This is a post for the people that choose to pick hotels off-site.

[patnic]

Thinking about going to Disney this summer.  I have gone twice and stayed on-site, but wondering if we should rent a car and stay off-site this year.  

We have stayed at Moderates in the past, but this year, it will be a Value.  So I know I can get a much better hotel buy for the amount of a value.  

So what are your reasons for staying at non-Disney hotels?

[romalove]

I can't help you.  We like to drink when we are out and about, at Epcot, at dinner, etc. (not crazy drinkers but if we're on vacation....) and the idea that we don't have to worry about getting in a car, or a designated driver, and can just relax and enjoy and know a bus will take us back to the resort is likely the number one reason we stay on property, even though we can only afford a Value (we go yearly).

[cindyjean68]

Wow seriously? Where did you find that at? That is something we might be interested in. We will have 8 adults, possibly 9, 3 between the ages of 5 and 13 and 3 infants.

Quoting mushmom:

We're renting a house next week for 1/3 of the cost of staying on property. Also my parents go with us so we prefer to have a condo or house rather than being all crammed in a large hotel room. Makes us feel better to pay for all of the lodging as it's not something parents would do if not for the grandkids. This 4 bedroom house with views of the fireworks is about $900 for the week.

[awesomemommy2]

There is a development called Windsor Hills which is about 10 minutes from Disney Gates.  My friends rent there and get a 6 bedroom home from VRBO.   We prefer the timeshare/condo resorts as they have more amenities.   Gyms, restaurants, multiple pools and activities.   I know where we stay they have 1-4 BR units which sleep up to 12.   We have rented multiple neighboring units as its nice to break up the group sometimes.  The last time we were 8 adults and 9 kids (4 families) and we stayed in two 3BR units.   We split up based on the kids ages so that those without babies didnt have to be woken up for a crying baby or up at the crack of dawn.  

Quoting cindyjean68:

Wow seriously? Where did you find that at? That is something we might be interested in. We will have 8 adults, possibly 9, 3 between the ages of 5 and 13 and 3 infants.

Quoting mushmom:

We're renting a house next week for 1/3 of the cost of staying on property. Also my parents go with us so we prefer to have a condo or house rather than being all crammed in a large hotel room. Makes us feel better to pay for all of the lodging as it's not something parents would do if not for the grandkids. This 4 bedroom house with views of the fireworks is about $900 for the week.

[cindyjean68]

Thanks! Now would we need a timeshare or membership to utilize this?

Quoting awesomemommy2:

There is a development called Windsor Hills which is about 10 minutes from Disney Gates.  My friends rent there and get a 6 bedroom home from VRBO.   We prefer the timeshare/condo resorts as they have more amenities.   Gyms, restaurants, multiple pools and activities.   I know where we stay they have 1-4 BR units which sleep up to 12.   We have rented multiple neighboring units as its nice to break up the group sometimes.  The last time we were 8 adults and 9 kids (4 families) and we stayed in two 3BR units.   We split up based on the kids ages so that those without babies didnt have to be woken up for a crying baby or up at the crack of dawn.  

Quoting cindyjean68:

Wow seriously? Where did you find that at? That is something we might be interested in. We will have 8 adults, possibly 9, 3 between the ages of 5 and 13 and 3 infants.

Quoting mushmom:

We're renting a house next week for 1/3 of the cost of staying on property. Also my parents go with us so we prefer to have a condo or house rather than being all crammed in a large hotel room. Makes us feel better to pay for all of the lodging as it's not something parents would do if not for the grandkids. This 4 bedroom house with views of the fireworks is about $900 for the week.

[awesomemommy2]

No.  Some rent though the owner (or a realtor).  Some of the timeshare resorts you can rent direct through.   I think you need to first decide if you want a house or a villa/condo resort.  They each offer a different vacation experience.   Also your financial budget and if you want to do one huge house for everyone or separate condo units.   

If you want PM me and I can send you some links to places where we have stayed.    

Quoting cindyjean68:

Thanks! Now would we need a timeshare or membership to utilize this?

Quoting awesomemommy2:

There is a development called Windsor Hills which is about 10 minutes from Disney Gates.  My friends rent there and get a 6 bedroom home from VRBO.   We prefer the timeshare/condo resorts as they have more amenities.   Gyms, restaurants, multiple pools and activities.   I know where we stay they have 1-4 BR units which sleep up to 12.   We have rented multiple neighboring units as its nice to break up the group sometimes.  The last time we were 8 adults and 9 kids (4 families) and we stayed in two 3BR units.   We split up based on the kids ages so that those without babies didnt have to be woken up for a crying baby or up at the crack of dawn.  

Quoting cindyjean68:

Wow seriously? Where did you find that at? That is something we might be interested in. We will have 8 adults, possibly 9, 3 between the ages of 5 and 13 and 3 infants.

Quoting mushmom:

We're renting a house next week for 1/3 of the cost of staying on property. Also my parents go with us so we prefer to have a condo or house rather than being all crammed in a large hotel room. Makes us feel better to pay for all of the lodging as it's not something parents would do if not for the grandkids. This 4 bedroom house with views of the fireworks is about $900 for the week.