Originally Posted By Mr X We hear so often from both sides on this issue, and I can certainly understand the appeal of "staying in the magic", although that does depend on the quality of the resort and, of course, the price. The negatives have been rehashed a million times, rising costs, lowered standards, the bus nightmares, etc...so here's a hypothetical question for the folks who insist on staying "on property" no matter what. Naturally, it will REMAIN hypothetical since I'm sure Disney will never do this BUT, imagine if you will Disney decides to build a resort entirely off the grid, say 15 miles away but in an attractive location, near enough to plenty of local restaurants and shops that you can stroll to them from your room (er, let's make it an "all-suite" resort while we're at it!), but certainly not in the middle of International Drive or anything tacky like that. A fantastic location, easy access to any of your hotel room wants or needs, AND (here's the kicker) it's the most incredible Disney resort anywhere on Earth...I mean, LOADS better than the Grand Californian or the Mira Costa or certainly anything Disney has to offer in Central Florida. The ONLY drawback is that it is NOT on Disney property, and aside from the resort itself if you step out you are definitely NOT in Disney at all (so the local offerings are pretty much the same as any other off property option). There is a shuttle bus service to the parks, just like any other off property location would have, or you could rent a car. AND, the price is 70% cheaper than any of the luxury resorts (with easy to find discounts, you can stay there cheaper than you could stay at the All-Stars easily enough). The question is...would you stay there? Or would you insist that you *must* be "on-property" no matter the appeal of this new and fantastic Disney resort hotel just minutes away from DisneyWorld proper. Oh, and just for you RoadTrip, new and fantastic state-of-the-art DVC units are available, and at a significant discount (points off, or whatever else you DVC folks consider discounting ). So, would you go for it or not?
Originally Posted By wahooskipper If there was an excellent Disney resort off property I would try it out. I'm not in the "must stay on property" crowd since I live in Florida and I visit regularly. If I only came down one a year or two then I might be more inclined to stay on property if I could afford a monorail resort and could get a suite. The room set up is almost more important to me these days. There are some very nice "suite" properties within a reasonable drive of WDW. (I highly recommend Lake Eve Resort on the "quiet" segment of I-Drive between Disney and Sea World.) I really do enjoy having the extra room and some space away from the kids after a long day of vacationing.
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt We always stay on prop. I spend my time at The Parks, not the room. So I would have no interest in staying at this Resort. Nice thought tho.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo see, but this is the interesting thing at WDW. Nothing is really convenient. In many ways it is too spread out. The Poly or Boardwalk are probably the closest you would get to convenient, and even then, it is convenient to less than 50% of the offerings. I think this is why if I have to do the Disney on site thing, then the DLH in Paris, or the Grand Californian or maybe the Miracosta (haven't been yet) would win, as they are very convenient. However, my off site villa at DLP (though it is on the golf course), is still closer to the parks than some of the MK resorts are to their parks at WDW.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***We always stay on prop. I spend my time at The Parks, not the room. So I would have no interest in staying at this Resort. Nice thought tho*** First of all, THANK YOU for your kind reply! This is the kind of thing I was hoping to fire up on this thread, discussing the pros and cons and the like. But before I can really comment on what you said, may I ask WHICH type of hotels you stay at? Not the particular resorts, but at least economy, or moderate, or deluxe (if you don't mind my asking)? The answer to that has a lot to do with my thoughts on the matter. It'd be great if you could share that info, but if not, I understand (it's a very personal question, I know that!). On a broader note, I can DEFINITELY understand people who want to stay within direct access to the parks...as far as that is concerned the Epcot resort area is pretty awesome in that you can stroll to Epcot, take a boat to MGM, and ride the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom (via Epcot), all without ever setting foot on an urban bus...only Animal Kingdom is slightly inconvenient. And for those planning to spend most of their time at the Magic Kingdom, a deluxe monorail resort will suffice, with easy access to Epcot as well. It's more the *other* resorts that sort of pertain to this hypothetical in a big way.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***or maybe the Miracosta (haven't been yet)*** Well, that's obviously in one of the parks so, SCORE! The new Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is located right at the entrance and includes a dedicated walkway to the park (that is a MUST if you want to get in quickly, all other access is slow as molasses in comparison, which gives a hotel guest a good 5-10 minute head start on the rest of the crowds at park opening...nothing to sneeze at on busy days!). Depending on your priorities, both resorts are right at the mouth of the parks, so there's really not much difference between the two (TDH gets the nod, since TDL is always so much busier). But I digress...this is a DisneyWorld topic and I should stick to it!
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer I could care less about my hotel room as long as it's cheap, clean and in a good location.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I used to feel that way (ish), but having pretty much lived in hotels for the last 15 years, I want my accommodation on vacation to be something special, with knock out service.
