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

[Brian Noble]

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

What? You mean Keypooh90 only told half of the story? How could this be?

I'm shocked. Shocked I tell you.

 

[Planogirl]

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!

This person has stayed in one offsite resort and has decided to slam all of the other hotels of the world as a result. Just providing perspective if some haven't read the other thread.

 

[Bellamouse]

We have stayed onsite once (POFQ) and offsite probably 6 or 7 times. We have wanted to stay onsite before, but really, it is just cost prohibitive for us unless we stay at the value resorts, and we have NO desire to stay there (we are older with no kids). We spend very, very little time in the room (leave at 9 am and come back at 11 pm or later), and cannot justify $200+ per night for a very basic hotel room. Yes, it's "magical", which is why we would really love to do it, but the cost of that magic is just too steep.

This time we are staying in a 3BR/2.5BA townhome in EI and it's costing us literally $35 a night (we are splitting it with another couple we are travelling with). That includes tax. Our rental car is costing us $203 for 7 days (including tax - that's for a standard size car through Priceline). Again, splitting that cost it's only $100 for a week. The entire cost of the townhouse and car combined equates to like 1.5 (maybe 2) nights of staying onsite. Very significant savings, plus, we save on checked luggage because there is a washer/dryer in the unit and we can bring far fewer clothes with us.

We also love the freedom of driving ourselves around wherever we want to go, without waiting for crowded busses and making 10 stops in between. We definitely spend our money on food in DW. But we justify it with the savings gained from staying offsite. Paying for parking here and there is so nominal, it's not even worth mentioning considering the many hundreds we save.

Free internet (that offsets parking right there), free BIG fridge, the ability to brew our own STARBUCKS instead of that truly awful nasty brown water they try and call coffee (this is probably really one of the biggest reasons we stay off property!!) - and buying a bag of Starbucks once for $8.00 which is enough for at least a pot for every morning is FAR cheaper than buying four cups (one for each of us) for $3 every day (that would be $12 a day - again, that pays for parking there too).

We can stock up on breakfast foods and snacks from the grocery store (more savings!). I could keep going but you get the point.

That's not to say that if I somehow come into big money someday, I will be booking us at the Polynesian or AKL or Contemporary for SURE!

For us staying off property means the difference between having a DW vacation and not having one at all. So that makes it worth it.

We used to stay at the Radisson in Kissimmee. We like that ok too, but the condo is even cheaper. They have really good beds and bedding at the Radisson (feather blankets like in Europe), the pool is really warm, there's a Starbucks in the lobby, a free fridge in every room, they also have a big safe in every room for free (POFQ had this tiny little box in the wall that was like 1 inch deep and maybe 6 inches by 8 inches - we couldn't put anything in there!) I liked having the BIG one at the Radisson where I could fit my whole purse and laptop and everything inside. And it was electronic - no key - so you set your own code on it when you check in. No key to lose. MUCH better. I was surprised at the lack of facilities in the room at POFQ when we stayed there, and we only got a good price on it because our friends we went with got an airline discount. Otherwise it would have been twice the price of the Radisson. Not worth it, especially since that was considered a "moderate" and we thought it was subpar to the Radisson - not the grounds (gorgeous grounds at POFQ), but the room itself. Oh, and we also HATED that the doors to the room at POFQ went to the outside! No inside hallways. The windows in the room faced the area where people walk by, and so we had to keep the drapes closed the whole time! It was like living in a cave. And the LOVE BUGS were all over our room - on the walls, on my PILLOW - we hated those outside facing doors. Much rather have inside hallways, with normal windows that face the courtyard and no one can walk by and look in at you. We also didn't like that odd bathroom arrangement - with the curtain you pull at one end of the room to close off the sinks from the "bedroom" portion of the room. Very, very weird. We did love the pool at POFQ though.

