Staying on Property vs off Property

[daytondisney]

which is a bargin - except for BCV. and whatever else DVC is buying back (ROFR) now. just don't even consider HH and VB - they will in the future (if not now) have trouble trading into the WDW resorts. besides their maintence fees are the highest.

there was a time when you could buy SSR and OKW for $45 per point.

now I own 60 at VWL, 50 at BWV and 170 at BLT. (did own 240 at OKW but sold it to pay for BLT). 50 points will still get 5 nights at BWV - only 4 nights at VWL with 60 points. these are studios. if I needed to get a 1-bedroom would have to bank points so would only go every other year.

paying a little less now than then $116.31 per month for all the maintence fees. Yes DVC is expensive. and as this post has proved staying at Disney is expensive. BLT cost less than BWV and VWL in maintence fees for now.

but if you love it and want to go - then buy. there have been several times when have looked at offsite to buy - but so far have not found what I want.

that say - if I had to buy now - really could not afford it. So happy I brought back in 1993 (and several other times) - before the prices got so darn high.

stay offsite with my other timeshares and it gets fairly good trades - have not tried thru RCI only II. RCI is the only way to get DVC.

In the meantime I had researched it and found everything you just said. If one is committed to Disney resorts, this sure seems to be the way to go.

There is so much to consider wrt to purchase, such as desirability when resorts begin to age, or availability when aging resorts need reno.

If I were into magic, I'd definitely buy in even at today's rates.

Have you ever rented out your points? If so, did you do it with a standing reservation or just by block? I see on m0u$0wner$ people renting for about $11, which is what Davids is now offering.

 

[spiceycat]

Have you ever rented out your points? If so, did you do it with a standing reservation or just by block? I see on m0u$0wner$ people renting for about $11, which is what Davids is now offering.

yes have rented my points. done both -had a reservation already or just what the person wanted at the time.

generally get more money for Dec and holidays. Now love Dec - but if sometimes comes up will definitely rent my Dec than cancel it.

sorry rent for more than what Davids is offering - BWV and VWL are generally $12 to $13. BLT is $14 to $16 - standard is more expensive per point - but not when you compare with preferred.

always get standard if I can.

Davids site is great - but he has a problem getting BLT because BLT owners can rent for more than he is paying us. some members do not like to go to the hassle of renting - it is much easier to use a broker.

now after 7 months all points are equal - but right now the popular times at BLT especially for standard are gone by then.

love BLT - but at DVC current prices - sorry could not afford it. so glad I brought when I did!!! (it was under $100 then)

brought VWL and BWV at $62 per point.

 

[Postal68]

Dang! $900+ for annual maintenance is what I am paying now for lodging alone.

Thanks for the info..

Right,

for what you pay alone in maintenance fees(about $700-$900) EACH YEAR for DVC or other timeshares, not to mention your purchase price, you can rent an entire full home 10-15 minutes from the Parks.

My parents recently passed away and they had 2 timeshares close to Disney. We didn't keep either of them because we decided for the maintenance fees we'd be paying, we would could rent a home with our own private pool as we have done in the past.

 

[Grumpy Dan]

My parents recently passed away and they had 2 timeshares close to Disney. We didn't keep either of them because we decided for the maintenance fees we'd be paying, we would could rent a home with our own private pool as we have done in the past.

Sorry for your loss.

We are a family of seven and our real only option without selling kidneys is renting a house, with a pool. For years I thought our WDW vacation days were over. Only recently realized for $960 can I get a house for 10 nights which sleeps up to 12. House is in the Davenport area, and we are excited!! Having been to the World during Easter break twice before, I have no fear with the Unofficial Guide's touring plans under my belt. In addition, we will save a lot of money eating at the house once or twice a day.

 

[Postal68]

Sorry for your loss.

We are a family of seven and our real only option without selling kidneys is renting a house, with a pool. For years I thought our WDW vacation days were over. Only recently realized for $960 can I get a house for 10 nights which sleeps up to 12. House is in the Davenport area, and we are excited!! Having been to the World during Easter break twice before, I have no fear with the Unofficial Guide's touring plans under my belt. In addition, we will save a lot of money eating at the house once or twice a day.

