Onsite "magic" vs offsite savings and space

[MiaSRN62]

BUT, it's NOTHING compared to what the WDW Resorts board do to the offsite "conversations". Gheesh! It's fine to have an opinion but they make you feel like you're an idiot if you stay offsite........

True disgal....the OP (or anyone trying to decide), really should post questions and ask for advice on both the Orlando and WDW resort boards. Because both boards are pretty much slanted each way. And I have been made to feel stupid or like I'm just throwing my money away when I talk about staying ONSITE on this particular board in the past. I think each side can get really touchy and feel the need to defend their position---often poking fun at those who choose to do the opposite of what they feel is right. For each person there are different ways to vacation. Someone here just mentioned how the disney busses are bad and they had to wait an hour. I have never had to wait that long. I think 30 min was the longest on average. Normally, even in the summer, 15-20 min is about what we time. And for us, with teens, having the disney busses is a blessing ! One wants to sleep in......one wants to do this at one park while another decides they had enough and wants to go back to the resort and swim. With the disney busses, they can hop on and do their own thing. We all don't have to leave....pile in the car and drive back to drop anyone off. Disney transporation is INVALUABLE to our family. Even when the kids were little, and one needed a nap or got sick, only myself or my husband had to take them back to the room, while the other stayed in the parks with the other two kids. At some resorts we've stayed at onsite we could walk back to our room or take a boat. Loved it ! With a car and offsite---everyone would have to leave. So....to dunkie, I disagree 100%about the disney transportation system.

So it does go both ways and I know I'm starting to sound a bit like a broken record, but there can be "militant" onsite as well as offsite people on the DIS. I can't tell u how many heated debates I've been over the years on both sides. You have to really sift out the info, do lots of research and I do agree, actually trying both is a good way to figure out what works best for you and your family. It's good the OP (Hilarie) is trying offsite, but I really do think she will get a different "feel" from her offiste stay vs her onsite. She may prefer it---or she may not. Then she'll know for the next trip.

 

[MusiqChic99]

We stayed offsite for years when I was growing up. I think my parents just thought it was out of reach to stay onsite. Once we did we never stayed offsite again. We liked the bus transportation because we didn't have to drive. Also it's like you never have to leave Disney. Saying that...you have to look at what YOUR family needs and wants. Our family enjoyed the perks I mentioned therefore staying onsite became a staple. My sister just recently stayed offsite because she really wanted to go to disney and that was about the only way they could afford it. She missed the disney resort but was thrilled just to be there.

Good luck in your planning and I hope you have a great trip no matter where you stay!

 

[Mainebound]

OP here again...

We had a very long family talk. We weighed it all and we've decided to give offsite a try. Dh really likes the idea of extra space. The kids love the idea of their own pool. We all love the idea of using the savings to stay extra days. We also want to give US, IOA, and Sea World a try. So, we're gonna do it. Offsite for 2009!

We decided on Windsor Hills but now I need to choose townhouse vs villa, and which one... Good thing I love planning

Thanks for all of the help!

I think you'll be happy whichever you choose. We talk about this a lot in my house: there is no one option (offsite or on) that offers all "pros" and no "cons". So you have to decide what works for you on this particular trip. Something else might work better on a later trip.

We happen to love Universal and Sea World and never skip them on a visit to Orlando. We have been taking our sons there since they were in preschool and have collected some of our happiest memories at those parks (and hotels, in the case of Universal).

One thing I like about renting offsite direct from owner is that I know exactly which house or condo I am getting. I don't have to put in a "request" and hope it is filled, like with a large hotel. And once we have chosen our pool home, we enjoy getting online occasionally and taking the virtual tour to get psyched for our trip.

Happy planning!

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I didnt go thru all the replies... but I've done both. Of course, staying onsite is my fave....but as long as you get a hotel with transportation it eliminates the stress of driving and parking.... Its nice to have the extra money you save staying offsite too...
I dont think it'll take away from the experience....

