Yeah... We're just offsite kinda' folks... (sorry, long rant)

[papertraveller]

We are doing our first off-site Disney visit in a week. It will be interesting to see how our experience varies from just walking to MK from BLT.

I suspect we'll do more shopping, and less park time. I also suspect we'll miss the end-of-day chats we have on the balcony overlooking Bay Lake. DD will definitely not appreciate the drive to get to the parks.

 

[shalom]

I also suspect we'll miss the end-of-day chats we have on the balcony overlooking Bay Lake.

Our last off-site place had a HUGE screened porch overlooking a lake, where you could watch Sea World's fireworks show, so that can be arranged. Also had paddle boats, canoes, fishing, and one of the pools had a zero-entry section with a bunch of different water play thingies (things you could stand under that dumped on you and whatever), then the next lobe over had two big slides. Only thing missing was a lazy river, but there are places with those, too.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I did offsite for years and it was horrible (for me - might be great for others). We stayed onsite once and I never went back to offsite. I especially like it now that I have my own children. My idea of a vacation is NO driving, NO cooking, NO laundry, and NO cleaning. We love staying onsite and not driving anywhere and both my husband and I can have a grey goose slushy at Epcot and not worry about driving. I also really like being immersed in the Disney atmosphere. I like the Disney hotel shops, Disney food (mickey waffles!), and all those touches.

I will agree though that I do not like the value resorts! I like the moderates and love the deluxe hotels. Certainly though if you want to get more square footage for your $ and that is your biggest concern, offsite is the way to go.

 

[conniehar90]

DD and I stayed at WL last summer. Previously, we have always stayed at Windsor Hills with DH and DS. Since it was just the two of us this time, we decided to try onsite. We will not go back. WL is a deluxe and while the lobby, pool, etc. is very nice, I found the rooms to be so-so. We had the same issues with noise as I am hearing about the values. You could hear everything from next door and up above - toilets flushing all night long. Even my DD9 said she liked WH better. With a family of 4, the issue is mostly the extra room, but even with just 2 of us, we preferred offsite. Nice, quiet and peaceful, more room and it doesn't take any longer to get to the parks.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

To the OP, have a great stay at WH. Merry Christmas.

 

[Cruz91]

...we're having a blast. It's cooler than I'd like, but MUCH warmer than home (Ohio). Plus, we still have another 10 full days in the parks (if we want), and we've already done at least a portion of the day in every park and done everyone's favorite ride (except mine - which is living with the lands, and is never busy).

Today we got up early and went to AK, got there around 8:15 for an 8 openning. Went straight to EE and got FP's for 9:00 (plus bonus FP's to flights of wonder show), plus rode standby with only a 10 minute wait. Hoofed it over to the Safari ride and were about 20 minutes early for our FP window. Got more dis-magic when the CM asked how many we needed and sent us packing with four more bonus safari FP's. Got to Dinosaur just as window was opening for FP's and got four FP's for that. So by 9:00 we had ridden EE, and had FP's in hand for EE, Flights of Wonder (yeah, not a huge deal), Kilimanjaro Safari, and Dinosaur. Now THAT'S some commando tourin'.

Rode all that, came home for naps, then took a nice dip in the townhome splash pool. Kids are showered and eating a snack before early bed and early rise for MK tomorrow!

 

[WheelCEO]

I've always been an onsite person, but recently started staying offsite. I will say though, atleast make a fair comparison. You are staying at the cheapest, lowest end hotel that disney has.. upgrade to a deluxe and then report back.

 

[Echo queen]

After 8 WDW trips I think I have it down for our family of 4

7 nights Bonnett Creek
4 night Beach Club free dining
Car rental for the entire stay

Maybe a 1 night stay at Universal for 2 days of front of the line??

Yeah I think I got it.

 

[floydfamily4]

I've always been an onsite person, but recently started staying offsite. I will say though, atleast make a fair comparison. You are staying at the cheapest, lowest end hotel that disney has.. upgrade to a deluxe and then report back.

I'm not sure I understand I thought a fair comparison was $ for $. I could never afford a 2 or 3 bdroom villa on the disney property but if I can get a fairly similar (space at least) experience for the same $$ as a value - isn't that a fair comparison? Not looking for a fight - I just don't understand what you mean

 

[TotoToo]

I'm not sure I understand I thought a fair comparison was $ for $. I could never afford a 2 or 3 bdroom villa on the disney property but if I can get a fairly similar (space at least) experience for the same $$ as a value - isn't that a fair comparison? Not looking for a fight - I just don't understand what you mean

Even if you get a much more expensive, larger (for them) Disney unit they are hardly ever (there are one or two older exceptions) even as large or well equipped as off site units. Add in the items like lack of a real television channel selection (10 Disney channels?!?!? Who needs THAT?), smaller rooms overall, often apartment type rather than full sized appliances all for more money - the value just isn't there. Deluxe or not off site usually wins for value.

 

[shalom]

You are staying at the cheapest, lowest end hotel that disney has.. upgrade to a deluxe and then report back.

