How is it to stay onsite disney?

[dms1709]

If you are going to Orlando to see "The Mouse" stay on site, it is convenient and for the most part Disney does a good job with their different accomodations. Even if you don't spend every day at the parks, the pools, grounds, golf courses are very nice and you will get the full Disney experience.

If you have a family the Disney Vacation Clubs are great. You can try to rent points from an owner if you don't own there.

If Disney is not your reason for going to Orlando, their are many other very nice places to stay.

Donna

 

[GoodWitch]

There have been many posts regarding preference for staying onsite/offsite for a Disney vacation but what do you all think about this? What about for the person who will spend just as much time offsite as at Disney?

To each his own, but what struck me the most about staying on site at Disney was the warmth, friendliness and homey atmosphere. We absolutley loved it! I really felt taken care of when my son left his Target pajamas on the top bunk and housekeeping took the time to mail them back to us. Even if I didn't go to the parks, I would stay there again in a minute.

We've been to AKV and Port Orleans - French Quarter.

 

[littlestar]

There have been many posts regarding preference for staying onsite/offsite for a Disney vacation but what do you all think about this? What about for the person who will spend just as much time offsite as at Disney?

If we're in Orlando to do other things besides the Disney parks, we like to try other resorts. We have especially liked the Marriott Vacation Club resorts that are close to Seaworld. We liked being close to the outlet mall and good restaurants. I've got a feeling I would enjoy the Hilton Vacation Club resorts, too.

As far as comfort, I think the Marriotts have a leg up on Disney because their beds are better and furnishings nicer. Also, if we want to kick back in the room at night and watch movies or our favorite shows, we can't when we stay onsite. Disney TV is pretty much Disney owned programming and nothing else (laughter). I guess they figure you'll be in the parks the whole time? The Disney Vacation Club resorts really shine when it comes to the theming, though. They are fun.

I think a first time visitor to Orlando that is going for the Disney parks would probably really enjoy the onsite experience. Especiailly if it's a once in a lifetime trip. But for frequent visitors like us (we vacation in Orlando usually about 4 times a year) I like trying out different resorts. We tend to mix our trips up - some are onsite and some aren't.

 

[bnoble]

Disney units are generally smaller (except for OKW), and generally less-well appointed than the better off-property units. For example, a 2BR in VWL has only two small tables with two chairs each, plus two chairs at a breakfast bar---no single place where the family can gather for a meal, and without moving furniture, more than four people can't even eat in the same room. The unit is rated for 8, but more than six wouldn't be very comfortable. Also, by their very nature, they are not well located to a stay that was heavy on Universal, Sea World, etc.

If I were not focusing on Disney parks, it would be no contest---I'd stay in one of the Marriotts, or Vistana Villages. Much more centrally located to "the rest" of Orlando, and units that are generally a tad nicer.

 

[littlestar]

If I were not focusing on Disney parks, it would be no contest---I'd stay in one of the Marriotts, or Vistana Villages. Much more centrally located to "the rest" of Orlando, and units that are generally a tad nicer.

Another thing, if you're exchanging in via II into a WDW DVC and don't plan to do the Disney parks and will be doing other things in Orlando, you'd have that extra $95.00 fee to Disney, too. I would want to use that $95.00 fee for other fun things in Orlando if it's not a Disney trip.