WL vs off-property suite

[wendra]

I'm planning on staying at the WL because it is close to the MK. We'll be going back to the resort for naps everyday. DS is 4 yrs and DD will be 18 mos. I'm worried the WL room will be too small (esp at naptime and bedtime) so I'm considering an off-property suite like the Sheraton Safari Resort and renting a car. It's 1/4 mile from the MK.
Anyone have experience coming and going at an off-property resort? Or recommend a suite hotel? WL suite is too $$. Is it crazy to stay off-property?
Thanks!
Wendy

 

[safetymom]

Welcome to the DIS. You will get lots of help here. If you would like info on the off property resorts I suggest looking at the Orlando hotels board here on the DIS.

 

[stavidt]

Hi-

Here is my two cents. We went in May of 2006 and stayed at the Villas at the WL. I think this is the best way to go with little ones. My kids were 2 and 1 yrs old. We rented a villa through a DVC member and it helped keep the cost down. This way we had a kitchen area, sitting room with a seperate t.v. and then a bedroom. My husband and I could relax while the kids were asleep and didn't have to sit in complete darkness and whisper for fear we would wake one of them up. The kitchen area with a fridge was a big help for the milk we had to keep buying downstairs for my kids. Oh...did I mention it also had a balcony which my husband and I could enjoy a glass of wine on every night....again...if any left over wine was left it could go in our fridge.

Other big plus...when you take the boat to the mk the stroller does not have to collapse! So....if you are lucky enough to get them to fall asleep while at the parks you can just stroll on board without carrying them. To me...this was just dreamy.

Good luck...p.s. you may want to split your stay b/c a Fri and Sat night can be kinda pricy so what we did is we stayed at a moderate Friday and Saturday and then moved to the vwl for Sunday-Thurs. It is no big deal. The cast managers do everything for you and you don't even have to bother with the luggage.

 

[eliza61]

I'm planning on staying at the WL because it is close to the MK. We'll be going back to the resort for naps everyday. DS is 4 yrs and DD will be 18 mos. I'm worried the WL room will be too small (esp at naptime and bedtime) so I'm considering an off-property suite like the Sheraton Safari Resort and renting a car. It's 1/4 mile from the MK.
Anyone have experience coming and going at an off-property resort? Or recommend a suite hotel? WL suite is too $$. Is it crazy to stay off-property?
Thanks!
Wendy

Welcome to the Dis, Wendy.
No, it's not crazy to stay off-site. Do what is comfortable for your family.
We stayed on site when the kiddies were small because we didn't want to load up the car with the kids and strollers, head back to the resort and then do it again to return to the parks after a nap. It was just a lot easier to stay onsite. We like WL but it is smaller than a suite, so you will definitely get a larger room for less money off site.
FYI, just another plug for on site. Remember you will have access to EMH's when you stay onsite.