I know plenty of people who've stayed deluxe and DVC who far prefer a condo or house offsite, and even more who've stayed DVC and offsite who prefer offsite. One of them says, "Everyone should stay onsite once -- to know why it isn't worth the bother."

If onsite is what you want, then onsite is what you want -- but for a lot of people, offsite is the way to go. Just going on the advertised square feet, I know I'll never stay onsite unless it's just hubby and I and maybe one kid. Even deluxe, it's just not enough space for me. And, in terms of size and amenities, most of the DVC units are on par with the average ocean front condo elsewhere. Everywhere else I've looked into in Orlando, I can get more space and more amenities.

It's not about which is "best"; it's about which offers more of what you want. For some people, that's onsite. For some, it's not. For some, it varies, depending on what they're doing on their vacation. Personally, I don't like staying in a hotel room, so it wouldn't be fair for me to compare deluxe rooms to offsite condos because Disney would lose.

 

[Brian Noble]

I will say though, atleast make a fair comparison. You are staying at the cheapest, lowest end hotel that disney has.. upgrade to a deluxe and then report back.

Well, there are two ways to compare fairly. You can compare dollars-to-dollars, or apples-to-apples. In the first case, the Disney room will have much less "muchness". In the second, the Disney room will cost a lot more. OP gave the dollars-to-dollars comparison.

Here is the apples-to-apples one. I've got a stay in a 1BR BWV villa coming up in late February/early March. That's a *great* location, walking distance to Epcot and Studios. The villa is 712 sq. ft., has a full kitchen, a stackable washer/dryer, and a master bath with a whirlpool tub. The dining "table" leaves a little to be desired, as you can only fit two, or maybe three people around it. A king bed, with a queen pullout. The passholder rate on that room for my week is $2,467. That's pretty good, actually---better than the $2700 it would take to rent from an owner there. (CRO reservations are for Preferred Pool/Garden views.)

In contrast, I could rent the same thing at Bonnet Creek. The 1BR here is larger (902 sq. ft.) with a real dining room table, but otherwise is similarly furnished---full kitchen, washer/dryer, whirlpool bath, etc. The location isn't quite as good as BWV, but it is very nice. The resort is next to CBR, and just south of Buena Vista Dr. from Epcot. And, of course, it "isn't Disney". There is a shuttle, but not as convenient, and so on. The 1BR isn't available conventionally---Expedia is sold out on a couple of my nights. But, I could have easily rented that reservation from an owner for about $855, or a little more than 1/3 the cost of the unit at BWV. The extra $1600 and change pays for a lot of mickeybars. True, the BWV experience is "more Disney", and the location can't be beat. The question is: is the "Disney magic" and the location worth $1600?

For some it is. For others it isn't.

 

[spiceycat]

Brian if you really feel that way - why stay at Disney at all. You love offsite - use your exchange for offsite instead onsite. If that is how you feel.

Some of us like to WALK to the parks. So onsite is important. Othertimes don't mind driving so offsite works, too.

now the TV thing can be annoying - Disney wants you, not in your rooms, but in the parks, resorts or DD. You will be SPENDING money. Not enjoying yourself in your room. that say they are missing opportunites - if they had better TV so people would order more room service (expensive). but they would rather have you in the parks (they hope) than in your room.

so not expecting Disney to change their TV anytime soon. Hey at least they did add a few channels - before it was Disney period. Not even channels that Disney owned - just WDW disney period.

 

[Brian Noble]

if you really feel that way - why stay at Disney at all

Perhaps you should read my post again. I clearly say that the BWV unit has a superior location, and that it also carries extra perks. The question isn't whether or not those are good things. Clearly they are. And, if the cost were the same, most people would probably choose the BWV 1BR over the Bonnet Creek 1BR. I certainly would.

But, the cost isn't the same for most people. So, the question is: how much are the location and perks worth to you? And, for different people, the answer will be different. For some people, it's worth $1600. For other people, it isn't. But, that's essentially the difference in cost for almost everyone---even for most DVC owners, once you account for opportunity cost and amortization on the purchase price of the contract.

For me, yes, I would (and do) pay a little more to stay onsite vs. otherwise equivalent offsite units, provided there is availability through the channel I use. But, my extra cost is pretty modest. If I were faced with the prices most people see, I'd almost never stay onsite except for maybe a solo or couples trip, where the space isn't a big deal. Then I could swing a regular hotel room (maybe one of the Moderates with Q bedding) and at that point the costs are more comparable.

The essential trade-offs you have to make visiting Disney are: being onsite, keeping the costs modest, and having space to spread out. Pick two. It's very very difficult to accomplish all three.

 

[shalom]

The essential trade-offs you have to make visiting Disney are: being onsite, keeping the costs modest, and having space to spread out. Pick two. It's very very difficult to accomplish all three.

For us, there's also, "What can you do at the resort?" We are never going to be commando -- we go early, but most afternoons, we'd be at the resort. Even if BWV and Bonnet Creek were the same price, the lazy rivers at Bonnet Creek would send us there instead of BWV.

