My boyfriend has decided to suprise me with a trip to WDW for my birthday! It was supposed to be a surprise, but I found out... oops! He knows that I know and informed me he has booked somewhere off property. I have never stayed off property and been spoiled with deluxe hotels (my family are DVC members). What should I know about staying off property? I am going to go with the understanding that it will not be the same, but totally worth it since he planned this all by himself and he has NEVER planned anything before!

However, I have been spoiled and want to prepare myself for the differences... Any suggestions? Nothing will be different once I enter the parks, right?

The big difference in the parks with staying off-property (in fact, the only difference I can think of) is EMH. You will not be able to participate in them. I HIGHLY recommend you find out which parks are doing them and plan to do opposite.

Another thing where there is a difference is transportation to/from the parks. Most people HIGHLY recommend getting a rental car if you are staying off property, as most shuttles are limited in hours. You'll also have to go to the TTC from MK to catch that shuttle.

Nudge him in to staying at a Value resort if he is looking to save some money. That way you have transportation, EMH, and DME from the airport. Don't necessarily tell him, but show him that he might be able to save money and make for a better and easier experience.

Going off of what Drince said, I am not a fan of the rental car on property. However, if staying off property it is pretty much a must if you want the most flexibility. You can still park hop and the like with Disney buses, boats, and monorails, if you would like as well.

Once you are in the parks, the magic is all there. :)

Apparently, Cathy doesn't shop much because I think the ability to have your purchases sent back to your Disney resort is a BIG advantage to staying on property.

I agree you should spring for a rental car. Try L&M which is right in the Orlando Airport. Unlike the other rental agencies, it doesn't have a long line. When I rented a car there they also hooked me up with an upgrade to an Infiniti G35. It was sweet! The L&M cars are right at the airport, just like the big boys, and the rates are about the same.

Also, be prepared to pony up for parking every day.

Apparently, Cathy doesn't shop much because I think the ability to have your purchases sent back to your Disney resort is a BIG advantage to staying on property.
:)
Oh yea, I did forget that one, and it can be a big advantage. A lot of my trips lately have been somewhat shorter, and I'm doing mostly just carry on bags, so there's not a ton of room for extra purchases! (Plus, if I don't buy too many 'things' I get more visits!)

The nice thing about staying off property is that you get a "break" from Disney overload as we call it. (Did I just say that? I'm so ashamed! :p) While staying off-site a rental car is a MUST. Relying on hotel/resort transportation is not anything I want to do, I like to be able to go and do as I please. However, if you do rent a car you will also be paying the parking fees which add up fast. With all this said it is prolly cheaper to stay on property in lieu of the car rental fee, parking fees etc.

Just write out all the pricing so he can see possible expenses, guys like to see things in black and white...or at least I do.

Either way have a magical trip!

Sean

We might travel to WDW in June. We already have an October trip planned, but we usually go the first week of June every year. This year we're broke. I have the money set aside for October already.

Anywho, I'm tired of paying $100+ to stay at a value resort. They suck. The beds are like rocks and the noise is unbearable. We don't take buses anywhere--we drive, so there's no argument for that.

We're looking at staying at a the Best Western Lakeside in June for $60 per night (that includes the taxes and hotel "resort fee"). That saves us $300, which will make or break our trip if we decide to go.

As far as EMH's go, to be honest, we rarely use them. And the money I'm saving on the room, we can spend an extra day or two in the parks. I'm just fed up with the motel six accomodations for the price of a Hilton. If I'm gonna stay at a lousy hotel, I wanna pay lousy hotel prices.

Anywho, I'm tired of paying $100+ to stay at a value resort. They suck. The beds are like rocks and the noise is unbearable.

Just for comparison, I stayed at the Pop a couple weeks ago and had a great stay. The bed was very comfortable, there was no noise to speak of (I was in the 60's building and overlooking the lake, so that isolation helped a bunch, I'm sure!), and I think I paid around $70 a night with my Annual Pass discount.

Okay, this is really far out, but I am in the early planning stages of a Fall 09 trip. The news of a WDW MA has made me even more excited. Anyway, my bf has 500,000 HHonors points so we would most likely be staying at the Hilton. The only real way we would not be is if there was free dining, which there probably won't be.... we would have to go during my Fall Break.

So, my question is.... has anyone stayed there. How is the transportation? We really don't want to rent a car due to budget reasons. Is this a mistake?

Second, and I am preparing for flames here, if we have friends who go with us and stay on property, is it possible for us to put our tickets on their reservation to get onto the Dining Plan?

