Thinking of offsite makes me want to cry...

[DznyDreams]

I don't know what to do. I've done a search on this board and found some really great threads concerning vacation home/condo rentals. I've found some really great pool homes (Windsor Palms) for rent near WDW that look so very tempting. HOWEVER, I've always been an on-Disney-property person, and just thinking about NOT staying on the Disney property really does make me want to cry.

I'm not interested in saving money with a condo because the private pools are what makes this so appealing in the first place. The houses are way more than my family of 3 needs, but again, the POOL is a VERY NICE perk. We'll actually be staying for only 4 nights, but those DARN POOLS look SO WONDERFUL! Do you see where I'm going with this?

Is there any advice you can offer to make my decision easier? Should I stick with onsite for such a short visit (4 nights with only 3 full days for the parks), or should my family of 3 get a much-too-Large home with a PRIVATE pool? (FYI: With my current Disney's POFQ reservation, I'll be paying $160 per night -- unless a room-only discount becomes available, which is looking rather doubtful.)

 

[laurabelle]

It sounds like you know you're going to be unhappy being offsite... stay onsite. I have a pool in my backyard, so I'm looking more for the theming of a resort pool than privacy. I've stayed at POFQ twice and we thought the pool was nice there. Another idea - Do you qualify for the nurses, teachers or government workers discount at the Swan/Dolphin? We stayed there a few times too, the price, including the resort fee would be the same as POFQ without a code and they have an even nicer, larger pool area. Or, you may just want to splurge, since it's for less than a week, for the Yacht or Beach Club, with arguably the best pool on Disney property.

 

[UKDEB]

If the thought of being offsite makes you so sad, I wouldn't even consider it - will you even be able to make much use of your private pool in such a short visit? I'm a huge advocate of pool homes, but we visit from the UK for 2 and 3 weeks at a time and we usually have the luxury of spending a couple of nights onsite during each trip. Much as I love the benefits of a private home, I'm not sure I would choose one over onsite for just 4 nights.

 

[BonnieA]

You've already convinced yourself that you will hate staying off site. Stay on site and have a good trip.
I love staying in pool homes but then again, I go to WDW for the parks, not the accomodations.

 

[DznyDreams]

Thanks guys! I believe I agree with all who've posted so far. Even though I would LOVE to be able to enjoy the privacy that a pool home offers (I'm just not a public pool person), it's just not the best choice for my small crew with such a short stay.

I will put off the vacation home rental until we are afforded the opportunity for a longer stay. This sounds like a really great choice for a family gathering!

Thanks everyone!

 

[thumperjr9]

I vote for staying on-site for such a short visit. It looks like you go faily often. Next time you go for a longer stay try out one of the home/condos with the great pool. You will have more time to enjoy it.

 

[disneysteve]

I generally agree with everyone else in this case. Also, keep in mind that many rental homes won't rent for only 4 nites, or if they do, they charge more to make up for the loss of the rest of the week.

If offsite is still a consideration, there are smaller pool homes available in other developments. I know Indian Wells has 2-bedroom pool homes. I'm actually searching for one myself right now for our next trip.

 

[Kimberle]

How much time would you really spend at the private pool? I'd save the house rental for a time when you'd do a "non-Disney" trip and are planning on spending a lot of time just hanging out and relaxing.