Please help me decide if offsite is worth it!

[O2H O2H]

I am definitely warming to the offsite townhouse or smaller hotel rental thing. We will for sure be driving each day, although I guess we MIGHT use Disney busses sometimes if we were staying onsite. Not primarily, though. I will have to factor parking in, but I think that we will save SO much more that it will be worth it, even losing the free dining. Sure, it is not quite the trip I had hoped for in the beginning, but I am still super excited to get to go, no matter what the limitations, etc. Now I just have to get my dh warmed up to the vrbo idea. I did already talk him down from the initial "we must have 1 TS meal/day" idea, as long as he is not eating burgers at every meal (and you know that there are enough CS places that you can avoid that) and we have ONE fancy date night out during the trip (it will basically be our belated
anniversary dinner). His other thing is that he REALLY does not want to packmule a bunch of food in. I am thinking that we do breakfast at the room/condo, pack some granola bars and maybe trail mix or something (and water) in a backpack, and do primarily CS in park, saving by ordering ice water sometimes. I am also hitting my swagbucks hard to get disney cards, which I will use for park food and some spending money. I have enough for $300 so far, and I think I will have 600 or 700 total by december!

 

[Gr8t Fan]

The only times we've taken WDW buses for our onsite stays are when we go to MK because the buses drop you off at MK and if you drive you have to park at the TTC and take the ferry or monorail over to MK. IMO that's the only time that it takes a bit longer when driving.

We also don't bring much food in, other than a water bottle or two and sometimes pretzels or granola. There are plenty of decent CS and snack options that we don't stress about it much. It's all factored into the total cost of our vacation. We don't really do TS in the parks on our park days because we feel they take too much park time away.

Not sure exactly when you're planning on going in December, but I put 12/13 - 12/20 in vacationcentralflorida.com and a 2 bedroom condo at Windsor Hills popped up for $438.44 total for the week! We've used vacationcentralflorida several times over the years and have never had a problem at all. They require a $250 deposit when you book the reservation and the balance is due 30 days before checkin. You can also cancel up to 60 days before with no penalty at all. After 60 days, cancellation is possible and they will refund your deposit if they rent the unit for the same price. If they have to discount the unit, then you receive a pro-rated refund.

 

[momof2n2]

OP we never pack mule food in. I can't be bothered.
There are so many counter service options that don't break the bank.
TS is a mixed bag. Major time-eater IMO, but some are nice. Plan one a day 2ish. Eat a big breakfast. Fancy snack around 11/12. QS at 7pm works for us on big lunch days.

 

[HeatherC]

I would highly recommend Bonnet Creek Resort. It is "onsite" just not Disney owned. Very close to all the parks and Downtown Disney. Will save you a TON of money...really. And..you will love the space...can put kids to bed in their own bedroom!

Another way to save without really impacting your trip too much is to get base tickets. Use the crowd calendars to plan what park will be the least crowded and stay there for the day. Saves you on both ticket prices and time traveling from park to park which can eat up a huge part of your time.

Plan some meals offsite. There are literally thousands of restaurants right outside the gates. You get the benefit of a not cooking, eating a great meal and paying FAR less than Disney restaurants...and you get to try new places which can be fun.

Hope this helps! Have a wonderful time!!

 

[Mynamewastaken]

Would 2 rooms at a value cost less, offer free dining and get you on sight? I believe one of the other values has suites too?

 

[Lewisc]

I'll agree with the poster who suggested two rooms in a value. The space of a condo style unit sounds great BUT you really want to say onsite.

Offsite bus transportation is lacking. Disney parking and vehicle rental together will probably cost close to $50 /day. 5 people, with luggage, will need a full size car or mini-van. Maybe a little less if you can cut your luggage down.

The value of "free dining" + savings from not renting a car/paying for parking should more then offset the savings via renting offsite. I'm assuming you rent 2 value rooms vs around $100-$120 /night at a place like WBC. Hunt enough and you can find a lower price somewhere.

edited to add: People who like the extra space of a condo style property aren't generally happy with a Disney hotel. People who like the Disney perks, who don't want to drive and who want the ability to split up (using Disney transportation) aren't happy offsite. The space issue is more significant for longer stays or larger famlies. 5 people in 2 value rooms, or one value suite, works.

 

[HeatherC]

Though I would mention Bonnet Creek again since I just noticed the ages of your kids. I think they would absolutely love it. The pools, lazy rivers, free mini golf...all right there are beautiful. The commute to the parks is very short. It is literally mext door to the Caribbean Beach Resort.

Check out a virtual tour of the property to give you a better idea what it is like.

How much is AoA? Reason I am asking is that I just booked Bonnet Creek last night for 10 nights over April break in a three bedroom for $1249 including all taxes and fees.

Maybe staying here could save you so mich that you could even add a day or two on to your trip to enjoy all the amenities at the resort. Just an idea....