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re: Looking for Disney Expert
Posted on 4/25/19 at 12:14 pm to thatguy
Posted on 4/25/19 at 12:14 pm to thatguy
Disney is enough of a headache with all other things considered. It's kind of nice to just leave your hotel room and go out to the bus stop and wait for the bus to basically drop you off at the front gate. And then at the end of the day, it drops you off at the hotel near your room.
No traffic, waiting in line to get in the parking lot, parking 9080890890890 miles away from the park, etc.
It's pretty much a no brainer to me.
The only thing that sucks is the line to get on the bus at closing time can be pretty long. And after waiting in line all day, you have to wait in line to board a bus (and probably stand on the bus while riding on it).
But still, in my opinion better than having to deal with traffic and driving back to the hotel room.
No traffic, waiting in line to get in the parking lot, parking 9080890890890 miles away from the park, etc.
It's pretty much a no brainer to me.
The only thing that sucks is the line to get on the bus at closing time can be pretty long. And after waiting in line all day, you have to wait in line to board a bus (and probably stand on the bus while riding on it).
But still, in my opinion better than having to deal with traffic and driving back to the hotel room.
1
Posted on 4/25/19 at 12:26 pm to RealityTiger
quote:
parking 9080890890890 miles away from the park
This is only true at Magic Kingdom FWIW. The other parks you park right outside the gate and walk in. Generally you can get to your car just as fast as the bus leaves, sometimes faster.
OP, I prefer to stay off site. I'm going in October and staying at Boardwalk.
45 days out without planning a trip, I'd probably stay off site honestly as you missed the perks of staying on site anyway outside of the magic hours. Magic Hours aren't even that great because that park is generally slammed.
Staying on site can be fantastic if the money doesn't bother you. There's just so much to do at Disney, simply paying admission and enjoying that is plenty for most people. Disney gets you by getting you to spend 4 times as much on a bunch of fluff.
Posted on 4/25/19 at 1:15 pm to baldona
quote:
Disney gets you by getting you to spend 4 times as much on a bunch of fluff.
Which is totally worth it to stay "in the Bubble". We always stay onsite. I enjoy the fact that I can drop my truck keys in my backpack from the airport parking lot and not worry about transportation again until I get back to said parking lot. We have been extremely fortunate that we have not had to wait more than a couple minutes for a bus on the last few trips. Granted, we normally stay in an EPCOT resort so we only bus to MK and AK. Another perk of staying at one of the Deluxes, the buses don't fill up nearly as fast like they do at one of the Values with 5000+ guests at any time.
Posted on 4/25/19 at 3:29 pm to LSUFanHouston
Pro tip: If staying off site, you can avoid parking fees by parking at Disney Springs for free, then using the bus system to go to whichever park you want.
Posted on 4/25/19 at 5:25 pm to BadMrK
quote:
Pro tip: If staying off site, you can avoid parking fees by parking at Disney Springs for free, then using the bus system to go to whichever park you want.
Yes, but you have to transfer at a hotel resort first, there aren't any buses that go directly from Disney Springs to a theme park, and the buses that go from a park direct to Disney Springs don't start until 4 pm.
Plus, bus service in the mornings from Disney Springs to a resort is sketchy, as the Springs doesn't open until 10 am. Before 10 am, not too many buses departing there.
Posted on 4/25/19 at 5:35 pm to LSUFanHouston
quote:
Yes, but you have to transfer at a hotel resort first, there aren't any buses that go directly from Disney Springs to a theme park, and the buses that go from a park direct to Disney Springs don't start until 4 pm.
Plus, bus service in the mornings from Disney Springs to a resort is sketchy, as the Springs doesn't open until 10 am. Before 10 am, not too many buses departing there
There are also hotels that are considered onsite hotels by Disney Springs that aren't Disney hotels.
I've used them before to get fed gov rate rooms, they have buses, and do get the same magic hours. Free parking there too. If you can get great rates from major hotel chains, that's a good area to check out.
I haven't stayed there in awhile though. I either stay with family or stay on site because staying on site has a certain atmosphere that is fun for my family.
This post was edited on 4/25/19 at 5:36 pm
Posted on 4/25/19 at 9:08 pm to lsubec
We have never stayed outside so I can’t speak to that experience.
We have been priced out of deluxes for a while now unless there is a decent discount offer for the time I want to go. The discount offers have been less and less unless you have a Disney Visa or an annual pass. The general public discounts get the leftovers. So I just always assume I will be paying rack rate now.
