What magic we missed staying off-site.

[MOMOFMNM]

true Lisa...

all good points to consider!! The magic of the pOly would probably be missed, but my kids saw some pics of the homes on the net and are begging to stay in one now...

 

[MouseWorshipin]

I don't really get the transportation thing. You can stay on WDW property and rent a car, too. I've always stayed with Disney and (except the Hoop bus at Ft. Wilderness) NEVER take the bus. I hate the bus at home, and I sure-as-heck wouldn't want it on vacation, for Pete's sake.

Our next trip will be off-property. I only stayed in Disney hotels because of the EMHs, and now that most mornings don't have them (not a night owl!), I don't see the point. I sure won't miss paying extra $ for a smaller room. Or paying extra for internet. Or the ever-more-iffy housekeeping. I certainly won't miss all the Disney adds, and stuff about DVC!!!

I will miss the Mickey soaps, WDW room key, and Mickey wake-up call. That's about it.

We're thinking the Wyndham Palace next trip!

 

[spiceycat]

you reminded me of one - you get more and I mean LOT more TV channels offsite than onsite.....

 

[LauraAnn630]

Desperate for quick answers Im posting this here to.

We have decided to rent a villa for our Christmas trip 2006. I found one I like. They e-mailed me a quote. I gave the lady our name and address. She asked for $200.00 down. I sent her a check. She e-mailed me to tell me the check arrived safely in the UK and our dates were secure.

What else should I do to protect myself. My family asked me what if we get down there and she doesnt even own a house there?!
Something I never thought of.

Before I send the balance of $1,400.00, I would like some kind of agreement in writing. How can I word this in an e-mail. I dont want to offend her. I really dont want to get ripped off! Can u imagine!! My brother would kill me...LOL

Please tell me how your villa rental was handled and what I can do to protect myself.

She has a proffesional website that seems to have everything other villa websites have. Including her name and phone number.

My family keeps joking with me about getting down there and having to sleep in our cars!

 

[LauraAnn630]

Just found out from my sister Wyndham is changing owners. It will be called Buena Vista Palace. My sister just booked 4 nights at New Years 2006.

 

[kidsister]

I love the humor (sarcasm) of the OP's initial post, and have to agree that they are probably all true.

I own DVC, and would have to say that with DVC I can have my cake and eat it too...I can immerse myself in all things Disney, yet still have the washer/dryer, kitchen, separate bedroom. And more, I can have morning coffee on my balcony and take in a fantastic view from my Boardwalk villa. I can walk to Epcot or MGM and enjoy the lovely landscaping and views of the lake and canal (and the alligators and the lights at night.) You can't beat Disney when it comes to theming.

If I'm not in the mood to go into the parks (I have an AP this year), I can watch Wishes, Illuminations or Fantasmic while sipping wine on my balcony.
But honestly, I'm more an up close and personal kind of gal when it comes to Fireworks.

With DVC I don't get daily housekeeping, but honestly I often think of housekeeping as an intrusion rather than a service. And tho I could take the bus...I HATE buses. I either walk, take a boat (to Epcot or MGM) and then drive and valet park(for free).

Onsite perks that I haven't taken advantage of:
1.Magical Express for free. Those who don't rent a car have found this a great service...with rental cars costing around $200 a week, it is also a considerable savings. But I am a control freak and like my wheels.

2. EArly morning hours: I'm just too damn lazy!

3. Extra (late) hours: I do take advantage of these. Some people find the parks too crowded on these nights, but I don't feel that way. I love the parks after dark...twinkly lights and the KISS goodnight!

4. The music on the walkways. Truly, a sensory experience for me. Especially at the Poly. Also at the Poly..the view of the castle. I just liked waking up and going to sleep to it, but I can't afford the prices of it anymore, so luckily I had my fill during the days that lagoon front cost $88 a night.

Last trip I couldnt' get a ressie at DVC (only 2 weeks notice.) I had a getawayweek at Vacation Village at Parkway....and I confess that it was quicker to drive there than to drive say, to Saratoga Springs(DVC). So I could zip in and out of the World PLUS I had my DVC perks, so I could park at my home resort. (Actually,I had friends staying on my points in a 2 bedroom BWV at the same time, so I was on the ressie itself , tho not staying there IYKWIM, so not breaking any rules for those that are sticklers for same).

BUt the truth is, even tho my huge 2 bedroom condo was lovely, that I missed being immersed in Disney. And I had the same 'check in after 4' , the same line to check in, the same problem with finding parking as I would have at the Boardwalk. But the price: well that was a HUGE bargain, but only cause I had a 'getawayweek'. If I had been paying normal nightly rates, there is no question that I would rather have been at the World...tho again, nightly rates for DVC owners is somewhat less than normal rates.

