posted 05-12-2005 07:51               

I'd make other plans if I were you.

JMHO.

Sheila

posted 05-12-2005 18:24               

quote:

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Originally posted by brickfrenzy:
Is it really that difficult to swap into a DVC resort? I just recently (last October) bought my first timeshare (Timeshare Virgin...oooooh) and I was hoping to trade into a 2 bedroom Disney resort next March for a family vacation. If it's going to be very difficult, I have to be prepared to go to an offsite location if necessary, but the preference is to stay onsite.

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posted 05-13-2005 14:40               

quote:

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Originally posted by MikeJacobs:

so, the big question is: is staying in the park worth the extra $1600.....

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posted 05-17-2005 11:40               

On whether you need a car if staying on site, there is no definite answer to this. It depends on your preferences and the things you anticipate doing.

We've been to WDW 3 times in the last 5 years and have never had a car while there. For trips between a resort and park, or a resort and Downtown Disney, the Disney transportation is fine. Yes, some will tell you they can get there faster in their car, but again, that comes down to whether you want to deal with driving/parking on your vacation.

Where Disney transporation can become "challenging" is when you want to go from one resort to another. There ususally is not direct service (unless you are on the Monorail loop, but no DVCs are on the loop), so you have to take a bus to Downtown Disney or a park, then get on another bus to go to the resort you want to visit.

Some resorts are close enough to walk to and from, like the Epcot resorts, including the Beach Club Villas and Boardwalk Villas. Those two also have the benefit of being walking distance to Epcot and MGM. Depending on exactly where you are and how fast you walk, MGM can be a 20-30 minute walk, but there is also boat service to both Epcot and MGM.

Some do swear by their cars, but we've found that the occasional inefficiency is outweighed by the convenience and cost savings.

One thing we do not like, however, are long lines for busses and SRO busses/monorails. So, we tend to either leave the parks prior to closing, or hang out after closing until the bulk of the crowds have dispersed. The parks don't kick you out, so its nice to sit down with an ice cream cone and people watch, or browse the shops, whatever, until things quiet down and then you can have a stress-free return trip.

Another thing to consider when you are determining what size unit you will need is how much time you plan to actually spend in the unit. Many people go to WDW and find they spend less time in their room than they would at other places. You've got the 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 5 18-hole golf courses, 2 miniature golf courses, Downtown Disney, The Boardwalk, your resort's pool, day spas, and other activities available as well. So you may find that a one bedroom, or even a studio, is plenty. Of course, again, this depends on your family's habits.

posted 05-22-2005 18:46            

We also saved a ton of money with airport to hotel/timeshare transfer provided by Disney. This is definitely worth it since it is currently free. Disney was suppose to mail us our luggage tags before we left but that never happened so, I was bit nervous on how it would work. Anyways, we got off the plane in Orlando at 8:30 am. Walked up to the counter, gave Disney our luggage tag numbers and a description of our luggage. Then, we got on the bus. The longest wait was waiting for the bus to fill up. The bus got to our resort by 10 am. The whole process took 1 1/2 hours. OUr luggage showed up around noon. We brought day bags with our swim suits. It was a great savings.

Personally, as much time as the parks take I felt it was very difficult to cook a dinner at the villas. I personally like to eat healthy and that usually takes longer than making hamburger helper, mac & cheese, or burgers. So, I really didn't find the kitchen useful. We used the kitchen for breakfast and freezing our waters. It was nice to be able to take park breaks in the afternoon to use the pool. Also, we used the early entry days. We found being the first at the parks gave you more time to go the rides. While the ride waits weren't long the park was crowded. It took a long time to travel from ride to ride from 11 am and on.

If you have anymore questions let me know!!

GL with your decision...

