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Disney World - Where to Stay and Other Advice
Posted on 12/22/21 at 11:46 am
Posted on 12/22/21 at 11:46 am
Quick Synopsis: My wife wants to bring our boys (2 and 5 years old) to Disney World this coming Spring. She also wants to go with her family (Her mother, father, brother, sister, sister's husband, and their 2 year old daughter). We had our first "Family Meeting" to discuss last weekend and everyone could not have been more different on their wish list of stuff to do. Everything from flights vs driving, staying onsite vs offsite, what to do while we are there, etc. was all different and nothing could be agreed upon except for which days we are going. My MIL and FIL said they would pay for the place to stay if we stay offsite in one house or they would help pay for a room onsite. My wife and I want to stay onsite because we think it will be much more convenient with small kids. Everyone else wants to stay offsite together in the same house. Obviously it is going to cost more but I am already chopping off my arm to go so I might as well do what I want to.
Do you recommend staying onsite or offsite with small children? Recommendations on resorts?
Any other tips?
TIA
Do you recommend staying onsite or offsite with small children? Recommendations on resorts?
Any other tips?
TIA
10
Posted on 12/22/21 at 11:57 am to Hold Dem Tigahs
Offsite at Downtown Disney (or whatever they're calling it these days.)
You'll get some of the benefits of staying onsite, but at a cheaper per-night rate.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 12:45 pm to Hold Dem Tigahs
I’ve gone with small kids before and going back to the resort at a moment’s notice outweighs going back to a vehicle and staying offsite. That’s just me though. I know a resort will be pricier but the convenience is hard to beat.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 12:53 pm to Hold Dem Tigahs
Onsite if you are only going to Disney. If you are checking out other areas around Orlando, I'd probably do offsite.
I'd also look at the Swann & Dolphin (believe both marriott) , a lot of the same perks but better quality hotel. Quick walk to Epcot (~ 1/2 mile) & a little bit of a longer walk to Hollywood (~ 1 mile)
The benefit that I have seen from staying on Disney property over these are you get to do the magic hours (some parks open early, other stay later), but I do not think they have restarted that since COVID started. You also get to plan your fast passes earlier, and I believe restaurants reservations open a day earlier.
I'd also look at the Swann & Dolphin (believe both marriott) , a lot of the same perks but better quality hotel. Quick walk to Epcot (~ 1/2 mile) & a little bit of a longer walk to Hollywood (~ 1 mile)
The benefit that I have seen from staying on Disney property over these are you get to do the magic hours (some parks open early, other stay later), but I do not think they have restarted that since COVID started. You also get to plan your fast passes earlier, and I believe restaurants reservations open a day earlier.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 2:08 pm to The Drizz
quote:
Quick Synopsis: My wife wants to bring our boys (2 and 5 years old) to Disney World this coming Spring. She also wants to go with her family (Her mother, father, brother, sister, sister's husband, and their 2 year old daughter).
Ouch.
quote:
’ve gone with small kids before and going back to the resort at a moment’s notice outweighs going back to a vehicle and staying offsite. That’s just me though. I know a resort will be pricier but the convenience is hard to beat.
I’m not a parent, but I think this is good advice. Y’all will have three kids 5 years old or younger. Not only would I definitely stay on property but I would try to stay at one of the most convenient places on property, like the Contemporary. If I’m dad, that’s the battle I’m fighting.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 2:37 pm to Globetrotter747
Went during thanksgiving. Parks don’t stay open later but if your onsite it opens 30-60 minutes early. This is really only needed if you want to ride the new star war rides in Hollywood studio.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 2:43 pm to The Drizz
quote:
I’ve gone with small kids before and going back to the resort at a moment’s notice outweighs going back to a vehicle and staying offsite. That’s just me though. I know a resort will be pricier but the convenience is hard to beat.
That's back before Disney's transportation system hit the shitter. They don't have enough bus drivers and they aren't packing people on like they used to. People are waiting over an our for a bus or monorail these days.
We just went a few months ago, stayed at Old Key West and took our car to the park everyday. After all day in the parks it was nice to not end it by having everyone lose their shite at the bus stop.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 5:59 pm to MightyYat
We just got back and had no issues with transportation, as we stayed at the Beach Club. The trick is to booking a resort that gives you options other than strictly the bus. Now with the Skyliner, that opens up even more options for resorts.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 6:08 pm to Hold Dem Tigahs
I suggest you save your money until your children are old enough to appreciate it, and take them somewhere where you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 9:26 pm to Hold Dem Tigahs
We’ve stayed off site in the past. In my opinion having the kids unwind in a house with a private pool is much better than going back to what is essentially a hotel room.
I haven’t been in a few years but the last time we went we rented a camp site that we didn’t use to get on site privileges.
With small kids we found getting there for rope drop every morning and taking a mid day break worked well.
I haven’t been in a few years but the last time we went we rented a camp site that we didn’t use to get on site privileges.
With small kids we found getting there for rope drop every morning and taking a mid day break worked well.
Posted on 12/22/21 at 9:46 pm to armytiger96
We stayed at the key west place on-site and it was awesome. Personally I’d wait at least two more years before going. 2 yr old isn’t gonna do much
Posted on 12/22/21 at 9:49 pm to Hold Dem Tigahs
quote:
(2 and 5 years old) (and their 2 year old daughter)
Taking a 2 year old to Disney is tough especially staying off property. I'd wait 3 to 4 years so you and the kids can really enjoy it.
Rent a big house on the beach instead
Posted on 12/23/21 at 7:16 am to Shotgun Willie
quote:
I’d wait at least two more years before going. 2 yr old isn’t gonna do much
If the two year old is still free no point not doing it. Rent a double stroller and they’ll be able to catch a nap and will also work to your advantage for ride swap. We took both of ours at young ages and made it fine.
