How much longer will you stay on-site?

[Carrie in AZ]

How much longer will you stay on-site?

Forever!! We would never consider staying off-site. The positively love the magic of staying in the Disney resorts and would never consider anywhere else.

 

[evilqueenmindy]

Never, being relatively local means waiting for the best deal on deluxes and pouncing as soon as they occur. But we have discussed if we had to add air travel or the expense of tickets (not that the passes are free, but its something I only think about once a year as opposed to every trip) or pay rack rate, we'd probably never have been to the world.

 

[ppony]

The rates getting as high as they are for the deluxes actually are what launched us into DVC. I just couldn't see affording it much longer because OUCH... but that's how we like to vacation. So we took the plunge. So in answer to the initial question, on-site until 2050s when our contract is up.

 

[danceintherain]

I don't have a rule that we HAVE to stay on-site now. I prefer it, but I allow our budget to dictate where we stay, and if at some point it seemed we would need to stay off-property to go and be comfortable, we would do so. I used to stay off-property when I went with my family.

I'm also not tied to only Deluxe stays, or even stays at the same resort the entire time.

We also have the option of staying at Shades of Green, which has all the perks of onsite without the onsite sticker.

We prefer staying onsite, but I would never pay rack rate for a stay at one of the Deluxe resorts. As beautiful as they are, it isn't worth it to me. We also tend to travel during value season which further reduces the hotel cost. The nightly rate we seem to be comfortable with right now is between $150 and $200 per night. I could see us splurging a bit for a few nights, but we'll probably stick with a similar amount, and if we cannot stay on property for less than $200/night in the future, we'll stay off.

 

[Port Orleans fan]

I will probably never stay off site. However, as much as I love Disney World, I doubt my family will be going if the prices really start soaring. In fact, we are already starting to take notice of the price today compared to our trip back in 2009. Eventually sooner or later we'll have say enough is enough, and look else where for our vacation needs.

 

[Sue M]

We go during Value Season when discounts are typically offered. I would never pay rack rate for a deluxe, and will only stay deluxe if I can get a good discount. Room discount at deluxe and buying DDP is always cheaper for us then free dining.

We never paid rack rate for a moderate either. We've always gotten at least 30% off moderates, or free dining.

This Jan, we have 40% off WL room, and not doing the DDP, seeing how that works out for us. We still have TS for dinner every night, but we don't drink Soda, I'd rather have water, and we don't need desserts with lunch and dinner.
If we want a dessert we can share one. Will be interesting to see if we save some.

 

[eliza61]

. Is anyone else going to start staying off site, or will you continue to pay Disney's prices?

I have done both. I've never been "it had to be disney or nothing at all". I'm more of how can I get the best vacation for my family at the best price. Some times that's disney, some times its not.

1) I will never pay disney prices for a deluxe. The price isn't the problem, the deluxes are no where near being worth 500/night. sorry even the GF cannot hold a candle to the new Ritz carton in terms of luxury.

2) I will never stay at a value again, for me its a waste of money. I have 2 sons and a husband who are all over 6 ft tall. the values are so tiny I thought there was going to be a homicide just to get the extra space. since we go in the summer we do spend a lot of time at the resort. comfort is important. so if it's a choice of the value or offsite. It's offsite for me.

3) depends on the type of vacation I'm taking. we've started to venture to other parks now that my kids are bigger. so if we plan on visiting Universal, sea world etc. we will stay off site. much nicer places for far less money.

4) I do love the "ambiance" of staying onsite but truthfully outside of the EMH I use less and less of disneys "perks". we always have a car so we rarely do disney transportation. we don't do the dining plan, so no big incentive for me to eat at disney (food is mediocre imo) and now with the new surcharge on restaurants even less incentive. so staying onsite is probably less attractive than prior years.

5) Basically I have favorite hotels. The WL and the BC. If disney priced me out of those two, I'd have no problems staying at the Ritz Carlton or the Swan. both close enough and easy to get too, and a lot cheaper.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

Someone mentioned the DVC and how Disney seems to be forcing more people into these. I think that is so true and can't figure out why its in Disney's best interest? Even with the rumors of the Poly building DVC rooms and lowering the amount of regular rooms, I don't get it!

 

[DMickey28]

We never pay rack rate. My BFF works there! LOL. But if and when she leaves I will continue to work hard to stay on site. Between discounts, FD and then DVC in the future I doubt we will stay offsite. I'd rather wait a little longer for a trip because the hotel is part of it for me.

