what would you do?

[dana1003]

i need opinions please on your past trips..we are looking to go in oct but are faced w/2 options:

1. totally package thru wdw tkts, dining, ME, etc. or
2. take a friends time share in the vistana, rent a car, go to sea world ,universal, do the world for a few days and have to buy our own food.

the prices come out to the same-one limits you to the world only but is literally stress free where the other gives you more freedom to go outside the world and see new things. what to do?? there are 4 adults, 2 toddlers and we would be staying in the values(seperate rooms) vistana (2 bdrm villa)thanks

 

[Parla]

Having done it both ways I would absolutely go with the WDW package. The no stress option is good but also WDW is BIG. We were there for eight days last year and still couldn't get everything in (especially with a small child that needed breaks). I think the kids will have all the fun they can handle just staying in one place but does the other adult have their heart set on Universal or anything?

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I think it depends on what you want to do on your vacation. We have DVC and an off property time share as well and there are perks to each.

Most times we only do Disney (Universal? Whats that? ). If your aim is only to do Disney, I'd stay on property and do the package.

Personally, I love our timeshare off property (more than DVC in a lot of respects) because of the accomodations. Our regular off property place is equal to DVC's grand villa and we are only 6 minutes from the MK parking lot. It's really nice when everyone has their own bedroom and space to retreat to after a long day of touring. Its even better when you can stock some snacks and breakfast foods (we go for minimal cooking-even with 2 full kitchens-although DH does like his eggs and bacon in the morning). We find our pool at the OP place is a huge relaxer because it is not mobbed like so many of the resort pools are. Sometimes we miss being "in" the magic, but overall, we are happier when we are not on top of each other. It IS fun being on property though and that is just something you can't do a comparison on-and it is convenient if you are not going to rent a car.

I'd put the family to a vote on whether they wanted to do all Disney or vary it with Universal and SW. I'd make my decision from there.

 

[dana1003]

well no one is really set on a sea world or universal, we just thought it would be fun to visit. when we went in dec there were no crowds so everything was walk on. i dont know how much different oct crowds are but the nice thing about the villas is that we will all be together but each have our own space to retreat. its kinda nice to go back and all together and talk about the day and plan for the next. was it easy driving to the parking lots and stuff?

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

well no one is really set on a sea world or universal, we just thought it would be fun to visit. when we went in dec there were no crowds so everything was walk on. i dont know how much different oct crowds are but the nice thing about the villas is that we will all be together but each have our own space to retreat. its kinda nice to go back and all together and talk about the day and plan for the next. was it easy driving to the parking lots and stuff?

When we are OP, we all still would gather at the dining table or living room and make our plans for the next day or just kick back for some close family time, but when we wanted our alone time-we all went to our rooms. Our place OP is right on 192 next to Arabian Nights and we butt up against the back of Gaylord Palms...it's like we are the last stop on 192 before Disney, so for us, driving to the parking lots was a piece of cake.

Unless we are on a budget we always rent a car (even if on property). It just seems so much faster than Disney transportation, but we have been there and relied solely on the monorail and busess too-we just prefer our own vehicle. If you are off property you will have to pay parking fees-although we don't because we are AP holders.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

 

[disneyworldmama]

Personally I would go with option 1 but that is just because I am a disney nut and don't do other things there! I stay in the world only! Ok maybe I go outlet shopping but that is it!