On Property or Off

[Nana2Callie]

I'm really not sure where to post this question - but we have reservations for October (changed for the 4th time) but are considering staying off property at Sheraton Vistana properties. However, we always stay on Disney property so this would be a huge change. I know there are some concerns about mixing with Florida residents and not having access to WDW Transportation. But, considering the shorter park hours and no park hopping; this isn't as big of issue. Thoughts? Tell me the good, the bad and the ugly.

 

[hedberg1661]

I'm really not sure where to post this question - but we have reservations for October (changed for the 4th time) but are considering staying off property at Sheraton Vistana properties. However, we always stay on Disney property so this would be a huge change. I know there are some concerns about mixing with Florida residents and not having access to WDW Transportation. But, considering the shorter park hours and no park hopping; this isn't as big of issue. Thoughts? Tell me the good, the bad and the ugly.

To me there are a few big questions:

1) Parking daily at the parks. Do you have an AP? If so, this will cover your parking. The price of parking alone can really add up.
2) Parking Trams are not currently running. Plan on walking to the park entrance from your vehicle. This could be quite a ways. (I am hoping this changes soon).
3) Access to amenities at your resort. WDW Resorts offer a lot of nicer amenities than normally found at off site locations. If you are used to this then this may be a shock.

 

[Shellyred8]

Check into what amenities will be available at the Vistana, and what their hours of operation are during the day. I think I recall reading a recent post that their pools closed quite early.
As hedberg1661 mentioned, parking can add up fast if you don't have an AP. I think it's $25 a day, but you should double check that to confirm.

I would be a little concerned about staying off-site at this time, just because I know Disney is doing lots to keep things clean and keep people social distanced. I'm not sure how prevalent that is outside of Disney property. This may not be a concern to you, but just something to consider.

Historically, we don't mind staying off-site once in a while, and the Vistana is a pretty good location for getting to and from WDW. It's also pretty close to some decent restaurants and shopping. So, any other time I wouldn't hesitate to recommend staying there.

 

[Bellinger Da Homie]

In My Opinion, I would rather stay On-Property, especially during this time. First of all, staying on property could give you some bonuses, such as extra magic hours, and the resort amenities. I would also stay on right now because they are better with masks, socially distancing, and I would feel better staying on site than off site

 

[DL1WDW2]

I think you should keep the WDW Reservations. Why add to the odds of increasing exposure to virus by adding off site during this time. ? Currently I make decisions that involve the least amount of risk.
I trust Disney has higher standards.
They might add special guest only advantage by the time your trip begins. What if they return early morn for guests only and you changed to off-site?
I know they currently added nightly viewing of
Happily Ever After Fireworks from 6-10 in resort guestrooms.
Yes I did watch 4 hours over&over again one rainy night recently . I think they might have digitally improved this presentation because it is excellent!

 

[Tigerlulu]

Absolutely off property. We just got back from staying onsite and I absolutely would not spend that money again! Especially with the park hours cutting even more.

 

[Best Aunt]

First of all, staying on property could give you some bonuses, such as extra magic hours

Currently no Extra Magic Hours, and in fact they recently shortened park hours. Obviously things change all the time, but I wouldn't assume that EMH will return anytime soon.

I know they currently added nightly viewing of Happily Ever After Fireworks from 6-10 in resort guestrooms.
Yes I did watch 4 hours over&over again one rainy night recently . I think they might have digitally improved this presentation because it is excellent!

I am confused. What are you talking about? Watching fireworks on TV in the hotel rooms?

The reports about Disney transportation have been mixed. Some people report it's been great. Some people report it's been terrible, with long waits. Disney has reduced the number of people allowed on the buses. It seems like the people reporting from Riviera are the happiest and the people reporting from Pop are the least happy.

OP, you didn't say if you would be driving to the parks or taking Uber/Lyft/cab. Bringing a car? Renting a car? You would have to add transportation costs to your budget.

Restaurant options are limited on-site, especially with the parks closing early. If you are willing to drive to non-Disney restaurants, that would change your experience.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

By staying on site if you needed to go back to the room for whatever reason you would be a lot closer. Now depending on where you plan to stay on site you will have to still pay to park at the resort so factor those costs in which vary from resort. Transportation has been scaled back as far as the number of people allowed on the buses to 20 so you could have long wait times.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Currently no Extra Magic Hours, and in fact they recently shortened park hours. Obviously things change all the time, but I wouldn't assume that EMH will return anytime soon.



I am confused. What are you talking about? Watching fireworks on TV in the hotel rooms?

The reports about Disney transportation have been mixed. Some people report it's been great. Some people report it's been terrible, with long waits. Disney has reduced the number of people allowed on the buses. It seems like the people reporting from Riviera are the happiest and the people reporting from Pop are the least happy.

OP, you didn't say if you would be driving to the parks or taking Uber/Lyft/cab. Bringing a car? Renting a car? You would have to add transportation costs to your budget.

Restaurant options are limited on-site, especially with the parks closing early. If you are willing to drive to non-Disney restaurants, that would change your experience.

Disney announced nightly viewing on in room TV Channels nightly from 6-10. I think it was Channel 74 .
P.S. Riviera has awesome Smart TVs... and can connect Disney+ if you are subscriber .
I think Disney should offer a small intro sampler to Disney+ viewing complimentary to advertise for new subscribers While staying on property.
Glad to see Stacy always At least she is having fun

 

[Nana2Callie]

We will be driving so will either be paying to park car at Disney resort or to park at the parks. We are not planning to leave and come back due to the shortened hours.

I do understand that by staying on property we get to make reservations earlier park and dining both. So I'm not sure if that is a real factor since WDW is not flooded with people.

Agreed on concerns of being off property and certainly wouldn't be wondering about Florida currently. But, am thinking of being able to get in the car and leave (not waiting on a bus) and being able to remove the mask is a plus.

However, not looking forward to a long walk to the car/park - but is there a drop off point where I could drop someone off. That could be a deal breaker.

 

[tobikaye]

I considered a visit this fall with my parents and sister and had the same debate about on-site or off-site. I was leaning towards renting a house with a pool. This way, we would have something to do in the evenings that felt safer than even being a WDW resort. With the reduction of park hours, I feel many people will be at the pools, restaurants and DS in the evenings. With a private pool, we could relax, swim, read, and have food delivery directly to our door instead of meeting someone in the lobby if we did not want to eat at a restaurant.

The only resort I would have considered staying on-site at would have been AKL Savanna View for viewing the animals. Even though the other resorts are nice, with having to book 2 rooms, it just would not be worth it. That trip will not be happening now as it will be difficult for my sister to travel this year for health reasons.