While we try to stay closer, but we have stayed in Davenport and the area out by 27(Clermont, I Think) and they aren't really that far away. We are actually in the process of looking for a home to purchase in the area. We are looking to purchase something that is close enough to use as a rental property for a few years(saving a few weeks each year for ourself of course!!) and then eventually making a permanent move down there.

 

[Kemorr]

I don't know where I lie on the on site/offsite fence. Last year was our first trip and we stayed in a 2 bed at OKW. We really enjoyed the resort, the "Disney immersion", the dining plan, the boat to DTD etc. we couldn't fathom taking buses everywhere so we hired a car. We used ME, though, DH hates lugging car seats, so we had ME deliver all our luggage and seats to our room, we hired a car at DTD instead of the airport (DH picked it up once kids were asleep, drove it back to resort, ready for our first park day, day after arrival). I will say that ME delivered our cases right as the kids were getting into bed, which was a bit stressful as I hadn't packed PJs or toothbrushes or anything in carry on. It took hours for the luggage to arrive. We have young kids, so the dining plan actually saves us money, although we got it free last year.

This year, I am taking the kids solo. I had booked a two bed villa at BLT for 8 nights, at a cost of $1000 per night. We could easily afford this vacation but when the fall discounts came out and BLT wasn't included, I started thinking about value. And, it was hard to see the value. Also, the most stressful part by far of our OKW vacation was the 3 kids sharing one bedroom. They were overtired and amped up by the end of the day and it took them a LONG time to get to sleep when sharing a room (even though they had separate beds). There was a lot of giggling, whispering, pillow throwing etc etc. it made our evenings stressful because I was worried about them being over tired and crabby the next day. So, I started thinking about handling the evening shenanigans by myself at BLT and paying $1000 per night for the privilege and it just didn't sound fun. So, I cancelled BLT and booked a 4 bed at WBC where everyone can have their own room and no one will keep anyone else awake. I am worried about missing out on the true Disney experience, however, especially now that FP+ and magic bands are in play for our travel time. I worry about our experience being diminished due to not being able to participate in those two things. We're saving a LOT of money, though, so I am eager to see how I feel about on site and offsite after this vacation.

 

[eangel12]

I don't know where I lie on the on site/offsite fence. Last year was our first trip and we stayed in a 2 bed at OKW. We really enjoyed the resort, the "Disney immersion", the dining plan, the boat to DTD etc. we couldn't fathom taking buses everywhere so we hired a car. We used ME, though, DH hates lugging car seats, so we had ME deliver all our luggage and seats to our room, we hired a car at DTD instead of the airport (DH picked it up once kids were asleep, drove it back to resort, ready for our first park day, day after arrival). I will say that ME delivered our cases right as the kids were getting into bed, which was a bit stressful as I hadn't packed PJs or toothbrushes or anything in carry on. It took hours for the luggage to arrive. We have young kids, so the dining plan actually saves us money, although we got it free last year.

This year, I am taking the kids solo. I had booked a two bed villa at BLT for 8 nights, at a cost of $1000 per night. We could easily afford this vacation but when the fall discounts came out and BLT wasn't included, I started thinking about value. And, it was hard to see the value. Also, the most stressful part by far of our OKW vacation was the 3 kids sharing one bedroom. They were overtired and amped up by the end of the day and it took them a LONG time to get to sleep when sharing a room (even though they had separate beds). There was a lot of giggling, whispering, pillow throwing etc etc. it made our evenings stressful because I was worried about them being over tired and crabby the next day. So, I started thinking about handling the evening shenanigans by myself at BLT and paying $1000 per night for the privilege and it just didn't sound fun. So, I cancelled BLT and booked a 4 bed at WBC where everyone can have their own room and no one will keep anyone else awake. I am worried about missing out on the true Disney experience, however, especially now that FP+ and magic bands are in play for our travel time. I worry about our experience being diminished due to not being able to participate in those two things. We're saving a LOT of money, though, so I am eager to see how I feel about on site and offsite after this vacation.

Looking forward to your review!! We are in the same situation!!

 

[Devilsangel7681]

When I was younger my mom would always stay off site with us to save the money. The transportation wasn't bad that I remember, then again I wasn't the one driving.

