Is Staying on Property Worth The $$?

L

lisamonster85

Member
I went to Disney last summer (end of July - August) and stayed at an OK hotel, but am trying to plan to go back for my honeymoon in October and am trying to see if it is worth it. Do I stay at a value or a nice offsite hotel? Is the dining plan worth it too?

We were going to go on a cruise or an all-inclusive, but I think the cost of the passport is too costly and time consuming. What are your thoughts?
 
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loveofamouse

loveofamouse

Well-Known Member
Personally, Id rather go to the parks than the cruise but that's going to be a decision that varies from person to person.

As for staying property, Im a fan of disney resorts. That said, my family is staying off prop next trip. For a family of 5, I no longer see the value at the current prices. Staying on prop, we'd need 2 rooms. Off prop, for the same price as ONE room, I can get us a vacation HOUSE and have plenty of space.
 
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will341

will341

Member
All depends on your budget I'd say. I LOVE staying on property but fortunately my family can provide me with that. WDW is WDW no matter if you stay on property or off.
 
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SAV

SAV

Well-Known Member
I've done both. If you want total immersion, then on-property is the way to go. Disney 24/7. If you don't care, then off-site will give you the most value.

I'm shocked the word "magic" hasn't been mentioned. Someone shortly will post something about the "magic" of staying on-site. I think extra cash in my pocket is quite magical!!

Dining plan is nice if you are there for the food. Personally, I could take it or leave it...not a deal breaker for me.

That said....I think being your Honeymoon, you should go for the immersion and the regular DDP. It's not just a regular trip. Once in a lifetime(hopefully)!!! Congrats!!!
 
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slappy magoo

slappy magoo

Well-Known Member
lisamonster85 said:
I went to Disney last summer (end of July - August) and stayed at an OK hotel, but am trying to plan to go back for my honeymoon in October and am trying to see if it is worth it. Do I stay at a value or a nice offsite hotel? Is the dining plan worth it too?

We were going to go on a cruise or an all-inclusive, but I think the cost of the passport is too costly and time consuming. What are your thoughts?
Click to expand...

1: If my budget limited me to either a Value or a nice offsite hotel, I'd probably opt for offsite. And this is coming from someone who LOVES staying onsite. I find the Values' rooms too small, and not particularly romantic for a honeymoon stay, especially since Values are often booked by groups, class trips and the like, so the ratio of kids to parents may be even larger than if you stayed in a moderate or deluxe resort. You can also look into staying at the Swan or Dolphin, which is technically Disney property, walking/boating distance to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios, with prices starting at $139 a night, perhaps better deals if either you or your fiancee is in the military or an educator. There are also excellent deals to be had staying at the hotels on Hotel Plaza Blvd, which is just on the other side of Downtown Disney, and still technically on Disney property, even if they're not WDW resorts.

2: You'd only be able to get the dining plan if you stay onsite. Different strokes for different folks, we usually save money using the dining plan based on what we wind up ordering. Of course, were we not on the dining plan, we may order different items that cost less, and that would wind up working out better.

3: This may be a nerdy thing to say, but even if you're not planning on going out of country, it's never a bad thing to have a valid passport handy.
 
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mickey2008.1

mickey2008.1

Well-Known Member
As a past honeymooner, definitely stay on property. The theming and use of transportation is worth it, even at the values. As far as the dining plan, thats debatable. For two of us we pay out of pocket. We not big eaters, so we split. Not cheap, we get apps, drinks, salads, and an entree. Not cheap by any means. It just gives us more options to try more things. the dining plan for two is $160 per day with no apps or alcoholic bevs. The ddp is great for a family, but not two people in my opinion. Anywho, definitely stay on property for your honeymoon, its totally worth it not having to worry about driving and navigating the grounds. Its your honeymoon, have fun and enjoy. Congrats!
 
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cymbaldiva

cymbaldiva

Active Member
Ehhhh ~ between a Value and offsite I'd go offsite. Value theming isn't particularly romantic, and the bus transportation is, in my opinion, a nightmare. The last 2 years I went (annual girls trip so not romantic! lol) we stayed in values and rented a car because the first year we did it the transportation was horrific.

Stay someplace nice offsite, rent a car ~ enjoy your honeymoon!
 
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Scuttle

Scuttle

Well-Known Member
SAV said:
I've done both. If you want total immersion, then on-property is the way to go. Disney 24/7. If you don't care, then off-site will give you the most value.