 

[FayeW]

I think you'll be happy whichever you choose. We talk about this a lot in my house: there is no one option (offsite or on) that offers all "pros" and no "cons". So you have to decide what works for you on this particular trip. Something else might work better on a later trip.

We happen to love Universal and Sea World and never skip them on a visit to Orlando. We have been taking our sons there since they were in preschool and have collected some of our happiest memories at those parks (and hotels, in the case of Universal).

One thing I like about renting offsite direct from owner is that I know exactly which house or condo I am getting. I don't have to put in a "request" and hope it is filled, like with a large hotel. And once we have chosen our pool home, we enjoy getting online occasionally and taking the virtual tour to get psyched for our trip.

Happy planning!

That's just like us! We never go to Orlando without going to US/IOA as well. Truth to be told, we go to Orlando for the Universal parks...Disney is just something else we do while we are there. Don't get me wrong, we really enjoy the WDW parks but what we find is that in each park there are 2-3 things that we really enjoy, and then a bunch of other stuff that is nice to do/see/experience, but we could take it or leave it. So for the 10-12 things that are "Must Do" at Disney, we have to go to 4 different parks to do them.

With the Universal parks we love everything about them, and they are all right there, and we can easily go from one park to the other in the same day.

I love looking at the online pictures for the condo we rented at Windsor Hills. This is the first time we have stayed at WH and it is fun to look at the pictures and see exactly what we will be getting. We have always stayed in 2 bdrm condos through skyauction before so we splurged a little to rent a 3 bdrm condo directly from the owner. I say "splurge", but it was only $762 for 9 days TOTAL so it was pretty inexpensive. I need to be able to stay in touch with clients while I am gone, so I needed something with internet access. The condo we are renting provided free internet. We paid for our internet access last year at Orbit One, and it added up pretty quickly, plus it wasn't convenient to have to go to the clubhouse to use the computer. I don't even know if internet is available at the onsite hotels, let alone free in room!

 

[spiceycat]

OP here again...

We had a very long family talk. We weighed it all and we've decided to give offsite a try. Dh really likes the idea of extra space. The kids love the idea of their own pool. We all love the idea of using the savings to stay extra days. We also want to give US, IOA, and Sea World a try. So, we're gonna do it. Offsite for 2009!

We decided on Windsor Hills but now I need to choose townhouse vs villa, and which one... Good thing I love planning

Thanks for all of the help!

Pretty sure the private pool is only at the houses not villa. the villa has a pool but it is shared.

so if you really want the private pool then it is houses. now houses will cost more - so again you need to see what means more for you - the pool or money savings.

stay both onsite with my DVC and offsite with my other timeshares. love them both - get a good value with both.

brian you and I have had this argument before.

offsite timeshares can and do offer their timeshares for rent to non-members for less than the members pay in maintence fees.

This is not a nice way to treat members. My opinion.

Disney (DVC) will never do that. Disney knows it can get a top price for its hotels/timeshares/campground. (you can stay at offsite hotels for less than WDW camgground). but if you want onsite and some of us do - then you pay the price Disney wants or stay offsite.

also be aware before buying DVC there were some really nice hotels that were cheap - well the good ones (in the nice area) have been brought out. they are now either new hotels or timeshares.

but since you are going to Windsor - you don't need to worry about that.

to OP - now another thing - don't go the Macdonalds or any of the places past Orange Lake but before US 27 - that area is dangerous (this really starts before Orange Lake but not a great deal) - the Publix might be safe - but there is one closer to Windsor and it is definitely safe. (Orange Lake mall)

to the OP - hope your vacation is wonderful!!!

would also suggest staying offsite this trip. You have been onsite. Now some people really, really hate offsite - they feel they were cheated. But still go for something different this trip. If you hate offsite - then you know for the future.