The past couple of times we have stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter and loved it. I didn’t think I would but I did! It’s very compact with only one bus stop. If I ever stay at a resort with multiple bus stops I would book a preferred room. We spend time in the food court in the morning and at night after we get back from the parks so a long walk to and from the room or a bus ride doesn’t cut it for us at the large resorts. We get the refillable mugs so it’s important to have easy access to the food court.
It’s so convenient to fly in and take the Magical Express from the airport to resort. I wouldn’t do it any other way.
We have been priced out of deluxes for a while now unless there is a decent discount offer for the time I want to go. The discount offers have been less and less unless you have a Disney Visa or an annual pass. The general public discounts get the leftovers. So I just always assume I will be paying rack rate now.
The past couple of times we have stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter and loved it. I didn’t think I would but I did! It’s very compact with only one bus stop. If I ever stay at a resort with multiple bus stops I would book a preferred room. We spend time in the food court in the morning and at night after we get back from the parks so a long walk to and from the room or a bus ride doesn’t cut it for us at the large resorts. We get the refillable mugs so it’s important to have easy access to the food court.
It’s so convenient to fly in and take the Magical Express from the airport to resort. I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Posted on 4/26/19 at 7:14 am to BadMrK
quote:
If staying off site, you can avoid parking fees by parking at Disney Springs for free, then using the bus system to go to whichever park you want.
That take up alot of time and isnt very logistically friendly. There are some good way to save money while at WDW but imo, I don't think parking is the best way to go about.
quote:If you are someone who knows well in advance when you plan to go and like deluxe resorts, I would suggest looking into renting DVC points. You can get some resorts cheaper than renting moderates from Disney and some cost more, but you'll get so much more (Bay Lake, etc). I think the best values on splitting DVC resorts are in the two bedrooms. The full kitchens are nice for big groups but if it's just my family (three of us) we opt for a studio over a one bedroom for the cost savings.
We have been priced out of deluxes for a while now unless there is a decent discount offer for the time I want to go.
Posted on 4/29/19 at 2:27 pm to lsubec
be aware that the traffic going into places like magic kingdom can be terrible. Recently witnessed a line of cars waiting to pay to park at the transportation center that had to be a mile long. It just kept going. then you have to park and catch a tram to the dock, and ride a ferry boat or monorail to get there. I'd rather catch the bus and stand up for a 10 minute ride to the on site resort, which itself can also be miserable, but pick your poison!
Posted on 4/29/19 at 8:35 pm to brichard
I don’t see how staying on property is worth the expense. I’ve got a 5 bedroom condo 10 min from the main gate for 5 nights. Getting 3 rooms at even a value resort would have run us the same price per night as the 5 nights total off site.
I don’t value getting dropped off at the entrance and some advance fast pass reservations at $4,000 or $1000/day.
I don’t value getting dropped off at the entrance and some advance fast pass reservations at $4,000 or $1000/day.
This post was edited on 4/29/19 at 8:37 pm
Posted on 4/29/19 at 9:52 pm to brichard
quote:
be aware that the traffic going into places like magic kingdom can be terrible. Recently witnessed a line of cars waiting to pay to park at the transportation center that had to be a mile long
This is simply not true come on. Even if true, Disney gets you parked fast as hell. Furthermore the only park that sucks to park at is MK, the rest are super easy and no different then going to like a six flags or local water park. You park right outside the gates and walk in.
I love how people act like everything Disney does is fantastic except their parking. They give preference to those staying on site but they aren’t screwing over drivers.
The people that like to stay on site on those that prefer things like all-inclusives. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. But it’s very expensive and the value is becoming less and less.
This post was edited on 4/29/19 at 9:53 pm
Posted on 4/30/19 at 5:48 am to Golfer
quote:
I don’t see how staying on property is worth the expense.
Alot of guests fly, especially with large groups like that. If a group of that size flies, you're talking about multiple car rentals and multiple drivers each day, logistically, staying on-site makes it much easier if a couple of ppl ant to leave early, stay late, hop to Disney Springs, etc.
The 60 day FP+ window is HUGE and cannot be discounted. For some, attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Flight of Passage, Seven Dwarves Mine Train and Nav'i River Journey are MIUST DO's and they arent willing to rick getting a same day FP+, especially for a group of the size you're talking about. Can you imagine trying to get single day FP+ for Slinky Dog Dash for 10+ people....I'll save you the time, it won't happen.
