Remind me of benefits of staying off site .... Please :-/

[GSLand]

Just made mid Oct reservations at The Fountains to use our vacation club points that expire in Oct.
REALLY happy to be planning a trip ... But not so much at staying off Disney property. We've always stayed at a WDW resort in our 10 or so visits.
Please let me know the good points of staying off site. This trip is just DH and me. Thx.

 

[Brian Noble]

How much aren't you spending to stay onsite in an equivalent condo? What else could you do with that money? That's the reason, right there.

I've done about half my stays onsite (OKW x3, VWL, and BWV), and about half off (VV@P, Bonnet Creek, WHx2). I've also stayed at Vistana for a non-Disney trip. The difference between the two experiences, to me, is pretty modest all told. The difference is *especially* modest if you compare OKW to the offsite locations---in fact, we think of OKW and Bonnet Creek to be about a tie for the same sized units.

Other people perceive the differences to be more significant, so YMMV. And, if you don't mind spending the money and letting your points expire, then you can do that too. I wouldn't though. I'm to the point where I will only stay in a Disney resort if I can get an RCI exchange into one. Otherwise, they just aren't worth the cost to me.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

We are staying offsite for the first time with kids...so my thoughts may be different
We need SPACE<!!! If we are in one room too long it gets UGLY...

And off topic but what does YMMV mean? its boggling my mind LOL

 

[bankr63]

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

GSLand,

Since it is just you and DH staying, you have easier access to couples things as well. DW and I tend to alternate between family trips and couples trips. A lot of the on-site magic is aimed at the little ones. As an adults only trip, you may not miss it as much as you think.

Disney Dining often seems rushed to keep to the family schedule, it's loud and not overly romantic (yes, I am generalizing here). There are a lot of great restaurants in the Orlando area that can offer a more adult experience. Check out some of the dining threads on this forum for suggestions, the dining recommendations question gets asked regularly - our recommendation is Seasons 52.

We also take advantage of shopping opportunities that are easier to get to when offsite with a car. Orlando has some great malls and outlet malls.

Downtime days at the resort sitting by the pool are great too, sure you can do that at Disney, but it's a little easier when you know how much less you paid.

Take the opportunity to bite off some of the other Orlando attractions. There is a TON to do in Orlando that is not on Disney property. Many people never see this stuff. Check out a "Beyond Disney" book from the library or your local bookseller.

In short, don't dwell on what you may miss, open up to the opportunities that present when you are offsite.

Have a great trip!

 

[Planogirl]

I used to stay onsite but now I happily stay offsite. We started doing so due to budget but found a lot of other reasons too.

Some of them:
- space. You get a lot more space to put your stuff and just move around.
- free amenities such as fridge, microwave, free internet and so on
- the chance to see offsite things. There is a lot to do in central Florida and a lot of great restaurants too
- related to the previous point, overall better food at better prices

We have a few favorite WDW resorts so we will likely stay at them again but we are so over the need to stay onsite and I don't even bother to price the Disney resorts most of the time.

 

[nessz79]

My Dh and I just returned from an offsite trip. It was a 3 night stay at the Gaylord Palms (we got a teacher rate for $99). We had a great time and I do love staying on Disney property, too. The good thing about being offsite is you get to see so much more of Orlando. We did DTD and Epcot, but we also did the Florida Mall (they have some stores we don't have back home) and ate at several restaurants that we enjoyed (not on Disney property). We also lounged around the resort, which had a very nice adults only pool.

You'll have a great time . You have to go in to it open-minded, though.

 

[TotoToo]

Just made mid Oct reservations at The Fountains to use our vacation club points that expire in Oct.
REALLY happy to be planning a trip ... But not so much at staying off Disney property. We've always stayed at a WDW resort in our 10 or so visits.
Please let me know the good points of staying off site. This trip is just DH and me. Thx.

We long ago decided off site was much more to our liking. Why?