Disney prices will not go down in the forseeable future - but offsite because some people are cutting back - may!!! even a better reason for going offsite.

 

[spiceycat]

. The condo we are renting provided free internet. We paid for our internet access last year at Orbit One, and it added up pretty quickly, plus it wasn't convenient to have to go to the clubhouse to use the computer. I don't even know if internet is available at the onsite hotels, let alone free in room!

it is but just the Contemporary.

DVC members get it for free if staying at a DVC resort (not WDW resorts) and staying on points (not cash)

our phone calls local (just get the local phones on the vacation area code before you leave home) are $0.35 not the $0.75 they charge everyone else.

for toll free phone numbers they don't seem to charge at all - wish I had known this before going to the lobby a couple of hundred times with my pre pay phone card....

 

[*disgal*]

Yes, Maria, I can agree with your post. I just think this board is a little better (jmo) because a lot of us over here have done offsite AND onsite. There are so many on the resort board that say "I will never try offsite, ever"......seems a little more closed minded.

Don't get me wrong.......anyone can stay where they want to. We just need to advise people that are asking about where to stay to try different things for their family since you won't know until you try it.

And we never really has big issues with the buses. I really don't like going back in one at the parks though, but I can see if you had teens, that would be a great option to have. Then you can split up.

Internet...........this is where the WDW resorts are really lagging behind. I got internet at Orbit One on our last trip for about $10 a day, but at least I had it. At WH for our next trip it is free wireless. This is getting to be a requirement for us when we travel.

 

[KEVD]

We are a family of 5. We stayed onsite last year crammed into a hotel room and I will never do it again if I have a choice.
We priced a villa on Disney property. It was 3700 for the week(no tickets).
We are now renting a 5 bed 5 bath home in Windsor Hills with another family and its costing us 1600 total (800.00 each family) for a week. With our savings of 2900, I'll be seeing the magic in my wallet.

Amen to that. Unless I win the lottery and can pay for a 2 br villa on WDW property for seven nights I will always be staying offsite at a timeshare or vacation home.

 

[Lisa P.]

We did other things but mostly Disney. We did miss the ability or rening a boat at OKW but the pool made up for it 10 fold.

We've often enjoyed renting boats at WDW. Normally, we do this at least once per trip, regardless of whether we're staying onsite or offsite. Disney resort marina boat rentals are available to the general public.

Unless I win the lottery and can pay for a 2 br villa on WDW property for seven nights I will always be staying offsite at a timeshare or vacation home.

DH definitely strongly prefers offsite timeshares which are a piece of cake to trade into, year-round, from almost any other timeshare. DVC is not usually his first choice. But I can relate to the desire for onsite at times and for some folks. If you really like the 2BR DVC villas onsite, depending on when you like to travel, there are ways to stay in them without winning the lottery. We sold our DVC points because the maint fees were high for those of us with larger families who would need a 2BR. Low season rentals of DVC 2BRs from DVC members are still more expensive than offsite but they're much cheaper than renting directly from Disney, especially for Sun night through Thur night. Weekend rentals are high!

For those times when our family and friends want to stay for a week onsite, we trade our quality, non-FL timeshares into DVC resorts through II. If you think you'd want to spend a week at WDW at least every other year, especially in January, late April, May, early June, late August, September or early/mid-November, then trading into 2BRs at OKW or SSR is pretty easy to do through II - with a quality, strong II trader. Feel free to email or PM me for suggestions. Other DVC resorts and times may be possible too. Just something to consider.

 

[sln88]

LisaP- I am a long time off siter. Our family really needs the space. But, your post has me curious. If we are going down the 1st week of Nov, exactly how inexpensive would it be to rent the points from someone? I would have to have a 2 bedroom.

sorry for going kind of OT!

But, to get back OT, we have stayed off site 5 times in a condo and loved it. I would never jam all of us into a hotel room again.