"Is it worth it" is so individual that there's really no wrong answer but it is important to know the different perks available for most people to make that decision.
Posted on 4/30/19 at 9:40 pm to LSUfan4444
quote:
Alot of guests fly, especially with large groups like that. If a group of that size flies, you're talking about multiple car rentals and multiple drivers each day, logistically, staying on-site makes it much easier if a couple of ppl ant to leave early, stay late, hop to Disney Springs, etc.
This is so stupid you have to work for DU. Getting that extra Disney commission. A single transfer co. can handle it.
I still stand by my statement and the fact you're pumping your company on Chickens site without paying ad revenue is disgusting...even if you are an outside agent.
Posted on 5/1/19 at 5:49 am to CptBengal
Im not trying to convince you, Im only re-telling some benefits for staying on-site and why they can feel so valuable. I fully understand how transfers work and no, they're not as conveinient as Disney resorts. Standing by your statement doesnt make you right, it just means you're refusing to to acknowledge benefits that thousands of people put value in.
And no, I don't work for DU and am not even in the business....not even close. I've used DU once before and can recommend them based on my previous customer experience and those from others I have recommended there and their feedback...no commission, no friends who work as agents and no reason to pay Chicken revenue
.
Just look at Disney rates...for the sake of discussion, lets just look at a moderate resort and lets pick dates this fall (2020 prices arent out yet and summer has specials right now so I want to frame this with the highest (non holiday) prices available just for comparison).
Lets take a family of 4 in November (after Galaxy's edge) and you can get Port Orleans for $257/night, Coronado for $298 and Caribbean Beach for $256.
So, lets just pick Port Orleans, with tax, room only (no discounts) and you're looking at $2129 for a preferred view room. Thats $304 a night or $76/per person, per night. Now, say you've only got two people in this room and you're looking at $152 per person, per night.
In Golfer's example he said he could save $1000-$4000 less per night than what Disney would charge for their resort. If ten adults went, in 5 rooms, you're looking at just over $1500 per night, to stay on site so lets say you could save $1000 per night and the total cost was $500 per night which would break down to $100 per night, per room. You're talking about a $200 per night difference to stay on-site. You're talking about $100 per person, per night increase.
Yes, there are benefits to staying on-site that could hold an intrinsic value of $100 per person, per night. Fastpass access at 60 days, extra magic hours, no need to drive, ability for individuals to take separate forms of transportation to different places at the same time, room charging, etc.
It doesnt mean Golfer is wrong..im only saying that especially in large groups (of say 10-20 people), some of those benefits can be more valuable.
And no, I don't work for DU and am not even in the business....not even close. I've used DU once before and can recommend them based on my previous customer experience and those from others I have recommended there and their feedback...no commission, no friends who work as agents and no reason to pay Chicken revenue
. Just look at Disney rates...for the sake of discussion, lets just look at a moderate resort and lets pick dates this fall (2020 prices arent out yet and summer has specials right now so I want to frame this with the highest (non holiday) prices available just for comparison).
Lets take a family of 4 in November (after Galaxy's edge) and you can get Port Orleans for $257/night, Coronado for $298 and Caribbean Beach for $256.
So, lets just pick Port Orleans, with tax, room only (no discounts) and you're looking at $2129 for a preferred view room. Thats $304 a night or $76/per person, per night. Now, say you've only got two people in this room and you're looking at $152 per person, per night.
In Golfer's example he said he could save $1000-$4000 less per night than what Disney would charge for their resort. If ten adults went, in 5 rooms, you're looking at just over $1500 per night, to stay on site so lets say you could save $1000 per night and the total cost was $500 per night which would break down to $100 per night, per room. You're talking about a $200 per night difference to stay on-site. You're talking about $100 per person, per night increase.
Yes, there are benefits to staying on-site that could hold an intrinsic value of $100 per person, per night. Fastpass access at 60 days, extra magic hours, no need to drive, ability for individuals to take separate forms of transportation to different places at the same time, room charging, etc.
It doesnt mean Golfer is wrong..im only saying that especially in large groups (of say 10-20 people), some of those benefits can be more valuable.