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You can see my timeshare photos here:

posted 05-23-2005 14:21            

There are many advantages to onsite, the major reasons are:
1-early entry and extended evening hours,
2-the option of splitting up when needed: If your kids are like mine, one will tire alot sooner than the other and the option of one parent and one child being able to head back for a nap while the other 2 continue on in the park is priceless. I can't tell you how many days we lost when we stayed off site because we either ALL left to accomodate the sick or cranky one, or we dragged the tired one along and dealt with bad temperaments. Granted, the transportation is not always the fastest, but at least its a way home for the 2 who want to play on while the others rest!

One other tip, as has been said, you WILL get worn out with kids that age. It is a good plan to PLAN on taking an off day every third day. On this off day sleep-in late, have a lazy day utilizing the resort pool, shuttle around to the resorts to pin trade, have a late character breakfast or early character dinner or whatever. This will energize you for the next 2 days. Keep this in mind when you buy your tickets and save a little $$ here (only buy a 4 or 5 day pass for a 7 day stay -- perhaps add the water park option for the off days). There is so much to do in Disney at the resorts you will not need to pay for park admission to find something fun to do. Character meals is just one suggestion of many non-park options.

If you have specific questions I'd be glad to answer.

posted 05-23-2005 18:22               

quote:

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Originally posted by SK:
We've stayed both on and off-site. In a nutshell, if my DH had his way (not a WDW fan), we'd only stay offsite; if my DD and I had our way, we'd only stay onsite. I found being offsite to be cumbersome.

There are many advantages to onsite, the major reasons are:
1-early entry and extended evening hours,
2-the option of splitting up when needed: If your kids are like mine, one will tire alot sooner than the other and the option of one parent and one child being able to head back for a nap while the other 2 continue on in the park is priceless. I can't tell you how many days we lost when we stayed off site because we either ALL left to accomodate the sick or cranky one, or we dragged the tired one along and dealt with bad temperaments. Granted, the transportation is not always the fastest, but at least its a way home for the 2 who want to play on while the others rest!

One other tip, as has been said, you WILL get worn out with kids that age. It is a good plan to PLAN on taking an off day every third day. On this off day sleep-in late, have a lazy day utilizing the resort pool, shuttle around to the resorts to pin trade, have a late character breakfast or early character dinner or whatever. This will energize you for the next 2 days. Keep this in mind when you buy your tickets and save a little $$ here (only buy a 4 or 5 day pass for a 7 day stay -- perhaps add the water park option for the off days). There is so much to do in Disney at the resorts you will not need to pay for park admission to find something fun to do. Character meals is just one suggestion of many non-park options.

If you have specific questions I'd be glad to answer.

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Yep, those are good benefits that would be worth it at about 1/2-1/3 of their current prices. Then, it would only be 2-4 times higher than staying off property.

For the premium you pay for Disney, you can afford to hire your own personal concierge and a private limo to shuttle you from location to location and have money to spare.

posted 05-25-2005 11:46               

Thx

posted 05-25-2005 12:57            

quote:

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Originally posted by BocaBum99:
Yep, those are good benefits that would be worth it at about 1/2-1/3 of their current prices. Then, it would only be 2-4 times higher than staying off property.

For the premium you pay for Disney, you can afford to hire your own personal concierge and a private limo to shuttle you from location to location and have money to spare.

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There is no dipute as to whether on property is more expensive, or even whether there are other minusses to staying onsite, but for those who would like the onsite convenience and ambiance, don't let this comment scare you away from trying to find a reasonable rate on site.

posted 05-25-2005 19:15            

quote:

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Originally posted by BocaBum99:
Yep, those are good benefits that would be worth it at about 1/2-1/3 of their current prices. Then, it would only be 2-4 times higher than staying off property.

For the premium you pay for Disney, you can afford to hire your own personal concierge and a private limo to shuttle you from location to location and have money to spare.

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posted 05-27-2005 05:46               

for those who didn't see it earlier, our current plan is that I have a request for a 1 bedroom (or better) unit at the 5 DVC resorts that II has access to. I'm giving it until around this time next year to find something. if I get it, great! if not, then I'll get an outside-the-park resort.