Planning second WDW trip- Embassy vs Disney

[sunbird21]

Hi,
I am planning my second trip with my son(4) to WDW. We stayed at AOA last January w my mom in Little Mermaid room for a week. I have a bit shorter timeframe( 5 days) and am seriously considering Embassy Suites LBV for cost. I liked being in the Disney bubble but unfortunately, the last trip was after the pandemic and we didn’t really have any of the “resort” perks other than DME( but no luggage delivery). This is a big reason why I’m questioning whether or not it’s worth it to stay onsite. Also, while cute, the room was really small and cramped for three of us( plus the ECV I rented for my mom).

I know that airport transportation is not free for anyone now,and the shuttle from ES is t the same frequency as Disney, but I could spend $600 for five nights.The all stars are more than this, and other resorts that I’d like to try( portOrleans, Caribbean Beach,etc) are at least $400 a night. However I did see that by renting points I could get a value studio at AK for $1121. Yes it’s more, but cheap for a deluxe- would it be worth it or should I keep my plan to avoid Disney on site until/unless more perks come back?? I REALLY wanted to try the dining plan but that seems to be gone forever.

Thanks in advance!
Oh and I won’t be renting a car.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Hi,
I am planning my second trip with my son(4) to WDW. We stayed at AOA last January w my mom in Little Mermaid room for a week. I have a bit shorter timeframe( 5 days) and am seriously considering Embassy Suites LBV for cost. I liked being in the Disney bubble but unfortunately, the last trip was after the pandemic and we didn’t really have any of the “resort” perks other than DME( but no luggage delivery). This is a big reason why I’m questioning whether or not it’s worth it to stay onsite. Also, while cute, the room was really small and cramped for three of us( plus the ECV I rented for my mom).

I know that airport transportation is not free for anyone now,and the shuttle from ES is t the same frequency as Disney, but I could spend $600 for five nights.The all stars are more than this, and other resorts that I’d like to try( portOrleans, Caribbean Beach,etc) are at least $400 a night. However I did see that by renting points I could get a value studio at AK for $1121. Yes it’s more, but cheap for a deluxe- would it be worth it or should I keep my plan to avoid Disney on site until/unless more perks come back?? I REALLY wanted to try the dining plan but that seems to be gone forever.

Thanks in advance!
Oh and I won’t be renting a car.

The biggest perks of staying on site right now are early entry and 7am ILL$ availability. Genie+ is available at 7 for all guests regardless of stay. Also if you went with AKL, you'd be eligible for the extended evening hours at Epcot and Magic Kingdom.

If any of those are appealing to you, then I'd do onsite. If you can live without those options, I'd definitely save the money.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[k5xs]

Aside from the "Disney bubble," a huge plus for us is transportation to/from the parks. We stayed off property one time and vowed "Never again."

The hotel we stayed at advertised "convenient shuttle to the parks." It wasn't. It ran infrequently, it dropped off at the TTC instead of MK (adding ~20 mins each way), in the middle of the bus lot at EPCOT, and in the hinterlands at DHS and AK, and it was crowded almost all of the time. That alone put us off on off-property.

 

[HopperFan]

Hi,
I am planning my second trip with my son(4) to WDW. We stayed at AOA last January w my mom in Little Mermaid room for a week. I have a bit shorter timeframe( 5 days) and am seriously considering Embassy Suites LBV for cost. I liked being in the Disney bubble but unfortunately, the last trip was after the pandemic and we didn’t really have any of the “resort” perks other than DME( but no luggage delivery). This is a big reason why I’m questioning whether or not it’s worth it to stay onsite. Also, while cute, the room was really small and cramped for three of us( plus the ECV I rented for my mom).

I know that airport transportation is not free for anyone now,and the shuttle from ES is t the same frequency as Disney, but I could spend $600 for five nights.The all stars are more than this, and other resorts that I’d like to try( portOrleans, Caribbean Beach,etc) are at least $400 a night. However I did see that by renting points I could get a value studio at AK for $1121. Yes it’s more, but cheap for a deluxe- would it be worth it or should I keep my plan to avoid Disney on site until/unless more perks come back?? I REALLY wanted to try the dining plan but that seems to be gone forever.

Thanks in advance!
Oh and I won’t be renting a car.

After 20 years I now only stay offsite because the of the HUGE cost savings, the disappearance of most Disney perks, hotel points etc .... but I would never stay offsite without a car.

Thoughts:

You say $600 for 5 nights at Embassy Suites LBV. This seems low, have you also added the $25 per day Resort fee? and then all the hotel taxes.

You are saying the shuttle runs as often as Disney buses? Disney is supposed to run every 20 minutes ... I have never heard of any offsite shuttle system running that often. I am a Hilton regular and I thought the last time I checked ES was like most, a few runs in the morning, a few in the afternoon and you might have to reserve your spot in advance (means not flexible). I would contact the hotel to verify this and to make sure they can accommodate your Mom's ECV.