 

[cey]

Just back from a 2 week stay at POP and even though it went well, I won't be staying on-site again! The 3 main reasons are as follows:

1) Noise levels. Disney is just too loud, all the time! Even at the pools, the blaring music, people talking on their speaker phones and kids screaming. Not just playing and normal noise but screaming for extended periods! I can handle the noise at the parks but not 24/7!

2) I really missed having my own pool, spa and vehicle like I have when I stay at Windsor Hills. I also really missed the gym. Plus there is no comparison, Disney is much more expensive even with free dining! Staying 5 minutes off site gives you so much more privacy as well! Disney does not allow you to relax anymore!

3) Being able to prepare and cook my own food. The QSDP gave you ridiculous amounts of food! I never eat that much food in a day, and I can only imagine how much food you would consume or waste if you had the regular DP!

I know I will probably get flamed for my comments, but they are just that, my opinions! A lot of people might like the noise all the time! But if you don't like noise/crowds and need a break from all disney all the time, you really need to consider staying off site. It really gives you the best of both worlds. BTW, I am an AP holder, so if I want to visit disney, I just hop in my car and go! It works for me and countless others!

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Just back from a 2 week stay at POP and even though it went well, I won't be staying on-site again! The 3 main reasons are as follows:

1) Noise levels. Disney is just too loud, all the time! Even at the pools, the blaring music, people talking on their speaker phones and kids screaming. Not just playing and normal noise but screaming for extended periods! I can handle the noise at the parks but not 24/7!

2) I really missed having my own pool, spa and vehicle like I have when I stay at Windsor Hills. I also really missed the gym. Plus there is no comparison, Disney is much more expensive even with free dining! Staying 5 minutes off site gives you so much more privacy as well! Disney does not allow you to relax anymore!

3) Being able to prepare and cook my own food. The QSDP gave you ridiculous amounts of food! I never eat that much food in a day, and I can only imagine how much food you would consume or waste if you had the regular DP!

I know I will probably get flamed for my comments, but they are just that, my opinions! A lot of people might like the noise all the time! But if you don't like noise/crowds and need a break from all disney all the time, you really need to consider staying off site. It really gives you the best of both worlds. BTW, I am an AP holder, so if I want to visit disney, I just hop in my car and go! It works for me and countless others!

I LOL'd when I read the first part of your post... Pop and noise levels, who would have thought? Pop is crazy loud, I completely agree with you there! We normally stay at SSR which is wonderfully quiet

For the gym, again, this really depends what resort you stay at, we have unlimited access to the fitness center at SSR. SSR also has a spa. You get your own personal pool at Windsor Hills?

For cooking on site... again, we have a kitchen at SSR so we can cook all we want. We rarely ever make anything other than bagels in the morning but it's there for us to use.

 

[Miffy]

We go during Value Season when discounts are typically offered. I would never pay rack rate for a deluxe, and will only stay deluxe if I can get a good discount. Room discount at deluxe and buying DDP is always cheaper for us then free dining.

We never paid rack rate for a moderate either. We've always gotten at least 30% off moderates, or free dining.

This Jan, we have 40% off WL room, and not doing the DDP, seeing how that works out for us. We still have TS for dinner every night, but we don't drink Soda, I'd rather have water, and we don't need desserts with lunch and dinner.
If we want a dessert we can share one. Will be interesting to see if we save some.

I don't know how many people are in your family/group/party, but I've kept receipts from all my non-DP dining at WDW in the past, and it never would've been cheaper to have gotten the DP. A room discount (even 30% off) has always worked out better. This was for two adults (no kids), not huge eaters, often sharing main courses or ordering appetizers only at a TS meal, eating breakfast in the room, CS lunch, and not going to character meals. A delivery from gardengrocer was very helpful in keeping the food budget down.

Also, I noticed that, without the DP, it was a much more relaxed food experience. I never make ADRs, except maybe a day or sometimes a couple of hours ahead of time, and I'm not constantly counting up points and vouchers to see what's there, what's left, figuring out how to use it, etc. If something's not available, that's fine, I go somewhere else. Not a big deal.

