onsite vs offsite???

[anita36]

I have been to Disney 3 times and all 3 were off site--
this year we are - well I am-- considering on site at the Carrib. Resort but I know I get more for my money then staying on site.

I can get a 2 bdrm 2 bath condo-washer/dryer in unit 3 miles from Disney for 620 [we are going the end of Sept.] we would have a rental car the whole week and we are flying down- I have included gas and parking fees and a 5 day hopper grandtotal 2735

or
I could spend $922.. stay at the Carrb. and have a hotel 2 beds- 1 bath . buy my hoppers 5 days- limo transfer back and forth and rent a car for a day and it would be 2742

or we might drive and we would save about $700.

am I missing something by not staying onsite?? I never have so I can't compare it.
will we miss out on something "magical" like I read in someposts.

I am torn

anyone can offer some pros cons..

 

[beatnik]

I am a very big Disney fan and a week down at the World in March will be our third trip down since Sept 2003. By the end of this coming trip we will have spent a month at the World this year. But I don't belive in "magic." Disney has some very nice resorts (and some fairly average ones) and we've stayed on-site a number of times-- at the Polynesian, the Dolphin, Disney Villas (back when there was such a place), Dixie Landings (Now Riverside), Caribbean Beach, and All Stars. I think what people actually mean by "magic" has to do with the overall experience of staying at a Disney Resort-- the employees generally are helpful, friendly, accomodating, and pleasant, the resort is "themed" (landscaping makes sense with decor, employees wear costumes which relate to the theme, restaurants fit to the theme and so on), the place is extremely neat and tidy, rooms are well decorated and well maintained, transportation is convienent, and there are typically (with the higher-end resorts, anyway) some resort amenties such as boat rentals, spa services and so forth. The overall experience is designed to be visually and asthetically pleasing (except for, in my personal opinion, the All Stars!) and Disney does a pretty good job at giving you as much or more than you expect in a pretty hassle-free envirnoment. They are not always perfect, and individuals can have bad experiences, but on average, Disney does a great job.
There are plently of nice hotels that can be as good as Disney in regards to amenities, service, and to a lesser extent, theming, but of course, you will have to deal with transporting yourself around and you will not be immersed in the Disney ambience during your transit times (you'll have to pass gas stations and fast food joints just like you have at home). And of course, there are plently of not-so-nice hotels which will provide you with poor service, a shabby room, and plenty of hassle.
We stopped staying at Disney resorts for a number of reasons. First, costs are big issue for us-- we'd rather spend a $4000 for a month at the World over 4 trips than $4000 for a week at (say) Animal Kingdom Lodge in a room with a great view. (However, if money were no object, we'd pick a deluxe resort hands-down.) Second, we have been down enough times (and intend to keep going frequently enough) that we don't feel like every trip has to be the be-all and end-all. If we don't do something we want to on this trip, we'll catch it next time. Third, we are very impatient people and can't stand waiting around for Disney transport. We will always be driving ourslves to the parks, so this major benefit (the transportation system) of staying at a Disney resort is meaningless to us.
Overall, I'd say staying on-site vs. off-site is a pretty personal choice. For some folks, vacation time is more scarce than money and they want things to be as perfect and relaxing as they possibly can be-- these tend to be the folks who insist on staying on-site and that seems to meet their needs well. For others (like me), money is more scarce than vacation time and the expense cannot be justified. Decide what's important to you and don't worry that you may be missing out. You can get a pretty good idea of what is meant by "magic" by visiting a resort. If it appeals to you, then try a stay on-site. You will likely have a great time no matter what.

Beatnik

 

[djm99]

Well, in truth there is magic in staying on site, but for me when I travel I enjoy the space that disney doesn't offer at a responsible price (unless you can get someones DVC). I'd rather stay off site with all the space, comfort, etc. And another thing I'm not too crazy about staying on site is the noise of disney properties.

It never seems quick enough (on my relaxing days). But if you stay onsite its convient to and from the parks. You can go early depart during the afternoon and then return later, Something you'd probably never do if you stay off site.

So, I guess it depends on what you really want. Keeping in mind that disney does have Washer/Dryers on site near the pools in most if not all resorts.

