First time staying off property! Scared! - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Is it just the one day you are going to Disney this trip? If so, I'd just pay the parking fee and not worry about it.
If you are going more often - and you are returning in November - I might consider an annual pass for the driver - since they receive free parking at all theme parks. It would be worth it if you are going to the park for a good number of days between both trips.
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We stayed off property this year and we were a little worried, too. However, it was great! The hotel was much nicer (and a huge savings over on property). We had more space and much better ammenities.
We paid the parking fee (I think it was $15 per day) but it was worth it. It can be faster to drive and park than use WDW transportation any way (at most parks except MK).
The hotel did have a shuttle but it was easier to drive ourselves.
Hope you have a great day!
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"Disneyland has that thing - the imagination and the feeling of happy excitement - I knew when I was a kid."
--Walt Disney
I have stayed both on and off property and I no qualms about staying off property. I think some of the fears raised by people who have never stayed off property are really unwarranted.
If I had the choice of off property with a car or on property without, I would choose off without hesitation. I really dislike the buses and find them way too slow. There are many off property accommodations that are a quicker ride to some parks than on property even with a car.
You will have a great time. I try to avoid the park with EMH so even that is not always a perk I use.
We stayed off property this year and we were a little worried, too. However, it was great! The hotel was much nicer (and a huge savings over on property). We had more space and much better ammenities.
!
I think you will be fine, as I often hear this from friends why stay off-property
Based on what you said.
You would take the main road in front of your hotel to the left. That curves around DTD to World Drive then right up to MK parking lot. There are signs so you should not get lost while driving.
Buses from the International Drive hotels are labelled A and B. As you exit TTC for the trams head left past the gift shop. At the end of the building is bus shelters and a big parking lot for hotel and shuttle buses. On the left is the public buses, AK bus, and International Drive buses. One major problem is the timing of the buses. They run every 20 to 30 minutes usually but you would need to make sure one will be available. I would rather drive than risk missing the bus or waiting for a bus which may stop at 4 other hotels first.
psst, I am a public and Disney bus user
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Mom calls to check on me and reminded me to pay the gardener. I love her so much.
Disneyland was fun with flag retreat and pickles. I have a home here, thank you. GAC is NOT a "front of the line pass".
She is gone but keeping signature. Laundry is getting done. My purpose in life is to help poor people in FL. Farewell, will miss you.
There are several Holiday Inns in Lake Buenavista. So not sure which you are referring to? But if it's the one in DTD they do have a shuttle every 30 min. Not quite as good as the WDW busses, but better then most off site hotels. Don't know how late they run, but you'd be given a sched. on arrival.
If you have a car, for sure I'd drive for the party.
If you are going back for a second trip, you may want to look at Annual Passes. If you have annual passes, not only will it cover your two trips, but you also get to park for free at all of the parks. We have used this a couple of times, and are planing to do so again this December. We are staying off-site this December.
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