I'm shocked the word "magic" hasn't been mentioned. Someone shortly will post something about the "magic" of staying on-site. I think extra cash in my pocket is quite magical!!

Dining plan is nice if you are there for the food. Personally, I could take it or leave it...not a deal breaker for me.

That said....I think being your Honeymoon, you should go for the immersion and the regular DDP. It's not just a regular trip. Once in a lifetime(hopefully)!!! Congrats!!!
Click to expand...

Well it really is magical staying at the Polynesian or the Contemporary. It has the history and nostalgia and being on the monorail loop is incredible. As far as the other resorts I don't think they are magical, atleast not as much.
 
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Jeff456

Jeff456

Well-Known Member
Definitely stay on property if you can, it's much better and after staying offsite in what was a very nice Villa, I would still choose even a value over that every time, it just didn't feel the same not being on disney all the time, and obviously onsite you have the buses as well which obviously are great if you don't want to drive! With the dining plan, I have only done it once and that really was just because it was free dining, there was too much food for us really, I guess the best thing to do if it isn't free is like others have said, crunch the numbers and work out what is best for you.
 
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C&D

C&D

Well-Known Member
You probably owe it to yourself to stay on property at least once (so you can decide for yourself).

Since my first foray of staying on-site, I became a convert and now always stay on-site (so much that I joined the Disney Vacation Club); your decision may vary, but whether your next visit or some future visit, try it once. Look for deals, and might I suggest that you at least try a 'moderate', worth it (at least in my evaluation).
 
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S

Susan Savia

Well-Known Member
If you can afford to stay onsite then go for it! A honeymoon is a (Hopefully) once in a lifetime moment and so splurge and enjoy. We prefer offsite lodging and enjoy the many amenities that Disney doesn't have for a much lower price! :ROFLOL:
 
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danlb_2000

danlb_2000

Premium Member
Don't forget about the Swan and Dolphin which give you a lot of the onsite perks but since they are not Disney hotels you can often get really good deals. We stayed at the Swan for our honeymoon at the very end of August. We payed a little more then the price of a value for a room that was at least Moderate resort quality (if not a little better).
 
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captainkidd

captainkidd

Well-Known Member
Let me put it this way - We could stay at Sheraton Vistana down the street from DTD for free, and instead I'm dishing out $8K to stay on property.

I wouldn't do a Disney vacation without staying on property.
 
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xdan0920

xdan0920

Think for yourselfer
Value vs Offsite. Offsite wins. Especially for a honeymoon. The values are really not the place for couples. The rooms are small, the resorts are HUGE (lots of potential walking to your room), it is loud, there are kids every where. It is a total no go for me.

However, as some people mentioned, you should really look in to the swan and dolphin. Those resorts are beautiful, quiet, big rooms, and a more adult atmosphere. The deals can be pretty good. This would be my #1 choice for a honeymoon if I was on a budget.

My second choice would be to look into renting DVC points. I have never done it myself since I am an owner, but you can sometimes get great deals on deluxe accommodations this way. I am sure someone on these boards can point you in the right direction with this.

Anyway, good luck with your choice. Have a great honeymoon.
 
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wvdisneyfamily

wvdisneyfamily

Well-Known Member
In a word, YES!!! I love staying on property. God has blessed DH and I with a job to stay on property. It's worth it. Here's my list why.

1. Extra Magic Hours
2. transportation (boats, monorail, bus)
3. package delivery to hotel
4. dining plan
5. themes of hotels
6. 24/7 magic

I'm a mom and full time teacher. My husband is a dad and teaches all day and until late four evenings a week. Laundry and a kitchen facility have NO appeal to us. We go on vacation to relax.

I just love the resorts. I'd stay value before I stay off property. I've actually done it.

Here's the thing. DH drives to Florida. He doesn't want to get back in the car until we go home. It's his vacation, too. The resort transportation system gives him that. I'd rather deal with those headaches than trams, traffic, and the rest.
 
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cowanfamily

cowanfamily

Well-Known Member
You said you were getting married in Oct. The rates on property are pretty good then. Crowds are down as well. There will more than likely be some deals offered at the time as well. I have done both and prefer on property. You can save alot of money off property. It just doesn't seem the same when I do it. The trip to the parking lot when MK closes is enough for me to never stay off prop again.
 
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