This post was edited on 5/1/19 at 5:52 am
Posted on 5/1/19 at 8:32 am to LSUfan4444
quote:
So, lets just pick Port Orleans, with tax, room only (no discounts) and you're looking at $2129 for a preferred view room. Thats $304 a night or $76/per person, per night. Now, say you've only got two people in this room and you're looking at $152 per person, per night.
In Golfer's example he said he could save $1000-$4000 less per night than what Disney would charge for their resort. If ten adults went, in 5 rooms, you're looking at just over $1500 per night, to stay on site so lets say you could save $1000 per night and the total cost was $500 per night which would break down to $100 per night, per room. You're talking about a $200 per night difference to stay on-site. You're talking about $100 per person, per night increase.
Yes, there are benefits to staying on-site that could hold an intrinsic value of $100 per person, per night. Fastpass access at 60 days, extra magic hours, no need to drive, ability for individuals to take separate forms of transportation to different places at the same time, room charging, etc.
It doesnt mean Golfer is wrong..im only saying that especially in large groups (of say 10-20 people), some of those benefits can be more valuable.
Not even close. Disney does not offer discounts for large groups that can compete with off property.
To claim the difference is 20 dollars is absurd.
I get it. You like staying at Disney. That's great! But for large groups that have special dropoff points, gates, etc. there is no major advantage.
Posted on 5/1/19 at 5:09 pm to CptBengal
quote:
Not even close. Disney does not offer discounts for large groups that can compete with off property.
To claim the difference is 20 dollars is absurd.
What are you talking about? I never said it was $20 more to stay onsite. My prices are actual prices, available right now on Disneys website. I said the difference was probably closer to $100 per person per night (or $200 per room, based on double occupancy).
Those prices I gave are without any discount whatsoever and right now, they have discounts that make the costs even cheaper.
quote:
But for large groups that have special dropoff points, gates, etc. there is no major advantage.
"Major" carries different value to differnt people but again, I think the Flight of Passage and Slinky Dog Dash FPs are "major" and you're not getting them for a large group if you are booking at 30 days. I think the ability for certain members of the group to travel independently around WDW at the same time is "major".
For that $100 per person per night you're getting the convenience of widespread independent travel around property, room charging capabilities, ability and almost absolute certainty to get FP+ for the most popular attractions, extra magic hours and ability to add a Disney Dining Plan (which I don't think is a value but some do).
I can see why Golfer may not think those things aren't worth the extra cost, personally, I think the extra $100 per person per day just to have better accessibility to FP+ (not just the attractions available but the times of the day) is probably worth it but especially for a large group, I put extra value on the ability to not have multiple people on the same shuttles with less flexibility.
Posted on 5/1/19 at 7:20 pm to lsu1980
quote:
The past couple of times we have stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter and loved it. I didn’t think I would but I did! It’s very compact with only one bus stop.
Have stayed at French Quarter and Riverside. Riverside has multiple bus stops and I liked it over FQ. Good location so bus rides were short.
Disney has Minnie Express (Lyft). A bit overpriced ($25 or so) but we used it several times when bus lines were long leaving parks.
Posted on 5/4/19 at 9:16 pm to lsubec
You are already dropping money, need to work it out to stay on Disney property. Just takes away the stresses of commuting, dealing with crowds getting in and out. Also affords the other perks mentioned. Whole lot more magical going back to that than the super 8 off burbank street next to dairy queen as well.
Posted on 5/4/19 at 9:20 pm to LSUfan4444
Walt Disney World to Offer Extra, Extra Magic Hours With Opening of Star Wars: Galaxy
quote:
Well, Extra Magic Hours allow Guests who are staying at selection Walt Disney World Resort hotels, as well as other select hotels (Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Shades of Green Resort, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando) have the opportunity to visit at least one of the four theme parks in the morning before the park opens or in the evening after the park closes to day Guests.
But we all know how crazy Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is going to be when it opens, so to prepare, the Walt Disney World Resort will be offering Extra, Extra Magic Hours. These extra hours will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom for a limited time.
To help with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be offering daily Extra, Extra Magic Hours from September 1 through November 2. The park will be open from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and select other attractions. Do keep in mind that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.
Posted on 5/4/19 at 10:30 pm to lsubec
Flying, Caribbean Resort is medium price and solid. Driving, Wilderness RV resort. Drive your rv or pull a rental or rent a cabin. Comfort, drinks and food like home. You can spend a few days there and won't miss the parks, lots of activities. Our best trips to Disney were in an rv.
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