Staying in park or nearby - which is better

[frost5000]

I am planning on going to Disney this fall. My family thinks I'm nuts because we're so poor, but my kids want to go soooo bad. Anyway, I found a rate for Howard Johnsons Maingate East (2 miles from Disney) for 28.00 a night!!! We already have a rental car (we're driving to save $$). I was told by disney that I could book All stars for $49.00 a night - we're staying about 8 nights - is it really worth the extra $150+?? Do you get anything extra for staying in the park?? Or will I just feel obligated to eat/spend more in the park? thanks for your input. This may be our only trip to Disney for a long time so we want to get as much as we can out of it.

 

[singitalto]

Hi,I stayed at the All Stars last fall. We then went back this winter, we stayed out at HIFS. The All Stars offer early entree and e ticket nights. We didn't use EE but we did use e ticket night.

I honestly think if you are on a tight budget, go where the money gets you the most. I would stay outside.

And a little advise, if you are positive you are going, I would look into priceline. I just got Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Disney for $38 a night total money(It was only $18 a night out of pocket because they had bonus money which is no longer available). I would definatly try it if you are on a budget.
Good Luck

All Star Sports Oct 2000
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[babus]

The best part about on property is the bus service. How well do you like parking way way out in a huge lot and taking a parking lot tram up to the gate? Also, when you are way tired at the end of a long day and it is rainy, dark, and you take the wrong turn to get to the hotel, unless of course you are really familiar with the area. With the bus, you wait in a covered area for the bus to take you home. There is a $5 per day disney parking charge, too. My hubby liked the no driving anywhere, bus routine. the all star food court(which is pretty decent food at good prices) is as good as any offsite McDonalds or other cheap eating,except for a free breakfast buffet that some hotels offer, I am not sure if the maingate east does or not. If it is your only trip I would stay at the allstars, unless of course the extra $21 would cause you to have to remortgage your house. $21 a day for someone else to do the driving was well worth the money! After all you will pay $5 or $6 per day to park at the parks if you decide to drive.

 

[Mskanga]

First of all not at that Howard Johnson's but another one not too far from there I was mugged while going from my car to my room, security was nowhere to be seen and I found out the hard way. Ever since I refuse to stay at other hotels if it's not inside Disney, if I can't afford it I simply won't go. The $49 a night rate is half of what regular price is and you are not obligated to eat on Disney property at all, we usually go off property at least half of the time not only to save but also because we like to see other things besides Disney.
You get the Early Admission to selected parks on selected days and E-nights if they have them when you are there. Transportation is a big plus for us , although we have a rental car we choose to let Disney do the driving! And you also get to take an afternoon break and just hang out at the pool and also don't have to worry about paying for the parking everyday, I believe the charge now is $6 daily.
For all of that I would pay $150 more, but only you know your budget

 

[mikesmom]

First of all, that Howard Johnson's is 2 miles from Disney only if you're a pigeon and can fly. Until you get to Orlando, you don't realize just how bad the traffic situation is and how long it takes to drive "two miles".

Traffic in Kissimmee (which is where you will be) is always heavy, but with the road construction lately it is a nightmare! Believe me, it could take an hour to get back to your hotel.

I've been where you are financially and I know that extra money really does make a difference. With 2 kids though, I'd make the stretch. Being able to get back to your room and pool for a break mid-day will make all the difference in your vacation. And not having to navigate roads to get home at night will help your lucky kids from not having a frazzled mother.

 

[macymichelle]

WE ARE GOING IN SEPTEMBER AT THE 49.00 RATE. WE HAVE BEEN BEFORE AND STAYED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. I HAVE BEEN ON THESE BOARDS SINCE I FOUND THEM RESEARCHING OUR ENTIRE TRIP WE ARE A FAMILY OF FIVE WE ARE GOING FOR 1100.00 FOR EVERYTHING, WHEN I FIRST STARTED PLANNING IT WAS A LITTLE OVER 1900.00 SO I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH ON HERE. STAYING ON SITE IS SO MUCH MORE MAGICAL, SO I WOULD DEFINITELY TRY TO DO THAT. WE WILL BE EATING BREAKFAST IN THE HOTEL ROOM. WE WILL BE BRINGING PLENTY OF SNACKS WITH US, SO THAT WILL DEFINETLY SAVE. STAYING IN THE PARK ALSO SAVES YOU ON PARKING . PLUS WE ARE PLANNING ON SPENDING 1 DAY OF OUR TRIP ENJOYING THE POOL AND JUST RELAXING. SO WE BOUGHT A 5 DAY PASS INSTEAD OF 6. I GUESS TO IT JUST FEELS SO SAFE STAYING INSIDE. IF I COULD I WOULD DEFINITELY STAY INSIDE. HAVE FUN

denise

 

[tinaluis]

We've always stayed off-site and always saved a FORTUNE thru Priceline. We always have access to a car, either a rental or we drive down, and traffic really isn't that bad. We live in Chicago and we're used to a little traffic. We have a November trip planned with 11 nts. of lodging (9 in Orlando and 2 on the road because we're driving) for under $200 thru Priceline. We've been to WDW 6x and I've never felt unsafe at any of the hotels we've stayed at (and we don't always stay at fancy places). I'm not saying that crime doesn't happen but we've always managed to get thru unscathed.

That said, considering that the rates at the All-Stars are so low, you may want to just go with them. The room size is rather small, but I'm sure no smaller than what you'd get at the Howard Johnson.