 

[tinacaplan]

I cannot imagine ever staying off-site. The resorts are a huge part of the trip, as is not having to worry about driving. We've never had a problem with noise, either. I know the rack rates are ridiculous, but its Disney, so I save accordingly and do whatever I can to get the best discount possible. That said, we have a slight advantage being a family of three. I can, however, see the value in buying DVC, which I intend to do as soon as we can.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

We are a family of 6 and we go to Disney at least once per year, usually for 8 days. We always get two connecting rooms at a value resort and tend to rotate all of your annual trips around the Free Dining Promo. With the free dining discount WDW is actually one of the cheaper vacations we take every year. As long as there is a Free Dining offer we will be staying on-site at Disney.

 

[Miffy]

I posted, but about a side issue, and forgot to say that I'm on-site all the way. I've never paid rack rate for a WDW resort and won't. If I had to, it'd probably just shorten my stay. I'm a total-immersion Disneyholic!

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Someone mentioned the DVC and how Disney seems to be forcing more people into these. I think that is so true and can't figure out why its in Disney's best interest? Even with the rumors of the Poly building DVC rooms and lowering the amount of regular rooms, I don't get it!

We have run the numbers on buying DVC a number of times, but we can never justify that amount of money. I think, at this point, it would cost us at least $25,000.00 cash to buy into DVC. We haven't spent that kind of money in 7 years worth of Disney vacations.

Thanks, but no thanks. I'll "invest" my money somewhere else.

 

[eliza61]

Someone mentioned the DVC and how Disney seems to be forcing more people into these. I think that is so true and can't figure out why its in Disney's best interest? Even with the rumors of the Poly building DVC rooms and lowering the amount of regular rooms, I don't get it!

We have run the numbers on buying DVC a number of times, but we can never justify that amount of money. I think, at this point, it would cost us at least $25,000.00 cash to buy into DVC. We haven't spent that kind of money in 7 years worth of Disney vacations.
Of course you haven't, by your signature you've stayed mainly in Values. DVC is not for folks who are happy with value accomadations.Thanks, but no thanks. I'll "invest" my money somewhere else.

First, time shares are not an investment. You're right if you are looking for investments than you go to a financial expert not disney. Time shares are basically better accomodations at a prepaid rate. As many dvc'ers will tell you there are financial advantages over the long run. . I don't go if I can't stay at a deluxe. so it's very easy for me to spend 8K on lodging. Over the past 10 years I would have definitely spent 17,000 bucks on my hotel at disney.

Now as to why disney is pushing them. EDITED to add: I am not insinuating that non dvc'ers do not have money.

1) most dvc'ers tend to have disposable income. studies have shown many dvc'ers are not budget travellers. They can be counted on to spend an extra 400 bucks to do a segway tour or behind the scenes tour. so not only do you have a group of people who come back regularly, you have a group of regulars who will drop a wad of cash.

2) most dvc'ers will also sell their friends and family on disney. Many travel with 2 or 3 generations. It's a clever marketing tool. I get a 2 bedroom, invite my sister and family to vacation with us, not only does disney get the extra people, many times those extra people will buy in.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

First, time shares are not an investment. You're right if you are looking for investments than you go to a financial expert not disney. Time shares are basically better accomodations at a prepaid rate. As many dvc'ers will tell you there are financial advantages over the long run. . I don't go if I can't stay at a deluxe. so it's very easy for me to spend 8K on lodging. Over the past 10 years I would have definitely spent 17,000 bucks on my hotel at disney.

Now as to why disney is pushing them.

1) most dvc'ers tend to have disposable income. studies have shown many dvc'ers are not budget travellers. They can be counted on to spend an extra 400 bucks to do a segway tour or behind the scenes tour. so not only do you have a group of people who come back regularly, you have a group of regulars who will drop a wad of cash. Rarely do we book our trip around whether or not we can get free dining.

2) most dvc'ers will also sell their friends and family on disney. Many travel with 2 or 3 generations. It's a clever marketing tool. I get a 2 bedroom, invite my sister and family to vacation with us, not only does disney get the extra people, many times those extra people will buy in.

I'm sorry, but don't talk to me like I'm some hick who doesn't know the difference between deluxe and value accomdations. We take at least 3 vacations per year and have stayed at many deluxe accomdations in many different vacation destinations. And just because you can technically afford something and have disposable income, doesn't make something a good deal. We have done the DVC tour and well, the "deluxe" Disney accomodations aren't worth the money to us - they just aren't that nice. The value resorts are fun and are worth the money - especially if you are like us and spent almost all of your time in the parks.

