Where to stay at a good price on/off DW

[mbb]

DVC Rent/Trade Board.

PLEASE, please please, make sure you read the FAQ at the top of the page

It's a private transaction, between you and the point owner...search the member's posts, and get a contract

You can ask questions on the DVC Planning Board

HTH!!

 

[spiceycat]

here is the board
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

as mbb says read the FAQ at the top of the board. read all the FAQ's.

the price I quoted you were $10 a point, the owners sets the price - some won't even consider renting for under $14 a point.

Fri and Sat are too expensive renting from a DVC member. So go thru CRO for Fri/Sat.

 

[Lisa BC]

Old Key West is a very nice resort. We have rented points from an owner and had an awesome time. And, if you didn't want to change resorts, just as SpiceyCat suggested, rent directly from Disney for the Friday & Saturday night stay.

I don't think staying off site stay for your scenario is bad either. I know some people are gasping right now... but really, I don't think that navigating Disney is all that bad in a car. The first 4 trips I made to Disney we stayed off site, and it wasn't that big of a deal. (Okay, once wasn't so great, we stayed offsite and didn't rent a car... and that wasn't ideal) Since you're heading there during a low travel season, the traffic won't be so hectic.

The advantage to staying on site is that you don't have to think about how to get around. Yes, the teens could head out on their own... if that's what you planned. They could also just eat wherever they chose, and charge it to the room key (which is convenient and dangerous...) Personally, I'm not a big fan of WDW bus transportation. I don't like to wait in line after a long day in the parks, and then have to stand in a crowded bus on my way home. So I like to drive to the parks even when we stay onsite.

On the other hand, if you stay offsite, the kids are pretty much dependent upon you for transportation to/from the park which isn't all bad either. Once onsite, they can travel to a different park via Disney tranportation.... they just can't travel back to the room without you, unless they pay for a taxi. If you rent a pool home everyone can have their own room (and bathroom), the pool & hot tub are in your back yard, and some have a games room right in the garage. I am certain that you could rent a nice 4-5 bedroom home with at least 3 bathrooms for in the $150 - $180 per night range, even less if you don't mind a 15-20 minute drive to the parks. You can rent a decent car for around $40 per night on a weekly rental... Of course you need to add $10 per day to park at WDW... so $200 - $225 total per night. And you get a lot of space for your money.

So I think it comes down to, do you want the extra space, or do you want the convenience of staying onsite. Both are good, and either choice will work out fine. Its WDW, and you and your family will have a great time!

Lisa

 

[Cruz91]

You'll find folks on here who have very strong opinions for staying on-site, and just as many who much prefer off-site. I happen to be the latter. We went last year for the week of and week after Thanksgiving (yeah - two weeks) and paid $75 per night for a 3BR condo at Windsor Hills. Yes, that's even less than ONE room at a value resort. We did have to rent a car, which cost us about $55 a day, and pay for parking, another $10 daily. So if you add all of that up, we had three bedrooms, two baths, and transportation for $140 per day. We also saved money by eating many meals at the condo (it has a full kitchen). We ate breakfast there, packed lunches to take with us, and ate probably 1/2 of our dinners there. The guy we rented from (we found him on VRBO) was OUTSTANDING. We were using southwest for flights and I got a last minute DING. He let me change my dates by two days just one week out from the reservation time! We're going back in October this year, and I'm planning on going back to his place. If you want his info - drop me an email.

Bottom line - you'll have an amazing time no matter where you stay! If I had the money - of course I'd rather stay in a huge suite at the Grand Floridian. I don't - so I live like a king at the condo on a peasant's budget

PS - you'll love the week after Thanksgiving - the lights are all up (don't miss Osbourne lighting ceremony held every night) and the crowds are tiny!

 

[luvmyboys2]

Thank you all for your helpful information...Sure is a lot of homework to cover for a vacation...

 

[luvmyboys2]

So I went on the website for OKW and there are no rooms available for the week I am going... I guess I should try and get the Saratoga the rooms were the same as well as the price... I hope they dont run out of rooms as well.

 

[Lisa BC]

The rooms at Saratoga are slightly different. The master bedroom is the same (king bed, walk-in shower, jacuzzi). But, the second bedroom has 1 queen bed & 1 sleeper sofa, rather than 2 queen beds.

Do some research before booking at this resort, and try to request a room that is either close to a bus stop or closer to the main pool. This place is huge, and can require a lot of walking in order to get to the main pool. If you can't find anything at Saratoga, you'll surely find something really nice at Windsor Hills. You're actually closer to AK, MGM, & Epcot when you stay at Windsor Hills versus staying at Saratoga.

Good luck!

