Windsor Hills vs Disney Deluxe

[lissiesmum]

Just a question for those of you who have stayed at both...We are planning our first vacation to WDW (myself, DH, and DD4) and really struggling on where to stay. Part of me wants to completely immerse at WDW and never leave the property while we're there. Another part of me wants that piece of home to come home to, to be able to put our daughter to bed in one room and relax with DH, and not worry about waking anyone anytime you need to use the bathroom or if you're an early riser. Problem is, not sure which one appeals to me more. Can anyone help who has done both and let me know why you chose one over the other?

 

[5mins2disney]

Well first of all, price, here's what you'll be paying for a 1 room hotel room at Disney:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/seasonalityChart?id=SeasonalityChartPage2&bhcp=1

Secondly, amenities, most homes at Windsor Hills are:
bigger
nicer
have pools
the resort pool is as good or better than many Disney pools!
location - it's as close as many Disney properties!

Most of our guests have commented "we will never stay in a hotel room ever again!". Magic? There's no magic in being crammed in a small hotel room with your kids for a day if it rains...versus having a whole pool home to spread out in!

Disney Transportation? Personally, I am not paying top $$ to ride a bus around and wait in lines for a bus...I suppose if you can take the monorail that's different, but the monorail doesn't go to AK, MGM, DTD, or many other locations.

Food...you're stuck eating every single meal in a restaurant. Personally, we like to get up, eat breakfast / etc at home, then eat lunch in the parks somewhere, and splurge on a nicer dinner.

The first townhomes we rented as guests had plasma TVs, high end pillowtop mattresses / linens, free high speed internet (you pay for this at Disney typically, a LOT), video games for the kids, strollers for us to use, free phone calls, multiple TVs, our own pool, we had the BEST vacation we've ever had anywhere! (I'm not exaggerating!).

Just the previous summer we had gone up to Wisconsin Dells and stayed in a hotel room with the kids..in contrast...it was the worst trip we've ever taken as a family. Being in one room all together was just horrible, and we swore never again, the kids wouldn't go to bed, we couldn't even stay up and watch TV. One shared bathroom, 2 undersized beds... not fun at all.

For less than half the price of a Disney deluxe you can rent a gorgeous townhome or pool home that's 10x nicer...the only thing you will sacrifice is room service, restaurants in the hotel itself (but there's 100s within a mile or so), and daily maid service (do you really need the maids to make your bed each day though?).

For us at least, it was no comparison, we loved it so much on our 2nd trip, we bought a home there! We don't feel like we're missing one iota of Disney magic, in fact, quite the opposite, we feel sorry for the poor suckers staying in a Disney hotel and paying way too much! With the amount of $$ we saved we went back and took a whole 2nd TRIP to Disney!! Now that's "magic" to me! While others are home looking over their pictures from last year, we're back at the parks enjoying it again! All it is is great marketing, it works though, millions of people stay there every year.

Americans don't quite "get" the concept of staying in pool homes yet, in Europe this is very common. It's nicer, less expensive, and you get more space. They all can't understand why we stay in hotels! LOL

We met a couple who had rented a suite at the GF last year....same reason as us...their kids needed a separate room to go to sleep in at night. It was $800/night. They were there for 10 days. I nearly choked on my dinner in Epcot Mexico. We asked how it was, they said it was nice, but nothing super special. They then asked how our place was, and I went on and on about how nice it was, our own pool, plasma TVs, etc, and they said "wow we should have stayed there!". I felt embarrassed to have to tell them the cost (under $1000/week). For that price...we've now taken 3-4 trips to Disney...they haven't been back (we keep in touch, turns out they live right near us at home!).

Hey, if you're rich though and you can afford to spend $$ like you've won the lotto, by all means, go book the high end suite at the Grand Floridian, I know I will when I win the Power Ball! LOL (and if anyone is kind enough to share with me please book me a room there! hehe)

- George

 

[utahkennedys]

For your first trip, I'd highly recommend staying on property. If you can swing it, stay at a Delux or a DVC property. WDW is a big, big, place and I think it's overwhelming for many first time visitors. Staying on site will offer you not only the "magic" feeling, but perks you can't get offsite like extra magic hours, WDW transportation, Magical Express, etc.

