On property vs. Off property

[Tammysushi]

We are looking to go to WDW the first week in February, 2008. We've been the last two years right around the same time. The last two years we stayed in a value resort on property. There are six of us total: me, DH, DD, DS and my parents. We've gotten adjoining rooms with my folks. We've also done the dining plan for the past two years as well.

My husband wants to stay in a house off property. It would have 3 bedrooms, pool, etc. It would be $500 for us and $500 for my folks for the week (we stay 8 nights), which is much less than what we spend for the value resorts. We wouldn't be able to do the dining plan, however they've changed it for next year as far as gratuity not being included, etc. We'll still do some dining as we do enjoy it, but we can probably spend less total even with a sit down dinner each day at the parks by staying off property.

I like the idea of staying on property, however the $ savings is nothing to sneeze at. Plus, we'd have more room. However, we are the type of Disney folks who, once we leave for the day, we are at a park all day until it's time to come home. I should also add that we drive to Florida, therefore we have a car. We've had a parking pass that allows us to park close, so the only Disney transportation we use is the monorail to get to MK. Transportation wouldn't be an issue if we did stay off property.

My question (finally!) is this...is it that a big of deal to not stay on property? I know we won't be able to take advantage of the extra magic hours, which we primarily have taken advantage of at night (not the morning). I guess it makes me a little bummed that we won't be immersed in Disney 24/7...anyone have any thoughts?? TIA!

 

[Stick People]

There's a thread on the trip reports board about this very thing. You should check it out - it made up my mind.

Have a great trip either way!!

 

[kathie859]

I've been an on and off site guest and while I appreciate the Disney immersion when you stay at a Disney resort, I REALLLLLLLY enjoy the room you can get and the much lower price tag by staying in an offsite condo or vacation home. Plus, I've never been a fan of the DDP--it's simply too much food

Now if DH and I had a getaway planned for just the 2 of us, I might stay onsite; however, my last trip involved DH, DD(32) DSIL(35) DGS(4) and DGD(1)....we really enjoyed spreading out in a condo. We ate one Disney meal per day--usually a TS lunch except for dinner at Boma and 'OHana. The kids were pretty much done for by late afternoon/early evening. I used my DDE card to save 20% off those meals and drinks and my AP paid for daily parking at the parks. We saved a lot of valuable vacation time having breakfast in the condo and snacks available in the evening.
Staying offsite in a well chosen, throughly researched place is a great way to economize without feeling like you're pinching pennies.

 

[pweyl36]

we stay off site and love it. We get to make breakfast before we leave,pack snacks and drinks. I also love being able to come home and get in to the pool with out it being crowed and loud. We are always about 5mins away,the kids
get there own rooms and bathrooms. And yes there is always disney magic .