staying on-site or off-site

[momof2inPA]

If your family is going to the beach and to different Orlando parks, it might be cheaper to rent a small car the entire trip than using the shuttles. Shuttles or cabs to Universal and Sea World are very expensive. Check it out.

Then, if you decide renting a car is cheaper, it might be a good idea to split your stay, part onsite and part offsite. I personally prefer offsite, better accomodations & cheaper, but onsite might be better for at least part of your first trip.

 

[tazdeb]

For a completely different viewpoint on this question I suggest you post this question on the Orlando Resorts and attractions forum. There are offsite hotels everybit as nice and with a closer location to Epcot and MGM than the Allstars. And they have they're own magic. With the money you save by booking these places you can stay extra days or rent a car. (Believe me even Disney's free transportation is a hassle). While you are doing this you can then drive to certain resorts get out and check them out. This makes a great first night activity. Doing this you will see that there are big differences in the Quality of onsite hotels. Then when you return ( and you probably will return) you will know which onsite to stay at. Also staying offsite gives you much more freedom in cheap eats which will realy cost you by staying onsite. Dont get me wrong I love onsite and have stayed at 6 different onsite places (Beachclub is the best, Allstars the worst) but this board is biased to the onsite places. I have also stayed offsite 5 times and there are places with good locations that have bigger rooms ,nicer pools , free breakfast etc....Check out packages from the Hyatt Grand Cypress, Holiday Inn family Suites, Gaylord Palms.etc.....these days they are competitive with the onsites and are everybit equal except you wont have Disney magic 24 hours a day ,which for some is good thing.......TAZ