 

[ntsammy5]

The only thing that I like about onsite better than offsite is that if your kids are bigger, it's easier for everyone to go different directions if you stay onsite. Transportation is better. That's not an issue anymore and while we'll stay onsite again, we've had enough of that for a lifetime. More magical? not really just much more expensive.

 

[Lisa P.]

LisaP- I am a long time off siter. Our family really needs the space. But, your post has me curious. If we are going down the 1st week of Nov, exactly how inexpensive would it be to rent the points from someone? I would have to have a 2 bedroom.

sorry for going kind of OT!

But, to get back OT, we have stayed off site 5 times in a condo and loved it. I would never jam all of us into a hotel room again.

You'd have to look over on the DVC Rent/Trade forum. There are links to the points charts for the various DVC resorts. OKW carries the lowest points. People rent out their points for reservations at ~$10-$12/pt. I've seen them as high as $14 when booking at the smaller resorts for special event periods and as low as $8 when points are going to expire shortly.

 

[calgarygary]

LisaP- I am a long time off siter. Our family really needs the space. But, your post has me curious. If we are going down the 1st week of Nov, exactly how inexpensive would it be to rent the points from someone? I would have to have a 2 bedroom.

sorry for going kind of OT!

But, to get back OT, we have stayed off site 5 times in a condo and loved it. I would never jam all of us into a hotel room again.

It would likely cost you between 2000 - 3000 for a week in choice season depending upon the resort and the view. Not really a bargain when you consider that is double what you could expect to pay offsite.

 

[troobabiee7]

Magic is where you make it, no one should need Disney to force-feed it to them. The Disney resorts are huge and gorgeous and I really do love them, but why pay an astronomical amount of money to all sit in one room when you can spend less for an entire house or condo? We've rented condos/homes for the past three years and are doing so again next year. It can't be beat! Back in 2005 we rented a condo in Emerald Island (a gorgeous resort) with 3 bedrooms, 2 and a half bathrooms, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, balcony, etc. for an entire month for $2000. You can't beat that! We had an amazing time and definitely felt the "magic," even if it wasn't always from Disney. We were able to come and go from Disney property with ease, spending 10-days in the parks and additional days exploring the resorts and Downtown Disney. We also got to see a lot of the rest of Orlando thanks to staying offsite since we had the extra money. It's completely worth it, in my opinion!

 

[spiceycat]

for DVC - don't stay Fri or Sat. this is only OKW - 2 bedroom.

Sun-thurs (leaving Friday morning) at OKW - first week of Nov - 24 points per night - so 120 points - at $10 - $1,200

now fri and sat are 54 points each - so fri and sat only - 108 points so $1,080 for just these 2 nights.

don't think it is worth it for those 2 nights (my opinion)

Nov is pretty popular and I think you are talking about New Jersey week - well it is probably gone.

Oct/Nov - wine/food festavial

now don't have that many points - but go to the dvc rental/trades site - someone will definitely rent to you.

just don't ask for $8 or $9 even $6 - these people are losing their points - that is why the points are so low. bad planning on their part. plus they are generally new and you will probably be their first rental.

but that is okay - just as long as they are honest - you won't have any problems.

 

[*disgal*]

Spiceycat.............that is a nice option. I think it only works though if it is a "rock bottom" time of the year.

We've visited in August a couple times because it is Value season/rates are cheaper. But I noticed on the points chart for an OKW 2 bed. during this same time, it takes 135 points for a Sun.-Thurs. That means it's $1350 for just 5 nights.

Now the place we are renting in April, for August it's about $110 per night (and this is for a 3 bedroom).

OKW then is about 2 1/2 times what this 3 bedroom is at WH.

Now, to some, it is worth it because you are on WDW property and you get all the perks with some great savings compared to booking with WDW directly. And that is quite a savings.

And to tell you the truth, if I ever have some "discretionary income" , that's probably where I'll be spending it. Knowing me though, I would have to have my house paid off first (which I'm 10 years away from ).

