on-site vs off-site

[dis gal at heart]

I need to know if there is advantages in staying on site vs. off site with bypass tickets. I can save around $400 if I stay off site for my upcoming first trip to US, IOA, and SW.

 

[bubba's mom]

What do you mean exactly "bypass tickets"?

 

[stwyatt]

we stayed onsite at rpr on our last visit. we also stayed offsite at the crowne plaza on the days we went to sea world. yes, you can save a lot of money, and get a very nice hotel, but our feelings were that the onsite experience seemed more exciting, as the hotels are much more like resorts, and with citywalk right there, we enjoyed it more--and vowed that when we go back, will only stay onsite if able.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I need to know if there is advantages in staying on site vs. off site with bypass tickets. I can save around $400 if I stay off site for my upcoming first trip to US, IOA, and SW.

Aftering doing both there is no way I would head to Universal unless I could stay on-site. But thats just me. Staying onsite you can re-ride the rides as often as you like unlike the express plus that allows once per ride/attraction. I guess you may also save $ by being there and not traveling back and forth. They have a shuttle from the hotels to seaworld. Its a more immersed feeling staying on-site for me. Like something was missing when we had to leave at park close. Not to mention the on-site hotels are worth while even without the parks. But I do understand the $ savings you just have to decide whats right for you.

 

[damo]

If you factor into how much your time is worth travelling back and forth to the parks and waiting in line, only you can decide if the $400 is a good saving or not.

 

[patster734]

Here's the pros to staying on-site:
1. Unlimited Front of the Line access to rides and shows in the parks.
2. Easy transportation (by boat, bus or foot) from your resort to Citywalk and the parks.
3. Preferred seating at Citywalk restaurants (excluding Emerils and currently Bubba Gumps).
4. Fine restaurants at your hotel.
5. Some rooms offer great views of the parks.
6. Each hotel has a business center where you can check flights and print boarding passes. (There is a fee for using it).
7. Pool hopping at all three resorts.

Here's the cons to staying on-site:
1. Cost (which possibly can be reduced with AAA, APH or Florida resident rates).
2. Pay to park in the hotel parking. (Waived if you don't have a car).

Anyone, please feel free to add anything that I might have left off.

 

[damo]

It is always nice to go back to the hotel in the middle of the day for a quick rest or swim. Staying onsite gives you that luxury.

 

[dis gal at heart]

Thank you for all of your advice, I decided to stay at the Royal Pacific Resort. I think going back to the resort to swim and relax will be the best for my daughter (7).

 

[robvia]

Yes, the walk to/from the parks, and the pools are part of the experience. Many people compare only the price of the offsite versus onsite, but that's not fair. If you stay offsite, yes, you'll save a ton of money. But you won't have the pools and short walk to/from the parks.

I've done both, stayed onsite and at the hotels across the street. If you are just 2 adults going for the rides, and don't care about hanging out at the pool, then offsite works great. But for parents with kids, or those who want to relax, onsite is the only way to go.

 

[bubba's mom]

Thank you for all of your advice, I decided to stay at the Royal Pacific Resort. I think going back to the resort to swim and relax will be the best for my daughter (7).

.....don't forget to post and let us know what you thought! Have a great time!