With a DVC property, you can have the best of both worlds -- large villas, Disney on-site experience and perks, a kitchen, a washer dryer, and first rate resorts with first rate pools. We used to be Poly people, but we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE DVC!

We stay off-site when we find amazing deals, but have made about 25 trips to WDW in our 33 years alive so we are comfortable having to drive to each park, get on a parking tram, and finally get to the park. It's a lot easier to take the WDW buses especially for newbies. Having said that, we still always rent a car to get groceries for our villa, eat off site if we want, etc.

You can rent DVC points from a DVC member, putting a 1BR villa at about $160/night Sun - Thurs. at Old Key West, no other taxes or fees. A steal to me...and no I don't have any points to rent because we use each and every last one!

 

[neonurse]

I have to agree with 5minutes2disney. Our first trip to WDW we stayed onsite at POFQ. 2 beds and a bath and a small bar fridge. The second part of our trip we were at a condo (sheraton vistana villages). It was so nice to have some space. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, kitchen, washer and drier. So nice not to come home with dirty laundry. Last year we stayed at Windsor hills resort condo (right across from the pool) 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, kitchen, washer and drier. Kitchen was only used for breakfast, making sandwiches etc because I am on vacation. We went out to eat everynight. We saved alot of money by packing lunch, snacks and drinks.It's nice to stay onsite...some will do it no other way. I didn't care for all the fast food and it was nice to get some down time from disney. To each there own. I don't think either one is a bad decision you just have to decide what you really value more price and space or staying in Disney. Our condo at Windsor hill cost $100 a night. Brand new. Gorgeous. Can't be beat. Good Luck.

 

[deejay-55]

You can get yourself a pool home with a spa plus plenty of rooms for the family at Windsor Hills. Assuming you have an automobile, you can get around WDW easily from WH, plus you are close to a huge choice of family restaurants.

 

[Mainebound]

Just a question for those of you who have stayed at both...We are planning our first vacation to WDW (myself, DH, and DD4) and really struggling on where to stay. Part of me wants to completely immerse at WDW and never leave the property while we're there. Another part of me wants that piece of home to come home to, to be able to put our daughter to bed in one room and relax with DH, and not worry about waking anyone anytime you need to use the bathroom or if you're an early riser. Problem is, not sure which one appeals to me more. Can anyone help who has done both and let me know why you chose one over the other?

In the last few years we have stayed at the Swan, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and at Universal, Hard Rock. I would consider all of those hotels on a par, all "deluxe" in Disney speak.

We also just returned from a stay at Windsor Hills.

Since it is your first trip, I personally would stay onsite. You can use your balcony after DD goes to sleep at a deluxe. Staying at a WDW deluxe is a "resort" vacation. It is not "do it yourself". You have Magical Express from the airport, you have good free transportation within WDW, you have top notch service at your fingertips 24/7, you have onsite restuarants, activities like water sports and trails, camps and activities for the kids. And you are immersed in Disney magic 24/7.

Staying offsite has been wonderful for us, too. In fact, that's our chosen mode now. We save a lot of money, we eat more healthfully, we relax more. And the accommodations are far superior (larger, cleaner, newer, better furnishings) than any WDW hotel we have stayed in.

But I won't deny it is a trade-off. We cannot satisfy 100% of our "wants" either onsite or offsite. My perfect vacation would be a pool home within WDW property limits, with WDW service (housekeeping, restaurants, concierge, transportation, great community pool) at a reasonable price. Since that is not going to happen, we have to choose. Happily, it is a choice between 2 kinds of wonderful Orlando vacation!

Notice I did not say that having to drive to the parks was a trade-off. It is not. With a few exceptions (ferry to MK from WL; walk to Epcot from Swan), we get to the the parks in better time from offsite, and unlike WDW buses, we do not have to worry about being able to sit down!

And don;t worry. You will have a great time no matter what. If you are on the DIS, I can guarantee this will not be your last WDW vacation. You can always try it a different way the next year!

 

[snowbunny]

I've stayed at Boardwalk Villas and the Contemporary, both deluxes, in the past couple of years. I agree with Mainebound, for your first trip, a deluxe on property is the most magical.

