Package vs DIY holiday?

[WrenNCuckoos]

We're planning our first trip to Disneyworld either February or April 2012. My husband keeps pretending this might not happen, but our other choice is a trip to Kansas and Oregon, so Disney sounds better to me. If we get that far, most of my family (who are scattered over the US now) will meet us there for some of the time.

I've been looking at the packages available, but have also been wondering whether a DIY approach might work better.

We also can't decide whether a condo or suite offsite would be better than a room onsite. We have 2 children who will be 4 and 6 when we go, and who don't sleep on the same schedule normally despite my so far 3 years of trying. Jet lag doesn't seem to make that any better from our experience. Is staying onsite really great?

Thanks.

Wren

 

[2Tiggies]

Hi and welcome

The onsite/offsite debate is a personal preference and stong motivating factors can range from budget to practicality with everything else in between.

I take it the pull towards offsite is the need for you to have the children in a separate bedroom and assume you intend having a car while you are away.

I can't speak for offsite as I am an onsite addict but as I have never stayed offsite I can't draw a comparison for you. Soon enough you should have comments on here from those who have done either or both.

Regarding your onsite option, depending whether they bring the offer in again for 2012, the last couple of years Disney UK have had a promotion on selected dates for Disney's Old Key West and Saratoga Springs resorts with 40% off. Some of these dates have included 'free dining' which would include the Dining plan for the duration of your stay at no extra cost, plus you get the discount on the accommodation. The great thing about these resorts is if you need extra space, they do also have one and two bedroom units, in addition to the studios and if you can snag one of those deals I think you may find it hard to beat the value of that offer staying offsite.

 

[WrenNCuckoos]

Thanks 2Tiggies.

Are they likely to have those deals at any time that lines up with UK school holidays? I would love to do something like that, but it'd have to be a really good deal to make it affordable for us right now.

 

[OldKeyWelsh]

We stayed at OKW with the discount and free dining last August and had such a good time that when the same offer came up again for this year we booked again. We have previously rented a villa offsite and although we had a great time, for us there is no comparison with a 1 bd at OKW with free dining and all the extras that go with an onsite stay.

 

[Elise79]

We prefer onsite (and have done offsite in both hotel and villa with family) because we like to be able to pop back to the hotel easily during the day to relax and swim (and this was as much when we were are couple as well as with our DD) and travelling offsite takes so much longer. There are people that will tell you it is just as quick but if they can be back in their villa from MK in less than 20 mins I want that villa!

I would add that 'Disney' tired is something else and I would guess that your kids will have no trouble sleeping of a night!