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On site or off site...does it really matter?
- Thread starter Joy Peace
- Start date
MicheleK
Member
For years when my kid were little we ALWAYS stayed on property. We've found ove the last several years that getting a house/condo with a pool works much better for us. We stay right off 192 and it usually takes us 6 to 10 minutes to get to the parks. Which, in my experience, is much faster than any Disney transportation. Remember, you have to wait in line for buses.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE staying on property, but sometimes you can't beat the convenience of the kids having their own bedrooms, having a kitchen, even if it's just for leftovers or popping some popcorn. And just jumping in your own pool at night after a long day at the park is just terrific.
So as you can see, there's pros and cons to either one.
Hope this helps. :wave:
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE staying on property, but sometimes you can't beat the convenience of the kids having their own bedrooms, having a kitchen, even if it's just for leftovers or popping some popcorn. And just jumping in your own pool at night after a long day at the park is just terrific.
So as you can see, there's pros and cons to either one.
Hope this helps. :wave:
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237% YES it makes a difference.
I would NEVER go and NOT stay on property. It just doesn't make sense to me. You can get GREAT rates at value resorts so why spend nearly as much and get NONE of the extras. (transportation alone is more than worth it not to mention the EMH's). Just the whole "feel" of Disney should be enough.
I would NEVER go and NOT stay on property. It just doesn't make sense to me. You can get GREAT rates at value resorts so why spend nearly as much and get NONE of the extras. (transportation alone is more than worth it not to mention the EMH's). Just the whole "feel" of Disney should be enough.
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brich
New Member
We do both. Last trip we stayed on site and love the atmosphere. Love the pool areas. We don't love the price or the inability to escape the people. So for us, it's really a toss up.
This year we're renting a home again. A very large home I may add so the Grand Parents and the Aunt and Uncle to stay with us. We split the home cost 3 ways and it's a steal. Your own pool, your own full size refrigerator, your own place to escape to. With the kids it's great to be able to have a wash machine to wash the clothes. This also allows us to pack half as much.
They both have their pluses and minuses so it's really weighing what's important to you. The homes we rent are literally 5 minutes away. When we stay on site we avoid the transportation like the plague anyway so that's no bonus for us. I think from a cost perspective, staying offsite is far cheaper for us. But then again, when we stay on site, we've enjoyed AKL and Poly which aren't exactly inexpensive. Worth it to us but still costly.
If you've never stayed onsite, it's worth a try but my opinion is only if you can swing a moderate or up. The values are nothing special. Again, my opinion. If you want the conveniences of home and want to save a few bucks, rent a home. That's my story...
This year we're renting a home again. A very large home I may add so the Grand Parents and the Aunt and Uncle to stay with us. We split the home cost 3 ways and it's a steal. Your own pool, your own full size refrigerator, your own place to escape to. With the kids it's great to be able to have a wash machine to wash the clothes. This also allows us to pack half as much.
They both have their pluses and minuses so it's really weighing what's important to you. The homes we rent are literally 5 minutes away. When we stay on site we avoid the transportation like the plague anyway so that's no bonus for us. I think from a cost perspective, staying offsite is far cheaper for us. But then again, when we stay on site, we've enjoyed AKL and Poly which aren't exactly inexpensive. Worth it to us but still costly.
If you've never stayed onsite, it's worth a try but my opinion is only if you can swing a moderate or up. The values are nothing special. Again, my opinion. If you want the conveniences of home and want to save a few bucks, rent a home. That's my story...
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ClemsonTigger
Naturally Grumpy
Yes, it matters a great deal!
Staying in the parks gives you immediate access to Disney transportation.
You get EMH (Extra Magic Hours) meaning that on certain days parks open an hour early or for 3 hours in the evening, only for resort guests.
The drive in can take up to an hour (each way) off of your day plus parking fee's. Plus the longer walks from the parking lot, plus getting lost on Disney roads.
Disney hotels are themed (some more than others) adding to the overall immersion into the parks.
Cost is not that different (depending on level of service).
You have many options available to you; Budget, Moderate and Deluxe, and depending on time of year/discounts, budget can be $70-150, Mederate $100-200, and Deluxe $200-400. Mix into that concierge service, plus rooms and suites (includes washer/dryer, kitchen, jacuzzi) to meet any level of service. The Disney site has good information on differences, as does this site, allearsnet.com and many others. Determine your budget and what you want from the experience.
If you are overwhelmed and don't know where to begin, consider contacting the best Disney travel agent, Kingdom Konsultants who are great members and supporters of these boards. They know Disney inside and out and can help you through the sea of decisions. There is no charge to call them or make reservations and they will let you know the fee's for planning if that's what you want to do.
Even though I travel regularly, I use them to be sure of keeping track of the best discounts available. (and no, I don't work for them...:lol
Staying in the parks gives you immediate access to Disney transportation.
