Where are my people?

[kanerf]

When I started visiting WDW as an adult I generally stayed offsite at one of the other timeshares that I own or trade into. I traded into OKW and SSR a few times via RCI and I was hooked and started by DVC adventures by purchasing 40pts resale at OKW. I now own over 530 points.

 

[Splash2013]

wow - I didn't realize you get early entry at good neighbor hotels. I've looked at that hotel before and almost booked but was concerned about it because of some reviews. Is it clean? that's all that matters and is it safe? I'd love your review on it if you don't mind. I stay on-site sometimes, and sometimes not. I used to stay onsite ALL the time until the prices got completely out of control. I'm sorry but I'm not paying $180-$229 for a value resort just to say I'm on property. I have an AP for the first time in forever so I don't have to pay to park so I'm researching more hotels offsite.

The early entry makes it an even better deal. Just have to show your reservation on your phone at the gate. It was very clean, the staff was friendly, in room fridge and microwave, free parking, great pool, and on site restaurants ($12 breakfast buffet for adults and kids free). Only a 12 min drive to be parking in MK and 2 mins to the side gate. Only down side was that the rooms have double beds and not queens but it works fine for us as two adults and a 2 year old.

It's owned by the Rosen chain which also has the 5 star shingle creek near sea world that's incredible and can sometimes be found for $100/night last minute on priceline (normally $500/night). For the $30-50 I pay its really great. Particularly since we use it for 1-2 night weekend trips. We stayed at pop for a week in October and paid $180/night. The rosen inn is nicer than pop IMO but same general "feel" of a value.

 

[Chrissy-Mickey]

Weekday AP here... love my Disney day/evening trips, but never stayed at a resort nor pay for extras and can't imagine doing so.

I see posts on here of families spending thousands of dollars on their Disney vacation, and all I can think is "Do you know what you can do with that money?!?" Even if I had that money to spare, I wouldn't spend it by going to the parks. Yes, I'm local, but I've done Disneyland Cali and Disland Paris (was in Europe anyway) on a similar budget. With thousands of dollars to spend on a vacation, I would go see the world! So much to see and do that's better than Disney.