Staying off site, just an observation About This Page:

[mmckennie]

My family in its various forms has stayed both on and off site over the years. In 1993 my kiddles and I stayed at the old Dixie Landings. My DH & I honeymooned at the Contemporary in 1994. We celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary at AKL in 2003. I can honestly say we enjoyed every minute of our stays on site. Having said that, we have stayed off site twice (Vistana in 1999 and Westgate Town Center in 2003) and we are staying at the WorldMark on International Drive this Spring. We have had our time share for several years and it enables us to enjoy Disney at times when we would otherwise not be able to afford to go. Having in room laundry is a big help and when we are traveling with family, it helps to have a bigger area to spread out in. My 85 year old father is coming with us this year. He has an ostomy and is very sensitive about it. having his own room and bath is a big help to him. While we really enjoy Disney propertys, just getting to go is a big deal to us and using our time share points is a huge bonus. Mary Lou

[Huntermom]

I've stayed on site and off (and split trips) and I agree with you. When all five of us travel together and for longer stays, I prefer a villa rather than two rooms-we need 4 beds. We love the room and for longer stays it's great not to have to eat out all the time. I feel we can have healthier, although simple meals in the villa. We keep a fridge full of fruit, vegetables and water. My boys also enjoy a game of golf so that's a plus for us. Neither of the boys or my husband are huge Disney fans and they are fine with a half day at the parks at most. They really like to get away from the parks and enjoys a more laid back, natural environment.

When it's just my daughter and me for a short trip, we stay on site. She loves to be in the parks. We enjoy the convenience of being on site and all restaurant meals for four or five days isn't too bad. I'm glad they have refrigerators on site without charge now, as I really like being able to just grab a drink or a piece of fruit.

I think both have advantages and disadvantages. What I find frustrating it those who cannot accept that for some people one or the other is better. There really is no right or wrong.

Diane

[JoanW]

I've stayed both onsite and offsite. I have to say I love onsite. However, I cannot afford to pay for seven of us to stay onsite for a week. I could not justify the price even for Value resorts (I would need three rooms), spent money to get an AP so I can try to get an AP rate, fly down, eat all meals in the parks, and get park tickets. I was comparing 3 value rooms for seven nights, with an AP rate of over $1300, if I can get an AP rate in June. I rented a home with a pool and four bedrooms for only $700. That allows me more money for specialty meals and maybe a Richard Petty Experience for the guys.

Now, if it's just three or four of us, hands down, we are staying on site.

My kids will just have to get good educations so they can get good jobs so they can pay to stay onsite with all their friends!

[minemoz1]

I have stayed onsite for years. I loved it and wouldn't dream of staying off. I've always recommended onsite if you could afford it. However, I am now very fortunate that my DB purchased a 4 BR villa near Disney and I stay for free . We love the extra space as we take our niece and nephew often. They each get their own bedroom and TV/GameCube (which they don't have at home). We get our privacy, own bathroom and the pool/spa is just outside the door. We save lots of $$ on food as we eat breakfast and either lunch or dinner at home or offsite. We don't have to deal with traffic as we are not around 192. It's usually a 10-20 minute drive to any of the parks (and we don't have to wait for a bus ) I feel it's a more relaxing vacation.

[Joy J]

I guess the decision about whether to stay on or off site is a very individual thing. Our first two trips to WDW were spent offsite but once we tried staying on site, the difference was so remarkable for us that I just couldn't go back to staying off site again. Nothing can really beat the sensation of being surrounded by the magic 24/7. We do like the convenience of being able to prepare some of our own meals though as this can be a huge money saver. By staying at one of the villas at OKW, BC, BW or WL or at one of the Fort Wilderness cabins, you can get the benefit of both worlds - Disney magic plus more room and the ability to cook your own meals whenever you want to.

Joy