[alicefan]

Originally Posted by BDavis932

This is what we do, too! We don't buy AP's every year, we go three times within that year. This year we'll go last week of May/first week of June, Week of Christmas, and Spring Break 2009. Then we will use our DVC points to stay other places for a year like Disney's Hilton Head Island or Keystone (want to try Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona!) or maybe we'll do a trip to DisneyLand??? There are so many places we want to go! We make sure we make it to Disney World often, but we want to squeeze some other trips also!

O'hanas sounds great! You could also try Boma or Jiko one night and then do the night vision goggles and story telling around the fire pit at AKLodge!! You can easily fill up each night without going to the parks!

You've been gvin a great opportunity and a lot of good advise! Good Luck on your decision! Have you made your ADR's yet???

I always get good advice around here! OMG - I did not even know about the story telling thing at AKL and Boma is one of our family faves! Thanks. Now, I honestly don't even feel like I will miss EMH! I haven't even started with ADR's yet.

[alicefan]

Originally Posted by dancing4disney

We have always stayed off site and have enjoyed it. We like the space of renting a Villa. We don't mind the car ride as we are usually in the car and at the park gates within 30 minutes. We still feel immersed in all things Disney and don't feel like we are being cheated. We don't get to experience extra magic hours but do spend extra time at the water parks and Downtown Disney. Just make sure you get park hopper tickets and you can go from one place to another all day long. Although we have done Disney for 10 days with no park hoppers. We just added the plus option for the waterparks...etc and had more than enough to do each day.

I think we will definately try the timeshare at least once. We wouldn't even think of getting passes without hoppers! I have to go to at least 2 parks per day!

[alicefan]

Originally Posted by Jennatrz

That is so great. We just moved to Cape Coral in Oct 07. We love it. I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip.

Thanks!!

[Erin]

Originally Posted by alicefan

I'm thinking I might want to do the Contemporary for a couple of days!

can I come stay witchyoo??? It's only my most favorite...



Slight hijack- Bella and TheDave have a new home?!??!

[alicefan]

Originally Posted by Erin

can I come stay witchyoo??? It's only my most favorite...



Slight hijack- Bella and TheDave have a new home?!??!

I know it's your favorite! You can come, of course. PS - their new house is beautiful.....there is a thread around here somewhere!

[cinderbella]

Originally Posted by Erin

can I come stay witchyoo??? It's only my most favorite...



Slight hijack- Bella and TheDave have a new home?!??!

Yes we do! We bought a house in July!! I wrote an entire thread in Chit Chat about our adventures..lol.

[lovemysons]

I am so happy to see:
1. You are going back.
2. You are posting again!!

I have a very good friend who only stays off site. They had stayed onsite in the past, but, now they only stay off site. Missing the EMH is the hardest part, but she also says, they get to the parks as early as they can. They really don't mind not being onsite, but their children are older.

I like your idea of doing a split stay. :)

[rlcarmichael]

Orange Lake is good place. Other than the fact it isn't onsite, it's a really close 2nd. The location is very easy to get in and out of so you are back with THE Mouse in minutes.

If I didn't have DVC, it would be one of ony a couple of TS locations there I'd consider.

[nitaworm]

Originally Posted by alicefan

Maybe we will do O'hana late enough to watch the fireworks on the beach - which I just love! I am afraid to try the Luau (Spirit of Aloha) because of the reviews. The have Mickeys BBQ Thursdays and Saturdays, from March - December according to AllEarsnet. We will be at Orange Lakes for 7 nights. We might add on a couple of days onsite but it depends on when my hubby has to go back to work.

They had a Laua at Orange Lake. They do every week. Its cheap, fun, and right onsite. Here are my pics from the one we went to this March.

Here are my kids at the Laua at Orange Lake...they had a blast and it was cheap...

[nitaworm]

More of the Laua...





Here is Orange Lake Onsite Beach



Here is part of River Village where they have the slide and lazy river, restaurants, live performances, shops and more...




Hopefully this helps you feel a little better about being offsite, you won't be disappointed, but its not Disney.

[lovemysons]

Wow, those pictures were great! Looks like a great place to stay!

[alicefan]

nitaworm - thank you sooo much for the pictures!!! It looks amazing!!

I didn't realize they had a beach there!! It looks like an island resort! I really do feel a lot better about staying there. I know my family will love it and since we figured out something to do each night I think we are all set. I have a feeling we will actually be spending some time in the resort - there seems to be so much to do!! Thanks again!

PS: Your kids are absolutely beautiful!!!

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by alicefan

We were thinking of having a "hang-out" day as well....and maybe even going to Universal .

I was hoping Kim would see this and give me some of her expert advice.

I'M HERE! I was away, I'm sorry! (you were talking about ME, Kim, weren't you? )

OK, here's my opinion...TAKE THE TIMESHARE! Girl, you've ALWAYS stayed onsite. While it is great to be fully immerssed in the Disney Magic 24/7, you will have an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC vacation regardless! I have been to WDW 16 times or so and MOST have been off site. And I have LOVED each and every trip! That said, I do love staying onsite and love all the perks of it all. But you will still have a TERRIFIC TIME off site! NOTHING beats the spaciousness of a 2 bedroom villa offsite.

Like Bella said, maybe spend 5 nights in the timeshare and 2-3 nights onsite at WDW! PERFECT COMPROMISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mousemom]

I have to agree about Orange Lake, it was so awsome. I have been to timeshares(offsite) for 4 years now and by far Orange Lake is the best. The pools are incredible and tons of activities to do there. You will not be disappointed.

[alicefan]

Originally Posted by iluvwdw

I'M HERE! I was away, I'm sorry! (you were talking about ME, Kim, weren't you? )

OK, here's my opinion...TAKE THE TIMESHARE! Girl, you've ALWAYS stayed onsite. While it is great to be fully immerssed in the Disney Magic 24/7, you will have an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC vacation regardless! I have been to WDW 16 times or so and MOST have been off site. And I have LOVED each and every trip! That said, I do love staying onsite and love all the perks of it all. But you will still have a TERRIFIC TIME off site! NOTHING beats the spaciousness of a 2 bedroom villa offsite.

Like Bella said, maybe spend 5 nights in the timeshare and 2-3 nights onsite at WDW! PERFECT COMPROMISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Kim!!!!!!!!! Of course I was talking about you, silly!

I feel better and better about staying offsite and Orange Lake looks AWESOME!!!!!! I would like to try your place too sometime (Vistana, that is). We have plans to fill each night so I think we are good to go! YAY!!!!!!!!!