You get EMH (Extra Magic Hours) meaning that on certain days parks open an hour early or for 3 hours in the evening, only for resort guests.
The drive in can take up to an hour (each way) off of your day plus parking fee's. Plus the longer walks from the parking lot, plus getting lost on Disney roads.
Disney hotels are themed (some more than others) adding to the overall immersion into the parks.
Cost is not that different (depending on level of service).
You have many options available to you; Budget, Moderate and Deluxe, and depending on time of year/discounts, budget can be $70-150, Mederate $100-200, and Deluxe $200-400. Mix into that concierge service, plus rooms and suites (includes washer/dryer, kitchen, jacuzzi) to meet any level of service. The Disney site has good information on differences, as does this site, allearsnet.com and many others. Determine your budget and what you want from the experience.
If you are overwhelmed and don't know where to begin, consider contacting the best Disney travel agent, Kingdom Konsultants who are great members and supporters of these boards. They know Disney inside and out and can help you through the sea of decisions. There is no charge to call them or make reservations and they will let you know the fee's for planning if that's what you want to do.
Even though I travel regularly, I use them to be sure of keeping track of the best discounts available. (and no, I don't work for them...:lol
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CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
Staying on site costs a lot more than the equivalent rated property off site 
Its whatever suits you and your budget / party size best
Its whatever suits you and your budget / party size best
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maryszhi
Well-Known Member
I have only stayed at on site-disney owned hotels. I think that if you can afford it , do it. the transportation makes it a less hastle to get to the parks. It also lets you get more time in the parks. But i my thing is as long as you have a magical time and create memories that will last a lifetime.....it doesnt matter where you stay
here are some of my favorites
pop century...never stayed but had irish dance practice there: i got to use the pool and slept over in friends room bc that was were most of the dancers stayed with the school
port orleans riverside...nice fun riverboat ride...really yummy rest.
delux...all i luv them all bc the monorail and and the attention to detail..
dvc... beach club two words: AMAZING POOL
if you wanta comprehensive description of on site hotels i suggest this website as well as allears.net ; offical disney world website and the book: Unoffical guide to walt disney world
have fun and have a magical time
~when you wish upon a star~
~a dream is what your heart makes~
here are some of my favorites
pop century...never stayed but had irish dance practice there: i got to use the pool and slept over in friends room bc that was were most of the dancers stayed with the school
port orleans riverside...nice fun riverboat ride...really yummy rest.
delux...all i luv them all bc the monorail and and the attention to detail..
dvc... beach club two words: AMAZING POOL
if you wanta comprehensive description of on site hotels i suggest this website as well as allears.net ; offical disney world website and the book: Unoffical guide to walt disney world
have fun and have a magical time
~when you wish upon a star~
~a dream is what your heart makes~
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mickey&me
Active Member
We've done both. We went with other family members and stayed in a vacation home. It was very secure, and we enjoyed the quiet, relaxing atmosphere. However, getting to and from the parks, while it didn't take long, was a hassle--and then there was parking.
We've also stayed on property. We took Magical Express from the airport and rode Disney transportation while we were there. We checked in for our flight at the airport before we went to the park for the last day. Waiting for the busses was less of a hassle for us than driving and parking.
To me, I'd decide what I was planning to do--how much time was I wanting to spend outside property, etc.
I doubt you'll be disappointed, no matter what you decide.
We've also stayed on property. We took Magical Express from the airport and rode Disney transportation while we were there. We checked in for our flight at the airport before we went to the park for the last day. Waiting for the busses was less of a hassle for us than driving and parking.
To me, I'd decide what I was planning to do--how much time was I wanting to spend outside property, etc.
I doubt you'll be disappointed, no matter what you decide.
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Sam02
New Member
Although I've stayed both on and off site I can't really compare the two (Shades of Green vs. KOA - which one would you pick? :ROFLOL. I did enjoy being on site though. It just seemed easier to get up and get going knowing that I could go at a moments notice to any of the parks.
. I did enjoy being on site though. It just seemed easier to get up and get going knowing that I could go at a moments notice to any of the parks.
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FWIW: Yes it matters, and is about what you want in a WDW vacation. If you will never leave WDW grounds, will not rent/drive a car, then yes it is worth it at a resort per your budget.
- The transportation is nice, but situational. If you are planning naps, breaks in the day, on-property is worth considering. If you are at a MK resort, the monorail is great but IMHO you pay a premium for it. Ditto the EPCOT resorts that are boat/walking distance.
- Buses are fine to get around but I have always found the buses slow, walks/waits long, you have to transfer sometimes.
- Airport shuttle (again, if no car) and EMH are the big pluses to me. If you are planning a shorter trip, do not get to go often and need that extra time in the parks, it is well worth it to stay on property for the EMH.