First few times we went we stayed on property. The buses were convenient but a pain to stand in line for. Last couple of times we parked at the parks and having our own car there was nice. The way it has changed the past few months may be advantageous with hours or perks to stay on site. Not sure about that though.
Another thing I like about staying offsite is having access to a your own washer and dryer and full kitchen. I know you can get that at some of the more expensive Disney properties but I am comparing something like Pop Century or mid-range resorts to offsite.
This post was edited on 12/23/21 at 7:18 am
Posted on 12/23/21 at 10:12 am to Palmetto08
quote:
Taking a 2 year old to Disney is tough especially staying off property. I'd wait 3 to 4 years so you and the kids can really enjoy it.
This. The 2 year olds won’t remember it. My folks took me out to California when I was under 5. I don’t remember Disney or Sea World at all but I know we went there.
Posted on 12/23/21 at 11:08 am to bluestem75
Kids are free under three...not taking them at 2 because they won't remember it doesnt make much sense. You'll remember it and so will everyone else with them. Its the same reason parents throw their kids a 1st birthday party.
OP, for a group that big staying on site would be very expensive but I would look into renting DVC points ( David's DVC Rental) and look into the value splitting a two bedroom villa maybe with others in your group. The villas will come with a full kitchen, dishwasher, washer and dryer, etc and plenty of extra room and you get the benefits of on-site and let the people who want to stay off-site do so
OP, for a group that big staying on site would be very expensive but I would look into renting DVC points ( David's DVC Rental) and look into the value splitting a two bedroom villa maybe with others in your group. The villas will come with a full kitchen, dishwasher, washer and dryer, etc and plenty of extra room and you get the benefits of on-site and let the people who want to stay off-site do so
This post was edited on 12/23/21 at 11:09 am
Posted on 12/23/21 at 11:11 am to Shotgun Willie
quote:
Personally I’d wait at least two more years before going. 2 yr old isn’t gonna do much
Again...totally disagree.
Nowhere on earth specializes in vacations for families and kids under the age of three like Disney. If you want to stay home and not do anything because you think they're too young or cant handle the travel thats one thing but there is no where on earth that would make ________ is better than Disney World for kids under three a valid statement.
Posted on 12/23/21 at 11:20 am to Hold Dem Tigahs
With 3 kids 5 and under I would stay onsite if you are planning on taking a break during the day. Bus transport is super easy for this.
What about renting DVC points for a large DVC villa that is big enough for everyone to stay in? That would seem to satisfy everyone... they get to stay together and you get to stay onsite.
Everyone who stays on site gets to get in 30 min early to each park every day. Also, anyone in a deluxe or better resort, or any DVC property, gets to stay up to two hours late at a rotating park each day.
Also if you are not bringing your own stroller, rent one from an offsite vendor. There used to be a number of companies that would deliver to bell services for you, but now there is only one - Scooterbug. There are some others that will allow you to get one / return it at the airport, or offsite between the airport and Disney, or will meet you at your resort in person. If you are staying offsite at a hotel they can drop off for you.
What about renting DVC points for a large DVC villa that is big enough for everyone to stay in? That would seem to satisfy everyone... they get to stay together and you get to stay onsite.
Everyone who stays on site gets to get in 30 min early to each park every day. Also, anyone in a deluxe or better resort, or any DVC property, gets to stay up to two hours late at a rotating park each day.
Also if you are not bringing your own stroller, rent one from an offsite vendor. There used to be a number of companies that would deliver to bell services for you, but now there is only one - Scooterbug. There are some others that will allow you to get one / return it at the airport, or offsite between the airport and Disney, or will meet you at your resort in person. If you are staying offsite at a hotel they can drop off for you.
This post was edited on 12/23/21 at 11:23 am
Posted on 12/23/21 at 1:18 pm to Lsupimp
quote:
I suggest you save your money until your children are old enough to appreciate it, and take them somewhere where you can relax and enjoy yourself.
I respect you opinion but i couldnt disagree more. My kids are 6 and 3. THey have been to Disney multiple times and every second of it. My 6 years "pals" that are his two stuffed animal best buds that he has grown with he got at 18 months at Disney. The memories we have from taking our kids young are priceless. The pitcure i have with my son and I going down Splash mountain with both our hands up when he was 5 is one of my favorites.
I can go on and on, but i hate seeing the lazy "take them when they are older" is such a worn out excuse that is used by people that just are looking for an excuse not to do it.
Posted on 12/23/21 at 1:22 pm to Hold Dem Tigahs
My kids are 6 and 3 and we as a family we have done 5 week long trips. (not the only vacations we do but we do pretty much do one annually) We stay on site. But we rarely leave the parks go to hotel then go back to same park. We have a double BOB stroller and just lay the kids back and let them nap in there. When they nap we shop. But still go at the kids pace, dont push them too hard.
Posted on 12/23/21 at 10:18 pm to GatorReb
quote:
I can go on and on, but i hate seeing the lazy "take them when they are older" is such a worn out excuse that is used by people that just are looking for an excuse not to do it.
Worn out excuse? So people who took their very young kids to Disney and didn’t have a great time or found it tougher than they imagined and are offering advice to others in same boat are lazy or making excuses? We’ve traveled all over the US with our young kids and had a blast at almost every place. Mostly because we had our own pace and didn’t have to be anywhere. Disney is a different animal due to the logistics (specific dinner reservations, park passes, long lines, etc) of the trip. Most vacations don’t have the same restrictions which make it easier with small kids.
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