So, what can you NOT do when staying offsite?

[Darcy03231]

If you're doing a multi-family trip, as the OP thought she might, I would look into staying off-site. On all of my previous trips we stayed on-site, but were only there for a week and my children were younger (now they're teenagers). Next summer we're doing a two week, multi-family trip (there will be 10-12 of us). I was able to rent a 5 bdrm/3.5 bath house for two weeks for $550/wk, including the taxes. Even with factoring in the cost of renting a car/van and parking, its much less than what we would have paid for 3 rooms for 14 nights in a value resort in the summer. While it may not be as convenient as staying on-site, the cost savings more than make up for that. Also, if you want to do some other attractions while in Orlando its much easier when you have a car. The last time we were there we stayed on-site. We decided to take a day and go to Seaworld and the cost for a taxi there and back wasn't cheap.

 

[Brian Noble]

The two things you absolutely can't get, are (1) transportation that drops you off at MK gates (rather than TTC) and (2) immersion in an all-Disney experience (you have to leave the cocoon to get to your lodging).

There are two things that are probably not cost-effective, but you can pay for if you want them badly enough. 1: having someone else drive you everywhere you want to go. You can arrange this with a towncar company, but you'll likely end up paying substantially more than it would cost to rent a car unless you rely only on taxis, and they aren't always there when you need them. 2: shipping purchases "home". In WDW-owned resorts, shipping to your resort is free. With the new shipping rates, you can ship things directly to your house, but you'll pay (sometimes dearly) for the privilege.

There are many things that can be had more cheaply by paying for them separately, out of the savings from staying in an offsite home compared to similar on-site accommodations. You can get access to EMH by renting a Value resort room on the appropriate nights. Parking is about $10/day. Meals will be slightly more without the dining plan.

However, in my experience, it is cheaper for me to rent an offsite 3-4BR home plus the rental car and one or two extra onsite nights (for EMH) than it is to stay in two Value rooms onsite for the whole time, even considering cost of rental car, parking, the "extra" hotel nights, and full-price dining. Plus, the house is just much more comfortable and better equipped than two hotel rooms.

I've never understood why charging to my room key is better than charging to my credit card, so I consider that a wash. Some people really like it, though.

 

[FLParadisevilla]

Maria - I truly was not trying to "put down" staying onsite. Really. I even mentioned I would love to do it if our family was smaller or if we went for shorter trips.

I know you can get Disney rooms for a really good price and that there are tons of discounts on rooms....that's why I love these boards. I was just using the example for our family. We prefer a villa over two value or moderate rooms - like being able to spread out a little more...that's all. And the deluxes are a little out of our budget for 5 people for 10-12 days since we go so much.

I hope I didn't offend anyone. The Disney resorts are great and beautiful. Every family is different and wants different things out of a vacation. That's how it should be. Everyone's vacation should be as terrific as it can be for them.

As far as the parking goes, I guess I was just thinking of all the posts I've read in the past (not necessarily yours in particular) that really think this is a big deal. To me it's not. That's all. I have always rented a minivan or full size for 10-12 nights for less than what one or two nights at a moderate or deluxe Disney resort would cost us. We also just prefer the freedom of a car and like to go exploring too. There is nothing wrong about staying onsite and using Disney transportation. That's what it is there for. A lot of people don't like in a strange city too. I can understand that.

If my post came across nasty, I really do apologize. That was not the intent. I think that sometimes with written type that happens more often than not since you can't really see the nuances behind what someone is trying to say.

So I say...that any Disney trip is great. And I also do not like the battle that seems to wage between on or off site. I think they are both terrific options for everyone. That's what's so great about Orlando and why we keep going back....the fact that there are so many options for families.

I'll try to be more careful in my wording from now on.

Have a great day and happy Disney planning to all!!
Heather C

I have to second everything Heather just said and I feel exactly the same way. I would not want to offend anyone either. I think you could not have put this any better then you did and I totaly agree with you Heather!

Have a Great time planing your trip and an even better time enjoying your vacation!!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi Heather,
You didn't offend me. I can appreciate your second post much more, as it is fairer and less one-sided imho. You did not come across nasty, just sort of biased. There really are pros and cons to both on and offsite. I balance my vacations between the two and it works great for us. You are most certainly entitled to express your opinion and I hope you can appreciate where I was coming from as well

I have always rented a minivan or full size for 10-12 nights for less than what one or two nights at a moderate or deluxe Disney resort would cost us. We also just prefer the freedom of a car and like to go exploring too.