Different things have different meaning and value to different people. The green heirloom dresses that my girls have on in the picture in my signature cost more money than most people's annual family vacations. A lot of people would not pay thousands of dollars for their children's Easter wardrobe and would call me crazy for doing so, but guess what, that's fine with me and I wouldn't tell them they were too ignorant to know the difference between fine heirloom clothing because they wear Walmart clothing. I would think they just choose to spend their money in some other way, not because they are too ignorant to know the difference.

 

[eliza61]

I'm sorry, but don't talk to me like I'm some hick who doesn't know the difference between deluxe and value accomdations. We take at least 3 vacations per year and have stayed at many deluxe accomdations in many different vacation destinations. And just because you can technically afford something and have disposable income, doesn't make something a good deal. We have done the DVC tour and well, the "deluxe" Disney accomodations aren't worth the money to us - they just aren't that nice. The value resorts are fun and are worth the money - especially if you are like us and spent almost all of your time in the parks.

Different things have different meaning and value to different people. The green heirloom dresses that my girls have on in the picture in my signature cost more money than most people's annual family vacations. A lot of people would not pay thousands of dollars for their children's Easter wardrobe and would call me crazy for doing so, but guess what, that's fine with me and I wouldn't tell them they were too ignorant to know the difference between fine heirloom clothing because they wear Walmart clothing. I would think they just choose to spend their money in some other way, not because they are too ignorant to know the difference.

As usually another fine example of getting an answer , not liking the answer and making an assumption. .

NO where did I say the values are not fun. I said if you like staying in them dvc time shares do not make sense. PERIOD!! if you did go to the presentation then your guide would have said the same thing.

NO where did I say you could not afford the deluxes. I said, and I quote "by your signature you've stayed mainly in values". Did I some how misread that?

Stay wherever the heck you want to, why the heck would I care.

TIMESHARES ARE NOT AN INVESTMENT.


The other poster mentioned she didn't understand why disney seems to be pushing "all dvc, all the time" even going so far as reducing the number of regular rooms. Maybe I just should have said, they are a money making for disney but I broke it down into 2 possible reasons.

When you go to the dvc general annual meetings many times they will present "trends" on the average dvc'ers. these include things like how much they spend on other things (I gather they get the information from surveys) I was in no way alluding or insinuating that you could not afford these thing. I apologize if that's what you got from the 2 points.

You notice in my response, the use of the word I. no where did I say "people who stay at values don't know the difference". I said "I don't go if I can't stay in a deluxe so it's easy for me to spend 17K on accomodations"I stand by my original answer. and I have no idea whether you are a hick, uneducated or not. and since I did not call you any thing at all, you went there all by yourself.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

As usually another fine example of getting an answer , not liking the answer and making an assumption. .

NO where did I say the values are not fun. I said if you like staying in them dvc time shares do not make sense. PERIOD!! if you did go to the presentation then your guide would have said the same thing.

NO where did I say you could not afford the deluxes. I said, and I quote "by your signature you've stayed mainly in values". Did I some how misread that?

Stay wherever the heck you want to, why the heck would I care.

TIMESHARES ARE NOT AN INVESTMENT.


The other poster mentioned she didn't understand why disney seems to be pushing "all dvc, all the time" even going so far as reducing the number of regular rooms. Maybe I just should have said, they are a money making for disney but I broke it down into 2 possible reasons.

When you go to the dvc general annual meetings many times they will present "trends" on the average dvc'ers. these include things like how much they spend on other things (I gather they get the information from surveys) I was in no way alluding or insinuating that you could not afford these thing. I apologize if that's what you got from the 2 points.

You notice in my response, the use of the word I. no where did I say "people who stay at values don't know the difference". I said "I don't go if I can't stay in a deluxe so it's easy for me to spend 17K on accomodations"I stand by my original answer. and I have no idea whether you are a hick, uneducated or not. and since I did not call you any thing at all, you went there all by yourself.

As usual, another DVCer chip-on-their shoulder response because someone has the audacity to suggest that DVC is not worth the money for what it is.

And, yes, I agree, TIMESHARES ARE NOT AN INVESTMENT, but maybe the next time you are at one of your annual DVC general meetings you can suggest that they not indicate that DVC timeshares ARE an investment in their sales spiel.