First time for all 3 of my children to Disney World Do we stay in Disney or outside? Most memorabable for $?

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beckbeck

I'll tell you this. Every time I have visited Disney World, I have stayed off Disney property and we have still had A LOT of fun! However, being that I've been so many times and have never experienced a stay on Disney property, I am ready to try that out. It won't damper your experience to stay off site. I reccommend the Embassy Suites in Lake Beuna Vista. That where we stayed last year for our Honeymoon and it was great! You get a suite which consists of a room that can be closed off from the rest, two TVs, a minifridge and a microwave. You also get a great big ole cooked to order breakfast. The only thing is that I would reccommend either renting a car once you are up there or driving because relying on the shuttles can be aggrevating. The drive, if you have a car, to Disney is like 5 minutes, if that. But you will have to pay $9 a day to park.
To me, staying on Disney is worth it though. I can plan a trip for two in a Moderate resort for a week (during December) for $2000 (maybe less). And that includes Airfare, 7 day passes, hotel and all taxes. I don't think that's too unreasonable. Plus the food is expensive, but it's not THAT bad.
Either way, you're gonna have fun, and you won't regret staying on or off. Just ask a travel agent to give you difference in price and choose what's cheaper.

korbbec

Stay in Disney. It is your kids first time, and that will make the experience complete. You won't even need to rent a car- that's money saved right there- register for magical express and Mickey will take care of your airport transfers for free, and Disney Transport takes you throughout the parks. No parking or rental fees. Value resorts are only $79 a night in value season. But here is the real secret... go to an unofficial Disney site- my fav is www.wdwinfo.com- and you can buy peoples vacation club points. You could stay in a suite or studio right on Disney property with all of the Disney benefits and magic for less than staying off property. That is the way to go and few people know about it. Any ?'s you can email me at yahoo.
Also- I would fly. Check Jet Blue or Southwest online you should be able to get tickets for cheap if you do it early. Plan to stay in Disney over a weekend- Sat and Sun are 2 of the slowest days there because everyone is traveling those days.

atlanta_calling

Stay outside of Disney it will save you money. Also many of the nicer hotels even have free transportation to and from the parks. International Drive is a great place to stay. There is a lot of things for the kids to do there (mini-golf,go-carts, movies,chucky cheese,Ripley's,the wolds largest McDonald's play ground...the list goes on and on)also lots of restaurants and shopping.Most everything is in walking distance on I-Drive.We live in south Florida and visit my parents in Orlando often with the kids.

wmp55

Driving will obviously save you money. Don't stay at Disney either unless you own your company. And see EPCOT first when the kids aren't so tired yet. That place is absolutely amazing, and the authentic foods are worth the price. The one absolute must-see for your two older children is "Cranium Command."

anaheimsportsfan

If its your first time to WDW, I would stay on property on the Value Resorts like PopCentury, All Stars, etc.

If you go during the off season, you save a bit of money. I'll going in August where Disney is offering free food. The food consists of lunch, dinner and snack. Tip and tax is included.

You'll be surprised that its not that expensive to stay on property. Call the WDW Travel co (at the disneyworld.com website) or see an Auto Club travel agent.

The package can be booked with $200 deposit (per family not per person) and then 45 days before your trip you pay in full. That way all you worry about is souvenirs.

The 2 year old is free, so you'll be paying for 1 adult + 2 kids.

If you really want to stay on property for CHEAP, try the Ft. Wilderness campground. If you have an RV or tent, you can pay as litle as $30 a day.

alysia15_83

stay outside. MUCH cheaper... not to mention, when you eat there it will be like, $8 for a hotdog.

Disney Fan

I've been doing Disney for the last 7 years and have done it cheaply. What part of PA are you from? Cheaper to fly from Allentown into Sanford Florida, instead of PHILLY/Orlando. Some sites to study are mousesavers.com, or intercot.com. Also, book everything on your own, do not use a travel agent. Go on the offpeak times. Stay at the Value resorts. You have to really plan ahead and wisely for Disney World. If you do, it's not all that expensive.

tech_fanatic

I personally have only stayed off-site twice. Both times I stayed in a condo. The condos weren't even comparable to the Disney hotels and you wouldn't save any money at all. Twice was more than enough for me. So other than those two times, I have only stayed at Disney and Universal hotels.

Because you have the three kids, I think it will be a lot nicer for you to stay on site. The big thing is the transportation. Most off-site transportation runs in the morning and at park closing. So, if your little-one needs to go back for a nap, it can be difficult or costly to do. At Disney, it isn't much of a problem. Staying on site at Disney, you can easily get by with just their buses, you don't need to have your own car. If you stay off-site, I think a car is a must, so you would need to add the cost of the car, gas and parking, which will really add to the cost.

You have a few options of where to stay, depending on how much you want to spend. And one thing to remember, you only have to have one room, because your two year old is free, I will get a little more into this later.

