Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<If it is a choice of staying at one of the Value resorts, or a nice hotel or timeshare close by, or on international drive, for me, it IS no choice.>> I would agree that on room size, amenities, etc. you get more for your money off-site. But staying at a Disney resort gives you a completely different vacation experience, and one that I think is worth the extra money. Much of what makes the Disney resorts so great is difficult to describe – you really need to experience it. That is why I’d asked if you had stayed on site... it is really difficult to evaluate the experience of staying at a Disney resort if you haven’t stayed at one. << I cant tell you how many times i have read, on this site alone, that if you are staying on property, get a rental car.>> I think that is pretty much personal preference. Although we initially rented cars when staying at a WDW resort, we found that we rarely used it except for transportation to/from MCO. I know that many people do recommend a rental, but we’ve found it unnecessary. We usually stay at the Boardwalk, and that location is extremely convenient. We also usually visit during January (very low attendance), so crowding on the Disney transit is something we haven’t had to deal with very much. << Also, I have never stayed at one of the value properties, but i have heard from friends, read in the Unofficial Guide and seen written online that resort transpo. from there can be a big pain.>> Everyone’s experience can vary, but I’ve actually found the transportation at the All Stars to be some of the best on property. The busses run frequently, and do not stop anywhere except the All Stars. On the other hand, if you take a bus from the Boardwalk, you also stop at the Swan, the Dolphin, The Beach Club and the Yacht Club. I find that All Star busses much more convenient. Again, my experience may be different than most based on the time of year that we go to WDW. << So I guess all of those people were lying.>> Lying has nothing to do with it. We are talking about personal preferences here, and there really isn’t a right or wrong opinion. That is why I said that even though I completely disagreed with it, you were entitled to your opinion.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Also, I have never stayed at one of the value properties, but i have heard from friends, read in the Unofficial Guide and seen written online that resort transpo. from there can be a big pain. So I guess all of those people were lying. < no, it's just some people complain about everything. If you are expecting door to door limo service, then yes you will be disappointed. If you have ever used public transportation, you will be pleasantly happy...it's a matter of perspective. If you wait until after the fireworks to leave the park with 20,000 other people and expect your own bus -- again, will be disappointed. If you are gladd not to have to fight the traffic out of the parking lot at that time -- then you will be happy -- <>Disney theme restaurants on property are highly overrated. Eat in them once or twice, but not the whole trip.< I've never seen so much whining -- how much experiene do you have with them ? I am with Dan, maybe overpriced- depending on where you're from. If you're used to paying $5.99 in Podunk for a meal -- they will seem overpriced. If you live in a major city - NY - Chicago - LA etc -- they will not even seem overpriced. One of the main focus points for us when there as a family are some of our favorite restaurants anywhere in the world .... California Grill / Vic & Al's / Le Cellier / Blue Zoo ( after last year - yum) - Boma / Jiko --- I see a lot of conjecture in this thread based on very little experience for the most part -- I am FAR from a Disney apologist -- but my take is if someone feels the restaurants are over rated and over priced, that the resorts or staying on the grounds have no magic , that the transportation system sucks because they somehow deserve better, etc etc etc -- you are wasting your vacation. There are plenty of great spots in this country to vacation, as well as overseas -- You are not even down to the cost, or hours, or maintenance issues, or ride issues etc. -- seems like it wouldn't matter though. if I was that unhappy, I would sell my DVC share in a heartbeat and move on....life's too short.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I'm with you, vbdad55. A few more of my thoughts on the subjects at hand: There *are* advantages to staying off-property. I can appreciate spending the same amount of money and getting a larger room with many more amenities. But the tradeoff is having to leave the World, and for me, that diminishes the resort aspect of WDW... I lose the all-encompassing feel of being away from the real world. While I prefer to have a rental car even when staying at an on-property resort, I don't find it necessary by any means. Disney's transportation is actually quite good for the most part. In fact, most of my stays at WDW have been without a rental car. 90% of the time I have been perfectly happy with the bus service. It's only in a few instances where I wished for a more direct way to get from point A to point B, and that I didn't have to wait. I wouldn't say Disney's restaurants are overrated. The food overall is as good as anything you'd find at the national restaurant chains, and in a few instances, such as CA Grill and V&A, it's as good as top restaraunts anywhere. Many of the Disney restaurants compliment their surrroundings, and add an extra measure of magic too. Where else can one dine under the stars at noon, in the shadow of a Mayan pyramid? How wonderful is it to have a world-class meal, then be treated to a fireworks show over the MK? Will Mickey and his friends be sharing breakfast with you at the IHOP on International Drive? Each of us has an opinion on what is best, but there are many different ways to enjoy a trip to WDW. That's part of the beauty of the place: there's something for just about everyone to love.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Add to the restaurant experience in EPCOT the fact that the people waiting on you / seating you are from those countries -- that's pretty cool also. Gives me a chance to use my less than stellar German at the Biergarten and they always put up with me and seem to smile .....
