Please Help w/my On v. Off Property Decision

[noname70]

HELP. Let me preface by saying we've always stayed on-site. I've reached a stalemate on a weekend stay at WDW. Do we stay at a value resort (w/a discounted rate) or off property nearby DTD (Sheraton).

1) Value resort rate/DME/on-site transportation
or
2) Sheraton "free" w/Starwood Points/rental car $/hotel or taxi transportation/near DTD

I like the atomosphere of a Disney Resort but I also like the freedom of a rental car. I've heard good things about the Sheraton and we would save some $. Can't decide....

 

[AEfx]

I'm in the minority- I love Disney transportation, have never had a problem with the busses, and I HATE having to drive on my vacation! If you like the freedom of a rental car than maybe you should stay off site.

Right there with you, Erika. Never had a single real problem - one day I waited about 40 mins for the AK bus from the TTC, but other than that I've never waited more than 15 minutes, and usually much less.

I enjoy driving, but renting a car just doesn't make sense for me at WDW. I park hop 2-3 times on an average day, and that much trekking out to a parking lot, leaving, going through new parking gate, parking again, trekking into new park...bah, just annoys me thinking about it. I know I've spent less time waiting for busses than I would if I drove everywhere myself.

I don't miss the freedom - I have spent plenty of time at UO since it opened and not much changes there (I hit it only every few trips now), Sea World is about as thrilling as getting a root canal for me, and none of the other tourist traps appeal. I enjoy Disney food (even most of the fast food) and I can't imagine driving off-site just for a meal (now THAT's time taken away!).

I prefer to immerse myself in the WDW experience, and driving just brings me back to the real world - I try to not even look at the parking lots because the sea of cars just makes me cringe. I love driving - it's parking that I hate, LOL. (Which is why I own a very small car)

I guess it just depends on your priorities. If I only went to one park a day ever, maybe I could see it...but the way I tour I've found the WDW bus system to be amazingly efficent and well worth staying on property for. You aren't the only one, Erika.

AEfx

 

[barnum42]

I enjoy driving, but renting a car just doesn't make sense for me at WDW. I park hop 2-3 times on an average day, and that much trekking out to a parking lot, leaving, going through new parking gate, parking again, trekking into new park...bah, just annoys me thinking about it. I know I've spent less time waiting for busses than I would if I drove everywhere myself.

I'm a big park hopper and still prefer to drive. I've never been that troubled by the walk back to the car. Maybe it's just something in my subconscious where I'm happier to be moving, even if it's just at walking pace rather than waiting for a bus.

When I travel with Mother the walk is shorter as she is a wheelchair user and so we can park nearer the gates.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

even if it means waiting and standing next to some sweaty stinky person.

Whatever floats your boat That is the one thing that puts me off the Disney buses - the thought of being compressed against some sweaty armpit for the duration of a bus journey :hurl:

 

[Firewolfe51]

Kinda depends on your mood & frame of mind. Saving cash is always a bonus, and a free rental car. Cool! To us, having our own car is a must. Come and go as you please, no rush, no waiting and fighting the bus crowd. We have done both inside and outside, but we always have wheels.

 

[Erika]

Whatever floats your boat That is the one thing that puts me off the Disney buses - the thought of being compressed against some sweaty armpit for the duration of a bus journey :hurl:

What about the amusement of watching somebody try to hold on after an evening of over-indulgence at Pleasure Island? :king:

Now that itself is worth the PI price of admission :lol:

 

[UKMickeyFan]

I would not do Orlando without a rental car! Everything is so spread out so if you don't want to do just Disney things then I would go for the car. I almost always stay on property too coz I love being surrounded by the Magic but I hate the Disney buses. They just take so long when you can just jump in your car and be wherever you want. The buses making getting to other resorts than your own and places like the Boardwalk take so long. And when you have had a long day in the parks who wants to stand and wait for a bus afterwards when thousands of people are all leaving at the same time and all heading for te same bus you want to get on.
Stay on site but always with a Car