 

[Pooh's World]

Minus
*The LBV Embassy suites has a resort fee that the other Embassy Suites on I Drive do not have.

Plus
There is a LYNX bus stop close by, that has constant buses (every 30 minutes from 5 am to midnight) to Disney Springs/Disney. This is a very nice and cheap option to supplement the hotel shuttle (that may only go to Disney 3 times a day and back 3 times a day)

The White Castle/Portillo's/Wendys oasis is within 12 minute walking distance.

Target is probably a 15 minute walk across the bridge over I4.


*I would recommend the Homewood Suites LBV or Residence Inn (though Embassy has better breakfasts) as they are closer to the White/Castle/Portillo's/Wendy's oasis (7 min walk) and Target. and also the LYNX bus stop is right across the street from the Garden Inn/Holiday Inn Express.

 

[ladyderks]

Hi,
I am planning my second trip with my son(4) to WDW. We stayed at AOA last January w my mom in Little Mermaid room for a week. I have a bit shorter timeframe( 5 days) and am seriously considering Embassy Suites LBV for cost. I liked being in the Disney bubble but unfortunately, the last trip was after the pandemic and we didn’t really have any of the “resort” perks other than DME( but no luggage delivery). This is a big reason why I’m questioning whether or not it’s worth it to stay onsite. Also, while cute, the room was really small and cramped for three of us( plus the ECV I rented for my mom).

I know that airport transportation is not free for anyone now,and the shuttle from ES is t the same frequency as Disney, but I could spend $600 for five nights.The all stars are more than this, and other resorts that I’d like to try( portOrleans, Caribbean Beach,etc) are at least $400 a night. However I did see that by renting points I could get a value studio at AK for $1121. Yes it’s more, but cheap for a deluxe- would it be worth it or should I keep my plan to avoid Disney on site until/unless more perks come back?? I REALLY wanted to try the dining plan but that seems to be gone forever.

Thanks in advance!
Oh and I won’t be renting a car.

I’m a big fan of renting DVC points. We’ve done OKW (rooms are HUGE), Boulder Ridge, and Boardwalk Villas (our fav). The rooms are spacious, and I like having the microwave in the studios. I highly suggest looking more into renting. I’ve rented through a broker, as well as through multiple owners I found on Disboards. Never had a problem - I won’t stay at Disney any other way. Edited to add in that if you rent points, you won’t pay for parking. That small savings adds up.

 

[sunbird21]

Thank you all for your replies!
I am not sure yet if my mom is joining-she's not a Disney fan but may come along anyway to spend time at hotel.
I am aware of the resort fee for Embassy-not thrilled but still cheaper than Disney resort prices. How does the LYNX bus work? I do like the breakfast and evening reception option, but I know that I may not take as much advantage of it being at Disney.

I am considering the AKL rental but would like to learn more about renting from people on here(I've only looked at Davids Vacation Club?). I read the mods announcement but am more confused than ever! In my dream scenario, I'd love to stay at Bay Lake Tower or Animal Kingdom. Is parking also free at the resorts? That could be a bonus for car rental(assuming prices have come down).

 

[Padstack]

If you're going to stay off site then you'll want a car. I've never been pleased with the bus services from the local hotels. Or you can Uber.
Another perk of Embassy is the free breakfast and evening social gathering (free drinks and snacks).

 

[Pooh's World]

Thank you all for your replies!
I am not sure yet if my mom is joining-she's not a Disney fan but may come along anyway to spend time at hotel.
I am aware of the resort fee for Embassy-not thrilled but still cheaper than Disney resort prices. How does the LYNX bus work? I do like the breakfast and evening reception option, but I know that I may not take as much advantage of it being at Disney.

I am considering the AKL rental but would like to learn more about renting from people on here(I've only looked at Davids Vacation Club?). I read the mods announcement but am more confused than ever! In my dream scenario, I'd love to stay at Bay Lake Tower or Animal Kingdom. Is parking also free at the resorts? That could be a bonus for car rental(assuming prices have come down).

So LYNX 350 (old LYNX 50) is what you would take.
Looks like LYNX 350 stops at Disney Springs and doesn't go to Disney Transportation Center (like LYNX 50 did). However you can always take the Disney bus to the parks or hotels.

https://www.golynx.com/maps-schedul..._1_1=showPublicPosting&calendar_entry_id=6920
Download the LYNX Paw Pass App, then you can buy tickets on their (discounts for seniors and kids) and your phone will have your ticket on it to show to the bus driver.
I would recommend either the all day pass ($4.50) or the week pass ($16)

 

[CarolynFH]

you can always take the Disney bus to the parks or hotels.

@sunbird21, be aware that no buses run between DS and the parks. Pre-pandemic there was a bus from parks one-way to DS after 4 PM, but that has not resumed yet. And buses from DS to Disney resort hotels don't start running very early, since DS doesn't open until 9 or 10 AM. From DS you could walk to SSR and take a park bus from there, however.