We've never been able to justify the cost of staying on-site (even at $49/nt. because we get a great room through Priceline for about $13/nt. which is much bigger and usually nicer). We always end up spending so much on tickets, food, etc. that we like to save on lodging if we can. Just my two cents!

 

[Lewisc]

If you stay off site you have to pay $6 /day for parking. Some hotels offer a free breakfast buffet. Depending on how much you eat you might realize some savings.

 

[frost5000]

you all work fast - my post has barely been up 12 hours!! Thanks for all of the advice - I'm starting to lean towards in the park - I waitress and can prob. pick up the extra shifts in the next couple of months to pay for the difference. Where do you park if you stay in all-stars?? Is there on site parking for each hotel? is it free? Thanks A Lot!!

 

[Disney Fool]

Parking is free at hotels. But, save the money and use the Disney Transportation. The buses at the All-Stars run more efficiently than others; you won't need a car unless you plan to do a lot of things off disney property. The buses will get you anywhere you want to go on Disney. You'll save a bundle.

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[macymichelle]

i hope it all works out for you when are you going we are going september 22-28.

denise

 

[Hygiene99]

stay in park it is a much better trip , just think no driving for the whole time unless u go out to dinner off site ? and some of the show r late like the one at epcot, and the one at mgm
then it is easy bus ride back to resort , if kids get tired during day u can just pop back to room. and then go out a little later after nap
will NEVER stay off site again... Peter
worth extra money i think have great trip

Jenn & Peter Rollins
DVC members 2000, Last trip Disneys California Adventure Opening Day
Next trip June at Dixie Landings and December at BWV and on the Wonder 3 day 12/6/01

 

[Cyndy]

Besides the security and tranportation issues it is still about all the magic, and since your kids want it sooooo bad, let them help. What are they willing to give up between now and the vacation to help contribute. Our kids are grown now and using the same logic with their kids. If you allow them the opportunity to contribute they really feel a part of the planning and as we have found after many visits, planning and anticpation are really a big part of the fun!
Have a great time and be sure and let us know what you finally decide!

 

[Muffy]

I would vote for staying on site. The transportation alone is worth it!

Muffy

 

[#1 TITANS FAN]

If you stay on site without a rental car, remember you'll be stuck eating Disney food at Disney prices. Go to www.wdwig.com and look under Menus of the World to get an idea of prices. Still,$49 is as cheap you'll ever find for an on site room and your kids will love the AS resorts. I'd say go for it and bring an extra suitcase full of breakfast foods and snacks.

 

[dbail2]

Try to stay in Disney if you can afford it. It's like you never leave the MAGIC...Hard to explain. We have done both and believe it is worth the extra money to stay on Disney Grounds.

 

[Keeva]

I vote for on site also.Bring snacks and a cooler for sandwich foods.Their are toasters and a microwave in the food court that you can use Ice is free for your cooler bring your own bottled water and soft drinks, also the refillable mugs are worth the money and make great souviners Eat a late lunch in the parks or at the food court at Allstars if you take a break in the middle of the day Adults can buy kids meals at any fast food or food court ( a lot cheaper and just about the same amount of food) You can't get kids meals at sit down but 2 adults can share The portions are Huge!makes prices a lot more reasonable driving from off site and getting to the parks and back to the hotel can very easy take 2 hours off your day I have done both and I would say on site with the great rate you will not regret it

Keeva
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[bobcat]

I've been where you are and I would say if you can come up with the extra money ti is worht it to stay on site. Our first trip two years ago was done on a very tight budget but we managed to stay at All stars with similar rates. We also drove to save money and after 18 hours in the car the last thing I wanted to do was drive to and from the parks. Also Kissimee trafic and construction can easily add a lot of time onto your commute. Staying onsite with kids makes it very easy to take a break from the parks and go back to the hotel when someone is hot and/or grumpy. If one persons grumpy then no one is happy.

You will have a wonderful trip whatever you decide. You made a smart move looking to these boards for info.

Disney IS a Life Skill!

 

[ddickson]

We've stayed on and off.

We had an awful experience with the busses, so I would not stay on-site based just on the transportation. Except for MK, we found it was quicker to drive to an off-site hotel than take the bus.

Search the Orlando board for ideas for hotels. If you can find an off-site hotel that offers buffet breakfasts (and a refrigerator) for $49, it's a much better use of those additional $$. I'll bet by the end of the summer you'll see some pretty good deals out there.

 

[zurgswife]

Suggestion book the Allstars now. Only one night deposit is due. Then you have all summer to continue looking and or deciding.

We have always preferred staying on site. The suggestions like bring your own snacks, splitting the food, and coolers in your room help bring down the cost. The other thing is if you could find an off site hotel with a breakfast buffet that could save you some money. Also, if you drink coffee, or sodas I'd buy a refillable cup. It pays for it self in short time. I'd use coolers to store milk for breakfast, bring cereals or bagels, poptarts. Also, if you buy food once your down there get directions to superwalmart great prices. I've kids that like PB&j so they also had lunch in the room. We'd buy lunch meat for us about two days (I wrapped in ziplock bags and buried in the cooler we keep in the room)worth so at least two of the days the adults could eat in the room.

Though the warning about construction on 192 is real. They are doing major construction we just got back and my sister stayed about 2 miles out side disney to 1 1/2 hours to meet us one morning they left at 7:00am. So, that is a big factor to someone like me. I'd rather spend the money I've spent on passes in the parks and not on the highway

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[This message was edited by zurgswife on 04-08-01 at 09:18 AM.]