I would probably vote off site, only because you can save money and afford more Disney trips all together. Being in the Disney bubble is just a way for them to make you spend more money for amenities and the like. I am happier with dinner at McDonald's or Taco Bell next to our Motel 6 than Disney food.

Also you can make it in and out of the park pretty easily without having to wait for the Disney bus to your hotel. I remember waiting longer for the bus than the parking lot tram. Plus it was always fun remembering which character you parked at

 

[dioxide45]

Given the high level of activity in this thread, it leads me to think that it didn't originate in the "Orlando Hotels and Attractions" board and was moved here at some point?

 

[ArwenMarie]

Interesting thread.

We just got back from a great vacation, onsite. A split stay at Beach Club Villas and then Bay Lake Tower. We usually get a 1 or 2 br, we like the extra space. Anyway, the locations were great, there is nothing like walking to Epcot or MK! But you know what, the actual rooms, and for that matter, the hotels themselves were very ordinary. (We're not DVC so we are paying regular rates.) I don't know what the definition of "deluxe" is, but it occurred to me, the only thing that is truly luxurious about at least those two properties is the location.

We decided we want to go again in February and we're going off-site this time. The prices are just insane during that week onsite (Presidents Day week) and I cannot justify them in my head. We usually rent a car anyway, so no difference there, especially for DHS and AK, which we always drive to. Other than losing the walking distance to Epcot or MK I guess.

So we're taking the plunge and trying Wyndham Bonnet Creek. A 2br at Bay Lake tower is $1350 a night...Old Key West is $1000 a night...The Wyndham cash price so far (looking into other quotes as well) is around $250 a night for a 2 br. Multiplied by 5 nights...That's an enormous difference.

We shall see. I might love it, I might hate it. But I'm open to trying offsite. And I'm sure we'll go back onsite as well too.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Interesting thread.

We just got back from a great vacation, onsite. A split stay at Beach Club Villas and then Bay Lake Tower. We usually get a 1 or 2 br, we like the extra space. Anyway, the locations were great, there is nothing like walking to Epcot or MK! But you know what, the actual rooms, and for that matter, the hotels themselves were very ordinary. (We're not DVC so we are paying regular rates.) I don't know what the definition of "deluxe" is, but it occurred to me, the only thing that is truly luxurious about at least those two properties is the location.

We decided we want to go again in February and we're going off-site this time. The prices are just insane during that week onsite (Presidents Day week) and I cannot justify them in my head. We usually rent a car anyway, so no difference there, especially for DHS and AK, which we always drive to. Other than losing the walking distance to Epcot or MK I guess.

So we're taking the plunge and trying Wyndham Bonnet Creek. A 2br at Bay Lake tower is $1350 a night...Old Key West is $1000 a night...The Wyndham cash price so far (looking into other quotes as well) is around $250 a night for a 2 br. Multiplied by 5 nights...That's an enormous difference.

We shall see. I might love it, I might hate it. But I'm open to trying offsite. And I'm sure we'll go back onsite as well too.

We've stayed at WBC and it is very nice! I don't think you'll be disappointed. And it is so close, you're really on property.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[ArwenMarie]

We've stayed at WBC and it is very nice! I don't think you'll be disappointed. And it is so close, you're really on property.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thanks!!

 

[spiceycat]

And it is so close, you're really on property.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

you are not on property - you get none of the on site property incentives just ask the Hilton - which tried for its guests to get EMH.

that say Wyndham is very nice. I did not enjoy it because I expected it to be better than DVC. It is not. the whirlpool tub is not a whirlpool - it is one of those spa type - tiny holes. So the good side massage did not happen.

it was on the miniature golf course - so it was pretty noisy.

it was next to one of the swimming pool that had a bar - so that was nice.

think if my guests had come would probably enjoyed it more - but they cancelled the week before.

 

[joedplumber]

you are not on property - you get none of the on site property incentives just ask the Hilton - which tried for its guests to get EMH.

that say Wyndham is very nice. I did not enjoy it because I expected it to be better than DVC. It is not. the whirlpool tub is not a whirlpool - it is one of those spa type - tiny holes. So the good side massage did not happen.

it was on the miniature golf course - so it was pretty noisy.

it was next to one of the swimming pool that had a bar - so that was nice.

think if my guests had come would probably enjoyed it more - but they cancelled the week before.

