Please raise hand if on-site only......

[ScottOKW2K]

For our family we have done a mixture of onsite and offsite, with a preference to staying onsite. For us, if we are going to be doing the Disney theme parks (still our major destination) then we are more likely to book an onsite accommodation. For non-theme park or non-Disney we have stayed offsite.

For example, several years ago we did several waterpark only trips. We have found that - for US - driving to the water parks was most convenient. Those two times we stayed at the Summerfield Suites. Another time we did Marriott timeshare promo that included Discovery Cove tickets, and stayed at Cypress Harbour. We enjoyed all three of these trips, and have a swimming trip coming up at the end of may where we will be staying at Cypress Pointe.

That being said, if we are doing the theme parks we want to be onsite, and feel that we are missing something if we aren't. We've done that before - a one week stay at the Hilton - and choose not to do this again. Instead of "tolerating" the busses I actually enjoy them. I've talked to many interesting and humerous bus drivers, and had many more pleasant conversations and experiences than bad. One memory comes to mind often from one bus trip years ago - A family of three : wife, 5 y/o daughter (my guess) and Dad - who looked to be the firefighter or military type, short haircut and probably 250 lbs. of solid muscle. "Macho" guy here was holding his sleeping daughter, with a set of Minnie Mouse ears on his head ! We knew that this guy wasn't just a father , he was a "Daddy!"

Besides, I'm in the service business. I tend to drive 40k to 50k per year. I find it pretty nice to be able to look around at the sights, instead of having to look ahead for the traffic. And I love that short walk from the bus stop to the entrance to the Magic Kingdom.

To each his (or her) own.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I find it pretty nice to be able to look around at the sights, instead of having to look ahead for the traffic. And I love that short walk from the bus stop to the entrance to the Magic Kingdom.

I can definitely relate to the short walk to the MK. This is the one park where I feel disney transportation is beneficial.
But as for the scenes vs traffic, about 50% of the time on the disney busses, we're either standing, shoulder to shoulder with other guests, or if we're luck to get a seat, we've got someone's body standing in front of us and you can't see anything anyhow. They have those new busses now with the seating facing inward toward the aisle---you really can't see anything out the window. It would be different if they ran more busses and your chances of not having to stand for 15-20 min were less.......but the realty of it for us, is this situation is not at all relaxing. We much prefer being in our own car and listening to our disney CD's on the short drive back to our resort.

the firefighter or military type, short haircut and probably 250 lbs. of solid muscle. "Macho"

Hmmm....think I've had this guy standing in front of me on a crowded bus once
We personally, especially during the busy summer season, just don't look forward to the crammed disney busses. Feels like packed sardines or herded cows as my dh says. But I totally understand that some people just prefer to not be in their car no matter what the cost.

 

[Snoopymom]

We do both, and what bothers me is that someone who's never been to Disney or Orlando, may come to this site and quickly decide they can't afford to go at all or it's not worth going if they can't stay at a Disney resort.

They may be missing out on a wonderful and affordable vacation...that's why I love this board, there are always lots of nice people to recommend other great options for hotels and restaurants.

 

[maxaroni]

I have only stayed off-site twice and so many years ago, I can't really comment about that. However, we almost stayed off-site this trip and would have had no problem with it. I say, whatever makes you happy and you can afford is fine. I know people that can more than afford onsite but still choose off-site (not time-share owners, either). Another poster said about driving to the parks, even if on site...count us in on one of them, too. We are driving to FL this year and will have our car. We agreed that we wanted to use our car and drive. As a matter of fact, a neighbor drove when they went a few yrs ago and their friends used Disney transportation and our neighbors got back to the hotel first. Now, I'm not saying Disney transportation is awful and we wouldn't use it again but driving isn't so bad either. We can put the a/c right on, have a cooler with drinks right there.

At the end of the day, it's your vacation and I'm not one to say one way or the other is the way to go. We are a family that does things a bit differently than many anyway and it doesn't make anyone right or wrong.

