WDW- offsite vs DVC vs regular rooms

[zarapipe]

Help me, I'm clueless.

It looks like we want to go to WDW January 2017- over MLK weekend, into the next weekend. 5 or 6 nights. Staying in a standard room with 2 kids is vacation hell IMO. Maybe I'm wrong? How do people function with such little space and little kids? Especially when little kids go to bed early and the adults just want to hang out? We don't go on vacation very often and when we do we rent houses or do suite hotels, so I've never even tried to have us all stay in 1 room but people do it all the time...

So my options are renting off site- townhome:

So cheap, so so cheap. I could get a 2 or 3 bedroom townhome for $125 per night

SO much space.  kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc.

We would have to pay to park at parks- $17 per day I think?

We would have to drive to MK which sucks doing the bus, monorail, etc.

DVC-

I could do Boardwalk, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, AK- studios in either for anywhere between $125-$175 per night through Davids.

Larger than a standard room but they are still studios and no separate bedroom for the adults.

We could use the bus system, which I guess is a bonus? We would be driving down so we would still have are car and could drive if we wanted to.

Staying in standard rooms-

For some reason the website isn't letting me check prices past Dec 31, 2016. Stupid.

ETA- we would be driving and have our 2 girls- 6.5 and 2 years old.

[jeaniebueller]

Can you get a family suite at Art of Animation or one of the other resorts? Are you guys driving or flying to FL? Because then you would also have to factor in car rental (which when I priced it for Feb was like $600 per week) if you stay off property.

We shared a room with DS last vacation, which was tough for the reasons you mentioned. He is a good sleeper though and after he fell asleep we would turn the TV back on and hang out. That said, if we had brought DD (like you are bringing your toddler), it would have been really difficult.

[zarapipe]

@mrsbecky, the AOA suites look awesome but you are right about the price, it's way out of our budget.

@this, the parking isn't that bad except for MK I think. Do you have any tips for that or is just what it is? Park, bus to the monorail then monorail to the park.

[anaps28]

I have never stayed in the park but I am with you on wanting space.
The last time we went I was pregnant and we stayed at my in laws time share at the Marriott nearby. It was a 3 bedroom with 5 adults and 3 kids.
I'm following along for options Bc we want to go back and stay in the park this time.

[oliviapope]

Do the townhome. The bus system is horrific, and you will be more comfortable.

We have done so many of them, and really staying offsite is not a big deal. There are times when it is much nicer than on property depending on your needs and where you stay.

[arch01]

We are in the same boat. There's a Costco deal out right now for December-I can do 5 nights in a 2BR villa and park tickets for $1800. I'm seriously leaning toward off site since I'm not 100% sold on the benefits of staying on-site. It's also $900 cheaper than staying in a suite at AoA (which is a must since we need a kitchenette and separate rooms so we all get sleep) so that's a huge difference for us. We might only do Disney once-so I'm debating going "all out" (which still is at a budget resort) vs. just staying off site and saving a ton of money.

[zarapipe]

arch01, that's a pretty good deal! Do you have a link for that?

[marie3246]

Prior to DD we would always rent timeshares off or redweek direct from the owners. It was super cheap for a lot more space, but still had the resort feel with the pool and dining options. Check out wyndham bonnet creek, it is on disney property and has a nice pool area. They charge a lot to use their shuttles so you will still probably want to pay for parking and drive, but it is a nice option if you need more space. I have someone I have rented from several times so just pm me if you want her info.

[lishie]

We went a month ago, and I just booked at Boardwalk for a week a few days after MLK for next year. We had one day where we were able to swim our last trip, but one day was enough to make my boys happy.

I'd check out Wyndham Bonnet Creek. We went with my parents last February and had a 2 bedroom. It was a nice property inside the Disney gates, it was 5 minutes to Epcot and Hollywood Studios from the hotel. There's a lazy river, two nice pools and the rooms were nice. The price was reasonable.

[swarley]

We have always stayed on site prior to kids but are staying in a two bedroom at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek in April for 8 nights for $118/night including everything. It's $945 for the 8 nights. I think parking is $20/day at the parks so you would still come out ahead instead of renting DVC. We are evening renting a minivan and driving from Louisiana and it will still save is over $1000. I don't know how it's all going to work out but I can update you at the end of April.

Another option is the cabins at Fort Wilderness. I'm sure we will do that at some point when my kids are older.

[arch01]

Feb 22, 2016 9:01:35 GMT -5 zarapipe said:

arch01 , that's a pretty good deal! Do you have a link for that?

www.costcotravel.com/Vacation-Packages/Florida/Orlando/Offers/FLAMCOSVRVPGTS20140306

Thank @choco She sent it to me last week. Sheraton Vistana. You can add/remove flights and a car.