Lisa

 

[englishteacha]

I don't think staying on-site is necessary. We've had fabulous vacations staying offsite, and you can definitely save a lot of money. We're renting a condo about 10-15 minutes from WDW that rents from $50-70 a night. We stayed there last year. 3 bedrooms-1 king, 1 queen, 2 twins...perfect for your scenario. 2 bathrooms, too. I don't feel like I've missed anything by staying offsite! Another advantage is you can get cereal and such for an easy breakfast before you leave the condo in the morning.

Just curious...what if you go through all this trouble and your son and his GF break up before the trip? Teenage romance is unpredictable!

 

[figgy4me]

In 25+ trips in the last 22-23 yrs. DH and I have only stayed onsite 3 times (when we got a $49-$54-$59 rate during off season at value resorts). We stayed at a lot of motels/hotels in Kissimmee. Three times lately we have stayed in 2 bedroom, 2bath, full kitchen condos for $296/$216/$226 - per week - while staying only 2 - 15 mins. away. Staying offsite, especially in Kissimmee, is no big deal. You do need a car, but getting around is not difficult and most all of the signs are just fine. You just need a navigator that pays attention.

 

[HeatherC]

You could also rent a 2 bedroom at Bonnet Creek which is next door to the Caribbean Beach Resort. It is pretty much "onsite" but not owned by Disney, so you can't say it actually is "onsite". The bedrooms are split on either side of the villa with a living room and kitchen in the middle. Also has washer/dryer. One bedroom has two queen beds and the master has a king with jacuzzi tub. Also has two bathrooms which is nice for getting ready. Has a beautiful pool area with lazy river.

This resort is on par with the Disney Deluxe Resorts and would cost you MUCH less than renting DVC points. (We rented 12 days over President's Week for $1100 to give you an idea.) And you are just as close to things as at any of the Disney Resorts. I think even renting DVC points would be almost double that amount.

You would not be able to do early entry...but in November I don't think you would need to unless it was Thanksgiving week.

Check out the reviews on tripadvisor.com
You can rent from owners on EBAY or vacationtimesharerentals.com.

Hope this helps.
HeatherC

 

[katdocnorf]

We stayed in a 2-bdr unit at OKW that spiceycat is writing about. Absolutley fabulous vacation and made it tough for even the 3 of us to go back to a "box" for a week

The thing here is that you are renting points from a stranger. We did it and it worked about wonderful and I'd rent from that individual again in a minute! In fact we would have had we been able to change our dates for this trip.

However.... remember you are renting points from a stranger. There is a big thread about someone that lost quite a bit of money doing this. Do you research if you do this!!! I'd only consider those that have a high post count.

If you look on the main board you will see down the page a section on DVC. That will help you with point charts and to see those with points to rent.

AS I HAVE STATED ON A COUPLE OF THREADS, post counts don't always mean anything I have been on disboards since 1999. This is my second ID because I had gotten divorced and my first ID had my husbands name as well as mine in it. And I don't always post, I read more that post. I have been a DVC owner since 1997 and am very trust worthy. Would never do anyone over. But I also very rarely rent my points unless I am in a bind with a reservation or about to loose some that I am not able to use. I would rather someone else enjoy them then they just get lost.

You can pay through Paypal and have it put in a escrow through them (I think this costs a little bit). Anyway that way the money doesn't fully transfer hands until everything is totally confirmed and know it is a good deal.

 

[Minnie]

My point was I've seen many "brand new" low post counts with a join date the same month as the first post wanting to rent DVC points.

Personally, I'd give those posters a pass and would never recommend a newbie to WDW consider renting from someone like that. Renting DVC points requires trust on both sides and for that reason I look for those with higher post counts or older join date and then do my research.

To the OP... good luck on whatever decision you make

 

[bethie]

In 25+ trips in the last 22-23 yrs. DH and I have only stayed onsite 3 times (when we got a $49-$54-$59 rate during off season at value resorts). We stayed at a lot of motels/hotels in Kissimmee. Three times lately we have stayed in 2 bedroom, 2bath, full kitchen condos for $296/$216/$226 - per week - while staying only 2 - 15 mins. away. Staying offsite, especially in Kissimmee, is no big deal. You do need a car, but getting around is not difficult and most all of the signs are just fine. You just need a navigator that pays attention.

Hi,
I was wondering if you would say where you are staying or at least a hint as to where to look on the web for those fabulous rates! I am looking for a place for 5 nights in November and a condo at that rate would be IDEAL! Thanks so much!

 

[snappy]

Hi,
I was wondering if you would say where you are staying or at least a hint as to where to look on the web for those fabulous rates! I am looking for a place for 5 nights in November and a condo at that rate would be IDEAL! Thanks so much!

I am thinking it must be Sky auction?