Why if there is no EE

[lizzie64]

Look,

I don't think anyone needs to "defend the magic". It is my opinion that Disney is a magical place. It is my opinion that staying offsite is not for me. If I go to Disney, I want to stay at Disney.

We did not use EE once in 10 days last year. We did use package delivery, we used the mugs. This too did not matter to us.

For me Disney is Magic. And if I go, it is on-site. Off-site does not appeal to me or my family.
Don't mean to ruffle any feathers either, but, if you don't want to stay on-site then fine, stay off-site, but for those of us that believe in the "Magic", there is no such thing as "off-site"

 

[Lewisc]

For a family of more than 4 YOU CAN DO MUCH better offsite. Much bigger accomodations, free breakfast, mini kitchens, full kitchens even themed pools. The restaurants offsite tend to be less expensive. Since EE was the main reason for staying on-site I'd try offsite your next trip.
I can understand Disney's position on EE, but I wonder if just having part of the MK (Fantasyland and 1 or 2 other) open early twice a week might be a good alternative.

 

[Trekker]

Ok - here we go

We have never used EE - I cannot possibly get my teenaged kids or my DW up that early no matter what.

So - why do we stay onsite?

The magic of staying onsite.......

It is so hard to describe, we have stayed offsite one time paying less than $30.00 a night for a 2 br suite w/ livingroom and Kitchen.

We will never (unless forced by availability) stay offsite again... How to explain it? HMMMMM!

You know that feeling you get when you leave WDW to go home the very last day of vacation? We got that feeling everyday when we would get in the car and drive out those Big Beautiful Gates at the entrance to WDW....

When on property the day is not over when you head to the resort from the park, you are still surrounded by people enjoying WDW, you are still greeted and taken care of by WDW CMs, You do not have to become an adult again at the "end of the day" because the day doesn't end and really you do not have to drive anywhere unless you want to......

I can stay at other hotels in 100's of cities around the world, when at WDW I want to be at WDW all the time.

It is all a feeling - and a very hard one to describe.....

 

[lizzie64]

Trekker,

I'm with you. I go to Disney, to be at Disney 24/10. Whatever the cost, it's part of what my budget is.


MAGIC IS MAGIC

 

[Tiggerlover91]

AK OPENS AT 9AM????!!!!! WHAT ARE THEY THINKING???!!!!! Ahhhhhh, still more rest for DH and I before hitting the parks though. Just means we'll have to hit the safari first thing when the park opens.

 

[Ballybunion3]

until we went this past Easter. I was sure we'd miss EE, but guess what? We got to sleep about an hour later each day, we arrived about 30 minutes prior to opening at each park, and we got to do just about everything we wanted to do by noon each day, leaving the rest of the day to do what our hearts desired.
So, as difficult as this is for me to say, EE is NOT that big a deal, if you get to the parks prior to opening - you still get through the turnstiles, and get set up for the rope drop. Canceling EE was a business decision - if it makes you mad, then let WDW guest relations know - or change your plans, go somewhere else. THAT is how Disney will change ITS behaviour - when it hits them in the pocket book.

OK, now for the on/off site issue. Man, are we beating a Dead Horse! Whatever blows you're hair back, ya know? I personally like the All Stars - I honestly don't know how you can get a better hotel & amenities for around 50 bucks a night. Maybe you can, but we enjoyed it so much, why fix it if it ain't broken? That's just us, and if we had a bad experience, I'd probably be with the Off-site crowd.

Just my 2 pence.....

 

[10drum]

1 Reason for no EE......cost cutting

3 Reasons to stay on property..........location,convienance, & MAGIC

 

[eeyore0062]

eeyore0062....give the guy a break!!!!

Cindyfan, I wasn't referring to what the businessman said on his phone, I was referring to the poster JanetD, who was agreeing with him. She was obviously on vacation, and let's face it, if she is going to Disney World, that is the type of treatment she should expect. I know that I would expect no less!

 

[manning]

One thing that is becoming irritating are the convention parties being held in common areas. Last time staying at YC, we tried to walk over to the Boardwalk via the west side of the lake. Couldn't do it because a party was being held on the walkway. Why can't they have it on the lawn so it doesn't interfere with other guests. Keep it out of the traffic lanes.

I saw someone go thru the party and grabbed a drink on the way. Someone challenged him and he gave him a toast and kept on going. good for him. Wish I had his nerve, my drink tab at WDW would go down considerable with all the free drinks.

 

[indigo]

If the unofficial guides (websites, books, etc) hadn't pushed skipping the EE day parks then maybe Disney would have seem them as utilized and kept them... at least in some form.

