Surprise trip for my boys. Help me decide please...

[tmand3Cs]

I was finally given the go ahead from my lovely DH to plan a trip to Disney for our family. We are giving it to our boys (10,6 and 4) for Christmas and will be traveling early 2014. I have figured out two options that end up being about the same cost. I don't know which is the better choice for our family of 5. A lot of you have been there more than we have and I am thinking you will have some different opinions on this. Seeing this is be the second time there for me and my hubby and the first time for all of our boys, I am just not sure which way to go. I went when I was 16 for school and he went when he was younger.
Onto my findings. We can either go in early March for 5 nights with 5 days at parks while staying in a non-Disney hotel or in early April staying at Port Orleans Riverside for 4 nights with 3 days at the park.
Is it better to have 2 extra park days or stay on Disney property? Thanks for any help! I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.

 

[thr33boys]

We have 3 boys same ages just about - 9 1/2, 6 and 4 1/2. We are renting dvc points. It works out to just about the same as POR. We're staying in a 1 bedroom at AKV-Jambo. It's one option for you to consider. I realize renting isn't for everyone but we did it last year and then asked the same owner this year.

 

[kastoney]

I'd go for the longer trip offsite. Your boys are going to want as much park time as possible and honestly won't care where you stay.

 

[dsneprincess]

I'd go for the longer trip offsite. Your boys are going to want as much park time as possible and honestly won't care where you stay.

Agreed.

 

[Kingdome8]

Is rather stay in disney. It's just so nice. We have been renting points and that's the only way I will ever go again. The price is great and the hotel experience is the best
We love hotels and the pools are fun with disney activities. Plus the little things my kids like are the hotel gift shops and taking the cups to get refillable drinks.

 

[Jerzetta]

When I started reading your post I was going to say stay on property but if you have to cut down park days to do that would suggest off property or would you consider a value property to get best of both.

 

[tmand3Cs]

With the current promotion and the size of our family, it is cheaper to stay at POR. I am going to call them again and try to figure out a way to stay longer at Disney. I found out that we can buy our tickets through UT and still put them on the magic bands. I have spent the better part of the last 2 weeks trying to figure this all out. Once we have a definite plan, I can start planning the surprise. Thanks for all of the opinions. I was leaning more towards the longer time at the parks but also know how much better everything is with Disney. It is a struggle. If I can not make staying at POR have as many days at the parks, we will probably stay off property. Going to do my best though. Really want this to be fantastic and as stress free as possible.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I hate to bring up magic band and Fast Pass + stuff, but with the current uncertainty about off-site guests being able to use the system I would lean towards on-site. If something changes you can always switch to off-site. The only way I would do off-site is if your family can for sure make rope drops.

Remember no matter where you end up though, it will be a fun trip.

 

[HIGHWIND]

I would stay offsite and take the extra days in the park. While you may be losing some of the extra perks of staying onsite, the time that you lose can be offset by the extra days in the park IMO.

 

[Gillyrose779]

There are so many options and so many deals to be had that time of year consider calling a travel agent that has experience with Disney. They do not cost any extra money and will make sure you get the best deal possible. There are so many promotions that time of year to stay on site- ie. 30% off rooms or free dining I would look into that.