- You can also get benefits like the DDP, which could save money on meals.
- We drive, have passes that pay parking. Driving gets us to outlet shopping, from parks to resorts and such faster and easier. (Parking is included for resort guests too.) We also do other things such as Sea World sometimes, trips to grocery or Walgreens. We just gotta have a car.
- We usually have a larger group, 4-6 adults. Smaller rooms just do not compare to a 2-4 bedroom place with kitchen, laundry, extra bathroom and a TV for everyone. All for less than $100/night at a timeshare or rental house.
- Saving money on (IMO) nicer accommodations allows for more Disney: very nice sit down meals every day, souvenirs, more/longer trips.
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MIDisneyFamily
Member
We love staying on sute wayyyyyy more. But we now have 4 kids, and us. Its very hard to justify the price of a room on site that can fit us all. That is of course unlsee you do what we have done in the past, and dont tell them you have those 2 extra kids.
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Monty
Brilliant...and Canadian
- In the Parks
- No
I'm another vote for on-site.
The cost can be higher, but the immersion in "Disney Magic" 24/7, the access to EMH, the transportation and the little extras that come your way on occasion contribute to improving an already wonderful vacation.
We stayed off-site once. It was still a great vacation and since our accommodations were free it was a substantially cheaper trip. I found it relatively easy driving in the area, signage made navigation easy and although we were in Davenport, it wasn't a long drive. But we felt much more tired at the end of that week than we do when we stay on-site. The added drive at the start and end of each day was draining.
The cost can be higher, but the immersion in "Disney Magic" 24/7, the access to EMH, the transportation and the little extras that come your way on occasion contribute to improving an already wonderful vacation.
We stayed off-site once. It was still a great vacation and since our accommodations were free it was a substantially cheaper trip. I found it relatively easy driving in the area, signage made navigation easy and although we were in Davenport, it wasn't a long drive. But we felt much more tired at the end of that week than we do when we stay on-site. The added drive at the start and end of each day was draining.
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donvincenzo
Member
I agree with all this. Stayed off-site our first trip, years ago, and while it wasn't bad, the convenience of the transportation provided makes it worthwhile to stay on property. And as the previous person said, feeling like your still immersed in Disney even at your hotel is a nice touch...
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What is your opinion on staying on or off WDW proterty? Does it really matter and if so where are your favorite places to stay? I want to know the good the bad and the ugly
Joy Peace
It all depends on your priorities.
A lot of people are hard-core on site fanatics, but the benefits of staying off-site can far surpass anything Disney provides.
You can stay in a luxury suite or vacation home, just inches from Disney property for less than staying in a cramped moderate resort on property. The perks of that - you get your own bedroom away from the kids, usually with a nice big jacuzzi. You normally get 2 bathrooms which makes getting ready in the mornings a lot faster. You get a full kitchen so that you can eat breakfast in your jammies and save a fortune on food. At the end of a long day at the parks you can sprawl out on the couch and watch a movie or play on the internet (usually off-site resorts have free internet). You have your own washer and dryer right in your room. I could go on and on. Often times the commute to the parks is significantly faster than when you stay on site if you get one of the suites right outside the gates.
The trade-offs for staying off site: loss of extra magic hours and free parking.
I have an annual pass so I get free parking anyway, so for me losing the extra magic hours perk is WELL WORTH the long list of benefits of staying off site.
I do enjoy staying on-site once in a while, but I get a little grumpy being cramped up in such tiny accomodations with 1 bathroom and no kitchen, not to mention the fortune you pay for those accomodations.
Most of the places I've stayed off-site have been VERY luxurious too, much more so than the Disney resorts with way more amenities.
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myhappyplace
Crazy Cat Lady
Another vote for on-property...never again will I stay off! Most of my reasons have been posted, except package pick-up at your resort.
Anyone know if staying on property still allows you to send purchases back to your resort? Last visit in March 2006, this was still available. The less I can carry around in the parks, the better!
Anyone know if staying on property still allows you to send purchases back to your resort? Last visit in March 2006, this was still available. The less I can carry around in the parks, the better!
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Monty
Brilliant...and Canadian
- In the Parks
- No
Absolutely! It's a great service. Just be sure you tell them before they start ringing in your purchases [they can do it after, but it's a lot easier if you tell them first].
At the register you can choose to take your purchases with you [naturally], have them delivered to the package pick-up at or near the front gate, have them delivered to your resort gift shop [only if you're not leaving that day or the next] or arrange for shipping to your home.
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wdwmomof3
Well-Known Member
I also vote for on site. We have always stayed on site until the last visit and we stayed at Royal Plaza, close to DTD. While it was nice, I really missed being at a Disney resort. My kids love riding the bus & the resort pools much better. I just didn't get the whole "Disney all the way" feel like I normally do. We also enjoy the extra magic hours so that's another reason.
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