Indigo

 

[eeyore0062]

You know, Indigo, you may be right! I have the 1998 and the 2000 copy of the Unofficial Guide, and it does give that strategy. So instead of blaming Disney, lets blame Bob Sehlinger for that advice!

 

[cindyfan]

Sorry eeyore0062....didn't realize you were referring to Janetd
I should be telling her to "give the guy a break"

And I agree....I expect no less too!!!!

It is a great feeling to have everyone say "Have a Magical Day!!"

We stayed at Poly for 4 nights in June and it was awesome to have all the CM say "Aloha!"

YEP!!.......Part of the magic!!

 

[raidermatt]

Plan Man asked for reasons to stay on-site...

The use of the transportation, and no need to rent a car unless that's your preference.

Closer to parks.

Disney service. If you don't feel that Disney service is superior, then its not a reason for you. Some swear by Hilton, some by Marriot, and some by Disney. It just depends on your preference and experience. My recommendation is Disney, but I understand that my recommendation is no more valid than anyone else's.

Free taxi to and from Disney golf courses, as well as ability to make tee times further in advance. (of course, this only helps you if you play golf on-site).

Themeing and beauty of resorts. Again, a personal preference.

Character Caravan. Nice if it works for you.

Magic. Again, very subjective, and if you don't feel it, there's nothing wrong with you. I think McDonald's serves the worst fast food burgers in existence, but apparently many feel otherwise. I don't get McDonald's, and some don't get the Magic. To each his/her own.

 

[Lisa P.]

One thing that is becoming irritating are the convention parties being held in common areas. Last time staying at YC, we tried to walk over to the Boardwalk via the west side of the lake. Couldn't do it because a party was being held on the walkway.

That would really bother me too! It's pretty frustrating when one is paying anywhere from $200-$500 per night for their hotel room! I've read of times where the pool areas of some Disney properties were restricted for a few midday hours due to a convention group. This has also happened at the Disney Vero Beach Resort (a DVC property). Forget that!

Disney has overbooked hotels with convention groups and ended up bumping regular prepaid guest families to other Disney properties. Sometimes, they were upgraded (especially if they asked), but some of the stories described on these boards in the last two years have demonstrated a lack of concern for the guests - no apology, no accommodation, just a straighforward, "we don't have a room for you so we're placing you at the Swan" or similar.

Unfortunately, the bottom line affects people in every industry. And Disney is part of the hospitality industry. As conventions become a greater (and more steady) piece of the income pie for Disney resorts, it's not likely to get better. JMHO.

 

[Plan Man]

On-site but sitll inexpensive!!


We are going to stay at Fort Wilderness and camp in our tent trailer.

I won't stay off-site -- If I go it is on-site!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jasmine13]

Hey, whatever works, right? I'm with you, Plan Man... I will camp (a 4 letter word, in my vocabulary), before I will stay offsite again! Too many times offsite... now I want a piece of the MAGIC!!! Countdown to September and the CBR... 53 days, and counting!

 

[SnackyStacky]

As someone said, the whole concept of magic is very subjective.

My main objective in finding a room is the cost. I really prefer not to rent a car, so the hotel has to provide transportation to the Disney property.

If I can find a decent looking room at a reasonable rate, then I'm all for it be it at Disney, or off-property.

This trip, I happened to find an amazing rate at POR, so that's where I'll be staying.

I'm not one who swears by staying on-property, nor am I one who swears by staying off.

I do have to say though that saying anything less than the YC concierge is cheap and tacky is a bit much. Just my $.02

 

[Tluvs2talk]

I have stayed on Disney property 35+ times and have only used EE maybe 5 times. I also learned to avoid whatever park EE was at for that day. EE only meant early hours, CROWDS, and a few rides open. EE being cancelled = NO LOSS TO ME!

 

[Mustangdi]

We always used EE and this will be our first
trip without EE. We are still staying onsite
this year, but might reconsider after this
trip. I would think that in time Disney will
lose money with the absense of EE and shorter
hours. Less time in the parks and extra cost
to stay onsite? I definetly do love the magic,
but at what price? Maybe this will only be a
temporary thing we have to endure. We still
need the extra little things that keep us
coming back for more. EE, I will miss it!!!!!

 

[PatriciaH]

Although we did not use EE every day we would use it sometimes. I hope they bring it back at least at the MK since it is a great option to have! It helps us plan our days better too.

As far as the hotels go in Orlando, I much prefer to stay on site. We even plan on spening some time at the Disney hotels when we move to Orlando next year. I think it will be nice to be able to spend a night or two at WL or AKL or Poly for a special occasion or to use the pools, etc..