should we stay at a disney resort or on I Drive??

[shefor24]

We need to book 2 nights at a hotel before we leave on our cruise on Oct 24. We aren't renting a car, and don't want to be "stuck" at a hotel for the whole time, but I have stayed at All Star Music before, and love the pools there, but I am thinking if we can get a nice place over on International Drive where we could walk to places, maybe that would be good too? Help me decide with your opinion. Thanks

 

[Tesabat]

Have you stayed on I-Drive before? You can certainly walk to things ...but when we were there I-Drive was really crazy. Just make sure your hotel has a lot of amenities of its own and that it is near something you want to walk to (preferably on the same side of the road). The section around the Mercado, Cafe Tu Tu Tango, etc., is nice and has a lot of shops, attractions and good food - particularly at Cafe Tu Tu Tango - an attraction in itself!

All Stars would give you bus transportation to Downtown Disney - which like I-Drive - has lots of shops and restaurants..but it is a pedestrian walkway...no cars pulling in and out, which is a little nicer (IMHO). Also, you can resort hop...If you wanted to see Animal Kingdom Lodge, you would simply board the bus at the All Stars - ride it to the Animal Kingdom Park, get off and board the bus for Animal Kingdom Lodge. You could take the bus to MK, board the Monorail for the resorts, and visit the Contemporary, the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian.

Not sure what exactly you are looking to do over those two days, so that should really be your guide.

 

[Kim&Chris]

Personally, I'd stay at a Disney resort over a hotel on International drive ANYDAY. There's no comparison. Like a previous poster said, I-Drive can be crazy and super-congested.

For my money, I'd grab a little bit of Disney 'magic' and stay at the All Stars. That way, you can take their bus system to Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, or anywhere else you'd like to visit.

 

[disney queen]

on-property always wins out over off-property

 

[hygienejean]

I agree with the previous post: There is nothing like staying right in Disney! Have fun!!!!
Jean

 

[TammyPB]

I've only been to DisneyWorld two times. We stayed at the Boardwalk Inn for our honeymoon the first time, and we stayed in a vacation home off property the second time.

After I stayed at BWI, the only thing that I could think about DisneyWorld is how magical it is. I just wanted to live there, because there was this illusion that everything around there is happy, clean, and MAGICAL! Well, when I stayed in the vacation home, I saw the mini-Las Vegas that I drive is, and now it's just not as magical to me. I wish that I had never stayed off property, so that I could continue to think how lucky everyone is to live there, and how everyone must be so delighted to be a part of it. I know it was naive, but it was my fantasy-world.

So, that's my experience.

 

[Boots]

If at all possible I would stay on site! Can't beat that Disney feeling!

 

[Twinsplus1]

I'm just like TammyPB, I live in the fantasy land that everyone there is so lucky, etc. I've been to Disney 18 times and only once stayed off property at a very nice Marriot, however, it just is not the same. Oh BTW, I'm leaving TOMORROW! Woo HOO! Sunday at all-star music and Monday through Sat. at the Wilderness Lodge!

Good luck with your plans and have a great cruise!

 

[BamaTigger]

WDW Resort of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cinmell]

If you can, stay onsite. It beats International Drive hands down!!!!

 

[dalepool]

Isn't there a discounted room rate for guests who a doing the cruise? I think I saw you could get the rate 2 or 3 days before and after the cruise. You might want to check with the travel agent.

Also I would stay on property----If funds are and issue----All star resorts. ( Funds are always an issue at our house).

PattyN

 

[Beka'sMom]

We stayed at I-drive for part of our stay last year and the drive to disney was terrible! The onsite hotels are so much more convenient!

We got stuck in lots of traffic on the highway and really feel that it is better to stay on disney or close (downtown disney maybe!)

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Like many prior have said, when you stay at a Disney Resort, you can travel all over Disney property using Disney Transport.

If you're not looking for theme parks during your 2 day stay... check out some of the following fun ideas.

--Mini Golf at the Winter/Summerland mini golf course. (Located at Blizzard Beach) Transportation is provided to and from BB every 10-15 minutes until 8pm. There are two courses here, both are a lot of fun.

--Animal Kingdom Lodge... a beautiful resort to walk around and explore. Lots of animals to see, activities, and wonderful restaurants. To get from All Stars to AK Lodge, before 6pm, head over to DAK. After 6pm, try connecting at Studios or other theme parks.

--The Polynesian is also a beautiful resort to walk around, and explore. At the Polynesian (As well as the other MK resorts) you can rent sail boats, water mice, and other things. They also have a Luau to go to. In addition, you can see the MK Fireworks from thier beach. To get to the Poly, take the Magic Kingdom bus, and the use the Resort Monorail.

--And of course, Downtown Disney. At DTD, you can go shopping at all those wonderful stores... party at Pleasure Island, or take in La Nouba at Cirque du Soleil... It's a bit pricey, but VERY much worth it. Absolutly AMAZING show. If you haven't seen it, try and go see it.

Of course theres tons of other things to do (including lounging by the pool), but I think you get the idea... Go for the All-Stars... relax, and have fun.

 

[drenkey]

We always stay on-site to get the most Disney magic we can handle during our vacations. Also, staying on site will help you make the most of your two days, with complimentary transportation, etc.

Have fun on your cruise! We loved cruising the Disney Magic in 1999!

 

[Lisa P.]

If, during the day between your two nights, you plan to spend your time at the hotel (and want the All Stars again) or at Disney attractions, then stay there. But if you are considering some of the I-Drive area attractions, then visit the "Orlando Hotels & Attractions" forum here and ask for suggestions for offsite hotels. On the "Disney Resorts" forum, you'll likely only see the response, "stay onsite!" This may or may not make sense for someone who doesn't plan to visit Disney attractions during that time and doesn't want to pay Disney prices for every meal and snack! JMHO.

For the price of the All Stars, you could probably get a nice room at an offsite hotel that includes a free breakfast buffet and is located on the I-Trolley bus line. That would take you everywhere in that area, from themed mini-golf, to all kinds of reasonably priced restaurants, museums/attractions and shops. It really depends on what you'd like to do with your time during those two days.

Also, consider how you are going to get to the cruise port. If Disney is providing your transport, where will they pick you up? If you are getting your own transport, how & where? These may influence your decision too. Hope that helps.

 

[Princess49]

Definately stay at a WDW resort-- there's nothing like it in the world! Plus if you are at an AS resort you will have the whole food court at your disposal & you wont have to walk anywhere!

 

[eeyore0062]

Definitely onsite!!!!