We're offsite converts now!!!

[spiceycat]

like both!

DVC for on site stays - other timeshares for offsite stays (that I traded to through RCI & II)

both are great in their own ways.

 

[Samantha/NC]

This will be our third trip in 2 years and this time we are staying on-site
Our first 2 trips we rented and stayed off site-our first time was in a 7 bedroom with our own pool and game room and the kids loved it!
Over Thanksgiving it was a 5 bedroom with pool and game room. It was great having all of that space!
We decided to do free dining this time to see if we like the magic of staying on-site I got a feeling it will be a SHOCK for us
WE WILL SEE!!

 

[tim17]

Our villa in Kissimmee is owned by a friend in the UK and as we've been there twice before we know what to expect. With four teenagers staying on-site is not possible both financially and practically.

We'll still spend lots of time at Disney (we're in Florida for over 3 weeks) but just don't want to be tied to the place. The kids love Seaworld, the rides at Universal, the All-You-Can-Eat buffets etc.

 

[Tink2312]

We are doing an off site condo in Feb and I'm a little sad, but dealing.

I'm sure you'll love it. We stayed at Cypress Pointe a few years back and loved it! It was the first time we'd stayed in condo-style accomodation and the extra space (not to mention jacuzzi bath) was fantastic.
We had our first onsite stay last year and really enjoyed that too, but I think we all agreed that staying on-property is great for short busts and not for the 2-3 week stay we normally have.

 

[darbra2]

I rather not stay on site. To many lines. I need a break

 

[mamamac]

I am starting to feel even better when I read posts like this. We just booked off resort in a villa. Now our vacation will be longer, we each have our own rooms, our own pool, and just more flexibility with everything. At first I wasn't so sure if we were doing the right thing, but the more I read the better I feel.

 

[4Seasons]

I can stay in a single hotel room with my kids for one night. Maybe two. After that, there is a real danger of violence.

Same here, and now that mine are pre-teen and teenage, even that one night can be a trust test of my patience!

 

[cyndi harrison]

Okay, y'all are beginning to convert me....
Our first trip to Disney was last November and we stayed at CBR for 7 days. Would've loved to stay longer, but didn't have enough money!

Now we're planning to go back this winter with some friends. I hadn't even thought about renting a villa. But if it would mean a longer stay, I'll consider it! Somebody mentioned VRBO; what's that? Is there a reputable web site containing info on houses/villas/condos for rent?

Thanks,
cyndi

 

[mamamac]

Somebody mentioned VRBO; what's that? Is there a reputable web site containing info on houses/villas/condos for rent?

Thanks,
cyndi

VRBO is vacation rentals by owner . com

 

[Zeebs]

I love it when occassionally a onsite lover pops across to try and convert the offsiters to repent their sins and stay onsite. This is our first trip to WDW and I was starting to feel like I was committing a mortal sin by staying offsite, but with two small children I couldn't think of anything worse than sitting in the dark trying to get them to sleep, budget wise it was a much much better option also as we are travelling with our inlaws. I love this forum as not only does it validate my decision but you get lots of good information.

We are only doing Disney for the week we are in Orlando this time but plan to come back in the future and check out the rest of the area. Our second week will be spent 2 hours south of Orlando, another sin, going to Florida and not spending all the time in the World....

Kirsten

 

[D&DDisney]

Wow.....I am sooo glad I stumbled across this thread.

We stayed on-site for the first time last Oct. and I didn't like it. Felt guilty posting anywhere and saying this. Kinda like there was something wrong with me.
Staying on site you get...
Cramped rooms
Expensive food - and nowhere else to go to get it
Long waits for buses
Fewer channels on the TV (got tired of Disney Channel)

Staying off site you get...
Free breakfast
Free newspaper
Bigger rooms
Fridge and Micro or full kitchens
Cheaper price
Access to more restaurants

We have always stayed off site and drove into Disney and I think that is more magical.

 

[spiceycat]

Expensive food - and nowhere else to go to get it
Long waits for buses
Fewer channels on the TV (got tired of Disney Channel)

definitely agree.

but sometimes I still stay onsite. have DVC - so you can get grocery deliver - and don't have to use their expensive food.

really, really dislike the fewer channels - that is so mean of Disney. Can't go to the parks or even outside for long period of time - allergic to the sun. So TV is a big one for me.

don't know what I am going to do staying on site at Disney for 2 weeks in Sept... that is a long time to go with Disney TV.

 

[Jeff8372EMT]

Okay, y'all are beginning to convert me....
Our first trip to Disney was last November and we stayed at CBR for 7 days. Would've loved to stay longer, but didn't have enough money!