 

[5forDis]

I might be in the minority but I like having a vehicle at Disney...I hate Disney's transportation. I think it is as good as one can expect for the quantity of people but sweaty bus rides are not my idea of a great vacation. We own an Interval timeshare and have stayed at great resorts IN and out of Disney. We were really serious about buying into DVC but had less-than-"pristine" condos at Old Key West and Saratoga Springs (about 1 yr after it opened). They were ok but definitely not even close to the standard of the Ritz in Orlando (2 rooms at the Ritz was less than Disney). The 1 bedrooms we've stayed at onsite are not as big and not as nice as the accommodations we've had offsite (Marriott Grand Vista most recently though it is further than I like). I like being able to have a full kitchen with fruit and other healthy breakfast foods, snacks, milk. There are great restaurants outside of Disney. We save a lot of money and use it for other things. First timers would be wise to stay on the monorail, but other than that, I don't recommend onsite (I also wouldn't NOT recommend it...it is not my vacation). If you stay off site I recommend you use a rental car. Relying on a shuttle limits you too much.

 

[TotoToo]

I can understand a person preferring onsite to offsite. However that isn't the point that the OP made. She called her one night stay at ONE offsite resort a clear indicator that all offsite resorts were awful. That simply makes no sense and will only cause worry to those who are unsure about staying offsite. Trolling like this deserves this reaction IMO.

Exactly. We had a few stays at Disney resorts we could have written the same type of review, despite the claim they are regularly redone. The timing isn't always perfect & when its overdue things can be pretty bad. I don't assume every Disney resort is in that shape because of a couple so-so stays. All offsite aren't bad either. Some are far better than Disney while some are the same or worse. Read the reviews & look it over every stay. Don't paint all places with the same brush.

 

[bankr63]

This is kind of laughable. Some of these Disadvantages are very lopsided or just plain wrong to my mind...

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.
Or it might be easier. Wait for bus, 30 minute bus ride, wait for (crowded) bus to return vs. take tram to car, drive 10 min to resort, return immediately when you are ready
•On peak holidays parking lot(s) at WDW might be closed.
It would have to be AWFULLY busy for this to happen. We travel on March break ALWAYS and have NEVER seen a Disney lot over half full except perhaps DTD or Water Park.
•Quality of the rooms varies; as does service.
Read some of the posts about Disney rooms; 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.
Yup, $15/day for the convenience of going where I want, when I want while saving hundreds on accommodations. Big disadvantage!
•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.
Yup, see point above. Drive. Of course Disney buses are never crowded, never leave guests standing at the curb when they are full. Nope, never happens
•Hotel staff may be less familiar with Disney property.
Has anyone else ever run into a Disney CM who was thick as a brick. The resort we stay at has a counter staffed by a real Disney CM
On-site Advantages:
•Getting to and from the parks is generally easier. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks.
Unless you stay at a non-Disney resort that is closer to the parks than your Disney resort. Some offsite resorts have better access than on-site
•Immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
Kids on a Disney high 24 hours a day. Really, how much magic can a person stand?
•Disney resorts offer wonderful theming.
Yup this one is real at most (not all) resorts. And you will pay for it.
•Disney staff provides excellent service.
90% of time. Top flight resort staff also provide excellent service (and, oh yeah, you're paying less for it!)
•Properties are always clean and well-maintained.
Quality resorts are always clean and well-maintained. Ever walk through a value resort while Pop-Warner is going on???
•Priority on tee times on Disney golf courses.
Really?, you went to Disney to play golf quicker?
•Room-charge privileges throughout WDW.
Charge privileges throughout the resort (okay that's a bit weak). At least what I am charging to my room (food, drink and trinkets) is a lot cheaper than in the world. My credit card works pretty well inside of WDW too.
•Ability to purchase Magic Your Way tickets.
Ability to purchase MYW tickets at a discount from UT before arriving, or at the desk in the lobby for full fare
•Merchandise delivery to your Disney hotel.
Yup, that's worth a lot of money!

