which is cheaper for family of 4

[c&k]

Hi i wanted some opinions on which would be cheaper to stay inside disney or get a villa. A family of 2 adults and 2 boys ages 6 and 9yrs old. We are planning on going for 2 weeks if we stayed in a villa we would need a 4 bedroom, we would need to hire a people carrier, we would probably go to parks 4 days per week.

Can some one tell me if it would be cheaper to stay in disney, i know if we stayed in disney in a value resort we wouldnt have to hire a car, pay tolls, buy gas and we would get free transport from airport on magical express.

We are going end of august 2013. any help apprectiated.

 

[Dimplenose]

When we went the villa route (some years ago now) we didn't find much difference in price to staying on-site - but we do like to have a car and only use the buses to get to MK not to the other parks, water parks, US or shopping.

Also we like to go to the parks every day (even if it's just for part of the day) so we are not in the hotel or at the pool much.

We do like having a food court/snack bar available so we don't have to plan ahead and have to drive out for meals if we're tired.

A few questions that might help you decide:-

If you only want to go to the parks 4 days a week what are you planning on doing the rest of the time? Out and about or relaxing at "home"?

If you need 4 bedrooms in a villa will one room at a hotel be enough space for you? (We preferred 2 interconnecting on-site rooms to having a villa but that starts putting the cost up.)

Would a full size car be cheaper than a people carrier? We found full size plenty big enough for 4 adults (but we don't take a large amount of luggage.)

 

[Groovee]

When our children were 4 and 7 we stayed in POR which was great for our needs. This time we're staying in a villa in Kissimee as the kids are 13 and 10 when we go and the idea of the 4 of us in a one room for 14 nights will drive me potty. So the villa gives us the freedom to do what we want as we aim to spend more time in a universal this time and chilling by the pool.

 

[cymbeline]

Villa everytime for me. As much as I love my children, the thought of all of us in one room for 2 weeks is not a holiday! It's purely down to personal preference.

 

[CAROLINE4]

Villa for us definitely! My children are aged 12yrs- 22 months and I honestly would feel chlostrophobic in a hotel room! We love to be home from home and we are at the parks for opening every day so by late afternoon we want to be in the villa using the pool. For us as a family of 6 the price difference is massive between staying on site and staying in a villa even with ddp! The 6 of us went for 2weeks in may all in including spend £4000!!!! Admittedly it was very last minute booking.

 

[dixonsontour]

I'd price both.

If you stay onsite with disney in a moderate or deluxe you get free dining plan (QS at a moderate or ddp at deluxe) I personally think it would be silly to stay in a value whilst this offer is on as a value + food will work out alot dearer.

Offsite

Flights
Villa
Tickets
Car and insurance/petrol
Car parking ($14 a day)
Food and tips

Onsite

Flights
Room/studio
Tickets
If use use magical express and disney transport no car costs - parking is free for onsite guests
Tips if on ddp

The reason lots of us on here have been tempted onsite is that the Old key west and saratoga springs offers mean a family of 4 can stay onsite in a studio including dining plan for £112 a night (that's what we are paying at OKW in October with complete orlando) That is approx $175 a night for room, all food except tips and transport meaning it can work out similar or even cheaper than offsite (villa+ food/tips+car+parking)