 

[crazelion]

I have ride a trolley every day to baseball park our employee parking is 5 miles away. Only get to ballpark is trolley. I know automaticly look for something be right we I go somewhere. Force habit.

Orlando has best ride in the world the Spiderman. I will definately stay offsite for if going US and IOA because there is no way I can afford anything over 100.00 dollars a night US hotels.

Do forget malls, outlet malls, and flea markets when visit Florida you found some of the best stuff take home.

 

[bjscheel]

We are staying off-site, at the Homewood Suites, next week. I had the hardest time deciding! But for $80/night we are getting a suite with kitchen, free hot breakfast, and free light supper on two nights. DH does NOT want to drive at all, so we are depending on the hotel shuttle. Not as flexible as on-site, but I think it will be fine. We are not picky!

But next time I would like to try on-site!

 

[NHLFAN]

The first 3 times we stayed On-Site and the value of Disney's rooms are poor compared to the choice for the same price off-site.

We've comed to find we'd rather stay in a rented 2 bd condo with washer/dryer/oven for the same $$ as Disney's Value & Moderate resorts.

Yes...we rent a car because we like going to the outlet malls and Florida beaches during our stay.

The Magic is enjoyed all day at the parks, resort hopping and DTD...we go back to the condo to unwind and sleep.

 

[JrsyDebs]

I certainly agree with the original premise of this topic!

We have been in pre-planning mode for several months and during that time, I have been reading a lot about accommodations on this website. All of the "You should stay onsite if doing Disney; it's the ONLY way to go!" feedback really got me jazzed about booking onsite for our upcoming vacation.

Just when I was ready to make the arrangements at CBR, DH and his input helped get my feet back on the ground; back to reality. Even for our small family of three, one room at a moderate onsite resort would just be too cramped; two rooms would be too expensive! At the end of the day, we all enjoy a little privacy (especially DD13), and DH's idea of the perfect way to relax is in our own private pool; not a crowded pool shared by screaming children. The cost is also an issue. I have found a pool home at Windsor Palms for only 525 for four nights, everything (taxes, pool heat, cleaning fees) included. How can I pass that up? I am booking the home today--yay!!!

As always, I am secretly a big fan of disneysteve (guess it's not such a secret anymore!!), and I really value his opinions about "off-site" topics; he helped me to make my decision to stay off-site.

Debs

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

I certainly agree with the original premise of this topic!

We have been in pre-planning mode for several months and during that time, I have been reading a lot about accommodations on this website. All of the "You should stay onsite if doing Disney; it's the ONLY way to go!" feedback really got me jazzed about booking onsite for our upcoming vacation.

Just when I was ready to make the arrangements at CBR, DH and his input helped get my feet back on the ground; back to reality. Even for our small family of three, one room at a moderate onsite resort would just be too cramped; two rooms would be too expensive! At the end of the day, we all enjoy a little privacy (especially DD13), and DH's idea of the perfect way to relax is in our own private pool; not a crowded pool shared by screaming children. The cost is also an issue. I have found a pool home at Windsor Palms for only 525 for four nights, everything (taxes, pool heat, cleaning fees) included. How can I pass that up? I am booking the home today--yay!!!

As always, I am secretly a big fan of disneysteve (guess it's not such a secret anymore!!), and I really value his opinions about "off-site" topics; he helped me to make my decision to stay off-site.

Debs

I agree totally with this post.

Once, my friends planned a trip to WDW and stayed at the Beach club. They are a family of 5. The husband was practically shell-shocked at the price tag. He said, hey, we can't spend that kind of money on a Disney vacation. So now, he has a bad taste in his mouth about going again. Back then, we only did on-site also. I try and tell him we go cheaper now. (much cheaper ) So maybe they will try again sometime.

But it is easy to get caught up in the "board talk". Heck, some people think it's not going to be a good vacation if they don't go CONCIERGE!

