,; our mom, my brother-15 and stepsister 23. Renting house 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom for 1150 for the week. It's a lot more fun when there is more space for everyone. The kids love the pool, we love the kitchen and laundry. We did this the same way last June, worked out well. Only about 10 minutes to get to the parking areas, not much slower(if not faster) then waiting for busses.

 

[MELSMICE]

HIFS is very convenient to the parks, however, I would still suggest on-site for a few reasons:

#1 - as another poster said, if a child or even a grandparent gets tired, they can use the Disney transportation to return to the resort.

#2 - There is nothing like staying on-site.

FL Resident & AP codes for August were recently released, which means that "anyone" codes are not far behind. Check www.mousesavers.com daily - I'm sure they'll be out soon.

I also suggest that you check out the DVC Rent/Trade Board. Are you splitting the cost of the lodging with your parents? If so, getting a 2BR somewhere would be great. OKW takes the least amount of points (I believe) & has the largest accommodations of all the DVC resorts. Research this & ask a lot of questions on that board, but this may be a good option for you.

Good luck with your decision & have a great time while you're there.

 

[July]

There are many offsite places that are reasonsible priced. But if you need Budget priced you may be better off with 2 motel rooms.
Here's a link to a beautiful resort in driving distance to the world with 2bedrooms. Sometimes the have specials. Just call and ask.

Good Luck
July

http://www.clubsevilla.com/

 

[July]

Just ran across this thread on another forum.
Cottages that are located within driving distance on 192 in old town.
Prices are very good
check them out

July

http://www.tropicalpalms.com/

 

[disneyag]

Definitely onsite!! Transportation is much easier (especially at a monorail hotel.) It's easier to get back to the hotel for a break. The magic will be enjoyed by everyone in your party.

 

[Kimberle]

On site, there is no question. I've stayed on & off. I will never stay off site again for a Disney vacation! We either stay on site & "disney" or we stay off site & do other things (Sea World, US, etc.) One or the other, not both.

You can get a good deal on a couple of rooms if you watch. Disney just released a new batch of codes for 7/5-11/18. You pay for 5 nights (room & tickets) and get 2 free. It's not quite as good as last years (pay for 4, 3 free), but it's good.

With so many little ones, when 1 child gets to cranky, it's so nice to have an adult take him/her back to the room while the rest can stay at the park. If you have a rental, you all have to stay together. Plus, you can break off into small groups & each do their "own thing". We generally start out together, do a few "adult" rides via swapping, then dh heads back to the room to hang out while dd & I keep going. Having a "whinny dh" is no fun!

I'm thinking Grandma/pa will probably watch the kiddos once in a while to you & dh can have some "adult time". Wouldn't you feel more comfortable knowing that you aren't that far?

Sure, the buses/boats/monorails take a bit longer, but it's really not that bad. I can't tell you how nice it is not to worry about driving!

Our fav resort is WL. It is a deluxe, but you can get good rates. It's so convienent to MK and our dd loves the boat ride!

Enjoy!