-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Off-Site or On-Site?
- Thread starter Wikkler
- Start date
epcotisbest
Well-Known Member
Only you know your budget. Yes, on site is magical. Off site can be too if it is the only way you can go. If the $900 difference is a deal breaker, stay off site. It is a different experience, but I would stay off site every time vs. not going. I am lucky enough to have done both, and yes, I prefer on site as well, but there are many wonderful, clean, relaxing places to stay off site.
My wife is there right now on a girl's trip with several friends, participating in the princess half marathon weekend. She is staying off site with several friends in a two bedroom condo that sleeps eight, in a resort that has four pools, tennis courts, onsite restaurant and much more and the cost was less than the least expensive Disney value resort that only sleeps four or five, so there are legitimate reasons for staying off site. Budget, for us, being the main one. Now, she is driving, so transportation is not a big deal.
It is easy to say staying on site is the only way to go, but, while that may be true for some people, it is certainly not true, realistically, for everyone.
I prefer steak, but sometimes a hamburger leaves me satisfied. OK, that is probably a bad analogy.
My wife is there right now on a girl's trip with several friends, participating in the princess half marathon weekend. She is staying off site with several friends in a two bedroom condo that sleeps eight, in a resort that has four pools, tennis courts, onsite restaurant and much more and the cost was less than the least expensive Disney value resort that only sleeps four or five, so there are legitimate reasons for staying off site. Budget, for us, being the main one. Now, she is driving, so transportation is not a big deal.
It is easy to say staying on site is the only way to go, but, while that may be true for some people, it is certainly not true, realistically, for everyone.
I prefer steak, but sometimes a hamburger leaves me satisfied. OK, that is probably a bad analogy.
Upvote
0
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Nine hundred bucks???? In that case, I would definitely stay offsite. That is a lot of money. I mean, are you really going to care about staying offsite? I don't think you are, especially if it means you get to save a whole bunch of money.
Upvote
0
real mad hatter
Well-Known Member
Phew! For one second there,just one second.I swear I never saw that first "S"
Upvote
0
disneygirl76
Carey Poppins - Nanny and Disney Enthusiest
IMO, on site is the way to go. Between the transportation throughout the world, DME, charging to your KTTW, package drop off, Disney Dining Plan, and EMH, those are just some perks from staying on property. I also don't like leaving the magic. When you stay on site, you are completely wrapped in the magic of Disney! You don't leave and see the real world and I feel that this really enhances the experience.
Upvote
0
Nero the dog
Well-Known Member
How long a trip and what time of year is that for?
If that's over a long weekend then stay off site.
If its 10 days or more then it may still be worth the stretch, especially if free dining would be available.
Upvote
0
disneygirl76
Carey Poppins - Nanny and Disney Enthusiest
What resort are you choosing to compare to a $900 difference? Will you have a car?
Upvote
0
Bama14
Well-Known Member
I say on site too! If you are driving your own car, parking costs an arm and a leg and maybe an ear or two if you are not a resort guest. If you don't have a car with you, you have the benefit of the free transportation everywhere. Even the value resorts are fun though...not as grand as the deluxe, but still fun. Fun pools, usually they have activities out there with the kids, outdoor movies, food courts...You get little perks such as the Extra hours, open only to resort guests. Plus you know what you are in for with a Disney resort. I stayed in an off-site resort for a few nights while visiting Universal, before our Disney trip. The hotel was about $30 cheaper, but I had to change rooms twice to get a clean one.
Upvote
0
SAV
Well-Known Member
For me it would be off site for $900,Alex. No brainer. You can get a car for under $200 using discount codes and the driving part is so easy to do. Signs and maps are everywhere. I actually prefer to drive even when I stay on-site. Depending on the age of the kids, EMH my not even be able to be utilized.
And think about it, you will have no past experience to compare it to, so there isn't anything you will "miss" about staying off-site instead of on-site.
And think about it, you will have no past experience to compare it to, so there isn't anything you will "miss" about staying off-site instead of on-site.
Upvote
0
disneysince71
Well-Known Member
Agree. If you are spending 1000s of dollars try to cut somewhere else... Just not the same
Upvote
0
epcotisbest
Well-Known Member
That is just wrong!Phew! For one second there,just one second.I swear I never saw that first "S"
Upvote
0
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Think of what the OP could do with nine hundred dollars... Think about it OP, you're still going to be visiting the parks if you stay offsite. Save your nine hundred dollars, please.
Upvote
0
Figgy1
Well-Known Member
I'm staying off sight this trip and it doesn't worry me saving well over 1000 and I'm getting a condo 3br 2bath full kitchen as my 1 ds has allergies it is almost essential to be able to bring a few things to the parks. My boys are also commandos so it's open to close, sleep, and shower for us so we don't have time to enjoy the resort. Now if it was a slower paced vacation with just my dh we'd stay on sight.
Upvote
0
HollyAD
Well-Known Member
On site no matter what! Even the cheaper value resorts have a over the top Disney feel! If you are looking to save money go with a value resort. I would suggest Pop Century or All Star Movies because I feel they are a little better then the others. Art of Animation is a little more expensive because it is new. I have been to WDW over 25 times and I regret having stayed off site a few times. We had a condo one year with a great kitchen that we NEVER used so it was a waste. Even though you may have to wait sometimes, Disney transportation alone is worth the money of staying on site. You do not have to pay for parking and no waiting at the drive through entrances and then park and walk/ take a tram. You also can beat the park congestion by taking advantage of the extra magic hours where there are less people in the parks. This is especially good for hitting the major attractions with a short line. In fact, staying on Disney property is my favorite part of going on vacation. I love to enjoy the atmosphere because no other place can top it. Enjoy!
Upvote
0
SAV
Well-Known Member
Again, with nothing to compare it to, will the off-site provide you with enough "magic" or "Disney Feel" for the extra $900 savings? Not knowing how you plan to tour, will you even be at the resort/hotel to take in that "magic"? I mean there is "magic" at the parks too. Were you even planning on taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours? I saw a Monorail picture earlier, well off-site folks ride that too.
I like to think of this in a quantifiable measure for that extra $900.
Whatever you do, you'll have a GREAT time.
I like to think of this in a quantifiable measure for that extra $900.
Whatever you do, you'll have a GREAT time.
Upvote
0
Disneykidder
Well-Known Member
For us it is a no brainer...ON site. NO need to rent a car if you don't want to(bus to resort and to all hotels), you are immersed in pixie dust all of the time, proximity to the parks, extra hours in the am or pm, amazing resorts at all levels of $$. It is amazing staying on site!!
Upvote
0
There's a number of very nice resort communities close to WDW that would allow you and your family to spread out, have full-sized laundry and kitchen facilities, and many have very nice pools and amenities. That $900 in savings can go a long ways towards meals and souvenirs....
Upvote
0