Ok.. have a Disney question

Ok, so the plane tickets are already purchased for Feb. 5 - Feb. 11. Me, DH, DD (9) and DS (2.5)

We went last year and rented a home in Davenport. It was ok.. a few issues with the house, but they were fixed right away. We always rent a car, but now we are torn on whether to stay in the park or rent out again. The prices seem so much better to rent out, but now where?

Any advice would be great!!!

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

When we vacation at Disney, I want to be in my Disney bubble. We don't venture off-site, we don't watch the news, and though I'm often working, it's DISNEY all the time.

To me, that's a vacation so my vote is to stay on-site.

Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

I don't like going to Disney and not staying on site. We don't like to rent a car - I actually look forward to a vacation from driving. I like the convenience of being able to take a break from the parks and hang out by the resort and yet still be in Disney.

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

My vote is on site. I have looked into staying nearby vs onsite (not really interested in a house we did that once with another family and it was not a good experience). My personal take. I like the benefits of being on site. - You get free transportation if you need it. If you rent a car you get free parking at the parks. You get the Extra magic hours which can be helpful. Not so important but package delivery is nice if you shop in the park. The ability to quickly go back to your hotel for a break mid day if needed or wanted is a huge plus.

When you stay off site you might save some money - but you lose time in traveling to the parks, you have to pay to park every day, you lose that extra hour in the morning or 3 hours in the evening.

Not sure I don't have my calendar with me - but is that February break what you are going? If so it could be crowded and you might lose valuable park time commuting. Also winter the parks aren't open as late as they are peak times so you also have less time in the parks to begin with.

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

Thanks for the responses.. the time we are is the week before any breaks start..thank god.. we did that one year, but never again. We are going to rent a car regardless, because there is a Joe's crab shack local, that my DH must go to...lol. It just gets so hard to choose when you can get a regular no frills room for the same price as a whole house!! I love staying on site, but just not sure if I can justify the cost.

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

I love staying onsite also, but we have rented houses several times from All Star Vacation Homes and had great experiences. I think it really just depends on your budget and how much time you want to spend in the parks.

Some things I really like about the house are being able to save money on food by cooking, and having our own private pool.

Things I like about onsite are free transportation and extra magic hours.

Definitely pros and cons to both...

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

I love On-site. Have you looked into renting DVC points?

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

Yeah, we spent about $600 for a week at a Value resort on the AP Discount. A full house sounds amazing. Another thing to look into re: DVC points is that I've heard sometimes if you book within 5 months, or 3 months you ca buy distressed points that are about to expire for as low as $6pp. I think the main renting site has a "deals" section.

I just joined DVC so I am reading up on everything right now

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

I have a timeshare 6 miles outside of Disney if you want to rent it. It is a one bedroom , but you can upgrade if you need bigger. They have lots of amenities on the resort grounds and transportation to the parks if you dont want to drive.

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

We have been about 12 times in the past 10 years and never stayed off site until Thanksgiving week. Was always turned off to the idea. Would do it again in a heartbeat! We stayed at a Residence Inn (free with points, which is why we stayed offsite). It was two minutes from the DTD area gates. Had an awesome, very spacious suite with a separate kids sleeping area. Free internet, free breakfast buffet, complete with Mickey Waffles, manager's reception with food in the evening. There was a shuttle, but we had a car.

Worked out very well, and was more enjoyable than dealing with rude people on the crowded busses. Manners seem to fall to the wayside on those buses

Only drawback was losing out on EMH, but didn't really bother us at all.

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

Thanks everyone... we ended up not only deciding to stay on site, but also became Disney Vacation Club Members!! I still cannot believe it. Our home site is Old Key West. I personally have never stayed at any on site hotels other than the All Stars, so I am extremely excited!!!

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question

Re: Ok.. have a Disney question