Trying to decide on traveling with another family in June

[modernscarlett]

We are extremely close with these guys, and have traveled together numerous times, so I'm not too worried about that.

What I am concerned about is that we have been (all of one time) a Disney Resort family enjoying the conveniences of staying on-site. They have a nice timeshare available at no cost in mid-June (Orange Lake). I realize that it will be very hot that time of year, and we'll have 3 kids, 8, 10,11.

How inconvenient will it be to return to the resort off-property during the heat of the day? If we can't, are we going to be absolutely miserable? While I'm appreciative of the free accommodations, I don't want to be miserable or for the kids to be miserable. They've been this time of year previously and have no concerns about it. We, however, do.

Any BTDT advice or suggestions? We're planning on doing 3 Disney parks, Universal, Sea World, and one water park.

Thank you!

Lori

 

[mericletwins]

We are extremely close with these guys, and have traveled together numerous times, so I'm not too worried about that.

What I am concerned about is that we have been (all of one time) a Disney Resort family enjoying the conveniences of staying on-site. They have a nice timeshare available at no cost in mid-June (Orange Lake). I realize that it will be very hot that time of year, and we'll have 3 kids, 8, 10,11.

How inconvenient will it be to return to the resort off-property during the heat of the day? If we can't, are we going to be absolutely miserable? While I'm appreciative of the free accommodations, I don't want to be miserable or for the kids to be miserable. They've been this time of year previously and have no concerns about it. We, however, do.

Any BTDT advice or suggestions? We're planning on doing 3 Disney parks, Universal, Sea World, and one water park.

Thank you!

Lori

If you stay in the middle of the day, IMO, you will be miserable. Of course it depends on what you are used to. I was coming from southern NJ and the summers here are pretty hot and humid, but when we were in WDW last June it was awful in the afternoons. We definitely spent our afternoons in the pool. I would probably stay on site even with the offer of free accomodations. Maybe you can split your stay? Part of the week stay at Disney and do the Disney stuff, the other part of the week stay with friends. That way you won't feel as crowded together and if you are in the same condo for a couple days it feels more like an adventure or a sleepover.

 

[powellrj]

we have stayed off-site lots of times and it really isn't that big of a deal to leave and go back. The only thing was, sometimes we would enjoy the pool so much, the kids are content to stay at the condo and just swim all evening. We have been in June, July and August and if you are going during the first part of June, its really not too bad. We would get there when the park opened and stay until mid afternoon. We would head back at 3 or 4, swim and rest and then sometimes have an off-site meal and head back or have an ADR that we would go to.

I would take the offer of free lodging and see how you like it. You may not like it and never want to do it again, but for free, you might as well try it out and see how it goes.

It really never made a difference to us because we other than EMH and the dining plan we never used the on-site perks. We always rent a car, so we don't use the transportation and we have never charged anything to our room or had a package sent back to our room.

 

[TheDizMom]

It may be inconvenient, but it really depends on how easy it is to get from point A to point B. It is hot during that time of year but it's not that bad to stay at the park all day. We did it in August and though it was very hot, which I hate, we just ducked into shops when we were really dying for a little cool down. I think the idea of staying on-site on your D days is a great idea It will make that part easier and it would be nice to have your own space for part of your day just so you don't have to much togetherness. Lets face it in June the parks will be crowded which can be hard for kids to deal with. If you then have to go to back to a time share with a big group of people and no where to go for some alone time, tempers could flair. I guess you have to decide what will make your vacation the least stressful for everyone and go with that. If you choose to forgo the offer of the time share make sure your friends know that while you truly appreciate their offer, you think that it would be beneficial for both families to have their own space at night. This way you can look forward to your time together during the day.

 

[laceemouse]

How about using this trip to stay off-site and do some non-Disney things? Maybe do one or two days of Disney and then do Seaworld/Discovery Cove together or go to the zoo or drive to the Space Center or go see Gatorland or something??? You could also do a WP. It will be a different trip than when you stay on-site but it could still be great! I would have a hard time passing up free, but is this place big enough for all of you to be comfy?

 

[DisTeach1]

Sorry...I don't care if it's free...I just would never stay off-site. It just wouldn't feel the same, or have the same convenience. Nothing beats a hotel pool with a drink.

 

[HeatherC]

We've stayed at Orange Lake before and I have to say that once we hit the pool area there none of us (14 people at the time) cared if we went to the parks. We couldn't get the kids out of the pool.

We were in a newer section and LOVED the unit we were in. The commute is also very easy to Disney.

If you are only doing the parks a few days, you could just go early in the am and then come home when you are done.

We were there last June and it was hot. What we did was do a couple "Full" park days...which meant we stayed all day and then came home around dinnertime. To escape the heat we planned a couple sit down lunches at some fun places like Crystal Palace and did more shows in the afternoon heat. When we left the parks around 4pm we enjoyed the pools and resort until bedtime. It was great.

Have a great time whatever you decide!

 

[A&CsMom]

Orange Lake looks absolutely beautiful, and on the map it is right beside AK! I say for free, definitely give it a try. If you want to ask questions about the resort, try the Orlando Hotels and Accommodations Board.

 

[mrsg00fy]

For me it always comes down to whether we can afford it.
I much prefer to stay on site and we really like the value resorts.

If money was tight and using the free accommodations was the only way we could afford to take the trip...I would accept the generous offer.

We go on 2 to 3 vacations a year....and one of the ways we do it is by having an off site trip paid for with starwood points at least once per year....so, while we prefer on site, we just go with what our overall vacation budget will allow.

Either way....you will have a wonderful time.

 

[JodyTG]

Sorry...I don't care if it's free...I just would never stay off-site. It just wouldn't feel the same, or have the same convenience. Nothing beats a hotel pool with a drink.

I agree 100%.