On Property or Off?

[SarahC97]

Like many of you, I'm seeing less and less value right now with staying on property. However, the farthest I've ventured off property during our many vacations has been to the Swan and Dolphin, which aside from location, I just wasn't a big fan of. We're planning a trip in July and are currently booked with the ticket promo at Wilderness Lodge. I've been doing some digging and have found great rates at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria that would save us anywhere from $800 to $1000 on our trip. I'm just having a hard time deciding what to do. Financially, it makes sense to save the money (it's not a deal-breaker, though), but I'm afraid staying "off property" simply won't feel as magical -- because we all know that aside from the price tag, there's just something about staying at a Disney resort that adds something special to a Disney vacation, or at least I feel that way.

We'll have a car, so we plan to drive to the parks no matter where we stay. With no meal plan, the only thing I can think of that we'll miss out on is the charging to our magic bands in the park, which isn't a big deal. I really don't know what to do -- I guess I'm interested in getting feedback from all of you about HBC or the Waldorf and if they're nice enough to make the leap "off property." Are the rooms nice (I assume WA is nice, but what about HBC)? Do they have great pools and amenities like activities by the pools? Which one do you prefer for a family of 4 (12- and 9-year-old girls)? Thanks!

 

[WorldOfPooh]

Like many of you, I'm seeing less and less value right now with staying on property. However, the farthest I've ventured off property during our many vacations has been to the Swan and Dolphin, which aside from location, I just wasn't a big fan of. We're planning a trip in July and are currently booked with the ticket promo at Wilderness Lodge. I've been doing some digging and have found great rates at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria that would save us anywhere from $800 to $1000 on our trip. I'm just having a hard time deciding what to do. Financially, it makes sense to save the money (it's not a deal-breaker, though), but I'm afraid staying "off property" simply won't feel as magical -- because we all know that aside from the price tag, there's just something about staying at a Disney resort that adds something special to a Disney vacation, or at least I feel that way.

We'll have a car, so we plan to drive to the parks no matter where we stay. With no meal plan, the only thing I can think of that we'll miss out on is the charging to our magic bands in the park, which isn't a big deal. I really don't know what to do -- I guess I'm interested in getting feedback from all of you about HBC or the Waldorf and if they're nice enough to make the leap "off property." Are the rooms nice (I assume WA is nice, but what about HBC)? Do they have great pools and amenities like activities by the pools? Which one do you prefer for a family of 4 (12- and 9-year-old girls)? Thanks!

Hilton Bonnet Creek has a lazy river and a nice gym

 

[WorldOfPooh]

If you aren't feeling magical then you can just resort hop on your trip and use Bonnet Creek just to sleep an use the pool.

 

[SarahC97]

Hilton Bonnet Creek has a lazy river and a nice gym

The pool looks really nice at the Hilton. That's one of the reasons I'm really considering it.

 

[WorldOfPooh]

The pool looks really nice at the Hilton. That's one of the reasons I'm really considering it.

I believe (though you should confirm) that even if staying at the Waldorf that you can use the Hilton lazy river since they are right next to each other.

 

[SarahC97]

I believe (though you should confirm) that even if staying at the Waldorf that you can use the Hilton lazy river since they are right next to each other.

You can. They're sister resorts and share amenities from what I've read on their websites.

 

[disneyguy87]

I can't speak for off-property. I've almost exclusively done on-property with the exception of a time I was visiting relatives and visited a couple of WDW Parks. But I do think off-property right now is worth considering for all the same reasons I'm sure you do. If anything I'd say without dining plans and fast passes and other perks now is the best time to experiment with an off-property trip. As the on-site perks dwindle, you may find a way that keeps it magical for you and your family while saving money post-pandemic!

 

[mjw703]

I've stayed at many of the Disney properties, and I've stayed at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. While I did miss the theming of staying at a Disney resort, I did find the service at the Hilton to be excellent. We loved the pool and the lazy river, and dined at some of the restaurants for some good food. The room was very comfortable, perhaps a little larger than some of the rooms at the Disney resorts. It doesn't feel like Disney, but you won't regret staying here.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Both properties share the parking garage and Hilton is a closer walk with luggage. I have noticed guests can walk into Hilton thru lobby down to lower ground level and the business conference area towards the Waldorf fairly easily while staying indoors or covered from elements.
The Hilton lobby has an upper level BAR that has indoor fire elements on both sides and view of entire pool. I always enjoy a meal also , excellent service... as a matter of fact I am disappointed if a huge storm does not appear. Incredible place to sit! The lobby also has a very nice quick service with fresh bakery items and ice cream and some basic staples.
The pool has a large covered dining area/Bar with excellent service including poolside to your lounging chair. And 2 outdoor fire pits to relax in the evening. The pool&lazy river are my favorite as you float under bridges designed as part of a walk around pool sidewalk stroll. The design has created many areas that make you close to the water so no fighting for great seating. And there is a separate area with a lifeguard watching the slide.
Most views are incredible from your deluxe rooms because they also have a golf course . I truly love Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort.
Guess I have talked myself into staying offsite again!