Boardwalk Villas (my parents own there) is gorgeous, you have the services of the Boardwalk Inn, you can walk right over to Epcot, and there are great restaurants right on the Boardwalk. If money is no object, that's where I would stay all the time.

However next trip we are renting a townhouse in Windsor Hills (George, I took the plunge ) because we are going to be there for a week, which is a long trip by my standards, my kids really do better if they can spread out (our convention is in CSR and I can't see 7 nights in a double room with them), and it's far less expensive even than renting points from a DVC member. (My folks have already used up their points for the year, huh )

 

[5mins2disney]

However next trip we are renting a townhouse in Windsor Hills (George, I took the plunge ) because we are going to be there for a week, which is a long trip by my standards, my kids really do better if they can spread out (our convention is in CSR and I can't see 7 nights in a double room with them), and it's far less expensive even than renting points from a DVC member. (My folks have already used up their points for the year, huh )

Congrats! I think you will just love it! Please do come back and post a review for us of the resort and the home you stayed in! Means a lot more when someone "independent" gives us their honest opinion and feedback. I'm willing to bet you won't be going back to a hotel room any time soon! hehe Especially with all of the $$ you save, when you realize you can come back for a 2nd whole trip to the Happiest Place on Earth!

 

[Brian Noble]

They're just apples and oranges. One is a full-service resort hotel. The other is a very nice private home you are renting.

If things like room service, daily maid service, etc. matter to you, go with the Disney resort. If you will resent having to lie quietly in your bed until your daughter falls asleep, go with Windsor Hills.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

We have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge. This time we are staying off site at a pool house. This was really for DH who is so looking forward to some actual relaxing down town in our own pool and hot tub. The more I think about it, the thought of having our own bedroom is much more romantic, our own kitchen will save money, and two bathrooms will help so much in the morning.

If you are uncomfortable driving around Disney on your own (nervous about getting lost...) then I would stay on site. My DH wants a rental car not matter what so driving is not an issue.

If you look forward to the thought of visiting and meeting other people around the pool that can still happen at a place like Windsor Hills. You would both have your privacy and be able to meet other folks.

For us private time is very important, time away from the crowds. At the Wilderness Lodge the only way we could do that was out on the balcony, or all crammed in the room together. I am really looking forward to having a whole pool area to relax in.

 

[snappy]

For your first trip, I'd highly recommend staying on property. If you can swing it, stay at a Delux or a DVC property. WDW is a big, big, place and I think it's overwhelming for many first time visitors. Staying on site will offer you not only the "magic" feeling, but perks you can't get offsite like extra magic hours, WDW transportation, Magical Express, etc.

With a DVC property, you can have the best of both worlds -- large villas, Disney on-site experience and perks, a kitchen, a washer dryer, and first rate resorts with first rate pools. We used to be Poly people, but we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE DVC!

We stay off-site when we find amazing deals, but have made about 25 trips to WDW in our 33 years alive so we are comfortable having to drive to each park, get on a parking tram, and finally get to the park. It's a lot easier to take the WDW buses especially for newbies. Having said that, we still always rent a car to get groceries for our villa, eat off site if we want, etc.

You can rent DVC points from a DVC member, putting a 1BR villa at about $160/night Sun - Thurs. at Old Key West, no other taxes or fees. A steal to me...and no I don't have any points to rent because we use each and every last one!

The $160 per night is assuming the DVC owner will rent them at $10 per point and for the months of January, September or the first half of December only.

The number of points increases other times of the year, during the summer, the reservation will require more points.

Also, the point requirement doubles for Friday and Saturday nights.

Just wanted to clarify.

 

[5mins2disney]

The $160 per night is assuming the DVC owner will rent them at $10 per point and for the months of January, September or the first half of December only.

The number of points increases other times of the year, during the summer, the reservation will require more points.

Also, the point requirement doubles for Friday and Saturday nights.

Just wanted to clarify.

You can get a condo or townhome in WHR for much less than $160/night...and it's a bigger, nicer home than DVC, just a point to consider. More amenities, nicer, newer, etc., and even your own pool, as well as the resort type pool/clubhouse setup. The only thing you might consider "missing" is a restaurant or bar in the resort, or daily maid service (not sure if DVC has these or not).