[swarley]

Oh, and I got my quote from Vacationstrategy.com and booked through them.

[thebreakfastclub]

@notquiteblushing and I both have stayed at the Sheraton Vistana villages complex and liked it.

Separate bedrooms, in suite laundry, kitchen for breakfast and snacks are all huge plusses imo, in addition to saving a ton of money.

Parking and getting to MK was fine. We walked right up.

[oliviapope]

Feb 22, 2016 8:57:27 GMT -5 arch01 said:

We are in the same boat. There's a Costco deal out right now for December-I can do 5 nights in a 2BR villa and park tickets for $1800. I'm seriously leaning toward off site since I'm not 100% sold on the benefits of staying on-site. It's also $900 cheaper than staying in a suite at AoA (which is a must since we need a kitchenette and separate rooms so we all get sleep) so that's a huge difference for us. We might only do Disney once-so I'm debating going "all out" (which still is at a budget resort) vs. just staying off site and saving a ton of money.

There are some great places off site that will give you a great experience. Since we live close we have stayed at several on and offsite resorts. Personally I prefer to stay onsite if we are doing MK and have access to monorails (or FW lodge with the boat).

If not, off site usually brings a money savings and nicer accommodations (and service). There are so many amazing resorts in the area.

We do simply enjoy the feel/theme/experience of perticular on property resorts so we will stay at them for a long weekend or something as a getaway.

Parking isn't a huge deal to us because (unless we stay at monorail/boat resort) we prefer to drive over taking the bus. Also, if we are at a monorail hotel we prefer to drive anyway if we are doing AK or HS. Parking to MK does add a minimum of 45 min on to your day (at least the beginning). However we have found that not to be a huge issue for us when we have had to do it (vs spending a min of $300 more/night) for that convenience.

[water*drop]

I agree with @this about parking at MK not being a big deal. We stayed onsite when we went, but we had our car and drove to the parks instead of taking the buses. It was easy.

[oliviapope]

Feb 22, 2016 9:11:16 GMT -5 water*drop said:

I agree with @this about parking at MK not being a big deal. We stayed onsite when we went, but we had our car and drove to the parks instead of taking the buses. It was easy.

Yep WDW is so big that staying "on site" is not like you are staying in the parking lot or anything. Depending on where you stay, the off site and on site can take the same amount of time to the gates.

[ribollita]

Feb 22, 2016 8:57:27 GMT -5 arch01 said:

We are in the same boat. There's a Costco deal out right now for December-I can do 5 nights in a 2BR villa and park tickets for $1800. I'm seriously leaning toward off site since I'm not 100% sold on the benefits of staying on-site. It's also $900 cheaper than staying in a suite at AoA (which is a must since we need a kitchenette and separate rooms so we all get sleep) so that's a huge difference for us. We might only do Disney once-so I'm debating going "all out" (which still is at a budget resort) vs. just staying off site and saving a ton of money.

If your son, who is the same age as mine IIRC, loooooves Lightning McQueen and you may only go this one time, I would definitely stay at AoA. It is a "budget" resort by Disney standards but IMO the only thing that really matters is that there is no waterslide or hot tub. Otherwise I do not care about the toiletries, etc., (and I have also stayed at deluxe and moderate WDW hotels).  We really loved our stay there.

[pbandj]

We stayed at a resort community just 2 miles (5-10 min drive) to WDW. It was called Windsor Hills. There is a pool and playground, fitness center, etc. They have townhomes, condos and regular homes in the complex. The homes have private pools too. Price was very reasonable and very easy to get to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. We had a 3 bedroom condo, and the kids room was decorated in Minnie/Mickey theme. They loved it!

I think this is the 3 bedroom condo we rented and it is ~$79/night for next January.

www.magicalvacationhomes.com/vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=66939

[arch01]

Feb 22, 2016 9:17:02 GMT -5 ribollita said:

Feb 22, 2016 8:57:27 GMT -5 arch01 said:

We are in the same boat. There's a Costco deal out right now for December-I can do 5 nights in a 2BR villa and park tickets for $1800. I'm seriously leaning toward off site since I'm not 100% sold on the benefits of staying on-site. It's also $900 cheaper than staying in a suite at AoA (which is a must since we need a kitchenette and separate rooms so we all get sleep) so that's a huge difference for us. We might only do Disney once-so I'm debating going "all out" (which still is at a budget resort) vs. just staying off site and saving a ton of money.