Originally Posted By Mr X This is off-topic but, what kind of service are you talking about when you say "knock out service", Dave? Do you mean room service, or maid service, or concierge stuff? I'm only asking because, aren't business hotels in general better for that sort of stuff than resort hotels? What exactly are you looking for, I guess is the broader question (and I guess that's NOT really off topic at all, since I would expect the hypothetical off property resort to offer stuff no on-property resort could manage...so by all means please go ahead Dave! ).
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer ^ Well, there are certain amenities that I want... WiFi... a shop... a restaurant/buffet for breakfast... But seeing as I don't vacation TOO often.. (every 6 months?) I honestly am just happy to be away and in a new/ slightly more luxurious location. LOL. I have simple tastes, honestly.
Originally Posted By Mr X I'm reminded of SuperDry explaining once what made a Four Seasons hotel different from a "regular" classy place, and he outlined a LOT of stuff but for the most part it was stuff that most folks don't really think much about, like a wide selection of pillows and linens (a nice touch, to be sure), or being able to check in anonymously (for celebrities), or security details (also mostly for celebrities). I think at some point "the best possible" is reached, and then it's only a matter of details. But I'll shut up and wait for Dave.
Originally Posted By Mr X No prob E.E., and I join you in the "simple tastes" club, but then again I haven't been stuck in hotel rooms on business for tons of time like Dave and others' have, so I can dig his desire for something "more special". I remain curious as to what makes special, 'special', though, curious in the most sincerest way possible!
Originally Posted By MousDad Proximity is important and shouldn't be underestimated. I prefer not throwing money down the toil...er, I mean staying off property, but I also prefer staying close. (If I'm doing multiple days at Disney.)
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt <<***We always stay on prop. I spend my time at The Parks, not the room. So I would have no interest in staying at this Resort. Nice thought tho*** First of all, THANK YOU for your kind reply! This is the kind of thing I was hoping to fire up on this thread, discussing the pros and cons and the like. But before I can really comment on what you said, may I ask WHICH type of hotels you stay at? Not the particular resorts, but at least economy, or moderate, or deluxe (if you don't mind my asking)?>> You're Welcome!DH likes The WL.. he's paying... I MUST have my boat ride to MK so WL is fine with me! The kids love the pool, he needs a hot tub & the quick service rest. was good enough...
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Here are the things I love on vacation, and Disney used to offer them (some to a degree). Valet Parking (some WDW resorts still offer, not many - no longer at DLP). Bell Services (again they do have them at Disney in some places, though in the Hotel New York, you have to take your own bags to the car). Doorman or automated doors Personalised greeting at check in with a minimal wait. Perhaps a complimentary welcome drink (this happens at some Marriotts and lots of proper resorts). Spa bath or soaking tub and power shower. Shaving mirror and good back lighting Lighting in the room that allows it to be as dim or bright as you like. A/c you can have at the level you want it. Robes and slippers in room so I do not need to carry them. Shoe cleaning when left outside the door. A clean and comfortable room (I have not had one of these with the mouse except the Grand Californian, and even then, small features). Room offering little unexpected treats - toys for the kids, drinks, cookies, good towels and linnens, personalised entertainment system, turn down (stopped in many disney hotels). Short queues or waits on the phone if there is an issue or query - so better staffing capacity. Purchases delivered to your room (disney used to do this). Pool bar service at your lounger or waiter service at your sofa. Live music/entertainment of a high quality. High speed wi/fi. Good quality 24 hour room service. A concierge that can make things happen for you quickly and easily. Customer is always right attitude (the lead at AKL was very rude when we tried to exchange our broken Pal Mickey for the nth time). Easy transport options and perks for staying on resort. Outstanding and memoriable dining experiences, where if a resident, 12 hours is enough notice, and often 2 will suffice for a reservation. Family friendly room or villa configurations (love it when kids have bunks and their own TV in a highly themed environment) Disney does offer some of this, but no where near as much as they used to. And the other resorts off site have caught up.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>No prob E.E., and I join you in the "simple tastes" club, but then again I haven't been stuck in hotel rooms on business for tons of time like Dave and others' have, so I can dig his desire for something "more special".<<< Well, I would like something more special, too. Themed resorts are amazing. We stayed in one at Key West, and WOW. Very, very, very nice feeling. But it's not NEEDED. Needless to say, if I ever stayed in the Poly, I think I would be floored for life. LOL
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I prefer not throwing money down the toil...er, I mean staying off property, but I also prefer staying close. (If I'm doing multiple days at Disney.)<<< Funny... I find staying ON property is throwing money down the toilet..... .... So Leo can find it! Where's he been, BTW?
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Purchases delivered to your room (disney used to do this).<<< They still do this, I THINK... ... I mean, it's gift shop related. They HAVE to do it. LOL
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper ^^^They deliver it to the resort. But you have to pick it up at the front desk I believe.