• less money
  more room
  full kitchens
  more relaxing vs always on a schedule
  actual tv choices
  better access to quality & less expensive restaurants
  easy to enjoy non-disney attractions
  not having to deal with Disney transportation

We just prefer getting far more for much less is the bottom line.

 

[dtum]

We long ago decided off site was much more to our liking. Why?

• less money
  more room
  full kitchens
  more relaxing vs always on a schedule
  actual tv choices
  better access to quality & less expensive restaurants
  easy to enjoy non-disney attractions
  not having to deal with Disney transportation

We just prefer getting far more for much less is the bottom line.

All of the above plus, since we had a pool house at WH, private pool/whirlpool and our own full-size laundry. How nice to through in a load in the a.m. and then go off to the park. The only place I would consider beyond WH would be WBC (lots of good reviews over there, but only if it were DH and I--with all the families, WH is the way).

 

[Brian Noble]

We are staying offsite for the first time with kids...so my thoughts may be different
We need SPACE<!!! If we are in one room too long it gets UGLY..

Well, you can have more than just a hotel room onsite. There are several options: the Family Value Suites, the Ft. Wilderness Cabins, the DVC Villas, and (soon) the Animation Suites. But, they are not inexpensive.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

We long ago decided off site was much more to our liking. Why?

• less money
  more room
  full kitchens
  more relaxing vs always on a schedule
  actual tv choices
  better access to quality & less expensive restaurants
  easy to enjoy non-disney attractions
  not having to deal with Disney transportation

We just prefer getting far more for much less is the bottom line.

YES To all. While it is great to have the "Disney" experience sometimes I feel like they are brainwashing you to think a 14.99 water bottle with ears is different than a 5.99 water bottle with ears (walmart)just because you got it in the atmosphere of Disney.

 

[shopkins82]

My wife and I are AP-holders and visit 5-10 times per year. When it was just the two of us we stayed off-property 75% of the time and usually only stayed on-property using pass-holder discounts of for special occasions. Hotwire is your friend, especially once you learn to navigate betterbidding.com so you can identify, or at least narrow the possibilities, of what you're getting. We drive from Atlanta anyway, so there's not a huge benefit in the WDW transportation, especially since the buses aren't very magical to begin with.

Now that we have kids (triplets, almost 2), we visit roughly 4-5 times/year and keep about the same ratio of on/off property. The need for space, usually at-least a 1-bedroom extended-stay type property (usually a Homewood or Embassy) has made it much more difficult to find great deals on lodging. When it was just the two of us we averaged around $50-75/night sticking with 3* or greater properties. Now with the kids (and usually a helping-hand teenage cousin) we're usually $100-150/night. Again, for on-property stays we're usually relying on a pass-holder discount in the rare months that they apply to DVC (usually October) or crossing our fingers for an upgrade (which has happened 2/3 times we've stayed on property with the triplets).

Since pass-holder discounts for on-property resorts are not released until 1-2 months before the dates you're staying, we usually have a fully cancel-able non-prepaid backup reservation made 3-4 months out and then look for better deals as our dates approach. We do the same for off-property stays and are sometimes able to snag 1 and 2 bedroom condos or all-suites properties on Hotwire 1-3 weeks out.

Dining, and mainly cost savings associated therein, is another key benefit of off-property stays. Our dining pattern usually consists of free hotel breakfast, even if just continental, a late-lunch at a TS or character buffet, and a light dinner off-property. We usually don't cook-in unless traveling with other couples/families looking to really stretch their budget, but it's definitely a viable option. The main reason we normally don't cook-in is because our stays are usually shorter 2-4 night stays, making buying groceries somewhat wasteful and less economic than it sounds.

Lastly, staying off-property lets you use your hard-earned loyalty program points and status. I travel somewhat frequently for business, enough to build points quickly enough that I don't mind using them in less efficient ways like short stays at mid-tier properties. Status can also go a long way... I've received great upgrades at the Hilton Bonnet Creek, Doubletree I-Drive, and Parc Soleil thanks to HHonors Diamond status.

 

[keypooh90]

The answer: None.

