[smee57]

Wondering if any of you experienced WDW folks have any experience with the DoubleTree Club Hotel, Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort or HoJo Enchanted Resort?? Trying to figure out our budget, best deals for DH, DS (8) and myself, and off-site vs. on-site. Also thinking about Pop Century.

[karliebug]

I think that most of us seasoned wdw go-ers will recommend staying onsite at one of the value resorts. I have stayed both on and off site and will never stay off site again if I can possibly help it. The convienence of staying onsite and using WDW transportation is wonderful. It saves so much time,plus you get the extra morning and now the extra evening hours for resort guests. It is so worth it. I would recommend any of the all star resorts. Your DS will love the big icons and there is nothing better than hitting the parks in the morning, coming back to the room for a swim/rest break and then heading back to the parks for evening. And you never have to drive, the buses run you there and back with no parking hassles,etc. It is well worth it.

[disneyguy]

I would say if you don't mind the smaller room, and less amenities then spring for PC. You aren't in your room that much while at WDW.

[Erin]

Yup, Karliebug is right. I've done both, and I'll NEVER stay off site again. I paid about 10 dollars less a night, but I crazy bus service, a regular old hotel room, etc.

If you already considering the hotels you mentioned, you are much better off staying on site...the all stars/pop century will probably be cheaper and you'll get better bus service, and Disney magic 24-7

:c)

[sjpurple]

We strayed for 2 nights in 2003 at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree hotel. IT was a nice hotel. We stayed at WDW the other 7 days we were there. I couldn't get the 1st two days resereved at WDW. I don't know that I would stay there again. I would stay at WDW if at all possible. Because of the reasons already mentioned.

[smee57]

The prices of the off-site hotels are VERY inviting but I'm surmising that you get what you pay for? It's our first visit . . . on-site seems to be the way to go.

[lisalovesmickey]

Especially for your first trip you have to stay on site. There is nothing like it. As a matter of fact, I find myself comparing other hotels in the country to WDW hotels and there is no comparison!

Lisa

[MissDisney]

smee... riding the buses is half the fun! I say stay on site if you can!

[cinderbella]

on site...i agree..i will never ever until the day i die stay off site again...you are a part of the magic...and it feels like that everyday....you can actually be on vacation...no driving..no parking..no road maps..no getting lost..if you have questions you get answers from people who know them (sometimes workers at offsite hotels give misleading infor just bc they dont really know any better) Extra Magic Hour..dibs on Ps...there is no good reaosn not to stay on site....trust me...youll enjoy it..

[Dopey]

WE always used to do it "on the cheap" off site, and last month finally broke down and stayed on Disney property. We would never, ever, never again do it any other way. We were lucky to stay at the POR but really I would think that any hotel at Disney would be up to par. After all they cannot risk their good name with bad rooms/service.
The bus service was absolutely fabulous we never waited long. Sometimes we had to stand, who cares, the rides weren't that long, gave us an opportunity to talk to the folks riding with you.
And drinks at the pool any time you feel like it, no designated drivers to worry about. Wonderful. Save, save, save your pennies. Instead of buying that oh so good cappucino, cigarettes etc, put the money into your piggy bank, you won't regret it.

[mickaholic4077]

I would definitely stay on-site rather than off-site!!!

[smee57]

I'm convinced that on-site is the way to go. "No getting lost" . . . mean my DH won't have to ask me to get the map out to see if we're headed in the right direction? A vacation where I don't have to navigate? I'm likin' it.
We're flying down . . . do we need to rent a car or will the hotel pick us up at the airport? Do we need a car at all??

[Dopey]

Call Quicksilver. Can't get service better than that and cheaper than MEARS!

[smee57]

Sorry I'm so naive about this stuff. I must sound like I've been in a cave for the last twenty years. What does Quicksilver do? Thanks for all of your patience! We just want to do this right the first time so the future trip planning will be easier. And then maybe I can be one to offer advice at DC! Lookin' forward to that!

[Dopey]

oops, sorry myself, you were asking about a car or not a car and I meant to tell you about the wonderful "shuttle" service that Quicksilver provides. They'll pick you up ( in a nice big, clean car!!) at the luggage carousel and take you where you want to go and do the same when you return to the airport to go home. Once you're on Disney property you will take Disney transportation everywhere you go, so no need for a car. Quicksilver is a sponsor for this DC you can find information on them on the DC homepage.