Advantages of staying onsite vs offsite

[aussiegrl]

I am just now starting to plan for our November vacation and was wondering if all of you could help me out. Last year we stayed at Vistana Villages and had a wonderful time. This year hubby is wondering if there are any perks to staying onsite instead. We will be traveling with our 3 year old son.

I wasn't sure if the Disney resorts offered any type of meal plans or ticket perks. I think I have read somewhere that if you stay onsite you can get free park hopper passes.

Any feedback or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[Sinderelli]

Growing up, I always stayed in offsite hotels. I never stayed in a Disney hotel until I was married with children! I will never, EVER stay offsite- I don't care how cheap or big the rooms are. Here is why:

-I'm not sure what week in Nov. you are planning on, but if it is Thanksgiving week it is going to be very crowded. This is when a perk only available to onsite guests comes in handy: EMH. On selected days, one theme park will open one hour early or stay open three hours after closing. Disney resort guests only will be able to participate in EMH. It gives you an opportunity to skip the 2 hour line during the day for your favorite ride and catch it later that night!

-I'm not sure about the "free" park hoppers you are talking about- I think that is a promotion. However, when you stay onsite you have option of a Magic Your Way ticket, to which you can add park hoppers and/or dining. This is the option we always choose b/c we love having our meals, snacks, and even tips paid for in advance!

-We have stayed in 3 values, 1 moderate, and 1 deluxe. The age of your son is perfect for a All Star Movies if he is a Toy Story fan like my son. We stayed at this hotel and it was absolutely magical! And for about 90 bucks a night, easily affordable, too.

-One more thing: I'm not sure if you are driving, but if so, parking at the parks is free if you are a resort guest. Sometimes we would drive to the parks rather than wait for the busses, go home midday for a nap for the kids, and then catch the parks for the late hours only available to us!

 

[Trekker]

Here are some links to previous discussions on this topic - there are all kinds of different thoughts on this.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1462187&highlight=offsite

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1371277&highlight=offsite

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1358903&highlight=offsite

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1321512&highlight=offsite

 

[grannyminnie]

When you stay onsite, you're immersed in the "magic" and even for a "granny" like me, that's what it's all about!!

 

[emer95]

I was a serious off-site fan and swore I always would be. But the Dining plan lured me over to TRY on-site. We were going to do a spilt stay this August (on and off-site) but Disney again lured us with a postcard rate of $59/night for a Value. So we switched our off-site reservation to on-site at POP. I'll give you my honest opinion when we return!

 

[spiceycat]

well there is EMH - extra magic hours - but your son is too young for you to use them.

the wdw transportation system - they will take you to all the theme parks plus DD, water parks. Plus with DME - disney magical expess they will take you back and forth to the airport.

if you are big shoppers - they will deliver your packages to your resort for you.

but with a 3 year old - I would think getting him to sleep and nap would be high on the list.

WDW is a happening place - I also love the value resort - but they aren't great for resting.

now during late Aug and all of Sept - WDW can offer free dinning. but that is the only month that they do it. You are little late to participate in that - especially if you have to go in Nov.

maybe it is the free transportation. You are there when the food & wine festavial is going on - correct. maybe he doesn't want to drive?

 

[aussiegrl]

Sinderelli - We are going the week after Thanksgiving. This is the same time we went last year and the crowds were manageable. Thanks for all the great info, especially the parking. I was debating on renting a car again, but the free parking for resort guests is really appealing.

Trekker - Thanks for all the great links. I will check them out soon.

Emer95 - Have a great time!! I can't wait to hear your report.

Spicey - Last year we were lucky that DS took his naps in the stroller. I don't know how it will go this year though.

 

[lejaf]

We have always stayed off site until this year when in December we will be staying on-site. The reasons we stayed off site were mostly money, space (we are a family of 5 and stayed in suites or timeshares), and we usually include other parks besides just Disney parks during our stay. The reason we are staying onsite this time is because it's a special occaision and don't mind splurging money-wise, we will be there only 4 days and so space isn't as important, BUT THE BIGGEST reasons, is being able to walk or take the monorail to MK from CR, and enjoying the extra hours. There have been a number of times that we have left the parks late at night after a long tiring day, only to get lost going back to our off-site hotel...NEVER FUN! We can't wait to be able to stroll back to our room hassle-free! And we are typically up early and ready to go, and don't go to bed early so we will be glad to get to the park early to take advantage of the extra hours and enjoy some rides before the crowds get there....and later after the parks close as well. Everyone is different and has their own reasons for staying where they do, but that's it for us.

 

[Mkrop]

well there is EMH - extra magic hours - but your son is too young for you to use them.

They can use the morning ones. On certain days the park opens early for resot guests only. In that hour that the park opens, you can get a lot done, or get FPs for later. We did that we our family and then went back to rest during the day. My youngest was 4. The EMH am was priceless time to get stuff done!
We aslo LOVED the dining plan.

I dont think I would ever stay offsite again.

 

[Atchley]

EMH
DDP
Transportation
Convienient
More Relaxing
No Parking Fees

Just a great experience.
I won't stay offsite ever again.

 

[HUFF590]

When you stay onsite, you're immersed in the "magic" and even for a "granny" like me, that's what it's all about!!

I agree here, seems like your apart of the magic even if not in the parks.