Should we stay at a Disney World hotel or condo in Orlando?

We're planning to go to Disney the 2nd week in November for a week. They are currently offering 25% off all hotels (and we would be going with one of the cheaper ones - movies, sports, music, etc). The dilemma is we have a friend that owns a condo in Orlando that would be willing to let us stay there free of charge. Would it be worth it in the end with the 30 minute-ish drive to Disney, plus finding (and paying for???) parking every day?Should we stay at a Disney World hotel or condo in Orlando?
Go with the free condo.



You can use the kitchen to make yourself breakfast and other meals. A hotel room is one room with one bathroom. A condo has more rooms and probably more bathrooms.



Parking at Disney is not bad. You always find a space especially in November.



Parking fee is alot less than paying for a hotel room. 30 minute drive is nothing and there is not as much traffic in the off season.
If you have young kids, it might be better to stay closer to Disney. You can take a mid-day break or return to the hotel much easier. That 30 minute ride could be the longest 30 minutes of your life. You'll be tempted to stay in the park much longer than your energy level will last.



A free condo is nothing to sneeze at though, I think the cheapest rate for Disney is around $80, and that doesn't include tax. Spend the extra money on some of the optional Disney experiences like the pirate cruise for the kids. I've stayed in a condo and having the extra space plus a kitchen and washer/dryer was worth it. Returning to that, instead of a small hotel room where you step all over each other was quite restful. But like others have suggested, check out where this condo is located---is it safe, really 30-ish minutes away, and not a dump? If any of those answers are "no" you may want to politely decline the offer.Should we stay at a Disney World hotel or condo in Orlando?
One thing for sure, you picked a good time of the year. Weather s/b mild-to-warm, crowds s/b significantly down (thus the price breaks you speak of). Here's what you should make sure of before going for the freebie condo: (1) Try not to offend, but you gotta make sure to ask your friend if the condo is in a safe area (you'll stick out like a sore thumb to any would-be criminals). (2) All things considered, is it really 30-something min's? (3) You're driving down, not renting or flying, right? (4) You do have a driver that won't over-stress getting lost? (5) You plan on having only 1-meal/day @ the park? If you answered "yes" to all the Q's, then it certainly sounds like the way to go. BTW, make sure you ask your bud where the closest grocery store is at, like a Publix. Finally, remember that a big chunk of money will be saved by eating @ the condo, or at least outside of the parks.
This should be easy. Your hotel is probably going to be about $1500 for the week (if not more). If you paid for parking everyday at a disney park that is going to be $84.



So the question is is saving $1400 worth the 30 minute drive? For me, yes - but only if the condo was 'trouble free' and not a dump with issues to deal with.



But if you can afford the hotel and are unsure of the quality of the condo, then you will have a first rate experience at a Disney Hotel with no worries.Should we stay at a Disney World hotel or condo in Orlando?
Yes!

If you talk to the locals who go to Disney they will even tell you its cheaper to eat off grounds at Disney. The savings will let you spend more on other things. Park the car and use the Bus and Tram to get around. The Hotels are over priced and slow to check you in and out %26amp; eating at Disney is not cheap and the Meal Plan can be a headache. Make a plan to see the highlights %26amp; the things you like, skip the stuff that will waste time. USE THE FASTPASS for time savings Have a great Vacation!
Yes

you can stay at a Disney World hotel or condo in orlando. when you visit disneyland you can choose 4 hotels:

Disney grand california hotel,Disneyland hotel,Paradise Pier hotel,and good neighbor hotel.
I would think too much time would be wasted in travel and parking. I would say plan on an hour to get to and in the park. You would not be able to leave the park, unless you want to waste more time. and you couldn't take advantage of Magic Hours. Are you flying in? WDW Magical Express saves you a lot of money on travel from the airport to the resort.

I have stayed off WDW property. I find the whole vacation so much better staying at a WDW resort. Less hassles.
If you stay at a Disney resort, you get free parking everywhere, room charging privileges everywhere, and Extra Magic Hours on specific nights. Plus the Disney feel your entire vacation.
If you want the most stress-free Disney Vacation, by all means stay in a Disney park. Its a pain to get up every morning before the park opens, then have to drive home late at night after it closes, and everyone is going to be crabby and cranky and things will not be pretty. I remember when I stayed off property once, and I was so jealous of the people staying on property not having to drive home at the end of the day.



Also, you will not be able to go home and take a nap at will, or go back for the camera, or be able to send purchases from gift shops strait to your condo, like you could at a Disney hotel. Its awesome being able to just send things to your room so you don't have to carry them throughout the day.



You will end up spending a lot for gas also, driving to and from Disney every day. Disney offers free transportation to and from the parks to the hotels on property, and they are very reliable, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. There are cheap rooms at Disney for less than $100 a night, so you wont have to spend a fortune on a hotel room.



You may spend more money, but I find that a stress-free vacation is worth it :)

Have fun!