Your first choice would either be one room at a value resort, or a family suite at the All Star Music. Both would work, the family suite is a little more expensive, but would give you more space and also, a little kitchen, so if you choose, you could fix a few meals.

Your second choice would be at a moderate. Again, you would have the option of doing one or two rooms. But, I think staying at Port Orleans Riverside would be a good option for you. The room has a trundle bed, so it can accomodate 5 people instead of 4, though whoever uses the trundle bed should be small, they aren't very big.

Your third option would be a cabin at Fort Wilderness. This would be a little more costly, but you would have a lot more room and a little kitchen. They also have a lot of activities the kids would enjoy.

You mentioned a con of staying off-site is the chance on the hotel. I completely agree there. I've seen some of the hotels that run less than Disney off-site and I don't think someone would want to take their kids there. I mean you can spend just a little more and have a nice hotel with a great staff, clean rooms, etc. But, it may cost you a little more, and in some cases, not much. It's hard to find hotels in Orlando that run a lot less than Disney's Values, but are comparable in quality.

I also think staying on-site gives you the complete Disney trip. I feel it is more memorable to stay on-site. Plus, the staff does everything to make your kids enjoy the trip. If you have a birthday you are celebrating, they may put a card and balloon in the room, it's a cute extra touch. If they bring stuffed animals, they will set them up special while they are cleaning the room.

You already mentioned, there are the extra perks of staying on-site, early entry, package, delivery, etc. Just little things, but make things a little easier.

You also mentioned making your own meals and saving money off-site (you also have this options at the value suite, or cabin) But here is just my opinion on this. Disney has a dining plan this year which could save you a lot of money eating at Disney. The adults, which would also include your 11 year old is $37.99 per day and then your kids, which is only the 9 year old would only be $10.99 per day. Your 2 year old is free for the dining plan, more savings for you. I know this may seem kind of costly, but it would give you a table-service, counter-service and snack each day per person. It would save you a lot of money, usually around 40%, over eating in the park. If you go on vacation, you want to relax and have fun with your family, you don't want to spend the time cooking your meals in the hotel. Also, if you pay all the money for passes to go to the parks, you don't want to take the time out of your day to go off-site and eat at McDonalds. You want it to be special for you and your kids so that everyone can have a nice time.

To me, there is nothing better than staying on site. This will be your childrens first time to Disney, you want it to be really special and something you will never forget. I feel, staying onsite gives you this. Others will say staying off-site is just as good, but you save money. It just depends on the person. But I think for you especially with 3 kids, staying onsite is going to proove to be well worth the extra money you may spend.

Also, keep in mind, depending on when you plan to go, Disney may have a special. The current special is running for some dates in August and Sepetember, the special is free dining. Anything before August isn't going to have a promotion, but they should have a new promotion soon for after September. So that is something to keep in mind, you may be able to save a little more as well.

If you do decide to stay on-site, I highly recommend getting a travel agent that specializes in Disney. You won't pay anymore, the prices will be the same, but they will provide knowledge that will really help you plan that you can't get otherwise. It's up to date, current information to help you plan the most special trip for your kids. Plus, they can work with your budget to get you the most out of your trip. I've been to Disney countless times and still use my agent because she helps so much. I use http://mousetrips.com/WaltDisneyWorld.html for my trips and they are great. Their site also has a lot of information that I mentioned in my answer that may help as well.

I hope that this helps! Have a great time!

carobygirl

Fly. Get your tickets on bestfare.com

Get a rental car and hotel on Priceline.com

It is much cheaper to stay outside of Disney property.

On priceline you won't be able to specify a suite with a fridge and stove, but some that I have heard of are crestwood suites, homewood suites, The Enclave Suites, and Best Value Inn and Suites.

Hotels in Orlando are generally pretty cheap, but not the ones on Disney property...

kadel

Much cheaper to stay outside. You really don't lose time as it is fast to park and get in and out of Disney. Lots of good deals at the hotels. We stayed at a Ramada that had a water slide that was pretty reasonable

kill_yr_television

Being able to get 'off campus' can be the key to keeping a WDW vacation in budget, so drive. If you can make your road-trip meals into picnics instead of restaurant, that is $$$ in your pocket.

You are correct in thinking that WDW food is a major drain on your $$$. So bring your own kitchen. Even just an ice chest for morning cereal and milk, afternoon sandwiches, for juices and yogurts ... these can really same you some $$$. If you add a small microwave (pack stuff inside it to save room) and an electric kettle, think of how much 'sneaky' food preparation you can do in your room. (Hide the microwave from the maid -- cooking isn't allowed in rooms.)