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

Main peeve with on property is the lack of real consistency in customer interface from property to property. At, say a Hilton or a Hyatt, you will get consistency I feel like. At Disney, I’ve found some deviations (ahem, Beach Club), in how customer issues and complaints are dealt with. Mostly great experiences on site though, but remember Disney is not a hotel company no matter how they slice it. They just ain’t.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I have been going back and forth as well..
We drive so I tack on the $25 parking to any rates I find.. it all goes back to how much time you spend in your room. We are park people and only hit the room when its time to sleep. Because of that and the rates I get on pop or other values I stay onsite.

 

[DrJenski]

We’re renting a car and staying off-property at Vacation Village at Parkway. Spacious rooms and the pools look great!

 

[SarahC97]

I have been going back and forth as well..
We drive so I tack on the $25 parking to any rates I find.. it all goes back to how much time you spend in your room. We are park people and only hit the room when its time to sleep. Because of that and the rates I get on pop or other values I stay onsite.

In the summer we tend to spend more resort time since it can be so hot out, so I imagine we'll do quite a few midday breaks during this trip, which makes my choice even more difficult. The resort will matter to us.

 

[Krystal659]

I have stayed on and off property and I think it depends on how you “do Disney” and the time of year. For example, do you rope drop and take a mid-day break (will this take longer off property)? Consider the time of year, if you are going during the extreme heat think about if you will want more resort time, quick service food, access to other nearby restaurants, etc.

 

[SarahC97]

I have stayed on and off property and I think it depends on how you “do Disney” and the time of year. For example, do you rope drop and take a mid-day break (will this take longer off property)? Consider the time of year, if you are going during the extreme heat think about if you will want more resort time, quick service food, access to other nearby restaurants, etc.

Oh yeah, that's definitely a factor. We're going July, which we've done before. We do tend to go early, leave, and then go back when it cools off later in the day. A lot of pool time, too.

 

[sdoll]

When we first started visiting WDW we stayed onsite, we stayed at value resorts because we love to travel and want to be able to do it often. We stayed a Wyndham Bonnet Creek one time and one time was all it took to get hooked with staying off site. Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a time share with many different sized units. When our kids were younger it was so nice to have a place for them to go to sleep while we stayed up a bit later. Having a full kitchen and 2 bathrooms vacationing just didn't get any better. I don't own a time share and have no desire to but renting someone elses timeshare is the perfect way to travel. If you haven't checked out Wyndham Bonnet Creek take a look. The resort is absolutly amazing and so close to WDW.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I have been going back and forth as well..
We drive so I tack on the $25 parking to any rates I find.. it all goes back to how much time you spend in your room. We are park people and only hit the room when its time to sleep. Because of that and the rates I get on pop or other values I stay onsite.

I used to agree and still love POP but the pricing does not say value discount... when was your last visit? The SkyLiner has increased the rates unfortunately.
And Disney is eliminating the return to park attractions for later evenings more than likely with this extra half hour announcement.
It’s the new Disney !

 

[SarahC97]

When we first started visiting WDW we stayed onsite, we stayed at value resorts because we love to travel and want to be able to do it often. We stayed a Wyndham Bonnet Creek one time and one time was all it took to get hooked with staying off site. Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a time share with many different sized units. When our kids were younger it was so nice to have a place for them to go to sleep while we stayed up a bit later. Having a full kitchen and 2 bathrooms vacationing just didn't get any better. I don't own a time share and have no desire to but renting someone elses timeshare is the perfect way to travel. If you haven't checked out Wyndham Bonnet Creek take a look. The resort is absolutly amazing and so close to WDW.

It does look like a neat resort, but do they badger you about the timeshare? That's what I shy away from.

 

[missingdisneymore]

When we first started visiting WDW we stayed onsite, we stayed at value resorts because we love to travel and want to be able to do it often. We stayed a Wyndham Bonnet Creek one time and one time was all it took to get hooked with staying off site. Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a time share with many different sized units. When our kids were younger it was so nice to have a place for them to go to sleep while we stayed up a bit later. Having a full kitchen and 2 bathrooms vacationing just didn't get any better. I don't own a time share and have no desire to but renting someone elses timeshare is the perfect way to travel. If you haven't checked out Wyndham Bonnet Creek take a look. The resort is absolutly amazing and so close to WDW.

Stop telling our secrets!!!

WBC is AWFUL....just HORRIBLE! You would hate it there! Wink, wink,

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I used to agree and still love POP but the pricing does not say value discount... when was your last visit? The SkyLiner has increased the rates unfortunately.
And Disney is eliminating the return to park attractions for later evenings more than likely with this extra half hour announcement.
It’s the new Disney !

October and December ..
To be fair I use hotwire and I got the room around $100. That's all thanks to the priceline/ hotwire thread. Prior to last year we stayed at Sheraton vistana / skyauction.com

disboards.com/threads/priceline-express-deals.3598657/page-338#post-62622323
Edited so the link would not spin