I can totally understand enjoying the freedom a car gives, believe me. But it is a viable option to not have to pay for one when a guest stays onsite. This option is not afforded to offsite guests. So it's a perk to me. Also, I have never been able to rent a van for what it cost 1-2 nights at a mod ? I'm paying $140/night for CBR next month. There was absolutely no rental car company that could give me less than a $485-$585 price for a van for 10-12 days. Two nights at CBR will only be $280. The deluxes I can understand, but even then I got a $160/night at BC this summer. I think rental car rates have gone up from a few years ago. Just my observations.

I've never understood why charging to my room key is better than charging to my credit card, so I consider that a wash. Some people really like it, though.

Brian, it's probably not a big perk to some, but it is one nonetheless. It means you're not required to carry around a bunch of credit cards (less chance for identity theft for example), as well as you can allow multiple members of your family to charge. In my case, I can allow my kids (who are teens), to be able to buy something without worrying about them carrying around cash. My ds who is 19, particularily likes to go off by himself, so having charging privleges on his key card gives him some extra added independence and security. While I agree it's nothing huge, it's just another perk in a long line of onsite privileges that many (not all) guests can appreciate.
Take care,

 

[Brian Noble]

I suppose, but a stored value card would work just as well, provides a more flexible budgeting mechanism, and can be had with $6 and 10 minutes of your time at your local AAA.

To save $100/night, I don't mind carrying a second card in my fanny pack.

Don't get me wrong, I completely understand why onsite works for so many people---the emotional value of never having to leave the warm Disney cocoon is significant.

But, viewed strictly from an economic perspective, the "included" perks are generally not worth the money that it costs to stay onsite vs. the cost to stay offsite in comparable (or better) lodging plus paying for the perks as you go.

The one exception to this is those guests looking for low-cost (as opposed to high-quality) accommodations. Unless you are staying for a very long time, a single room in the Value resorts is very hard to beat, once you throw in transportation.

 

[MiaSRN62]

But, viewed strictly from an economic perspective, the "included" perks are generally not worth the money that it costs to stay onsite vs. the cost to stay offsite in comparable (or better) lodging plus paying for the perks as you go.

Respectfully Brian...to you and others the perks may not be worth it. To many though, being on the monorail system, being able to walk to the parks, waking up and seeing the castle......watching fireworks from your room....EMH.....the ease and convenience of the dining plan etc etc, are well worth it to many. Many onsite'rs would say the time they save driving to and from the parks, the ability to enter the parks earlier and stay later than offsite guests and the general overall "magic" they feel from being immersed in the themeing and usually excellent customer service is "worth" something in the economic big picture. Many will believe you have to factor in the "worth" or value of those onsite perks into the overall cost of the vacation.
We purchased DVC because we see the value in the onsite perks. I can totally understand how you and others may not.....but they do exist for many. Economic value exists in the eye of the beholder (and this is coming from someone who is fairly objective as I stay both on and offsite)

 

[spiceycat]

But, viewed strictly from an economic perspective, the "included" perks are generally not worth the money that it costs to stay onsite vs. the cost to stay offsite in comparable (or better) lodging plus paying for the perks as you go.

join DVC then say that. I joined in 93 so the only costs that I count now as my maintence fees - I can stay in a studio at OKW for $33.92 a night Sun-thurs. (I got my investment back in 3 years. I used the discount I was entitled too - 40 to 30% to discount off the rooms)

of course I can better offsite and do - staying in a 1-bedroom for $202 - RCI - last call for a week.

I also enjoy EMH, WDW transportation, not having to remember where I parked the car, the being able to relax and enjoy your stay at WDW and leave the driving to WDW has alot of fans.

plus I really like the CM at most disney hotels. Now some are there for the money - but most are there because they love Disney too. So they really care that your visit is the best.

now sometimes you get that at offsite - but not very often.

I still remember the lost child at HGVC. there was a lost child at my door - so we called the front desk - they didn't care and actually hung up the phone on me when I wanted security to help the kid find his parents. Disney would have a security guard at my front door before I hung up the phone. a different attitude.