Unless things have changed, staying 'on campus' will get you free parking. You will probably want to drive yourself within WDW, rather than depending on Disney transportation system. Trust me on this. (The exception is if your hotel is VERY close to the theme park. Since none of the lower priced hotels are that close, this won't be an issue.) The free parking is an issue because you will want to return to your room for a meal and a nap in the middle of each day when crowds are heaviest. Or perhaps use part of this time to explore some aspects of WDW other than the theme parks. Fort Wilderness has a free petting zoo for example, and your older kids will love Lego Land in Downtown Disney.

Make sure to pack plenty of snacks (ok, pack a meal) for eating in the theme parks. (Get each child a little pack of his/her own, so you don't have to be a pack animal.) Last year, I paid $8 for a small burger, chips, and a fountain soda! And walked away still hungry. Also every person should have a rain poncho and a warm shirt at all times. And a water bottle. And hand sanitizer.

The WDW hotels will have gift/sundry shops near the lobby. Getting packaged sandwiches and platters from these shops is much less expensive that getting a prepared meal. It's OK to take and eat your purchases on the hotel grounds PROVIDED YOU ARE A WDW GUEST -- you need not be a guest of that particular hotel.

There is some sort of meal plan available -- I don't know the details -- but you may want to use this for a day or tow to free you from snack packing. I think it's $35/day/adult for 1 seated restaurant meal, 1 snack bar meal, and 1 snack.

The character breakfast is lot of money to pay for bacon and eggs just because Micky Mouse spends 60 seconds at your table posing for photos. Paying extra for park-hopper pass is also not a good value.

If you can manage it, the "B" grade WDW hotels are much MUCH more spacious and comfortable that than the "economy" grade. These midrange hotels all have great pool areas with slides, playgrounds, etc. Not as good as a seperate room, but you can at least send the kids out for an hour.

Start training your children now that NO money will be spend in gift shops or theme park snack bars. Don't even ask. These vendors are 'conveniently' located so that you must pass thru them to enter and exit rides.

You have a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks from the lakeshore at Polynesian Resort. Bring a towel to sit on. (Another advantage of being a WDW guest. You can go ANYWHERE. You can spend the day hanging out at the luxurious pool side of the $300/night Animal Lodge though staying at the $80/night French Quarter.)

A day at Typhoon Lagoon is a nice break for parents. Lounge around and vegetate while the kids water slide. A year ago, guests were allowed to bring an ice chest and pic nic basket into Typhoon Lagoon.

You absolutely best ever accomodations value is camping at Fort Wilderness, but it is too hot for tent camping in summer. If you can manage to get some kind of air-conditioned trailer or RV, go for it.

Remember, stay in the shade even it means walking the long way around. And have fun.

PS There are plenty of supermarkets, drug stores, discount stores and so on along Route 192. Going out for bread and milk isn't a major expedition.

malak

the way gas prices are lately,not sure which is cheaper :to drive or fly.
well,if you fly ---your here in 2hrs. drive ----24 hrs.
so,if you fly,stay at Disney. they have free transportation.
if you drive. stay outside.something w/ a kitchenette. although some hotels offer free shuttle service to the parks.
it's true,the food prices at Disney are high. so,try to eat at lunch time (dinner prices are higher&usually the hottest part of day)or even a late lunch. bring snacks or a cooler,bottles of water,etc. they have lockers. bring sunscreen. don't over do it,it's hot!!
to make it memorable --- view the maps they provide,to get an idea what & where you want to go. then make an organized plan of action. so when you get there you are not spending all the time searching or arguing over what to go see & do. take your time,don't rush through & miss the purpose you are all there for ------ magical gathering.

Expert

Stay outside disney, Flying from PA would be better, here is exclusive info & great deals on this site
http://www.eorlando.net/

Girl Goes Back To The Future

Holy crap! I want to go to disney world but I didn't know a hotdog would cost $8! Pack your own lunch and stuff I say! Yeah I'm in Australia and everyone I know that has been there says not to stay inside but outside.

e13752

DISNEY HOTELS ARE WAY 2 EXPENSIVE.THERE THE SAME AS REGULAR HOTELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

coolmom342003

i think you have your answer even if your afraid to narrow it down oh and i hope youll have a car or at least can rent one

jeff z

There are a ton of vacation homes here! Try the Davenport area, where I live. There are so many that they have very low rates. Most of the are 3/2 or 4/2 homes, with pool/spa, everything you have in your own home. Disney is like 10 minutes from here, I can see the fireworks every night from my house.

choppercam1

Outside without a doubt! Disney and it's properties are
extremely expensive with everything from rooms to food. Another thing to consider is how much time will you spend in the hotel room. I remember staying at the Contempory Hotel and waiting forever for the elevators because every kid in the hotel would play with the floor buttons. The rooms were no better than a glorified Howard Johnsons. Now there are some better Disney Hotels, but you will pay dearly especially for the amount of time you are in the rooms

rahul_feb_1981

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A1FloridaRentalVacation
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