Offsite- You aren't immensed in the magic 24/7.
Disney hotels are kept to a higher standard. Many of them are older than the offsite places, yet they are much cleaner, more beautiful, more magical.
Conveience can't be beat, no EMHs, spotty transport at best. Definitely not worth the money saved...not at all!

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I have never been to Sea World, WWOHP or IOA. He went to Busch Gardens before we married 18 years ago and we went to the FLorida Mall once pre-2005. Once we get on property we stay there. We just really love WDW. We know our way around, own DVC now and never drive a car. It is just the way we roll.

My brother and his wife have 5 children. Her father has a condo somewhere in Orlando. They will always need at least 2 rooms when traveling together. It will be interesting to see where they stay the next time they go. I would think within the next year or two. The baby will be 3 this weekend and the 17 year old will go to college next year.

I am sure your visit will be fine--have a great trip.

 

[Beccabunny]

The answer: None.

Offsite- You aren't immensed in the magic 24/7.
Disney hotels are kept to a higher standard. Many of them are older than the offsite places, yet they are much cleaner, more beautiful, more magical.
Conveience can't be beat, no EMHs, spotty transport at best. Definitely not worth the money saved...not at all!

Didn't you state in your other post that you stayed ONE NIGHT in a cheap offsite hotel? Hardly puts you in a position to say much about offsite accomodations.

 

[famousmockingbird]

We stayed offsite on our last trip and I'm spoiled now. I enjoyed this trip so much more because I had room to move around, a kitchen, a washer and dryer, etc. We were less than 10 minutes from the parks. Now, I will say that we drive, so we can bring what ever we need from home and not have to worry about renting a car. I'll have to get a really good deal on a larger room than I'm used to onsite before we'll stay on Disney property for a whole week again. I will admit that I was skeptical before we tried it.

 

[dtum]

We stayed offsite on our last trip and I'm spoiled now. I enjoyed this trip so much more because I had room to move around, a kitchen, a washer and dryer, etc. We were less than 10 minutes from the parks. Now, I will say that we drive, so we can bring what ever we need from home and not have to worry about renting a car. I'll have to get a really good deal on a larger room than I'm used to onsite before we'll stay on Disney property for a whole week again. I will admit that I was skeptical before we tried it.

Same here. We drive also, and after this last trip and staying in a 4-bed/4-bath house at WH, we will never stay on property cramped in a little room again. I know they have bigger places available onsite, but I can't afford any of those places. Might consider WBC next trip, but that's as close to "onsite" as I'm going to get.

 

[Brian Noble]

The answer: None.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

 

[Dan1]

We don't own a DVC.

Our family for years and years stayed at Sheraton Vistana Resort (where we own) and loved it. When the kids were young they would get too hyped up on Disney when we went just a couple of days in a row. I can't imagine staying on site with young kids!

As well, because wse were not on site we were more inclined I think to do non-Disney trips such as Kennedy Space Center (which was great!).

That said, its now just myself and my special needs daughter so I would appreciate the convenience of actually staying in a DVD villa. Sadly, we were only able to do that once before DVC stopped allowing RCI exchanges with Orlando area resorts like Vistana.

If they ever change and allow such exchanges once again, I would do it in a heart beat.

I hope that helps,
Dan

 

[keypooh90]

DH and I have never been to Sea World, WWOHP or IOA. He went to Busch Gardens before we married 18 years ago and we went to the FLorida Mall once pre-2005. Once we get on property we stay there. We just really love WDW. We know our way around, own DVC now and never drive a car. It is just the way we roll.

If you need more space, RENT DVC points! It is much more cost efficient than rack rate and codes! Or, stay in the Family Suites at the All Star Resorts! My uncle/aunt/cousins stayed there and loved it!

This is copy and pasted from All Ears site:

Off-site Disadvantages:
•Getting to and from the parks may be more difficult. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks from the parks.

•On peak holidays parking lot(s) at WDW might be closed.

•Quality of the rooms varies; as does service.

•Off-site guests must pay for parking at Disney theme parks if they drive unless they have an Annual Passport.

