Unexpected Conference in Orlando means unexpected trip to WDW

[Soaringthunderfamily]

Hello everyone, I could use some advice please.
My company is sending me to Orlando for a conference Nov 3rd-5th so my DH and I have decided to take a few days ahead of the conference to spend at the Parks. We were planning and budgeting for Oct of 2015 with our 3 adults kids so DH and I thought we'd take advantage of this time to "scope" out the Halloween festivities. We have secured tickets to MNNSHP on Oct. 30th and we have reserved a room at the Double Tree in Downtown Disney. {We would LOVE to stay on property but we really need to save for our big family trip next year.}

Here's my first question. Since we're not staying on property will we receive magic bands in the mail and if yes, when can we look for those to arrive? I have not yet purchased our park tickets but I'm going to get 5 day park Hoppers. Also, when can you preselect your fast pass selections or is that only if you're staying on property?

A little history, we have been to WDW three times before in the last 10 years with the last time being in February of 2012. We have stayed on property twice and off property once and we swore we'd never stay off property again but I feel good about the Double Tree. Not only is it a major hotel chain but it's not far from the Magic.

Any help regarding whether or not we can anticipate receiving magic bands and the fast pass concern will be deeply appreciated. Also, if the answer is yes to the Magic Bands then can we link our MNSSHP tickets to them? Thank you!

 

[xjay]

1. No you will not receive magic bands since you're staying offsite but you can buy them I believe for $12.95.
2. Since you are staying offsite, you can only do your fast passes 30 days in advance.

 

[Soaringthunderfamily]

Thank you for your response Xjay. I realized that staying off property really wasn't as substantial a savings as I had thought once I figured in parking at the hotel everyday and then parking at the parks. We do enjoy Disney transportation but we also enjoy the freedom that comes with a rental car so we'll have a rental no matter where we stay. So, I cancelled our room at the Double Tree in favor of a moderate for $348.00 more. Seems worth it for the convenience etc. Looks like we'll be able to get those magic bands and secure fast passes a little earlier than had we stayed with our off property room. Thank you again for your response.

 

[richmo]

First, I need to work for your company. Have a great time!

I see you cancelled the Doubletree...I've stayed there a couple times and have been quite satisfied with it. It's very walkable across the street to Crossroads Plaza with many restaurants (Chevy's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Fridays, Fuddruckers, McD's, Taco Bell, Sweet Tomatoes, Uno and more that I've forgotten) and its a nice walk to Downtown Disney if the weather is good. Also, the Hotel Plaza Blvd hotels, which include Doubletree, have shared and regular transportation to the parks, which is far better than other offsite hotels. Rooms are big and nice and some have larger capacity than most Disney hotels. You'll be very happy with your moderate, but next year when they send you, if you wind up at the Doubletree, I think you'll be fine.

 

[Soaringthunderfamily]

Well, Thank you. I think when we're there we'll scope out the Double Tree especially since we'll be traveling next Oct with the family. Larger rooms for less money is always a good thing.