Convince me that staying on-site is worth it!!

[tinabheart]

Besides the obvious...
early magic hours
free parking
keys to the world
free disney transportation
free parking
and the general magical feeling you get while staying on site...mmmmm I think you can already tell where my thought are!
After staying on site the last 2 visits I can't imagine staying off site again.

perfectly said!

 

[pjlla]

Well, you have done a pretty good job of convincing me that we should stay on-site. It is definitely the direction that the kids and I were leaning, but we want to keep DH happy as well. I think that the argument of "we are doing it for him" will probably go a long way. He can relax and sleep in and the kids and I won't feel like we are "burning daylight" and wasting time.... we can meet up with him later! Hope he sees it that way.

We will be traveling to SeaWorld and Discovery Cove, so we will be needing our car. Plus DH will be happier if he can drive himself back to the hotel, rather than wait for a bus.

Well.... thanks so much for all of your helpful suggestions. I really appreciate it. Happy Holidays..............................P

 

[Jchance]

If I might throw in my 2 cents...I think there are a lot of good answers posted, and I think on site is the way to go, financially, when you ad up costs of gas, parking, travel time, etc...I think it works out pretty even...and the convenience and atmosphere there is no comparison in my humble opinion...On site is the way to go. I hope you have a blast on your trip.

 

[AlyssinWonderland]

I'm in with the majority on this one, onsite is the way to go if you ask me. I will most likely never stay offsite again at Disneyworld! The perks to staying onsite are just too good to pass up! Besides I like the feeling of "Staying in the world" It's nice not to have to leave the Disneyworld feeling when you go "home" for the night. I hope you and your family have a fantastic trip!

 

[spiceycat]

when are you going?

do you have a AAA membership - they can get you a discount.

if Jan, Sept, Oct, some of Nov & dec - you might consider renting a DVC villa - a studio OKW or AKV

8 points so around $80 a night - Sun-thurs (leaving on Fri) - fri/sat are alot more.

a 1-bedroom Jan, Sept, early Dec - would be 16 points - $160.

now this is at $10 a point - some members want more - but you can still find $10 a point here on the Dis.

 

[goodferry]

Another option, the cabins at Fort Wilderness, much more space than a standard room!

 

[Steffiesunshine]

Jan 5-12th will be my first time staying on-site, but if it wasn't...

this thread would have TOTALLY convinced me!!! I can't wait!

 

[jewelmicky]

We have stayed in both...I think it all comes down to what you want from your trip.
We want the Disney experience this time....not the Florida experience. We have family near Daytona, and visit every couple of years...we don't usually mix our family visits with WDW visits.

I don't want to rent a car, or go off-site at all. I want to be all WDW all the time....we usually stay at POR, but opted for Poly this time for the Monorail and theme.

If you factor in the cost of renting a car + parking + gase....I think you will see more of the value of on-site. There are 7 of use going so we could had to get connecting rooms vs a suite. I would consider a condo next time...if there is a next time (doubtful for the whole bunch) this is pretty much a once in a lifetime thing for my folks and FIL.

It all comes down to what you want and can afford. But, whatever you pick make sure you can live with it...and be all stressed out on the expense during your vacation.

 

[D&DDisney]

Can't convince you to stay on-site because we stayed on-site this fall for all the reasons people mentioned above and really disliked it. We always have stayed off-site for costs and value and loved it. But eveyone kept talking about the "magic" of on-site, so we tried the value resorts (POP and Movies) and didn't like it.
Too cramped in the room
Rooms were not clean
Food court very crowded and VERY overpriced
Buses were crowded and seemed to take forever

The pool areas were nice for the kids, but again - crowded. When we've stayed off-site we got free breakfast, pools were not crowded, we drove and could come and go as we wished, and were close to other off-site restaurants that we're not as expensive as Disney. The rooms were suites for less then the price of a value room and they had a fridge and micro included to help save some cash. And, I just didn't see the "magic" once I was in my room on-site. I guess the magic for us is seeing that Welcome to Disney World sign on the hwy as we drive in. Then the magic begins. Once I am back in my hotel room, it doesn't seem to matter where I am.

Have a great time regardless of where you stay.

 

[livie1205]

stayed onsite for the first time in 1996, never stayed off site again....even if i have to stay at the value resorts, still better than a off site IMO....the money for parking,gas and meal plan is just cant be beat to me.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

It really is a matter of personal preference, but for us, on Disney property is the only way to go. We stayed for free once at my MIL's timeshare in Kissimmee, and I said never again, even if it IS free! That's how strongly I feel about it. Like others have said, something about leaving Disney and going into Orlando that detracts from the magic. I like the all inclusive feel of being on property.

 

[MarcyMouse]

In my opinion, it's not worth it going to Disney if you aren't staying on property! It definitely adds to the magic and excitement. I'm not sure why, but it does!