•Shuttle service is limited at many hotels, some hotels share shuttles making the service very slow and/or crowded, and some hotels charge for using their shuttle service.

•Hotel staff may be less familiar with Disney property.

On-site Advantages:
•Getting to and from the parks is generally easier. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks.

•Immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.

•Disney resorts offer wonderful theming.

•Disney staff provides excellent service.

•Properties are always clean and well-maintained.

•Priority on tee times on Disney golf courses.

•Room-charge privileges throughout WDW.

•Ability to purchase Magic Your Way tickets.

•Merchandise delivery to your Disney hotel.

•Access to WDW's closed circuit TV information channels.

•Unlimited use of WDW transportation system.
• Magical Express transportation to/from airport to WDW Resort at no charge
•Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan.


And here is the link to the Family Suites.

http://allears.net/acc/g_asuites.htm

Also, the BRAND NEW Animation Resort (bookings available beginning in April!) will have many family suites!

 

[razorbackfan22]

If you need more space, RENT DVC points! It is much more cost efficient than rack rate and codes! Or, stay in the Family Suites at the All Star Resorts! My uncle/aunt/cousins stayed there and loved it!

This is copy and pasted from All Ears site:

Off-site Disadvantages:
•Getting to and from the parks may be more difficult. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks from the parks.

•On peak holidays parking lot(s) at WDW might be closed.

•Quality of the rooms varies; as does service.

•Off-site guests must pay for parking at Disney theme parks if they drive unless they have an Annual Passport.

•Shuttle service is limited at many hotels, some hotels share shuttles making the service very slow and/or crowded, and some hotels charge for using their shuttle service.

•Hotel staff may be less familiar with Disney property.

On-site Advantages:
•Getting to and from the parks is generally easier. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks.

•Immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.

•Disney resorts offer wonderful theming.

•Disney staff provides excellent service.

•Properties are always clean and well-maintained.

•Priority on tee times on Disney golf courses.

•Room-charge privileges throughout WDW.

•Ability to purchase Magic Your Way tickets.

•Merchandise delivery to your Disney hotel.

•Access to WDW's closed circuit TV information channels.

•Unlimited use of WDW transportation system.
• Magical Express transportation to/from airport to WDW Resort at no charge
•Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan.


And here is the link to the Family Suites.

http://allears.net/acc/g_asuites.htm

Also, the BRAND NEW Animation Resort (bookings available beginning in April!) will have many family suites!

Here's the rest of what Allears says about offsite vs. onsite:

Offsite Advantages

-Generally better/larger accommodations for the same or a lower price.

-More likely to find rooms in desired price range at the last minute.

-Better access to restaurants, shopping and other non-Disney attractions.

-NOT immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.

-Some hotels offer scheduled shuttle service to the parks.

-Some hotels offer free breakfasts.

-Many off-site hotels offer discounts to non-Disney attractions and restaurants.

On-site Disadvantages:

-Rooms are more expensive.

-Availability of budget-priced rooms is limited, especially at the last minute.

-Dining is generally more expensive.

-Getting to and from area's non-Disney attractions may be more difficult.

-Going from resort to resort relying on Disney Transportation can be long and/or a hassle.

My first visit was offsite and was less than pleasant. I proceeded to stay at WL, Poly, AKL, GF, POR, SOG, Poly, POFQ before I gave Vistana a chance due to the excellent advice from this board. We had a wonderful trip and our next trip was at Wyndham Bonnet Creek. WBC was fantastic and we will be returning in a few weeks.

The key to any trip is research and expectations. We had a recent unfortunate stay in Colorado in accommodations that were quaint and rustic beyond my comfort level. Did I blame my discontent on the house, NO! I did not understand the history of the site and the lack of substantial window coverings were in keeping with its historical nature. If I had done more research, I would have known that it wasn't a good fit for my family, but that doesn't make it wrong for everyone else.

Keep an open mind, do your research, and you can experience wonderful accommodations, food and attractions beyond Disney at tremendous savings!

Best of luck!