I'm glad you posted a new thread because I am new and I would have never gone that far back into threads to read it. So kudo's to you.
I have done both on site and off site and I really don't think it is cheaper off site or any more convenient and this is why:
*You get free transportation to and from airport. Your cost could be $50-$100
*They handle your bags and deliver them to your room. I would pay $50-$100 to not have to worry about this. It is so convenient.
*Free transportation to all the resorts, DTD, and all the parks. And no matter where you are you can be where you want to be within 15-20 minutes. for FREE and it can actually be fun and is part of the magic. Where else can you ride a monorail, ferry boat, train, or bus all in one day?
*The rooms are very nice. Disney keeps them clean, updated, the room staff does a great job cleaning and adding special touches for you and your family. And you can spend around $100 for a value resort per night. Getting a good deal offsite will cost about $79. Is it really worth saving $21 to have all the hassle you get with being offsite.
*Each hotel has a unique theme so it never gets boring. There is always Disney magic around every corner. The resorts offsite don't have that magic and you aren't getting the FULL Disney experience when you leave the magical world to go back to a dull boring hotel/condo.
*Then getting to the park isn't easy. I once took a taxi to get to breakfast at Chef Mickey’s when staying offsite. The taxi ride if I remember correctly was about $40 plus tip. Then I had to pay for the taxi guy to get into the resort which I think was another $20. No one told me that you have to pay to get into the resort. So this was an added expense I hadn't planned for. All in all it took a lot of money just to get to breakfast.
*Yes most offsite resorts have a shuttle bus. Usually it just brings you to the Ticket & Transportation Center where ALL the offsite buses bring their guests. So you’re dealing with extra people and hassle that you wouldn’t need to if on site. Plus most offsite resorts charge an extra fee for this shuttle. Disney doesn't let them in for free and I’m sure charges them a pretty penny to have access. You are paying for it even if it's not a separate fee you are paying up front. It is in the room charge, or resort fee. Trust me it is built into the cost somehow.
*Offsite shuttles are very limited. Usually one or two in the morning and one or two in the evening. So you have to plan YOUR vacation on THEIR time. To me that isn't a vacation. When onsite you get come and go as you please. Usually buses, monorails, ferry’s, trains are running every 10-15 minutes. All day every day. From a few hours before the park opens to a few hours after they close. It isn't hard to get around on the massive Disney property.
So all of this is why I choose to stay on Disney property. If you are smart it actually saves you money in the long run. Bring some food with you in your suite case for breakfasts, Cereal, Snack bars, and refillable Brita water bottles. Small bowls and utensils. Buy pints of milk and you can store them in your fridge in your room. That’s right you get a FREE fridge in your room. Even with the value resorts now. Something you usually pay extra for or is stocked with useless stuff they charge you for at offsite resorts.
It is convenient, I do think it comes out to be the same cost as staying offsite, it is part of the magic and it keeps you immersed in the magic from the time you get there until the time you leave.
Don't sell yourself short... Stay onsite. You will be glad you did.