If your son, who is the same age as mine IIRC, loooooves Lightning McQueen and you may only go this one time, I would definitely stay at AoA. It is a "budget" resort by Disney standards but IMO the only thing that really matters is that there is no waterslide or hot tub. Otherwise I do not care about the toiletries, etc., (and I have also stayed at deluxe and moderate WDW hotels).  We really loved our stay there.

He'll be close to 5 when we go (so I think they're the same age)-he's not super in love with any character, but this is good to know. I'm sure he'd love it though. This is good information-thank you!! I'm hoping a free dining promo will pop up and this will make things a bit easier to decide. 

[ribollita]

Feb 22, 2016 8:39:56 GMT -5 zarapipe said:

Help me, I'm clueless.

It looks like we want to go to WDW January 2017- over MLK weekend, into the next weekend. 5 or 6 nights. Staying in a standard room with 2 kids is vacation hell IMO. Maybe I'm wrong? How do people function with such little space and little kids? Especially when little kids go to bed early and the adults just want to hang out? We don't go on vacation very often and when we do we rent houses or do suite hotels, so I've never even tried to have us all stay in 1 room but people do it all the time...

So my options are renting off site- townhome:

So cheap, so so cheap. I could get a 2 or 3 bedroom townhome for $125 per night

SO much space.  kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc.

We would have to pay to park at parks- $17 per day I think?

We would have to drive to MK which sucks doing the bus, monorail, etc.

DVC-

I could do Boardwalk, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, AK- studios in either for anywhere between $125-$175 per night through Davids.

Larger than a standard room but they are still studios and no separate bedroom for the adults.

We could use the bus system, which I guess is a bonus? We would be driving down so we would still have are car and could drive if we wanted to.

Staying in standard rooms-

For some reason the website isn't letting me check prices past Dec 31, 2016. Stupid.

ETA- we would be driving and have our 2 girls- 6.5 and 2 years old.

Given your description, in your case I would stay offsite. The standard value rooms are very small and have double beds. I would not stay in one with two kids if you are open to staying offsite.

I don't know about DVC Kidani and Boardwalk room sizes, they may be hard to get, and you cannot cancel/modify. OKW and Saratoga Springs are so ridiculously big - I have never stayed there but I have driven through them and don't think I would pick staying at one over staying offsite.

I prefer driving to all parks (except MK) even when we have the bus system.

[ribollita]

Feb 22, 2016 9:19:36 GMT -5 arch01 said:

Feb 22, 2016 9:17:02 GMT -5 ribollita said:

If your son, who is the same age as mine IIRC, loooooves Lightning McQueen and you may only go this one time, I would definitely stay at AoA. It is a "budget" resort by Disney standards but IMO the only thing that really matters is that there is no waterslide or hot tub. Otherwise I do not care about the toiletries, etc., (and I have also stayed at deluxe and moderate WDW hotels).  We really loved our stay there.

He'll be close to 5 when we go (so I think they're the same age)-he's not super in love with any character, but this is good to know. I'm sure he'd love it though. This is good information-thank you!! I'm hoping a free dining promo will pop up and this will make things a bit easier to decide. 

We took our son two times last year where we stayed offsite and he LOVED the trips. So it won't make or break it from his eyes. Logistically it is slightly easier in some ways to stay onsite, but having a huge place offsite is easier in other ways. So I wouldn't worry too much about whichever you choose (not that you are worrying).

[jeaniebueller]

A few years ago, we stayed at the Orange Lake Resort (owned by the holiday inn) and had a beautiful two bedroom/two bathroom condo. It was maybe a 15-20 minute drive to the parks, but we were right near a Publix and a million different restaurants. Driving to the parks is really NBD.

[curbsideprophet]

Feb 22, 2016 8:48:53 GMT -5 @this said:

I would want my own space after the kids went to bed so the townhome is appealing.

We park when we do day trips to MK and it's NBD. Especially when you get there first thing in the morning and all of the parking is still really close. I wouldn't necessarily count that as a con. The monorail is super easy. You could always park, take the monorail between MK/Epcot/HS, then back to the parking lot.

We stayed at Port Orleans in October and our experience with the bus system was honestly pretty crappy. We had to wait forever and the drives were long. (But I think in part because that resort is pretty far.)

So you don't think the theming of Port Orleans made the bus system worth it? Did you go to the pool? Would you ever stay there again?

I am trying to decide where we should stay for a short weekend trip in the fall. Do we sacrifice hotel theming for convenience to the MK? Not sure if we will go to any other parks (my guess would be AK if we do a second).

