Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

We will hopefully be using IL's time share exchange for Disney in August, and if we can even get on property, it would be Boardwalk Villas or Wilderness Lodge Villas. What would be your preference with a 2-year-old? Staying on property at a non-monorail resort, and using the buses, or staying offsite and using a car? I know it can be a huge pain with a toddler and stroller and managing the buses. If we stay off property, I'm hoping to stay at the Sheraton Visitana or one of the Marriotts. Thanks!

Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

Wilderness Lodge, the boat is so convenient to the MK.

You get double or triple the space for so much less off site though. You get nicer pools, kitchens, laundry, etc. It's inconvenient IMO to drive to the MK. Having to park at the TTC, taking a tram, then taking the monorail or boat to the MK. The rest of the parks were okay though.

Re: Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

It really depends if you want to immerse yourself in Disney. Like are you planning on going to the parks everyday? Or are you going to do maybe 1-3 park days? I personally prefer staying off site.

Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

I prefer offsite but we don't do Disney everyday when we go

Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

If it's available - I would try to stay on property but, if not, the Vistanta Villages are great. We stay there since our time share is there. We went last year with a 2 3/4 year old and an infant and had no issues driving in each day (we went each morning and then came back and hung by the pool in the afternoon).

Re: Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

Only been once with the kids (4 and 2 yr old) and we stayed at a timeshare off property. I thought I would rather stay on, but I did love having a big timeshare. We bought a 6 day pass thinking we may not go all 6 days, but it gets cheaper the more you buy so figured why not. Well, we went every day and loved it. I loved the freedom of having a car. We had breakfast a few mornings at the timeshare (only once we had a character breakfast so ate there that day) then headed to the park. We also made snacks and lunch each day that we brought to the park. Usually pb and j sandwiches, chips, snacks, fruits, water, juice boxes, etc. A couple of times we ate at the park and then other times we got back to the timeshare and made dinner or ordered in pizza.

It was more convenient bc of the boy's ages to have the timeshare. Kitchen, separate bedrooms, etc. We would put the kids to sleep then have some wine, relax and watch a movie in the den.

Re: Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

The Boardwalk Villas and Wilderness Lodge Villas are great choices. Wilderness Lodge has boats back and forth to the Magic Kingdom that you can roll the strollers right on to. The Boardwalk has a walking path to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. With a 2 year old, I'm assuming you will spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge is great for access to MK.

Going to MK is more of a hassle with a car. You have to park in the lot and take a shuttle to either the ferry or monorail in order to get to and from the MK. It's the same parking situation for MK staying onsite or offsite.

Re: Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

Re: Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

I haven't gone to Disney yet with dd, but we have always stayed on Disney property and find it so easy. The buses drop you off at the entrances. If you drive,you will have to walk forever through the lot or take the little caterpillar trolley from car to the park, which I can't imagine being fun with a stroller.

The timeshares are great, and you can send a grocery list beforehand to have the place stocked for you. Just note that the studios only come with a tiny efficiency and no washer/dryer. The kitchenette and washer/dryer start at the 1-bedroom size.

Both hotel options are nice - just convenient to different parks! Boardwalk in nice bc it's on a boardwalk so it's nice to walk around at night - things to do at your doorstep. But with a 2 year old, not sure if you'd take advantage anyways!

Staying onsite vs. offsite at Disney

We decided to use my parents timeshare when we go in March and are staying offsite. My DD will be 2.5 at the time.
A. It was cheaper
B. We get a 2 bedroom unit with 2 bathrooms and a full kitchen

For us, it is just easier and more comfortable to have all of the room and be able to hang out after she goes to bed. The property is literally in the backyard of Animal Kingdom, we have stayed there before, and it was really nice.