Stay on-site or off-site -- help!

[mloren]

Just got back from my first week ever at WDW and now I'm hooked! I want to go back next year and visit not only WDW again, but USF/IOA as well.

Stayed on-site (Port Orleans) at WDW and was very happy with that decision -- because of theming, bus transportation, and early entry. I'll stay on-site again at WDW for a few days on my next trip.

I'd like to spend a few days at USF/IOA/SeaWorld/etc as well next time. Won't stay on-site at WDW for those days, so ... where? I think my best choices are HRH or something like a Holiday Inn Kids Suite.

Travelling with DH, and DD(8), DS(10). Definitely want kids in a separate bedroom, so I need a suite or 2 connecting rooms.

HRH sounds wonderful, but it will be a lot more expensive. Not only are Holiday Inn rooms a lot cheaper, but I think they include a fridge and free kids meals. I'll probably go in early February next year, so I don't know how important FOTL passes would be at that time of year. If there are going to be long lines, I would choose to stay at HRH to avoid them.

If I opt for Holiday Inn, I'll probably rent a car. Staying at HRH, probably wouldn't need one.

Any opinions or guidance would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

... Margot

 

[npall]

Depending on how much a rental car will come out to. Staying on-site and Holiday Inn may equal out. The next thing is food. If you bring a collapsible cooler then the fridge is a non issue.

I live in Orlando but am staying On site at the HRH in July for FOTL access and being able to go back and rest in the room and come back for the evening.

You will probably spend a little more on food than you would if you stayed offsite. So I guess it all depends on what is important to you.

Sorry I wasn't much help !

Naomi

 

[Robinrs]

I would do the "math", then consider the convenience.

I think the kids suites at the HIFS are AWESOME, I stayed there in January and would stay there again in a heartbeat BUT, it is a haul from Universal and can be an inconvenience. If you have no intention of taking breaks and stay at the parks all day and go back to the room just to crash, it could be an alternative for you.

The Holiday Inn across the street on Kirkman Rd also have suites but I'm not sure of the bedroom situation. You might want to check them out.

I'm staying at the HRH MOSTLY for the FOTL, but I AM going during a holiday week so I HAVE to. February may be another issue.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[SRRN]

You might want to check out either the Quality Suites or Hawthorne Suites on Canada Ave.I've stayed at both and they're great.They're very close to US/IOA,WetnWild and not that far from SeaWorld.You'll be within walking distance to InternationalDrive for some great dining after the parks close.Both offer FULL breakfast buffet and cocktail receptions in the evening.Great pools,too!Something to consider!

 

[Glory Days]

We just returned from 6th WDW trip, 5 on-site, and 1st US/IOA trip. We stayed on-site at the HRH and the hotel and FOTL made it a great trip. As a matter of fact, it was so great being able to walk to US, IOA, and citiwalk that we just booked the HRH again for next spring break. Now I'm not only hooked on Disney, but US/IOA and the HRH as well. Maybe a little extra money, but definetely worth it.inkbounc inkbounc

 

[Vicky Fla]

This is just my opinion...I would rather stay on grounds than off.To me it just doesn't feel the same. I would rather save and pay the extra money to stay on site. I know for some that isn't possible. I don't want to be stuck in traffic or not have any of the perks that Universal or Disney offer.

Vicky

 

[robvia]

I've never stayed on site at IOA. Like another said, there is a Holiday Inn with a TGIFridays located directly across the street from the main entrance. Rates there are about $100 a night for a room, not sure about a suite. For those who hate parking fees, you go there and walk across the street to save the $7. It adds up when you visit multiple parks.

I went in February of this year to IOA. The park is empty but all rides are running, something very nice of IOA to do. They don't even have the Express System on at this time, the lines are not long enough. Temperatures are usually about 60 in the morning, then warming up to 75 in the afternoon, sometimes hitting 80. The water on the water rides is cold, but you dry off afterwards and it's ok.

Therefore, staying at HRH for the passes is not necessary in February.

It's a question of the atmosphere of being onsite. I don't think you'll be swimming in the pools, it's too cold for that. Onsite hotel pools and the atmosphere is what you're paying for, and you won't really use it.

In February, I'd say to stay at the Holiday Inn across the street and use the money to buy souvineers and food.

You will get on all the rides and have a blast in the parks.

Now, if you're coming in the summer, then yes, I'd say to do it because you would use the pools and get FOTL, but it's not needed in February.

 

[Glory Days]

But the HRH is just so wonderful. It made our life easy, no parking hassles, traffic, lines. Walked back to chill out whenever. I always try to stay on site on WDW and now US/IOA. It just makes a great vacation.

 

[sha_lyn]

the way I see it is you save money in the long run staying on site becasue you can get more done in a shorter amount of time. If you will not have a car there is a free bus that runs from HRH and PB to Wet and wild and sea world.

 

[flyerfan22]

We just returned from three days at the HRH May 1-3. We loved it, and highly recommend it. We loved being able to walk to the two parks (five to ten min), and the FOTL cards were incredible. The parks weren't all that crowded, but it was great being able to go on MIB eight times without waiting, and it makes the day so pleasant to go at your own pace and not worry about crowds.

Plus, the HRH is brand new and looks great. It is right next to both parks and Citiwalk.

Don't forget the entertainment card rate of $117.50 per night. It may cost a little more than the HI, but not that much more, and the perks are more than worth the difference.

Steve & Ruth