For me, and this is just me, right now I don't see the value in DVC..........but that's because we don't usually stay deluxe and spend that much on a resort.

It would be nice though!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Now, to some, it is worth it because you are on WDW property and you get all the perks with some great savings compared to booking with WDW directly. And that is quite a savings.

And to tell you the truth, if I ever have some "discretionary income" , that's probably where I'll be spending it. Knowing me though, I would have to have my house paid off first (which I'm 10 years away from ).

For me, and this is just me, right now I don't see the value in DVC..........

And I totally understand your way of thinking disgal (though it differs from mine). I can respect the fact that many see no "value" in DVC. But for those that love staying onsite and enjoy the perks it works. And technically, if you didn't want to rent a car you could say the difference in nightly cost becomes more narrow. An average car rental is about $30/day--or more---once all taxes/fees are added in. Technically, you don't "need" a car on wdw property. Add in also, that you wouldn't need $10/day parking either. So it is an option for those wanting to stay inside the World and partake of the onsite "magic" as was the dilemma of the OP. But I'm suspect most here on this board won't see this as a benefit. We do.

 

[spiceycat]

parking is now $11 at WDW - they raised it. sure glad I have an annual pass.

disgal - DVC is definitely not for everybody.

I brought it in 1993 - first say no in 1992 - well got talked out it. then in 1993 took my nephew 4 1/2 and my niece 2 1/2 plus my brother, sil and mother to Disney.

that trip cost me $4,000 - stayed at DL (now POR) and brought the tickets and pay for the meals.

mother as always as having fit when it was time to leave. My nephew asked why gm was so upset - say she always acted like this when it was to time to leave. He tooked upset - then told me he didn't want to leave either...

came home and brought DVC.

over the 15 years (he is now 20 ) - they went just about every year on my dime. the first 7 years were wonderful. Disney paid for the tickets. so the only thing my brother had to pay for were meals and transportation.

since disney no longer gets us free tickets - it has been harder - especially since now my SIL demands the dog go and stay with them - so offsite - CWR.

found it before she started this because of my cat, Spicey, who is now gone.

anyway they still go - don't stay onsite at Disney anymore because of the dog.

since I only stay in studio - rent my extra points these days. though several times consider selling most of OKW (190 + 50 points) - so would sell the 190 points.

everytime mention selling OKW my brother (who loves OKW) gets so upset. guess as long as I can rent it for more than the maintence fees will kept it for now.

would kept the smaller contract at OKW, plus my small contracts at BWV and VWL - have no problem renting them.

this next trip (well part of it) is because II wants my beach timeshares and will give me 2 weeks for one.

so get 2 weeks at DVC this time with my trade. staying in Sept at SSR in a 1-bedroom (would never use my points for a 1-bedroom for me) - so this is a treat.

also brought the beach timeshares because of my nephew - he got sick of disney - wanted a more 'happenin' place' - so of PCB, Penscola, destin - where could find timeshares for sale - he picked PCB and got one on sale.

couldn't be happier with it. it is old. but the views from the rooms are just wonderful.

that say would rather go to WDW - so trading it. but if II ever stops giving me two for one for it - or I can't get DVC with it. Would rather stay there than trade it.

It really has some of the best views of the gulf around. that say - since allergic to the sun - really appreciate a place with a wonderful view so don't have to go outside to see it.

DVC is not the hard trade that II tells everyone. you just have to look for yourself.

 

[*disgal*]

Maria, Yes. It is an option. And a good one for those that need the extra space but HAVE to stay on WDW property. Definitely!

Spiceycat........all I have to say is, Can you adopt me??!! I want to be YOUR relative. What a nice thing to do! They should call you, Sweetiecat.

I've always wondered about buying into II, and then just try to trade for onsite. I'm sure it's not going to get BC maybe, but I'd take OKW. There's more room in those anyway. That would save thousands of dollars, I bet.