Now we're planning to go back this winter with some friends. I hadn't even thought about renting a villa. But if it would mean a longer stay, I'll consider it! Somebody mentioned VRBO; what's that? Is there a reputable web site containing info on houses/villas/condos for rent?

Thanks,
cyndi

You can also try LoyaltyUSA.com, that's were we rent our villa's from

 

[sympatico]

Okay, y'all are beginning to convert me....
Our first trip to Disney was last November and we stayed at CBR for 7 days. Would've loved to stay longer, but didn't have enough money!

Now we're planning to go back this winter with some friends. I hadn't even thought about renting a villa. But if it would mean a longer stay, I'll consider it! Somebody mentioned VRBO; what's that? Is there a reputable web site containing info on houses/villas/condos for rent?

Thanks,
cyndi

This is the VRBO listing site for Kissimmee:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/central-disney-orlando/kissimmee
There's also Davenport and Clermont which are a little further away but still within 20 min. to Disney. You will be renting directly from owners on these sites. We usually do it this way. Look at lots of homes and find out what amenities are included, pick a few that suit you and email the owners with your dates and ask for a quote.
HomeAway is the parent website for vrbo and lots of other sites. If you go to the tabs at the top of the website that I gave you and click the Rent with Confidence tab you'll see the other sites.

A lot of the subdivisions have their own listings page like:
Windsor Hills: www.windsorhillsrent.com
Windsor Palms www.windsor-palms-florida.net/
Emerald Island www.StayAtEmeraldIsland.com

 

[Janet Hill]

definitely agree.

but sometimes I still stay onsite. have DVC - so you can get grocery deliver - and don't have to use their expensive food.

really, really dislike the fewer channels - that is so mean of Disney. Can't go to the parks or even outside for long period of time - allergic to the sun. So TV is a big one for me.

don't know what I am going to do staying on site at Disney for 2 weeks in Sept... that is a long time to go with Disney TV.

My kids biggest complaint about onsite - too few channels.

 

[obxshark]

I've read thru all of the posts on this thread - It appears most of the posters are from "across the pond". We've done both several times each - onsite and offsite - and both have their good and bad points.

To be honest, when it's just the wife and I, we prefer onsite. We've been to all of the Orlando attractions over the years, and find ourselves coming back time and again to WDW. However, I will admit when traveling with a larger party, you just can't beat renting a house and staying offsite. We will be doing so again in December, this time staying in Windsor Hills Lets face it - a 5 bedroom house with private pool, game room, etc. for the price of one Disney hotel room is a pretty easy decision.

But - those staying on property do get all of the perks when it comes to making ADR's - as I'm finding out this week. We're exactly 180 days out this week, so I have to call every morning to make each days dinner reservation. Not only is that a pain, but those staying on property have a 10 day head start on me, so I'm getting stuck with some less than favorable times for dinner.

So - by all means, don't feel guilty for staying offsite - you'll have a great time, have lots more room to stretch out in, and maybe save a few bucks (or euros, as the case may be). Either way - the objective is to have a great time, which we always do!

 

[davinakb]

We just got back last night from our fourth trip to WDW and our first trip off disney property. All I can say is we'll never stay onsite again!...And all that for less than the cost of a room at one of the so-called value resorts! Yep, I'm hooked!

We usually travel with a group (4+ people), so we do timeshare/vacation clubs or private villas. Everyone having room and extra bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, etc. is a big plus, makes a longer stay so much more relaxing.

We stayed on-site for the first time last Oct. and I didn't like it. Felt guilty posting anywhere and saying this. Kinda like there was something wrong with me.

I never feel guilty about saving money, esp. when I feel I am getting more for it: internet access, extra room, etc. Plus every $ saved = more Disney. FWIW.

 

[angelmav]

Here and to think I was so smart by coming up with the idea to look into a vacation home then I find this thread! seriously, were a big family and can rent a home with a private pool for twice as long and for less than a Disney value resort. Also, there is no getting around the cost of food, having your own kitchen for breakfast/snacks to eat like you do at home saves SOOOOO much money over staying onsite. I have priced it so many different ways and have to say, I am trying to book a home for next summer already!

 

[DJT]

You can also try LoyaltyUSA.com, that's were we rent our villa's from

Hi neighbor - from New Albany.

Donna

 

[cey]

We began staying off site when our sons became teenagers and continue the happy experience 15 years later now that there is only my DH and myself! Absolutely nothing Disney beats having your own PRIVATE pool and hot tub with your own kitchen, living room, games room and bedrooms for less than you pay at Disney. No long walks from the parking lot to your hotel after you have driven around looking for a parking spot! We have converted all of our friends as well! Welcome to relaxing Orlando Vacations!