dining plan and reservation ? if staying off site

[pixxi]

We have always stayed onsite and were toying with offsite options to save money. If I stay off site will I be able to pay for the dining plan or is that only for resort guests? Staying off site will we not receive magic bands and if not can we reuse our old ones for park entry and FP? If staying off site are we able to book dining reservations at 8am for a 9am park opening? Anything else that I didn't bring up that I should know about with off site vs onsite stay? I know we have to pay for parking, FP reservations are just a few weeks before trip, no EMH.

 

[siskaren]

The dining plan is only for onsite guests.

You can use your Magic Bands for park entry and FP.

I'm pretty sure anyone can book a pre-opening breakfast.

If you're staying off property, you can book FP 30 days out.

 

[Paigesmom2013]

If you stay onsite, you can pick out your ADR'S at 180 days plus your length of stay (up to 10 days.) So you can pick your ADR'S for your whole trip at one time, versus going online each day to add another ADR.

 

[lovethattink]

You can use your old band for entry and FP+. Be sure to link your tickets. (Bring your tickets in case you run into an issue) We have AP and use MB, but there's been a few times we needed the actual card. You'll be able to make FP+ at 30 days. No dining plan for off site. If you are a FL resident, you can purchase TiW. Disney Visa can get you into special experiences like M&G, some discounts on food and merchandise. AAA members get 10% off at EoS. If you are eating at T-Rex of Rainforest Café, they have a membership that gets you priority seating (even before those with ADR).