•Access to WDW's closed circuit TV information channels.
No access to regular broadcast TV in your room. Want to watch the big game? Fuhgedaboudit.
•Unlimited use of WDW transportation system.
unlimited mileage on heavily discounted rental car. Go to Sarasota Beach or Kennedy Space center whenever you want!
• Magical Express transportation to/from airport to WDW Resort at no charge
Quick access to a car at Diamond Lane. Be on the road in the minutes. Don't share a bus with 40 other cranked up travelers.
•Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan.
Able to eat wherever you want, when you want for less than you paid for you plan. What's that; Free Dining? Yes, but you are paying RACK RATE for your room!

Here endeth the rant...

 

[shalom]

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!

DVC units tend small to my mind. While we like being a little tight unless we're somewhere cold in the winter (in which case we'll spring for a big 3 BR or a Grand Villa kind of place), the DVC villas I've seen are nice sized in the master BR and sometimes the second bedroom, but way too tight in terms of the kitchen/living room/dining area. While on vacation, we like to collect around the table in the afternoon or evening (depending on that day's schedule), with people drifting in and out of the conversation as it pleases them, but I don't believe any of the regular 2BR DVC units have a table that seats six, let alone the seven we need or the eight or nine the unit officially sleeps.

 

[Brian Noble]

the DVC villas I've seen are nice sized in the master BR and sometimes the second bedroom, but way too tight in terms of the kitchen/living room/dining area.

It depends on the resort.

The OKW 2BRs are, AFAIK, the largest in the system, though they are also slightly odd in terms of layout; some of the space isn't particularly usable. We thought it would be fine for six (though the dining table only seats four). It would be tight, but possibly doable for eight.

The "2nd gen" resorts (BWV, BCV, VWL, SSR) are all more or less the same, and their living areas are much smaller. We thought the 2BR at VWL was fine for four (though there, the table only seats 2-3, in a 2BR!). It would be tight for six. I could not imagine eight. I had the same impression at BWV.

The "3rd gen" resorts (AKV-Kidani, BLT) seem like they would be a solid improvement, but I have not yet stayed in one. They are in between OKW and the 2nd-gen resorts size-wise, but without the odd internal angles that use space so inefficiently in OKW. They also have the third bath, which is a nice touch.

But:

I don't believe any of the regular 2BR DVC units have a table that seats six, let alone the seven we need or the eight or nine the unit officially sleeps.

Yep. We are only a family of four but I had exactly the same reaction. And, the 2BRs with no tables that seat more than three are just head-scratchers.

 

[JimMIA]

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.

Some onsite hotels also share buses...specifically the Epcot hotels and resorts.

Unlimited use of WDW transportation system.

Everyone has free unlimited use of the WDW transportation system.

Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan

(Sorry, couldn't resist!)

Access to much more variety, better food whether dining casually or fine dining, and lower cost offsite.

 

[TamaraQT]

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!

Aren't you the one who is comparing onsite with the offsite Sheraton Safari? Couldn't you have picked the Shearton Vistana Resort or Vistana Villages? Seriously?? The Sheraton Safari ???

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.

EXACTLY!!!

Nothing to see here. Move along.

 

[shalom]

The OKW 2BRs are, AFAIK, the largest in the system, though they are also slightly odd in terms of layout; some of the space isn't particularly usable. We thought it would be fine for six (though the dining table only seats four). It would be tight, but possibly doable for eight.

I was going to try to tour an OKW unit last time we were out, because I'd also heard they were the largest in the system, but it turned out no one liked the resort so I didn't bother. But going on the floor plans, they look to be subject to the usual Disney tendency of wasting space on the bathroom. Disney seems to aim for the ideal that every thing has to have its own area, even the tub that opens into the bedroom, which to me leads to a lot of awkward little closet-y rooms and considerable wasted space.

 

[Brian Noble]

they look to be subject to the usual Disney tendency of wasting space on the bathroom.