 

[quagmire0]

The onsite/offsite debate really all depends on your personal situation:

1. Do you have kids and are they older or younger? If you don't have kids, or your kids are older, you can tend to 'make do' and accommodations don't mean as much. I think offsite offers a big bonus especially to those with young kids who still nap (or attempt to) and who get gassed quickly. In our case, we decided on offsite because for the same price (or a little cheaper) as the value resorts we can get a 3 bedroom condo, rental car, and parking. This means that my wife and I don't have to share one room with a 4yo and an 18mo. We all get our own room to sleep in, which is a HUGE plus. Mom and Dad can also step out onto the balcony during naptime or bedtime and just hang out - as opposed to splitting up or going to bed early.

2. Do you have expendable income? If so, you can upgrade your resort and realize some of the creature comforts of offsite condos/houses while staying on Disney property.

3. Can you only consider yourself on vacation if you are doing absolutely nothing even remotely related to 'work' (i.e. not driving and not cooking a meal here or there)? If so, yeah, onsite is for you.

Otherwise, if 1,2, and 3 don't apply to you there's no question that offsite is the way to go. You'll save money, get a place with tons of room to spread out, be able to escape the 'madness' on Disney property if need be, and you'll be able to save money by either eating outside the parks and/or cooking at your condo/house. I don't think there is really any 'magic' lost by not staying onsite. From all the reviews I have seen, the Disney transportation systems can be a blessing or a curse at any given moment on any given day.

 

[Brian Noble]

We are never going to be commando -- we go early, but most afternoons, we'd be at the resort. Even if BWV and Bonnet Creek were the same price, the lazy rivers at Bonnet Creek would send us there instead of BWV.

Really? I mean, I enjoyed the lazy rivers at BC, but they weren't all that. To me, a good location makes it even easier *not* to go commando, because it is easier to take that mid-day break. To be fair, it's not exactly hard to do that at Bonnet, but from EP or DS, it's easier at BWV.

For a few more comparisons: if the price were the same (and, for us, it's pretty close to that), we also give VWL the edge over Bonnet. The setting on the lake is just stunning, and the boat to MK is fun. OKW and Bonnet a toss-up. The Bonnet amenities are nicer, and you are never far from them. On the other hand, we also like the peaceful atmosphere of OKW, and the boat to DTD is pretty nice too.

Between SSR and Bonnet? With the kids, I'd take Bonnet every time. SSR is the one resort I don't even include in my exchange requests when I'm traveling with the whole family. For an adult-only trip, closer to a toss-up, given the proximity to DTD.

 

[torinsmom]

We took a mid-day break every day when we stayed at Emerald Island last summer. I bet it took us less time to get back to our condo from every park except MK than it would have to get back to a resort using the Disney buses. And we were in our car with the A/C cranked and listening to our favorite music instead of waiting for a bus and then being crammed in like sardines smelling all the other guests, LOL. That sure was worth the $14 parking fee to me. Our 3 bedroom condo cost us 1/2 of what a Disney value would have cost for the week, and it sure was nice to spread out and not be tripping over each other. And did I mention three bathrooms and no waiting?

Thank goodness everyone does not want to stay offsite though, or the rates would go up!

 

[In-need-of-vacation]

I love doing offsite, we were going to do onsite this year but the hotel we wanted didnt have room for the times we would be down there and really we saved a lot of money and we got a fridge and microwave in our room which was the only amenity I really wanted and none of the value resorts at Disney offered.

We had a blast last time staying offsite even if the hotel wasn't super duper great and really, besides the small bathroom in the hotel room and the fact that it had outside doors (this makes my mom nervous, it didnt really bother me) it was a pretty good place to stay. It didn't even really matter because we werent there for the hotel and it was just a place to sleep or hang out when we were to exhausted from doing things to move.

This time we saved so much money by doing offsite, it was $1001.00 for the 2 of us that are going this time for 7 nights in the room, round trip airfair and 3 days in orlando, we had to add another $300 and chage for 2 days of Disney tickets and we plan on super market shopping for most of our meals, thus the need for a fridge and microwave... but really just under $1400.00 got us down there with a place to stay and park tickets for a weeks vacation I think is very good. Now we have way more pocket cash to spend on food and other things while down there, having saved so much.

I think we have as much fun if not way more fun then those who spend 3 times as much on their vacation package.

 

[Pembo]

We've done onsite for 10 trips and did offsite for the first time this summer. For us, a family of 5, the 3 br and 4 tv's were wonderful. I loved having lots of space to spread out and a full kitchen. I didn't cook alot but it was nice to have food RIGHT there as opposed to having to hoof it to the food court. We've stayed at POR, ASMo, SSR, and Ft Wilderness Cabins. I prefer WH!!!

We found it to be faster to drive to all the parks, even MK with the trams and boat. I don't know if we'll ever stay on site again...unless someone else is paying or it's a short trip and we don't get a rental car. I didn't miss the buses, the crowds, or all the in-your-face merchandising. I NEVER thought I would say that!!!