On or Off-site?

[matchtrader]

We are planning a couple of days in Orlando prior to a 7-day Eastern cruise on the Magic. Our kids will be 6, 4 and 9 months at that time and we are travelling with our mother-in-law who will be providing some baby help during the trip. Our question is whether we should be booking our three nights in Orlando prior to the cruise at an off-site suite/condo hotel or booking two rooms at a value resort on -site. We would love to book a suite at one of the deluxe Disney resorts but just can't stomach the excessive rates ($700/night!) for a suite at those resorts when we can stay at comparable facilities off-site for a fraction of the cost.

Although we expect to spend our two days in Orlando at Magic Kingdom, there is a chance that our kids might want to do Sea World for one of the days, depending on how our first day at MK goes.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what we should be doing for accomodations? Does the bus thing really save some time at the Disney resorts? Would it allow our MIL to take our baby home for a nap in the afternoon and meet us back at MK a few hours later or are we expecting too much? Thanks in advance.

:gro

 

[staci]

The bus system is very easy to use, very convienent. It would be very easy for MIL to take the little one back. I would highly recommend staying on property with three children so young, becuase of the transportation and convenience.

I 'think' your group could stay at POR (using only one room). Alligator Bayou rooms have two double beds and a child-size trundle bed, so they accomodate 5 people. Your youngest, because of her age, I dont think would count as one of the 5. Either the 6 or 4 year old would fit well in the trundle. It may be tight to fit a pack and play in the room with the trundle, but I dont have first hand experience with that. (We have stayed at POR but in the other section). It is a lovely resort

Two value rooms would work for you as well. We have done this with my family to accomadate everyone. The biggest perk I see to this route is two bathrooms, and being able to have sleeping people in one room, and night owls in another.

You could also look into renting DVC points from a member. This would be a way to affordably stay in a deluxe resort.

But overall, I would say to STAY ON PROPERTY! I hope this helps you!

 

[matchtrader]

Thanks!

 

[virginiamama]

On property for sure! We've stayed on property for a "park" trip, but when we went on DCL, we stayed off-property. I will NEVER do that again! Let the magic begin as soon as you arrive in town. Maybe two rooms at a value resort could save you some $?

 

[travelitis]

Don't get me wrong, I love being on site. I also love space and creature comforts. You can get more of that for the money off Disney property. Personally, I wouldn't want to be all in one rm at POR (too crowded for my taste). I'd do 2 rms at a value resort first. Maybe grandma would let the older kids sleep in one of her twin beds. Only you know whether Disney atmosphere or space and luxury are more important for your group. When you answer that question, you'll know whether to be on or off site.

 

[newtowdw1]

Please don't hurt me...but, I would stay off site. We just got back from Ft. Wilderness, and while we had a great time, I don't feel it is necessary to stay on site. I didn't find the buses to be all that convenient, quick or predicatable. My only concern would be if you had a car. If you do, you can get back and forth pretty easily. Also, check out some of the DTD hotels. Great suite prices, and relatively close to the action. Have fun!

 

[powellrj]

I would check out the orlando board. Thats were you can find great information about off-site. With your size group, there is noway I would want to try to stay on-site unless you get 2 rooms. I would recommend Cypress Point. Its about 2 blocks from DTD and they have 2 and 3 bedroom condos for under $100 a night. We stayed there in June and it was great! You can be in the parks in about 10 minutes from your door. We booked through www.hotelkingdom.com many, many, many people have posted reviews on the orlando board and think its great!

 

[bopper]

Don't try to cram all of you in one room.
Have two rooms so the baby can sleep quietly or MIL can have time to her self.

 

[jtopp]

Stay on site. The time and hassle of commuting back and forth, and the convenience of the transportation system, makes staying on site cost effective, both in time and money. The easy commute also makes it easy for some of your party to go back to your room for a nap while others stay in the park, and then to meet again later, especially with younger children.