I had to laugh about one of the posts though that refers to Disney's bus transportation system as a "benefit" of staying onsite, waiting in lines for busses to show up is not our idea of "magical" at all, in fact, many people that stay on site will tell you they still drive to the parks (unless it's a monorail resort and park) since busses basically suck...lol.

 

[utahkennedys]

I had to laugh about one of the posts though that refers to Disney's bus transportation system as a "benefit" of staying onsite, waiting in lines for busses to show up is not our idea of "magical" at all, in fact, many people that stay on site will tell you they still drive to the parks (unless it's a monorail resort and park) since busses basically suck...lol.

I have to laugh than anyone would claim it is easier to stay offsite, further away, and then drive into a gigantic parking lot, WAIT for a parking lot tram, walk to the gate (unless you are going to MK in which case you will again WAIT for a boat or monorail) and finally get to the park. Sorry, but waiting a little for a bus at a deluxe or dvc then being dropped at the gate of each park is a bit quicker, not to mention you have started ON site, not off site, further away, at the get go.

Just a note to OP, remember the source of the info on these boards. Some people have financial interests to protect and will quickly jump on these boards to do so.

WH may be a great place to stay, but I think you would find that on-site for your first trip would be the easiest experience. We enjoy our off site trips as well, but it does add an element of "do it yourself" that takes away a bit of the overall experience for us. We stayed at HGVC Sea World in a gigantic 3-BR this last fall, and although it was pretty, had a great resort feel, lots of activities and tons and tons of space, each time we drove by the on-site properties we knew we were missing something....

 

[snappy]

The advantage I see to staying onsite for the bus/monorail/ferry or walking (as in from BWV or BCV to Epcot and MGM) access is that if you have a group such as we do of teens who are on a different schedule than the adults and younger children, you have the advantage of going separate ways wheras with offsite you either have to have more than one vehicle or use the limited transportation provided by some offsite locations.

My dream situation is to combine a 5 day DVC trip with an offsite stay (we are doing it this summer). I'll have to let you know how it turns out.

FWIW, I am glad that home/condo owners post here. I have gleaned a lot of info from them that has helped my offsite experience in the past. I also am glad that experienced DVC owners post on the DVC boards, same reason.

I disagree about some here having an agenda. Even if I am wrong, I still am grateful for the info provided here.

 

[Mainebound]

I have to laugh than anyone would claim it is easier to stay offsite, further away, and then drive into a gigantic parking lot, WAIT for a parking lot tram, walk to the gate (unless you are going to MK in which case you will again WAIT for a boat or monorail) and finally get to the park. Sorry, but waiting a little for a bus at a deluxe or dvc then being dropped at the gate of each park is a bit quicker, not to mention you have started ON site, not off site, further away, at the get go.

Just a note to OP, remember the source of the info on these boards. Some people have financial interests to protect and will quickly jump on these boards to do so.

Well, I don't have any financial interest and I can honestly say that I did not find it easier or faster to get to the parks from onsite than offsite, with the exception of direct monorail or ferry service from MK resorts, or walking to Epcot from Epcot resorts (the latter of which many won't do anyway because it is too far for them to walk).

And getting from resort to resort? Fuggedaboutit. No question having your own car saves time.

This is likely the reason so many seasoned DISers who always stay onsite actually drive themselves to the parks rather than use WDW transportation.

The two main advantages of onsite transportation are

a) it is free (we rent a car when offsite), and
b) it is easier for your party to split up if needed

And for first time visitors...
c) not getting lost

Also, anyone who assumes any offsite location is further from any onsite location should please look at a map. WH is closer to some WDW locations, such as AK and AKL, than are other areas on WDW property, such as the GF. Not just as the crow flies, but on actual roads.

