On site, or Off ??

[4our4kids]

While I am aware that there are there are many perks for staying onsite (convienience, FOTL access, quick seating for meals, and just being onsite), I'm wondering how important these issues are for the time I'll be there. Jan 30th -Feb2.
We have 3 rms booked for the 8 of us at the HRH. If we stayed off site it would be about $900.00 less (and a little more inconvienent I'm sure).
What would you do?
How long do you think the attraction lines would be???

 

[PartyofSix]

Hands down on site for all the reasons you listed. It's all worth it to me and my family.

 

[NCRedding]

We stayed off-site in early January, and on-site in late September. The crowds in January were light, making for fairly short wait times. I hated the walk from the parking garage--LONG!! I hated fighting traffic to and from the parks, on International Dr. I loved staying on-site in September, the ability to stroll over to the parks, city walk, etc--was incredible. Even though the lines were fairly short, we used the FOTL as much as possible. We never used the restaurant seating--didn't know we had that advantage. The hotels are incredible. I have stayed at some fairly nice places, but rate the HRH deluxe rooms as one of the top 2 hotels I've visited. For these reasons, I plan to always stay on-site. It was the most relaxing vacation to stay at HRH, park the car, and not move it for the time we were there.

 

[tinaluis]

We always vist in the off-season and have never stayed onsite. We cannot justify the HUGE difference in price of onsite vs. offsite. If we were going during a busy time, Christmas, Spring Break or even during the summer, we might consider it, but the parks are usually VERY manageable when we're there during the off-season - even on the weekends. We always use Priceline for our hotels so we're even more spoiled by a very low rate, which makes the onsite hotels that much more expensive. The walk from the parking garage is long, but it helps to build the excitement for us. I'm sure the onsite hotels are TO DIE FOR but they're just not for us right now. Just my two cents!

 

[Metallicat]

I was there last January and it was so slow that I didn't see any need for the FOTL perks. I took alot of pictures and in some of them you can't even see any other people there. I'm going the same time you are and decided to use my timeshare week because of the slow season. now any other time of the year I would stay at HRH but not this time. I love HRH its my favorite onsite hotel. very nice. Linda

 

[Robinrs]

Onsite is awesome without a doubt but for a $900 difference and for such an off season time I would rethink it.

Where will you be staying offsite? There are some places that are definitely worth it because of the space and the rates. On tight times I like to add one or two days onsite to get the perks, but only in high season.

 

[4our4kids]

Thanks for all of your responses!!
I know we would LOVE IT onsite, but I can't help but think how many meals we could get with the extra $$.

Where would I stay off site???
I haven't a clue. I would love some help on this.
Any and all suggestions appreciated.
Thanks, Laura

 

[tinaluis]

We've stayed at the Amerisuites which is just across the street from Universal's parking garage and it was very nice. The room had two beds, a sofa sleeper, desk, microwave, small refrigerator and wet bar and free deluxe continental breakfast. WE got the room through Priceline for $28/nt. and it is considered a 2.5 star hotel. We've also stayed at the Wyndham on International Drive very close to Unviersal for $30/nt. thru Priceline. Very, very nice resort with three heated pools, a kiddie pool, hot tub, onsite kids club, restaurant, etc. All of the bells and whistles that you'd expect at a nice resort. We will be staying at the Wellesley Inn & Suites 1/18 - 1/31 which is also near Universal. The rooms have a full kitchen w/ dishwasher and seem to be very nice. It also includes a complimentary breakfast. We got this hotel thru Priceline for $23/nt. We chose to forgo the Wyndham for our entire trip this time because of the convenience of having a refrigerator, stove, micro, etc. because we have three small daughters. All of these rooms can be booked conventionally, of course, through the various hotel websites. If you willing to give Priceline a try read all you can at TravelSheryl's website www.biddingfortravel.com and give it a go. Good luck!!!!

 

[>>^..^<<]

I know it is more expensive - but really try to stay onsite if you can.

Imagine this - Universal Studios is packed... the line up for Jaws is 75 minutes.... as you race through the express line - you pass a family of 5 in matching yellow tee shirts waiting in the regular line...

You ride Jaws and exit the ride... you decide to go again... you pass the family in the yellow shirts again - they look at you... you ride jaws again and decide to go again... you pass this yellow family again .... they glare at you... you ride jaws again and then deicde to leave Jaws and go to ellen brodys ice cream shop - you have your treats and are sitting at a table enjoying the day when finally you spot the yellow family leaving Jaws...

Does this give yo an idea of how FOTL access adds enjoyment to your holiday.... I would pay 1000.00 more to have it! It is like you are a VIP. No stree, no feeling like yo uare wasting so much time on you holiday just standing there in a crush of people.

If you are going off season when crowds are low (if there is such a time) then maybe the off site.

Good luck -

 

[nhrenee]

You should be fine staying off site. I would suggest a little pre-trip planning to minimize line wait though. Kelly Monaghan's book is great for planning.

If possible get there at opening. Might be tough with 8 people though.You can get a couple of hours in a near empty park by doing that. There are some rides that are not open at park opening though. I don't remember if that's in Kelly's book or not. I know someone here will have that info.

Have a great time!

 

[LISALISA36]

check out : www.orlandohojo.com
that is where we are staying in may for a wk.
has shuttles to park 1 block from wet-n-n wild
about 3 miles from universal.