Originally Posted By Kylesmom I'm planning my first on-site stay in over 16 years this January. When I get back I can give you Value Resort to off-site Condo comparison. I will say my last 3 visits were off-site, 2 at a big condo, and not 1 of those visits was nearly as "magical" as my on-site visit. Which by the by was at the Carribean Beach, by all accounts NOT the best Disney has to offer.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Which by the by was at the Carribean Beach, by all accounts NOT the best Disney has to offer.< While nice, you're right- not even close to the best
Originally Posted By Kylesmom I admit, I had no complaints with CB, but the place was brand-spankin-new at the time. Part of the magic was the top to bottom wonderful Disney service. I felt like I was staying at the Ritz. Believe me, not the experience I've had off-site.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss In 'defense' of Disney, CBR was their first attempt at a more affordable on-property resort. So it's not only old, but the theme and infrastructure don't have the refinement of the newer moderate hotels. Also, the 'best' that Disney has to offer costs considerably more!
Originally Posted By jkayjs Wow what an interesting thread. Beau I think you have gotten the accurate skinny on prices on site. Let me add that I have stayed many times off site as well as on and I would pick on every time if WDW is the focus of your trip(and for me even if it weren't). Of course everyone has different needs and preferences so to each his own. I agree with doing late lunches the menues are for the most part the same but less expensive. Also as said buffets are usually a good bargin esp. Trailsend at FW. I never quite get the transportation bashing. If you want complete freedom to come and go when and as you please get a rental. If you don't mind relaxing and maybe taking a bit longer to get from point A to point B then WDW transportation will suit you just fine. This is some of the most efficient mass transit anywhere and it is FREE. I do want to make one comment about post #8. I don't know about the Space Center but I can tell you for sure that US and SW are not cheaper alternatives to WDW. They charge the same to get in, the food is no cheaper, nor is their merchandise. Now Gatorworld may be a cheaper alternative but not those two. Anyway Beau I think you better just start saving those pennies, nichols, dimes, quarters, heck just jump right to the big bills and you'll be at WDW before you know it.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 < I don't know about the Space Center but I can tell you for sure that US and SW are not cheaper alternatives to WDW. They charge the same to get in, the food is no cheaper, nor is their merchandise.< I can vouch for this.....I went 2 years ago with the family ( 4 total ) - and admission was almost $40 each - included IMAX - and between all the little extras - and lunch and a few souveneirs......I think we spent almost $300 for the day not counting the travel to get there....and this was not a full day -- we came back to WDW and went to EPCOT at night.
Originally Posted By Lake Nona >>I can vouch for this.....I went 2 years ago with the family ( 4 total ) - and admission was almost $40 each - included IMAX - and between all the little extras - and lunch and a few souveneirs......I think we spent almost $300 for the day not counting the travel to get there....and this was not a full day -- we came back to WDW and went to EPCOT at night.<< For anyone who missed the KSC on your holiday, there is a KSC giftshop @ MCO.