I know I sound indecisive, but for me, if I'm staying on-site my vacation can not exceed 5 nights. Other than that I'm gonna want that space, convience of the kitchen (not to cook), washer/dryer, etc.

 

[beatnik]

djm99,

You may say in "truth" there is magic; I may say there's no such thing. But I think the talk about magic is not very helpful to the OP-- having never stayed at a Disney resort, she may not know what is meant by "magic." Hence, my attempt to describe what I think is meant by "magic."

Also, if OP is considering staying at Caribbean Beach, she will be taking busses as Disney transport-- certainly no quicker (probably less quick) for returning to one's room than driving to my hotel in Downtown Disney. Monorail transport from the Polynesian to the MK is convienent; bus transport from the Caribbean Beach to anywhere (except MGM) will not be as convienent.

Beatnik

 

[anita36]

Thanks for making things more clearly.

after reading and reading and the advice you guys gave I am going off site-- you made it clear.

yes we will be returning to disney probably next year-- so what I don't get done can be done again..

and the noise you talked about-- I didn't even think of that..

I will enjoy my large condo that I can get away from the kids or DH if need be-- have 2 bathrooms and a washer dryer so I can pack less..

Thanks for some reason I was thinking I was "missing" out on something huge..
and we are staying close so we can get to our car and go home for a few hours and back to the park again..
last time we were there in sept. there were no lines= no waiting and we parked really close.

Thanks

no I know why all of you are veterans!!

 

[BrerMama]

I think you'll be happy with your decision. It's just another way of thinking. Our original plan and reservation was to stay in POR (family of 5 so that's our cheapest option). I had our days planned so that we would really use our UPHs from the afternoon we arrived until the afternoon we left. A lot of our planning revolved around meals; since we wouldn't have transportation we would have to eat all our meals on Disney property.

Then I decided to look around and see what else was available. To be honest, I was concerned that I would stress myself to death over this vacation. I was very concerned about getting my money's worth out of the UPHs and I know we would have been constantly on the go. I'm also an impatient person and would have stressed if I needed to wait more than 5 minutes on a bus. And finally, I don't consider it a vacation to shove my 3 active children into a small room where I have no ability to escape. I'm a teacher during the school year and when I'm on vacation, I need some adult time. So we found a much large room (over 2 times the sq. footage) for less than half what we were paying on site. We'll have Park Hoppers and won't use them on our first and last day; those are saved for leisurely fun meals for the kids and shopping for me. I'm not as stressed about meals because we'll have a car and can always drive to whatever strikes our fancy. I'm much less stressed about the vacation now, but it did take me a few days to change my way of thinking.

 

[anita36]

that is what I was thinking- being cramped into 1 room and trying to get ready..

I was also worrying about the eating etc.-- if I wanted to make something I can't no kitchen and to be honest eating out all the time gets old. this way we could have a big breakfast and take snacks for the day buy our own water and then just worry about dinner or have a big brunch and not worry about dinner.

I would love to stay onsite but I don't think I will use all that is offered and waiting for transportation I get stressed if I am cramped on a bus or a bus breaks down..

I am happy with my choice even if they offered the fairytale package again[ buy 4 nights get 3 free] I would still stay off site.

I might not be immersed in disney 24/7 but from morning to closing we will be and the rest of the time we will be sleeping..


vacation for me is not stressing..

 

[disneysteve]

We've done both many times and we WAY prefer offsite. The main reason is the space issue. When the 3 of us sleep in one standard hotel room, none of us sleeps all that well. My wife and I are afraid to make any noise and wake our daughter. And everytime my daughter makes noise, it wakes me. Also, DD goes to sleep earlier than us and that leaves DW and I stuck sitting in the bathroom with the door closed so we can have the light on.

Offsite, in comparison, we can get anything from a suite to a house depending on who comes with us. We can put our DD to sleep in her own room, close her door and still be able to walk around, have the lights on, watch tv, have a snack, etc.

And you can't beat the price. We've gotten a 1-bedroom suite for as little as $39.95/nite.