I agree that there are perks to either way...on or off site. I think, at least for me, I enjoy combining the two to get the best of both worlds.
A vacation isn't so much about where you stay, but the memories you make!

 

[MamaLema]

We’ve stayed on-site and off, most recently (last week) in a pool home. I’ve seen the discussions on what magic is missed by staying off site and my DW and I spoke of it often and came up with the following list when comparing several on-site stays to the pool home.
We missed:
Waiting in the check-in line, only to find you room isn’t ready yet.
Hiking to and from the parking lot.
Long hallways from the elevator to your room.
Kids running the long hallways from the elevator to your room.
The noisy folks next door and above us.
Worrying that we might be too noisy for the folks next door or below us.
Living out of your suitcase and/or too small a closet and dresser.
Only one bathroom.
Sitting on beds when there are too few chairs.
Having to get dressed for breakfast.
Food Courts.
$2 cold soda machines.
Crowded pool.
Wet bathing suits hanging in the shower.
Walking to the bus stop (to and from the parks).
Waiting at the bus stop (to and from the parks).
Riding a smelly bus (to and from the parks).
Standing on the bus (to and from the parks) since I’ll always give up my seat for a lady.
Listening to crying kids and rude, stupid adults on the bus (to and from the parks).
Styrofoam coffee cups.
Limited TV channels.
Paying for internet access.
Paying more for one small room that we did for a large, beautiful pool home.
Little soaps shaped like Mickey (next year we’ll bring with us the ones we got years ago).

Can you think of any other magic we might have missed?

We've never stayed on-site but I just want to say AMEN to that

 

[spiceycat]

Desperate for quick answers Im posting this here to.

We have decided to rent a villa for our Christmas trip 2006. I found one I like. They e-mailed me a quote. I gave the lady our name and address. She asked for $200.00 down. I sent her a check. She e-mailed me to tell me the check arrived safely in the UK and our dates were secure.

What else should I do to protect myself. My family asked me what if we get down there and she doesnt even own a house there?!
Something I never thought of.

Before I send the balance of $1,400.00, I would like some kind of agreement in writing. How can I word this in an e-mail. I dont want to offend her. I really dont want to get ripped off! Can u imagine!! My brother would kill me...LOL

Please tell me how your villa rental was handled and what I can do to protect myself.

She has a proffesional website that seems to have everything other villa websites have. Including her name and phone number.

My family keeps joking with me about getting down there and having to sleep in our cars!

ask her for a contract....

also ask her for proof of ownership - a phone number in the US to call or a copy of her deed

however the contract should entail that.

 

[magicmouse2]

Things I prefer onsite - My preference

Beautiful landscaping
Beautiful resorts and themed rooms
Wonderful themed pools
Being immersed in Disney
Being able to go to the Disney stores to buy souvenirs
Choice of using a bus boat or monorail
Proximity to parks
Proximity to food court or restaurant

Offsite Villa - Husbands Preference

Price
Privacy
Space

As I bought into DVC we still get the space and a little more privacy plus the washer and dryer and must have hot Spa

 

[MOMOFMNM]

I am finding they want a hefty refundable deposit, intial deposit and they have steep cancelation policies just FYI...


I much more prefer the 2 day rule as far as a refund of money...just in case ya know???

I don't know, I mentioned it to dh and at first he liked it, now he is saying how much he'd miss the mickey magic...?????????????

OMG that is a killer considering I had to fight tooth and nail to get him to go the first time, now he has become a resort SNOB without even knowing of such things...he has no idea that values even exist!!!


I suppose I have 10 mo to save up for the Poly again...very doable...we would have to adjust some dates due to seasons and our dates...seems as though a pool home is including Tgiving in thier value season whereas Disney won't start it til the 27th URRRRGHHH....

 

[traciedee]

Laura-check the Better Business Bureau in Orlando for complaints. Also go on boards like this, tripadvisor and the dibb and ask if anyone else has dealt with that person or rented that specific unit. That can be an invaluable tool. Also, find out who their local manager/management company is and ask the same questions about them as well.

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

djkeenan,
I have been stalking you. Well not really. Based on one of your post before your trip, I took a look at the villa you stayed at and we are booked in there for a week in November.

I am pleased that it seems you have nothing but wonderful things to say about the place. This will be out third pool home, but the first time our party has been this large. 12 people 6 adults and 6 kids. How do you think we will fit in that house? Also we always seem to have bad luck with our pool heat. Did you get the pool heated? Did you have any issues with the owners. Thus far Stuart has been a very helpful and accomidating. Plus we got a wonderful deal on the place.

Any other advice you might have would be great.

Thanks
BLB