So, my question is.... has anyone stayed there. How is the transportation? We really don't want to rent a car due to budget reasons. Is this a mistake?

Second, and I am preparing for flames here, if we have friends who go with us and stay on property, is it possible for us to put our tickets on their reservation to get onto the Dining Plan?
Ive been at the Hilton at DTD and it is really nice. It would be my first choice for off-site stays. However, my take on off-property hotels and rental cars still stands. If you stay off site - get a car. For the two of you, you can get one real cheap.

To be honest, and this is not a flame, but if you are staying on Hilton points, you are already saving a lot of cash on the room. Your trip is not for at least a year and a half. Respectfully, save up what you need to be legit.

Second, and I am preparing for flames here, if we have friends who go with us and stay on property, is it possible for us to put our tickets on their reservation to get onto the Dining Plan?

Well, if your friends (2?) check in and say that there are 4 people staying in the room, and you purchase your tickets at the same time on the package, then yes, that would work. Your friends would also have to muss up both beds and make sure they're getting a lot of towels wet to keep up the illusion. It's not at all legal, and is an abuse of a pretty cool Disney perk. It's up to your conscience, but understand up front that you would be stealing from Disney. Some people rationalize this type of behavior by saying that they spend so much money with Disney that it's OK to take some back. To me it's still wrong, but no flames - it's up to you.

Now I am surprising myself here because I don't do breaking rules because as a rule I usually think that if we all keep to them we are all happier. But using logic - if Mermaid pays for her park tickets via her friend as person's 3 and 4 named on the package booking and thus is entitled to the dining plan but just doesn't sleep in the room what difference does it make? We're not talking about wangling the free dining plan here right, just access to paying for the DDP? I thought the price of a Disney Hotel was for the room, regardless of how many people sleep in it? If this is correct, Disney actually make money on this plan because she buys her tickets from them when she might not otherwise have done so yes? Of course, if the room becomes cheaper with only 2 people's names on the booking I revert to my original rules are good and people should play fair position ;) Just another thought Mermaid; have you worked out if the DDP would be a good deal anyway? It's not such a money saver without the appetizer and tip included.

Doh - am an idiot - just thought - Disney get the ticket money one way or another anyway whoever you buy them from because they're Disney Park tickets... :| Mermaid - why don't you just split one on property room with your friends the you'd all save money. Not very private of course....

Argh.... I know, I know. I am not sure my conciensce could handle it! You guys were supposed to talk me into it! :p No, I was not talking about Free Dining. Just paying for the dining plan. I know it isn't as good of a deal now, I just liked the notion that I would have everything pre-paid for, except for tips and such.

My next year and a half is gonna be pretty busy and cash intense. I will be planning and paying for a wedding for likely next spring. The plan is to go to WDW the next fall and try for a Disney baby, so sharing is not really an option.

Part of the issue we had with the rental car was on top of the cost of the car, it would cost us $20 in parking (WDW and the Hilton). For a week, that is an additional $140, so we are really looking at $300ish or more for a car. But, taking a town car to and from WDW is $100 so it really costs us $200. Is it worth that?

If you have more than 2 adults listed as staying in a Disney room there is an extra nightly fee ($10 each?) A free hotel room is great, so just save money for your food and only spend what you have saved, rather than the DDP.

I have stayed at the Hilton DTD. It is very nice.They have transportation to the parks it just doesn't come as often as the buses at the Disney resorts. It is expensive to eat there. I have stayed at several of the Disney property as a matter of fact I am staying at the POP next week first time. I have read many good things about the POP we are looking forward to staying there. We already know it's a value but it is a Disney property so I feel Disney will have high standards. In the past we stayed in several motels along International Drive just to try and save a few dollars big mistake. Some were hole in the walls looked great from the outside but the rooms itself was awful, torn linens, dirty etc.We found that any of the Disney resorts we stayed at value or moderates have been fine. I love the conviences of staying on property and the Magical Express. Have you checked with AAA? They have great Disney discount rates but they go fast so you need to book in advance. You can save as much as $50 a night. Check Undercover Tourist they have great ticket prices. I purchased 6 days hoppers passes for the same rate as a 4 day. In my experiences in traveling and I have been to Disney over 12 times I find booking the car seperate (if applicable) room and airfare even tickets you can save money.
This board is a great tool to help you plan your Disney trip but always remember each member has their opinion and you should read each suggestion or comment with an open mind. Everyone has different expectations as to what is nice and what is not.

Have a wonderful trip