We won't use Disney's transportation system (except for the monorail) even when we have stayed onsite. It is not particularly efficient and we are seat belt fanatics so riding the bus is out. I've seen a number of injuries occur on Disney buses over the years. I'd much rather hop in my own car while everyone else is standing around waiting for a bus. By the time the bus comes, I'm back at my hotel.j

Steve

 

[crazelion]

The reasons people stay onsite for many different reasons. I don't care about majic. I for one stay onsite so I can't get lost going back to my hotel. I have bad sense of direction. Some people say Orlando is easy to get around. I found it difficult to get around. Example: I left the All-Star Sports Resort go to US for the day. On the way back I got lost. It took me 3 hours to found my way back to All-Star Sports resort. So I decide onsite is for me for WDW and US.

But this summer I thinking about staying offisite because I going with a group people and I will let them do the driving so I woun't get lost.

Offsite pros
free breakfeast at some hotels
more room
Meals is cheaper and more varity
Fridge
mircowave

Cons
How to pay for parking at parks
May how to for parking at the hotel
I can get lost coming from the parks to hotel

Onsite Pros
I won't get lost coming from the hotel to the parks
Use WDW tranportation

Onsite Cons
no free free breakfeast
fridge
mircowave


This what i consider in my offsite vs onsite debate. As see my reasons for staying onsite is not like everyone else.

 

[MJames41]

Our preference is definatly on-site. To me, it is well worth it for the transportation (I don't like to drive on vacation), as well as the other points listed plus one more. I have teen age children. When I am at Disney, I can let them go the parks by themselves, to Downtown Disney, resort hopping, etc. If they should end up lost, or anything like that, there is usually a Disney employee (CM) about every 50 feet on property - it just seems to work out that way. For me, the added secure feeling I get there for my children makes it well worth it.

As for added space, you can always rent DVC points, or get a code for one of the Wilderness Cabins. Still, to each their own.

 

[ncbyrne]

We've stayed onsite twice (CBR + POR) and offsite several times. We've had extravagant trips and super tight budget trips. We've stayed at cheapo mom and pop motels, condos, and luxury resorts. But no matter where we stayed the trip was always wonderful! The past few trips, we've split the stay between 2/3 hotels to vary our experience. Our next trip will include 3 days at the Dolphin, using the gov. rate found here on the DIS. We still haven't decided where else we'll rest our head on our upcoming May trip. It will most likely be offsite properties as they provide the most bang for the buck. We decided a long time ago that we'd never stay in the same place twice!

 

[yecats]

I usually fall in the offsite category. Don't get me wrong, I am a Disney fan and onsite is nice and plenty of those resorts do make you feel like your someplace else (WL, AKL, Poly) which adds to the charm. However, I never really understand why families who live in homes want to cram themselves into one room for a week or more. My mom and I (50 something and 30 something) split a room in Dec. 2002. By day 4 I was ready for my own room. I realized that I like my space and the peace and quiet. I can fall asleep with the tv on, my mom can't. Lets just say at night I wasn't dead tired but my mom was so end result was no tv. I do choose to stay on property but choose to shorten the length of time I'm there and enjoy the resort I at for those few days.

I am beginning to have to a different view of condo rental/home rental which in the end will save you money and sanity.

In the end, your going to be spending some time at Disney and will experience the magic without having overpaid for a small hotel room.

 

[djm99]

Originally posted by yecats
I do choose to stay on property but choose to shorten the length of time I'm there and enjoy the resort I at for those few days.

You sound like me. Maybe a weekend, but not a week. Too small of a room.

 

[vhoffman]

I agree with DisneySteve--the buses AREN'T safe! In the first place, they don't have seat belts. I won't let my children ride the school bus because they lack seat belts, why should I make an exception in Disney? Also, I had a "near miss" my last trip when I foolishly took the bus. It was almost empty, but the bus driver abruptly started the bus before I had a chance to sit down. I stumbled and would have fallen except that I "fell" against my 6'4" bodybuilder husband. And he was shaken up! One shouldn't have to have a bodyguard along to make a bus trip safe. The monorails are different, we trust them. However, from now on, we rent a car!