Just saw this article and found it interesting/sad. The economy is really hitting Orlando hard...though Disney is keeping its head above water...
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May 2008 CSR 
Orlando hotels in worse straits than post-Sept 2001
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Fri, 12/05/2008 - 17:53
Orlando hotels in worse straits than post-Sept 2001
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 18:12
Yikes! Sounds like a fun time to go, no crowds! I wonder if the Christmas crowds will be up to par this year?
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 18:48
dsoup wrote:
Yikes! Sounds like a fun time to go, no crowds! I wonder if the Christmas crowds will be up to par this year?
Good question. Looking forward to hearing reports from Zzap and fjfuchs
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2006 Animal Kingdom Lodge
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Fri, 12/05/2008 - 20:31
Was thinking it might be the opportunity of a lifetime to check out the Christmas scene without dealing with the crowds.
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 21:49
That's pretty scary. The only time I've ever stayed off-property was on my first trip in 1982 with my HS class, when we stayed three or four to a room at the Holiday Inn in Kissimmee.
It seems to me that normally the off-property hotels get the guests that can't get on-property after the Disney resorts all sell out. In this recession, the Disney resorts aren't at full capacity because fewer people are traveling there. Therefore, there's no spillover to I-Drive and surrounding hotels.
I personally have no objection to staying off-property; I just need a clean and comfortable room in which to crash after running around all day. But because I cannot drive, staying off Disney property is extremely impractical.
Jim
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 22:58
Plus, staying off property = No EMH!!!
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 02:08
I really do like the on-property disney perks. Package delivery is quite nice, and it's almost always easier to bus into MK vs. drive.
I haven't stayed off-property in quite some time, either. It sounds silly, but there really is something special in staying at a Disney hotel. Staff are always great, I love those hidden mickeys, I'm such a sucker!
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May 2008 CSR
Mon, 12/08/2008 - 13:33
I actually kind of like lounging around the room, so I think it would be a serious downgrade to stay off site.