Not sure why you would expect WBC to be better than a DVC.

It's costing me $515 for 5 nights at WBC during April break vs. a DVC that would cost $3,000+ to rent points.

For a difference of $2,500+ that DVC better be a heck of a lot better...

 

[badiggio]

Just got back today from WBC.We had a 4 bed presidential room 1804 Tower 6.I loved the whirlpool ;the jets were very powerful.The view was amazing;we seen the fireworks nightly from Epcot and MK.Being on the 18th floor you could see how close you were to Hollywood,Epcot, and Downtown Disney.I haven't stayed at the more expensive DVC resorts,but it sure beats the you know what over wilderness lodge or AK.We had ceiling fans in EVERY room and 2 separate A/C units ;one for each side of the unit.The 5 nights we stayed cost us $1235.Unless I win a freebie at a Disney resort,I'll never pay to stay there again.

 

[cruisinpan567]

you are not on property - you get none of the on site property incentives just ask the Hilton - which tried for its guests to get EMH.

that say Wyndham is very nice. I did not enjoy it because I expected it to be better than DVC. It is not. the whirlpool tub is not a whirlpool - it is one of those spa type - tiny holes. So the good side massage did not happen.

it was on the miniature golf course - so it was pretty noisy.

it was next to one of the swimming pool that had a bar - so that was nice.

think if my guests had come would probably enjoyed it more - but they cancelled the week before.

We stayed at WBC last week and loved it. I do believe that the resort is on Disney property. You are right there aren't any perks from Disney but still close to everything Disney has to offer. The resort is right next to CBR. It is not DVC but its pretty nice. Pump some Disney music and decorate with Disney decorations and you would think it was a Disney owned resort.

 

[Kemorr]

you are not on property - you get none of the on site property incentives just ask the Hilton - which tried for its guests to get EMH.

that say Wyndham is very nice. I did not enjoy it because I expected it to be better than DVC. It is not. the whirlpool tub is not a whirlpool - it is one of those spa type - tiny holes. So the good side massage did not happen.

it was on the miniature golf course - so it was pretty noisy.

it was next to one of the swimming pool that had a bar - so that was nice.

think if my guests had come would probably enjoyed it more - but they cancelled the week before.

It is "on property" in that it is within the Disney compound, past the Welcome to WDW gate. It isn't Disney owned, so there are no "on site perks" such as ME, transportation or EMH. So I guess it depends on WHY you stay on property - for the location (which WBC has, equivalent at least to several DVC resorts, values and moderates) or for the perks (which it doesn't have) or for "the magic" which is completely intangible and for which everyone has a different definition. (So it may or may not have, depending on who you are. For me, I don't yet know if the magic of lots of space and lots of money saved beats the magic of 100% immersion + perks).

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

It is "on property" in that it is within the Disney compound, past the Welcome to WDW gate. It isn't Disney owned, so there are no "on site perks" such as ME, transportation or EMH. So I guess it depends on WHY you stay on property - for the location (which WBC has, equivalent at least to several DVC resorts, values and moderates) or for the perks (which it doesn't have) or for "the magic" which is completely intangible and for which everyone has a different definition. (So it may or may not have, depending on who you are. For me, I don't yet know if the magic of lots of space and lots of money saved beats the magic of 100% immersion + perks).

Officially not on property. I'll take the Disney 100% immersion Magic over cheaper off site hotels. Spacious enough , especially DVC villas . Everybody has to do what they have to do for their family.

 

[mrzrich]

that say Wyndham is very nice. I did not enjoy it because I expected it to be better than DVC. It is not. the whirlpool tub is not a whirlpool - it is one of those spa type - tiny holes. So the good side massage did not happen.
.

Why would you expect a resort that is a fraction of the cost to be "better than DVC"?

 

[cruisinpan567]

Officially not on property. I'll take the Disney 100% immersion Magic over cheaper off site hotels. Spacious enough , especially DVC villas . Everybody has to do what they have to do for their family.

What do you mean by officially not on property? It is through the gates of WDW. It also sits right next to CBR. I was there last week and it seemed to me that it was on Disney owned land. I googled that and everything I read leads me to believe that it is on property. I have also stayed at DVC villas and yes they are very nice also. For the money and a good location we would stay at WBC again.