Now HGVC was a great place to stay and I did love it. but they need to take some responsbility for their littlest guest.

offsite pools with slides do not have lifeguard. any disney resort that has a slide has a lifeguard. Pop had lifeguards at each and every one of its pools. despite the water not being higher than 3'. they were there for little ones.

It is the little extras that make being onsite so different.

Disney does not make the ducks, eagles, hawks, etc stay on property - but they are there - why - because the enviornment is pretty great. Offsite they have lakes, ponds, but few I have seem have the nature that Disney does. There is a reason.

I like and do both.

Maria I feel for you - it is so much harder to have a large family. My car rental was $115 for the week and it was mid size (I like compact and won't ever except anything larger again - it ate too much gas for my taste)

 

[Brian Noble]

Unfortunately, we travel to Florida during Magic season for DVC and Peak for the resorts. The annual maintenance fees on the points needed for a week-long 1BR DVC purchase in Magic season are more than what we rent 4BR houses for---and that's ignoring the sunk capital costs. I wish it weren't true---I'd buy DVC in a heartbeat if the finances worked out, but they don't.

Honestly, I think we are saying the same thing, but we've come to different conclusions. What Disney is selling is an experience. The experience has value, but it isn't measured in dollars. For all of the other perks (except transportation to MK) I can replicate the perk by paying money and staying offsite, and summing up all those costs, I spend fewer dollars than I would staying in equivalent onsite lodging.

It is cheaper for me to rent a Value room that I never stay in, plus rent a 3BR townhome offsite in Windsor Hills (which does have a slide in the common pool, plus a lifeguard) than it is to rent two Value rooms onsite, which is the least expensive way possible for us to stay onsite with a separate sleeping area for the kids. And, that separate sleeping area is an absolute requirement.

That doesn't mean I never stay onsite---I do. But, only for short trips, or trips without the kids. For a week or more, with the kids, we get much more value from an offsite stay in a pool home, and have lots of money leftover to splurge on other things while we are there.

Of course, I think if you polled the entire DIS community, 90% would disagree with me. They'd rather spend the extra money to stay in two Value rooms (or something even better), or they'd rather spend about the same amount and shoehorn themselves into a single room so that they could be on site. And you know what? I'm really glad everyone disagrees with me. If more people thought the way I did, houses would be more expensive to rent.

 

[MiaSRN62]

And you know what? I'm really glad everyone disagrees with me. If more people thought the way I did, houses would be more expensive to rent.

Brian,
I can definitely respect what you have to say. I just think people put value on different things and different aspects of a vacation mean diverse things to those who choose them.
For example, while I can appreciate the space and cost of a 4 bedroom home, I would not truly feel like I was on vacation if you can understand where I'm coming from. I prefer being within a resort (whether onsite or off). I like the amenities and activities the wdw property or even my offsite timeshare have to offer (onsite perks aside). I like Kareoke night by the pool, Mexican Night, dive-in movie nights, watercraft rental at the resort, bike rentals at the resort etc, etc.

But I can definitely see why many people value vacations in an Orlando home (space, private pool, price). I do feel one of the reasons the homes are less expensive though, is because they don't offer resort amenities, activities or perks. That all comes with a price (thus why disney charges what they do). So you either value that or you don't. Either is fine. The OP (Dallas Lady) is considering the pros and cons of each and I think it's great that she's getting a variety of responses. Everyone makes the most of their vacations in the way that works for them. It's nice that Orlando has so many options for all.
Happy vacations to all

 

[keishashadow]

Don't forget the Stitch wakeup call you too can receive if you stay on-site.

For us the most valuable perc is the am EMH, espec. @ MK.

DP is a great feature too, especially if you have children.

Possible to rent DVC accom in the area of $80-$120 night depending on season/type/resort, at times below value rates

Another nice feature of on-site stays is the ability to have Disney transfer your luggage (if you're doing a split stay) to a different resort.

 

[Our2Girls&Disney]

About the rental cars... If you have enough time to follow watch the rental companies and use codes, you can get some really good deals. I am a family of 4 so any size car would do in my case. Back in April, I got a mid-sized SUV (Equinox) for $106 including taxes and fees. In my case the added cost really was not that significant.