[zarapipe]

pbandj, Windsor Hills is the area I was really looking into seriously. I love that there is a playground in case the swimming doesn't work out bc of the weather. I'm glad you enjoyed it there. How large is it and how long of a walk is it to the playground, clubhouse, etc?

[Deleted]

I am a DVC owner so I am partial, but I am SO EXHAUSTED after the parks all day that I end up falling asleep right after DS anyways. Even when we have had a 2 bedroom I rarely used the living room when he wasn't awake. I did watch a show on my kindle with my headphones last trip, but really we were out ALL DAY and then swimming ( we swam 3 times the week of MLK day this year) and night time shows we were all EXHAUSTED and just flopped into bed.

At the Poly you can get a DVC room with 2 bathrooms and but the PnP in one if the toddler is the issue?

[Deleted]

Feb 22, 2016 9:35:36 GMT -5 @this said:

Feb 22, 2016 9:30:36 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

So you don't think the theming of Port Orleans made the bus system worth it? Did you go to the pool? Would you ever stay there again?

I am trying to decide where we should stay for a short weekend trip in the fall. Do we sacrifice hotel theming for convenience to the MK? Not sure if we will go to any other parks (my guess would be AK if we do a second).

NO. No. Eh.

I mean, it wasn't terrible. But the "theming" wasn't amazing or anything. (We did not go to the pool though.) The bus system was really, really, really bad and inconvenient though. We waited forever and should have just driven and parked.

(I'm in here talking about Disney like I know what I'm talking about lol. We really just go for day trips and have only stayed onsite that one time and for one night so I have no idea what the best answer is.)

I really like POR but I have had some bad bus experiences their too. At least once a trip and I have stayed there 3 times. I actually am not a HUGE fan of moderates for myself right now. They were great when it was just DH and I but now I really like either a Deluxe or Value. 

[jeaniebueller]

Feb 22, 2016 9:35:36 GMT -5 @this said:

Feb 22, 2016 9:30:36 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

So you don't think the theming of Port Orleans made the bus system worth it? Did you go to the pool? Would you ever stay there again?

I am trying to decide where we should stay for a short weekend trip in the fall. Do we sacrifice hotel theming for convenience to the MK? Not sure if we will go to any other parks (my guess would be AK if we do a second).

NO. No. Eh.

I mean, it wasn't terrible. But the "theming" wasn't amazing or anything. (We did not go to the pool though.) The bus system was really, really, really bad and inconvenient though. We waited forever and should have just driven and parked.

(I'm in here talking about Disney like I know what I'm talking about lol. We really just go for day trips and have only stayed onsite that one time and for one night so I have no idea what the best answer is.)

I am talking out of my ass too because I have only stayed at one Disney value resort, but I have been reading tripadvisor reports like crazy lately and many of them even for the deluxe resorts, have people that give meh reviews of the size of the rooms and beds and complaints about the transportation. So if I am going to have a small room anyway, I might as well stay somewhere cheaper.

[waterchurch]

We just got back from staying offsite for 5 days. We got a 2 bedroom condo for about $100 a night and it was awesome. Parking was $20 a day, and really wasn't that bad. You don't have to fold up the stroller on the monorail like you would for buses. It was great having a kitchen and living room we could hang out in, dd had her own bedroom and ds loved his bunk bed that was built into the hallway. We had our own bedroom and bathroom. It was so comfortable.

[oliviapope]

Feb 22, 2016 9:46:00 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

Feb 22, 2016 9:35:36 GMT -5 @this said:

NO. No. Eh.

I mean, it wasn't terrible. But the "theming" wasn't amazing or anything. (We did not go to the pool though.) The bus system was really, really, really bad and inconvenient though. We waited forever and should have just driven and parked.

(I'm in here talking about Disney like I know what I'm talking about lol. We really just go for day trips and have only stayed onsite that one time and for one night so I have no idea what the best answer is.)

I am talking out of my ass too because I have only stayed at one Disney value resort, but I have been reading tripadvisor reports like crazy lately and many of them even for the deluxe resorts, have people that give meh reviews of the size of the rooms and beds and complaints about the transportation. So if I am going to have a small room anyway, I might as well stay somewhere cheaper.

Yes this. I am not a hotel snob, but the money you pay for a Disney hotel does not equal quality or space. We have stayed at much nicer off site resorts for less money and more space/amenities.

[Deleted]

I am kinda Poly obsessed right now. I am planning a 2018 trip for H DS and future possible baby there. Everyone else wants Bay Lake Towers, but I MAKE THE RESSIES Muahahahahaaaa......