And DisneySteve was a big help to me also, as all of you were on this board. It helped me "get back to reality" also.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

This is a good discussion! I have mostly been on site but have stayed at the Hilton. I think I would really like a condo for our next trip. (maybe Nov.) We would like the space and I don't think we would mind the drive. I think especially when the parks close early we would like the extra room. I have not made the finial decision yet but it is great to hear both sides.

 

[Tiger Fan]

I totally agree that I hate to hear people say that ON or OFF is the ONLY way to go when they've only tried one or the other. How can they compare? We've been to WDW 8 times in the last 5 years. Almost all of our trips have been for more than one week and most have been split stays with a week onsite and a week offsite. I feel that I can make good comparisons as what circumstances are sometimes better than say others. We like to stay for 2 weeks and staying one week at our timeshare trade allows us to be able to afford this. There are so many pros and cons of each option and I just know to enjoy the pros of whichever week we happen to be enjoying! I also hate when people get worked up about one resort (on or offsite) being the best, when they can't actually compare. I try not to respond unless I have actually stayed at the resort mentioned and can give a true example. This is a good topic that everyone should think about when they get answers. Make sure that the responder actually has a comparison and not just spouting off -
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[Grog]

We do both, and what bothers me is that someone who's never been to Disney or Orlando, may come to this site and quickly decide they can't afford to go at all or it's not worth going if they can't stay at a Disney resort.

I saw that happen once and it made me angry. A new Diser came in asking questions and mentioned how long her family wanted to go for, and how much they could afford to spend. The on-site "snobs" immediately told her that on-site was the only way to go and it ended with this poor woman deciding to postpone WDW for a few years...yes, years...because she didn't want to lose any of the "magic".

Myself and a few others suggested off-site and you would have though we were advocating killing a basket full of kittens from the responses. I just got back from a week long trip, where we stayed at a nice rental home in Kissimmee. It took us less time to drive to and from the parks than if we had stayed on-site and taken WDW tranportation.

The interesting thing I noticed on this trip was all the smiling, happy people I met that were also staying off-site. I guess they didn't have the DIS to tell them what a huge mistake they were making

For the record...I've done both off and on-site. Next trip will be just two of us, so it's on-site (but with our own vehicle).

As for the magic....it's funny that eating at a nice off-site restaurant, or staying in a nice off-site location and enjoying time with your family, isn't magical, but standing in line for 45 minutes in the heat next to screaming children and some sweaty, hairy, belching guy is magical, because it's happening at WDW.

 

[WDWannabe]

Wow!!

I have really enjoyed all of your coments on this topic.

I just had asked a question in this same catagory, diffrent topic....I would love to stay onsite for our firt trip, but we just can;'t afford it....but can do off site I am sure for alot less....will it ruin the MAGIC? I do not think so....I am thinking positive....we are at least going!!! And somehting to look forward too, staying on site!! So kudos to both on site and off site posters....we all love disney or we would not be here, we each have our own thoughts as to what is right and not, thats why we post, so others can make a decision....I think that at least that is why I am here, to get suggestions to my questions to make the best possible trip for my family. I'm glad you all are here!!

THANKS!!!!

 

[Local_Girl]

I, for one, am extremely glad that there are some folks who insist on an onsite experience (well, for themselves...not those that discourage those who can't afford to stay onsite from going to WDW at all! ). I'm especially glad that some will pay the big bucks to stay concierge! In my opinion, it's these people who are keeping Disney profitable...because it's certainly not my budget, penny-pinching ways!

Seriously, I'm glad that we all have different opinions on what makes a magical trip. I have not had the opportunity to stay onsite--we may in the future, but honestly, I doubt that I can convince my DH to stay in an All-Star room which costs more that a 3 bdrm villa that we've already tried and loved. But we've had many magical moments at WDW anyway! And I'd like to add my thanks to the many people on this board who have provided wonderful info for everyone planning to stay offsite.

 

[Reflection]

Wow!!