 

[MiaSRN62]

About the rental cars... If you have enough time to follow watch the rental companies and use codes, you can get some really good deals. I am a family of 4 so any size car would do in my case. Back in April, I got a mid-sized SUV (Equinox) for $106 including taxes and fees. In my case the added cost really was not that significant.

While I agree.....codes don't work so well during certain times of the year. I tried every code on Mousesavers and on the DIS to get that minvan price of $485++ during the month of August. I spent 2 hours searching and searching. I finally found one posted on the transportation boards here on DIS.
We're a family of 5 and ended up resorting with a full-size car (Dodge Magnum) for $385 for 10 days. We regretted the decision to not spend the extra for the minivan because my kids were squished in the back seat. I just couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $100 on the van, but it would have made for happier kids.
So for us (and others like me who are a larger family), I feel this cost was significant when factoring in cost of onsite vs off. We tend to take our one major family vacation during the summer months because the kids are limited with how much school they can miss. Car rental costs during the summer months aren't the lowest.

 

[PoohHappens]

We took a multi family trip last year. We looked into rental homes but opted to stay onsite and here is why. We would have needed 2 vehicles or one van or large SUV. While that would have worked we would have all had to go the same place at the same time. By being onsite anyone who was tired or had had enough could simply go back for a rest. This would have been impossible all staying offsite. Someone could have taken a cab back or left but then arrangements to pick everyone up later would have to be made. My family could split up and meet back up at a set time or meal with ease by being onsite. We also happened to be there during one of the free DP offers and those savings really added up. We had 3 rooms at POR and free DP, used ME and no rental car. It really ended up being very cost effective and flexible. Everyone said repeatedly how glad they were we did it that way. You will know your family best and be able to decide what works for them the best. We did love the EMH we stayed for one night too. It was one of the best.

 

[Our2Girls&Disney]

I spent 2 hours searching and searching.

You might be right about peak season being higher, I have never traveled during peak season.

As far as my reservations were comcerned, I can honestly say that I put in way more then 2 hours of searching. I would check each and every rental car web site on a daily basis. Book and cancel reservations regularly. I was at the point where I memorized all the codes. I would click away.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I can honestly say that I put in way more then 2 hours of searching. I would check each and every rental car web site on a daily basis. Book and cancel reservations regularly. I was at the point where I memorized all the codes. I would click away.

I tip my hat to you ! That is some major legwork. I may have put in more than 2 hours---I was guesstimating. I know it all gave me a headache and it spanned over days and day.....I tried every single car rental company with combinations of all the different codes I could find. It was a major challenge. I will tell u that I booked early (March for an August stay). The rental car staff member told me I was lucky to get the rate I did because the prices had gone up since March !

While that would have worked we would have all had to go the same place at the same time. By being onsite anyone who was tired or had had enough could simply go back for a rest. This would have been impossible all staying offsite.

We do appreciate this when we stay onsite. I have teens and especially my ds loves to wander and do things on his own time. For instance, he loves to sleep in until noon, while we like to get to the parks early. He can just hop on a bus a meet us there because there's no way we'd drive back and get him and have to go through all that driving back and forth. There was one year we were staying at POR and my youngest dd (who was maybe 6 at the time), got sick while at MGM. My dh was able to take her back to the room and stay with her, while I was able to remain in the park with my mil and other 2 children.

 

[Tissa]

We always have stayed onsite and just got back from a week in a two-bedroom at the Boardwalk Villas. Our next trip is in June and we decided to try offsite and put a deposit down on a 4 bedroom home with a pool.
The main reasons for going offsite are price and space. DVC may be great for some and the villa was nice but since I travel with my mom and two ds we have to get a two bedroom just so both adults can have a real bed and the kids get stuck with those rock hard sofa beds. for a lot less we all get our own rooms and beds.

The other consideration is that we avoid EHM, do not use the DP, don't have purchases sent to the resort and we find it easier to drive ourselves to the parks than wait around on crowded busses. So basically all the perks aren't enough to spend $$$ for two rooms at a value or rent points again for DVC.
The two-bedroom villa did spoil us for the space and convenience of the kitchen and washer/dryer. We could never stay in a regular hote room again.
but just not happy with the bed situation so we decided not to purchase DVC.

I'm excited about the offsite house, I make my own magic when we go and I do not believe that paying several thousand dollars to stay onsite seems real magical to me.