The newer Wyndhams tend to do this too. In fact, many of the McMansions in my neck of the woods have a similar layout. But, with the split master bath, a surprising amount of the space is usable for getting ready by a couple.

it turned out no one liked the resort

The big advantage of OKW is that it is truly *relaxing*. The verandahs are *huge*, and there are few things nicer than sitting out there with a beverage straight from the blender, enjoying the evening. Just a wonderful feature. I currently have an OKW unit booked for my "spring" break (late February/early March). I have an ongoing search to upgrade to a different resort, but if it does not come through, I will not be disappointed, for sure. The place just constantly whispers "island time" while you are there.

 

[Judyat]

Our DVC is with OKW. We have always had a great time there. How could anyone say they didn't like it? What's not to like? We have stayed onsite and off. It just depends on you preferences. We got a great deal offsite last time and liked it although if you want that disney feeling that it's best to stay onsite.

 

[Brian Noble]

How could anyone say they didn't like it? .... It just depends on you preferences.

I think you answered your own question here.

I happen to really like it. A lot of people don't seem to. You sometimes even see threads on the DVC forums that say "There's no availability!" when in fact there is at OKW and SSR.

 

[snowangel72]

We always stay offsite. We are a bit obsessive about eating healthy and that is a major reason. It is almost impossible to eat healthy for an entire week at restaurants. We usually do a restaurant once a day but that is our max. Plus, we travel in high season and I don't like being treated like cattle in a herd, so not my style...but that's just us. You couldn't pay me to stay at a Disney value resort. no way no day.

 

[dtum]

We always stay offsite. We are a bit obsessive about eating healthy and that is a major reason. It is almost impossible to eat healthy for an entire week at restaurants. We usually do a restaurant once a day but that is our max. Plus, we travel in high season and I don't like being treated like cattle in a herd, so not my style...but that's just us. You couldn't pay me to stay at a Disney value resort. no way no day.

I saw you stayed twice at Emerald Isle and now Bonnet Creek. Can you tell me why you prefer one over the other? We are looking at http://puffsvacationhome.com/ for next year. Seems to have everything we really want....love the game room! But if just DH and I go, I'm thinking WBC. Thanks!

 

[shalom]

The place just constantly whispers "island time" while you are there.

Yeah, I think it's that we're just not "island people." Only other on-site resort that doesn't interest anyone is Caribbean Beach; kind of a trend, there.

SSR, OTOH, everyone loved. If the SSR units were as big as the OKW, we'd be staying there next time. As it is, I think I'll wait until I'm traveling with fewer kids to stay DVC.

 

[ToddyLu]

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!

Our points at DVC are enough for now, thanks for giving me the info. I have rented points and am on the weekly Allears emails. I was just trying to make the point that there are a few of us out there that come to WDW to do WDW--ONLY. We never have the desire to leave property once there. The day we did the FL Mall it was raining with no end in site and we were in our SUV so we didn't mind leaving property. We have also done a split stay with Pop and AKV.

 

[chicagoshannon]

*Free internet
*lots of tv stations
*an actual comfy couch to sit in when you come back from a long day at the parks.
* ability to open your fridge and get a nice cold drink or even just ice for a glass of water without having to leave the room to do so
* you get to the parks faster then using Disney transportation
* costs a lot less
* ability to take a deep breath and relax... something I find difficult when staying on property with the go go go mentality

 

[snowangel72]

I saw you stayed twice at Emerald Isle and now Bonnet Creek. Can you tell me why you prefer one over the other? We are looking at http://puffsvacationhome.com/ for next year. Seems to have everything we really want....love the game room! But if just DH and I go, I'm thinking WBC. Thanks!

Oh that's an easy one to answer. My kids are older now. We used to stay in vacay homes because they were so little that it was just easier for me with all the baby gear. Now that they are big kids a resort is perfect for us. My kids LOOOOOVE WBC. We really should buy. We will def. be there every 6 months. I find it very relaxing there. The kids love all the different pools and waterslides. And of course they make a lot of "friends" along the way. WBC is like a big party. There is always something fun to do.