 

[utahkennedys]

I agree that having a car no matter where you stay is great. We always rent a car, on or off-site, to get groceries, eat off site if we want, run errands, go to the outlets, etc. We also drive between resorts as the buses do stink for that purpose. However, we also enjoy at the deluxe resorts taking the boat to DTD (from OKW and SSR), and as you said, you can WALK to parks from BCV and BWV. But, there is absolutely no way that taking a car from an off-site location is quicker than taking a bus from an on-site hotel, unless the bus is having issues. Also, you then have to pay $10/day to park. When we stay off site this is a given, and I can almost handle it on the way into the park, but with tired kids at the end of the day, it is a lot nicer to hope on the bus/monorail/boat and get directly back to my resort than wait in long lines for a parking tram, get to the huge lot, find my unbearably hot car, pack everyone in, and drive to an off-site resort. The other issue with small kids is trying to get back to your resort for a rest or swim. This is a nightmare staying off site, and easier on site although still an inconvenience. When we stay off site, our kids fall asleep in the stroller, when we stay on site, we get back, take a nap, go for a quick swim, and can be back at the parks relatively quickly.

The OP asked about her FIRST trip. For ease, convenience, on-site benefits, etc. the Deluxes or DVC properties cannot be beat for a first experience.

 

[lissiesmum]

Wow, great responses (and seems there's a little debating as well!) What I find interesting is how everyone loves what they love, no matter what it is. You see people beam about the All Stars (which we have no interest in) and then others go on and on about camping at FW. Some people can't live without their deluxes and others wouldn't be caught dead on property. I value all your opinions (although now I am more confused!) We will be planning a ten to fourteen day trip, which, even in a deluxe room sounds a little cramped for that long. So, after reading, we are leaning towards renting a condo or house for a week, then spending four or five days at a deluxe. That way, we get the best of both worlds. I think we'd be happy offiste for two weeks in a place like Windsor Hills, but a part of me would always wonder if we missed out on the "magic" of your very first visit to WDW! Thanks again, and keep the posts coming if you'd like

 

[5mins2disney]

Our last trip down I forgot our park tickets at home in Windsor Hills. I left my family standing at the gates of Epcot. Including the time it took me to walk to the car...drive to WHR...we're talking door-door..it was exactly 7 minutes. (I ran a stopwatch just for grins). Now granted, I did catch the 2 traffic signals green on the way.

There's no way you can take a bus or monorail for that matter and be back at a hotel in 7 minutes, most of the time you'll be waiting a lot longer than that just to catch the thing, let alone transportation time!

Now granted, it depends on the park, MK is just a pain to get in an out of period, unless you're on a monorail resort.

But I promise you, I could leave ANY other WDW resort, and if 2 us of left at the same time, one to go stand in the bus lines, and me to go to my car and drive home, in 99% of the cases I would be there before you! DVC or not, WHR is actually closer than many WDW resort properties, the only exception being MK monorail resorts are closer to MK, and Epcot resorts are closer to MK. I'm willing to bet I could beat an AKL guest to AK, since they'll be waiting for the next bus to leave while we'll be pulling into the parking lot! LOL

Anyhow, good spirited debate, but I just don't feel that getting free bus service is worth all of the extra $$ you will shell out. The EMH...well...mayybe....but we're still staying in a nicer place for a lot less $$...bottom line!

 

[sympatico]

It all depends on where you stay off site whether you can get to Disney as quick as those that stay on site. If you're in the Formosa Gardens / Windsor Hills area you probably can. If you're further away then probably not.
Friends of ours were at ASMusic last year and we were in WH. We all met at Typhoon Lagoon for the day. At the end of the day we planned to go back to their room to visit so we left and went out to the parking lot the same time. They went to the bus stop area and we went to our car. We waited in the car for 15 - 20 min for them to catch the bus back to ASM. Some of them had to stand up on the bus. We could have driven back and forth 3 times while they were waiting. That's not my kind of magic.
I do agree if you have teens with you that it makes it easier for them to go their own way when you're staying on site. Also if you don't want to rent a car while you're there then onsite is the best for you.

 

[AllesonWonderland]

We just got back from our first trip to WDW and stayed at Windsor Hills. We loved it! I think we had plenty of 'magic.' (The kids asked umpteen times if we could just live there--LOL) For me, unless I found a big pile of cash somewhere, I couldn't justify staying in a smaller room for much more money. Even renting a car, paying for parking, etc. we came out way ahead staying offsite.

Good luck with your decision and enjoy your trip no matter what you choose! You're idea of splitting up your stay would give you a taste of each and maybe some insight on which you'll like better for the next trip down.