 

[spiceycat]

The annual maintenance fees on the points needed for a week-long 1BR DVC purchase in Magic season are more than what we rent 4BR houses for---and that's ignoring the sunk capital costs. I wish it weren't true---I'd buy DVC in a heartbeat if the finances worked out, but they don't.

those houses will not be more expensive to rent - too many and most people want to stay at Disney - not offsite. I really feel for those people who brought homes being told by their real estate person they could make money.

now alot do - if you brought your house years ago at a fair market price. You are doing great!!!

if you brought your house in the bubble (and to me it is still in Orlando) - then you can't charge enough to rent your house to make a profit. Okay there are exceptions. People who go with a Disney or Universal theme. because these appeal to the kids so much, and parents won't the kids to be happy.

hey there are couple I would mind staying in myself.

sunk capital cost - for me there are none - I was staying 3 times a year at WDW before DVC - so those are my sunk costs. My degree is in Financial - you can only use sunk capital cost if they money were to spend on something else or invested.

DVC has saved me money.

now it is not for Fri or Sat. I have enough points to stay on those nights and won't. It is too expensive for my taste. but most of stays even when staying offsite are only for 4, 5 or 6 days. (miss my other cats too much)

=4.24*22 = $93.28 per night for a 1-bedroom. See why I stay in studio...

the studio would be 11*4.24 = $46.64. both are for magic season at OKW.

now I do miss the kitchen especially the refrigerator with the ice maker. but each pool at OKW has a spa(whirlpool). So don't miss that. Each pool also has a free laundy room - so don't miss that.

Now there have been times when I do miss eating out on the balcony - but these are not screened like in some other places - so only when I up on the second or third floor.

I am used to being on a budget. Heck it is the only way I can go back to WDW so often.

Yes the DVCers have changed. I have much less in common with them than before. They are still great people. but lots of them have no ideal what a budget is. some make in the millions. I will never do that.

but it is not how money you make - but what you do with it that counts - at least for me.

 

[Brian Noble]

you can only use sunk capital cost if they money were to spend on something else or invested.

I'm well aware of that. And, right now, the money I would use to buy DVC is currently invested. I spend less on lodging than I would on the annual fees on the points I would need. As I mentioned, we are not willing to stay in a single hotel room, so I'd need at least a 1BR for a week. For our dates, that would be at least 240 SSR points at $3.98/pt/yr, which comes to a bit more than $950/year. But, I spent $800 last year on a 3BR/3BA for a week, and a bit less than $600 this year splitting a 5BR/5BA with another family. Hence, the points purchase would be sunk capital.

If I were only holding the DVC interest for, say, 10 years, I think it's very likely I would get back the purchase cost with a rate of return that probably slightly exceeds inflation, as Disney manages to keep the value of resale points within spitting distance of their own developer sale price through ROFR. But, so far that hasn't been a risk we've been willing to assume, just becuase (as you point out) the private home rental market is so very attractive to the tourist.

That said, everyone's situation is of course different. If your baseline lodging costs are higher, OR your travel is more flexible, DVC can work out very nicely.

 

[ricktib]

I can't seem to make the DVC numbers work out for our situation either, factoring in the lodging discount under which we normally stay.

But when that rate isn't available and we stay off-site, I do really miss that full immersion that Brian from Ann Arbor mentioned. Even though we drive to the parks regardless of where we stay (after being beholden to city busses for a entire year once *shudder* I won't do that again - not even Disney can improve that process), when exitting Disney property it does feel like we're exitting our vacation for the night.

But again, everyone's situation is different - we drive our own car 6 hrs. to the World and have no kids, grandkids, mothers-in-law, etc.

 

[HeatherC]

Brian - I think all your posts are very well said. I am in total agreement with everything you said.

We also ran the numbers numerous times for DVC and the same thing is true for us. We have gotten such amazing deals over the years for lodging that there is no way financially it made sense for us. Several times we stayed in 2 or 3 bedroom condos thru SkyAuction for around $250 for the week....with all taxes. There is no way that would cover DVC maintenance fees for the amount of points we would need for a family of 5.

I think there will always be the on vs off site debate. I guess I don't really see the big deal about it....I say people should do what works for them and not care about if it makes sense for others.

Happy planning all.

HeatherC