Is Staying on Property Worth The $$?

[lisamonster85]

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?

 

[aj_steig]

Congrats!!! We got married in 2007 and spent our honeymoon at Disney too (had a blast, you couldn't have picked a better place!) We stayed at the Hotel Royal Plaza at Downtown Disney and got a tower room for just a little bit more than what we would have paid at the value resorts. The hotel was great, the room was wonderful (very large with super comfortable bedding, way better than the value resorts) and the transportation was very reliable when we used it. We did rent a car, so it was easier to get around. We have done the dining plan on previous trips, but didn't on our honeymoon since we stayed off-site. It wasn't a big deal at all. With the money we saved staying off-site, we were able to rent the car, buy some souvenirs and did the Aqua Seas tour at EPCOT (also amazing by the way!)

 

[disney4life2008]

For my August 2011 trip. Staying at a Value resort will cost me $1000 for one week. Yes, I get the magic, EMHs.

However, I also have time share. For one week I got a off site I got a resort for $400 at about $60 a night. With every amenity that the more expensive Disney resorts have. Yes, I have to rent a car but I would rent a car staying at a Value.

I love staying on or off, but when money is tight, timeshare is for me!!

 

[WDWJedi]

Staying on property is the way to go..UNLESS you have 5 or more...once you cross over 4 guests the prices SKYROCKET. I just like being surrounded by WDW when I am on vacation and I personally don't like leaving property except to go out the PI gate to get food. That being said...a trip we are looking at in March would cost my cousin A THOUSAND DOLLARS MORE to stay on property because he has 5 in his family...so because of that we are staying OFF property with them.

 

[disneygirl76]

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?

In my opinion, I would stay on property and do the dining plan. For my hubby and I, we have seen the benefits of both. We have gone to the World staying on and off property and with and without the dining plan. And each time we go, we now stay on property and do the dining plan. The convenience of staying on property and hopping back to the resort and back to a park is valuable to us. Also, having the dining plan, it's like "inclusive" as it is just paid up ahead of time (well, all but the drinks and souvenirs). If you don't have a car and your off site hotel does not offer transportation for free to the World, then you pay a lot of money to get to the from the World and back. You are also on their time line of when the first and last pick up is rather then you just hopping on the bus or monorail when you like. Especially for something like a honeymoon, I would make it special and stay on property and get the dining plan. Congratulations!

 

[slappy magoo]

Stay at a value (i hear pop century is good) and do the Deluxe dining plan!

If you are considering Disney for your honeymoon, I have to think that your speed of honeymoon is not going to be spending the trip in your room or relaxing.

The amount of nice meals you can eat on the Deluxe will make the experience amazing for you!

Also, if you stay off-site, you have to pay for parking on property each day.

Great, you're all bloated and gassy from 3 sit down meals and in a room that's smaller than many bedrooms with a bathroom so close to the bed you will not just hear the other person's bowel movements, you'll feel the rumble like a passing subway. Ooooh, let's get it awnnnn...