I have really enjoyed all of your coments on this topic.

I just had asked a question in this same catagory, diffrent topic....I would love to stay onsite for our firt trip, but we just can;'t afford it....but can do off site I am sure for alot less....will it ruin the MAGIC? I do not think so....I am thinking positive....we are at least going!!! And somehting to look forward too, staying on site!! So kudos to both on site and off site posters....we all love disney or we would not be here, we each have our own thoughts as to what is right and not, thats why we post, so others can make a decision....I think that at least that is why I am here, to get suggestions to my questions to make the best possible trip for my family. I'm glad you all are here!!

THANKS!!!!

I believe the 'magic' --whatever that is-- is what you make of it. You will have a terrific trip. The only problem I have with the fervor of the 'onsite-only-or-bust' (OOOB) group is the suggestion that a person could not possibly have an enjoyable experience if they are not staying in WDW accomodations. In my experience, that is just not the case. One can have an enjoyable, terrific vacation, whether onsite or offsite.

 

[disneymom3]

Grog, excellent post! I agree 100%!

 

[maxaroni]

I believe the 'magic' --whatever that is-- is what you make of it. You will have a terrific trip. The only problem I have with the fervor of the 'onsite-only-or-bust' (OOOB) group is the suggestion that a person could not possibly have an enjoyable experience if they are not staying in WDW accomodations. In my experience, that is just not the case. One can have an enjoyable, terrific vacation, whether onsite or offsite.

Totally agree.....like most anything else, it is what you make of it. If you go with the frame of mind that it will stink because you aren't on site, it won't be as good, IMO.

Everyone has their own opinion as to what is the 'magic' for them. Some people really won't be happy off-site but to tell others that they will lose magic isn't right. I'm not a believer in the 'go for broke' rationale nor do I think that if you have to do Disney on a tight budget, you better not go. I know some that they'd be darn happy to be in Disney and sleep in the car, if that is what it was.

 

[rriley25]

My family has stayed both on and off. We prefer on, but have found some really nice resorts off too. One thing to consider though....there are tons of off-site hotels and many are poorly managed and/or maintained. Price isn't always a good indicator. A traveler may have doubts whether their choice of off-site hotels will turn out as nice as they hope (online photos don't always tell the whole story) while I think that Disney does offer uniformly nice accomodations and service.

 

[disneysteve]

there are tons of off-site hotels and many are poorly managed and/or maintained. Price isn't always a good indicator. A traveler may have doubts whether their choice of off-site hotels will turn out as nice as they hope (online photos don't always tell the whole story)

This is absolutely true and that's what makes forums such as this so valuable. You can chat with real people who have stayed at these places rather than just picking from a tour guide or a website.

I also agree that Disney routinely does a good job with accomodations and service, but after 25 years of visiting WDW, I could tell you some hotel and service horror stories that occurred onsite at Disney, so staying onsite doesn't guarantee you a problem-free trip either.

 

[pamlet]

This is absolutely true and that's what makes forums such as this so valuable. You can chat with real people who have stayed at these places rather than just picking from a tour guide or a website.

I also agree that Disney routinely does a good job with accomodations and service, but after 25 years of visiting WDW, I could tell you some hotel and service horror stories that occurred onsite at Disney, so staying onsite doesn't guarantee you a problem-free trip either.

I agree .. while we have not stayed onsite - I do know that the only places onsite we can afford are the value .. MAYBE moderate resorts. When I weigh the fact that since both my sons are well over 6ft tall.. and BIG guys - I KNOW that a room with 2 double beds is NOT for us... two rooms starts getting very pricey.. We've learned from experience the very smallest rooms we can get is 2 queen beds - and in one room THAT gets tight.

DVC rental would be an option - but when weighing against what we can get offsite ... well offsite wins for us.

We're really looking forward to our trip this May -

If the boys were younger... (read SMALLER.. laugh) we'd probably consider onsite - but at this point in our lives it will be off for us..