Staying on-site

[ChrisMyst]

I've been to WDW 4 times, but never stayed onsite. I'm going in September with my partner and he has has never been so I am considering it.

We aren't particularly cost sensitive, I'll spend what I need to have a good time. I'm just not really sure if the benefits are worth it.. Also we will have a car, can we drive to the parks and park for free if we are resort guests?

We'll also want to explore the rest of the Orlando area, so is staying on-site practical?

Hope you guys can gve me some insight!

Cheers

Chris xx

 

[DisneyCruzer]

We will stay on-site this year at the Pop Century, but will also have a car. Parking at the parks is free for resort guests. We mainly use our room for changing, showering, sleeping and so a value resort fits our needs exactly. We will use Disney transportation only when park-hopping or perhaps for going to DownTown Disney as parking there somtimes sucks. And we can also have a beer or two then :slurp:
We stayed on-site twice so far, off-site four times. Both alternatives have their pros and cons, but we prefer on-site now, but only with a car at our disposal.

 

[tigsmom]

Staying on site offers a bunch of things... free parking (keep your pass on the dashboard), but why drive when you can use the transportaion for free?
EMH - both early and late, the magic of WDW 24 hours/day! You can easily go back to your resort for a swim or afternoon rest. Setember will still be quite warm.
We always have our car, but only use it for the water parks & DTD.

You have to remember that your time is worth something so once you don't have to fight the local commuter traffic you will be happier. :wave:

 

[Nansafan]

Have stayed off-site twice, on-site 18 times. We have no intention of staying off-site ever again. The biggest reason is convenience. Jump on the monorail and head back for a swim in the afternoon, take a bus to DTD and visit PI and not worry about driving, EMH's, all great reasons for staying on-site.

 

[Nemo14]

We've done both, depending on the size of our group. My husband loves to drive, so we usually have a car, although on our last visit we did not use one. I highly recommend staying on-site if you've never tried it. For just the 2 of you, try staying in one of the mansions at POR - it's our favorite. As others have said, there's no parking fee for resort guests, but I would not use the car to get to MK at least, since the bus will take you right to the gates, rather than the drive to the Transportation center, then the monorail or ferry ride over to the MK.

 

[TTFN-Tiggger]

I would recommend staying on site. Give it a try. I enjoy the EMH, the bus service, and being surrounded by Disney the entire time. Having a car is great - you will have the ability to explore the rest of Florida as you choose. When I have gone I have always had a car. I use that for the trips to Sea World, Cocoa Beach, visit friends, etc.

 

[ZapperZ]

I've been to WDW 4 times, but never stayed onsite. I'm going in September with my partner and he has has never been so I am considering it.

We aren't particularly cost sensitive, I'll spend what I need to have a good time. I'm just not really sure if the benefits are worth it.. Also we will have a car, can we drive to the parks and park for free if we are resort guests?

We'll also want to explore the rest of the Orlando area, so is staying on-site practical?

Hope you guys can gve me some insight!

Cheers

Chris xx

It is a good idea to use your vehicle especially if you will be staying at a Disney value resorts due to the distance. We have a rental car every time even though we stay on site. It takes less time to get around, even with the traffic (which usually is nothing to us when compared to Chicago traffic). The only times where you won't be needing your vehicle is if you're staying at one of the Magic Kingdom resort and you're going to MK or Epcot (change monorail at the Transportation Center), or you're staying at an Epcot Resort and you're going to Epcot (you can literally walk to Epcot, or take the water shuttle - and I think you can also take a water shuttle to MGM too).

And since you're planning on exploring the rest of Orlando (didn't know that exists! ), then having a car certainly would be very convenient.

Just remember, if you don't know already, that by staying on site, all your purchases from anywhere in WDW can be sent directly to your hotel. So you don't have to lug around anything you bought with you.

With regards to the Extra magic hours, I would say that don't have too high of an expectations. I've been to several, and in only one case was the park not packed to the gills. The extra hours didn't make the rides any less crowded because it seems that every Disney resort guests showed up, or stayed late. So if you don't feel like it, don't go out of your way to get up extra early, or stay up extra late just to make use of it.

Zz.

 

[bgraham34]

Staying onsite adds to the magic. Sometimes you can save a lot of time getting back to your room at the end of the day. Unless the lines for the buses are really long. It really just gives you more time in the parks in the end in my opinion.

 

[shoppingnut]

In September disney is offering the free dining with the wdw package. It has to be booked by June 25. If for no other reason, that would be the one to make you stay on-site.

I always stay on-site, I always know the room will be clean and if there are any problems, know it will be resolved quickly.

 

[BRER STITCH]

For a first time on-site stay, I'd like to recommend trying Port Orleans French Quarter.

The smaller size of the resort makes it not so overwhelming. WIth great themeing and grounds, it makes for some pleasant romantinc walks along the river and over to PO Riverside.

Also, from there you can enjoy the river boat ride to Downtown Disney and back for your shopping and dining needs.

We found it a great way to see the Disney Parks and still have the added amenities only a Disney Resort can offer.

HAVE FUN!

:wave:

P.S. We always travel to WDW in September and October and are heading back to POFQ again becasue we had such a good time last time! It's become one of our new favorites along with The Wilderness Lodge!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

We've done both onsite (POFQ) and offsite.

The decision must depend on your circumstances, party size etc. Staying onsite does add to the magic and I would recommend that everyone should try a Disney resort at least once

 

[ChrisMyst]

Thanks

Thanks guys,

Looks like Port Orleans for us then!

Chris xx