 

[sunbird21]

So it's sounding like the Lynx bus wouldnt really work out for early morning transport from Embassy Suites-we would have to take it to DS and walk to Saratoga and get a bus?

I'm guessing Uber is a better option if I go this route. Or renting a car. Ugh, now I'm starting to see why people stay on property....

I have to do some number crunching. Thank you all!!

 

[jimmymc]

The biggest factor for me is that I don't need a car while staying on property, and staying off I definitely would.

If It's just 3 of you, I would suggest Pop Century for the Skyliner Access. Caribbean Beach is in a better location and has a great pool, but the rooms aren't arranged well for an ECV.

 

[Bete]

I'm fond of AKL. Love the animal viewing. With a car you sure can shop for groceries which will save money. Boma's buffet is great for a meal or two. You get the Disney perks including Disney transportation. Disney deluxe resorts get an extra park perk. The frequency time intervals really can't be beat for Disney transportation. What it really means is more time in the parks.

If your mom goes and you rent an offsite ECV it's much easier being onsite with it.

My favorite parts of being offsite are cheaper resort rates, an included breakfast and usually a bigger space for accomodations.

We've done it all through the years and it's just what may be more important to you at the time and your budget.

 

[Pooh's World]

So it's sounding like the Lynx bus wouldnt really work out for early morning transport from Embassy Suites-we would have to take it to DS and walk to Saratoga and get a bus?

I'm guessing Uber is a better option if I go this route. Or renting a car. Ugh, now I'm starting to see why people stay on property....

I have to do some number crunching. Thank you all!!

Yeah, not sure, I will have to do some more investigating.

LYNX 50 used to get to the Disney Transportation Center as early as 6:45 AM but that bus line changed to LYNX 350 about a month ago (and no longer seems to go to Disney Transportation Center, instead ending at Disney Springs).

My suggestion would be to take the Embassy Suites bus to Disney in the mornings and then in the evenings you have the flexibility to take the LYNX bus back (In my experience most hotel shuttles usually only have 3 times coming back with the last one being around 10 pm)

As you can see the last LYNX bus leaves Disney Springs on weekdays/Sat/Sun/holidays at 12:20 am (midnight).

https://www.golynx.com/maps-schedul..._1_1=showPublicPosting&calendar_entry_id=6920
*This is actually a pretty radical change by LYNX (LYNX 50 to LYNX 350 line conversion) to make it harder to get to Disney.

But what you can do is transfer from LYNX 350 to LYNX 300 (Disney Express) at Disney Springs to get to Disney Transportation Center. (this is essentially a 7 minute wait/transfer)

This means on weekdays at 5:40 am/6:10 am/6:40 am the LYNX 300 stops at Disney Springs.

The earliest the LYNX 350 gets to Disney Springs is 6:03 am. That bus leaves Destination Parkway at 5:37 am which means you probably need to be at the bus stop in front of Embassy Suites at around 5:45 am.

So if you took the LYNX 350 at 5:45 am and then transferred at Disney Springs at 6:10 am (7 minute wait) then you would get to the Disney Transportation center at 6:24 am. Then you have to wait for the Disney buses to start running (if you are going to Epcot/AK/Hollywood) or you could get an uber (which wouldn't cost much just withing WDW) if you are trying to be first park open.

*LYNX 300 Disney Express basically comes from downtown Orlando then takes the I4 highway right to Disney Springs (by passing all the hotels on Idrive/Palm Parkway)
https://www.golynx.com/maps-schedul..._1_1=showPublicPosting&calendar_entry_id=6898

 

[Shellyred8]

However I did see that by renting points I could get a value studio at AK for $1121.

Unless you have someone that has a designated reservation for an AKL value studio to rent or have someone lined up to get you one of these rooms at the 11 month mark, I would not plan on getting this particular accommodation. There are very few value studios at AK and they usually go fast at the 11 month mark. That's not to say you absolutely couldn't get this, but I just wanted you to be aware that it may be challenging to get this particular accommodation.

That being said, I think AKL would be an awesome place for you and your son to stay. And if your mom joined you, I, personally, think it's a good place to stay if you aren't doing the parks. There are a couple of different balconies with rocking chairs that overlook the animals. It's a lovely place to sit and relax.

I totally get the lure of wanting to get the cheaper place off-site. We've done it a few times. It usually ends up being an "ok" trip, but we always have a rental car. I would vote for staying on-site if possible. With a 4 year old, will he/you need an afternoon break? For us, those are more time consuming when we are staying off-site.

If you can find a room at Pop, that's what I would recommend. You would have two real beds to sleep on (one being the pull-down murphy bed). The studios at AKL would be a queen bed and a sofa-bed (which seem to be hit or miss in regards to comfort).

Have a great trip!

 

[Shellyred8]

Also, have you looked at the Swan and Dolphin? They usually have better prices than the Disney hotels, and you are really close to two parks.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Have you considered a hotel near Disney Springs? The doubletree would give you more room and the bus schedule is good. Also those hotels are in waking distance to disney springs. There are many of them so check them out.