Disney vs Non-Disney Hotels - Price Difference

[qman]

Assuming you fly to Orlando and will rent a car what is the real savings from staying off of Disney property? Assuming a rental car costs $30/day and parking at the Parks is $14/day isn't most the of "savings" from staying off site used up? I suppose that if you have a car you have access to real world food prices, thus saving money there but that is about it...right?

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

Math-wise, that is probably it. But, for us, the intangibles of staying on property are too great...the Disney experience 24/7, the buses which are much more convenient than driving/parking your own car, the theme park early magic hours, etc. We dont even compare the cost of non-Disney hotels any more...I dont want to know!!

 

[minnie mum]

Your post starts with "Assuming you fly into Orlando and will rent a car...."

Well staying at a Disney property means that you can forgo that expense entirely by using the DME transportation to and from the airport and then using bus transpo once on site. That can be quite a savings. Add the savings from not having to pay for parking. Or gas. Add possible savings from not paying an added on 'resort fee' that many off site hotels charge. These may or may not add up to a stay at a Disney property.

Then you add what the PP calls the 'intangibles', which are what have us coming back year after year. Fabulous theming at the resorts. A comprehensive and reliable transportation system. Ability to take advantage of EMHs (early and late). Ability to use the dining plan if we choose. Easy access back to your resort for an afternoon break from the crowds and heat.

It's an individual choice for each family. Some prefer the cheaper accommodation and off site dining to outweigh all other factors. I must say that after staying off site for our first couple of trips (DTD area), once we stayed at a Disney resort we've always returned to them. Haven't even given a thought to staying offsite again.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I can't put a price on the "magical" feeling I get once I get in the "Disney zone". I leave my reality behind outside Disney.

But to answer your question.. it may probably cost you about the same or more if you stay off-site because you're paying for gas, and the parking at the parks, and the car rental. At least with on-site, you can use DME. You can also take advantage of EMH and the bus service to all the parks are continuous.

If you are looking for something inexpensive to stay, you can check out the value resorts. I'm staying at one in August!

 

[qman]

Don't get me wrong I'm firmly in the "stay on property" camp, we've been to WDW four times and stayed on site (CSR & CBR) each time). I love the Disney 24/7 aspect to being on property, not driving, and not seeing the "outside world" for the week we are there.

I guess what I was trying to figure out was for what is a fairly same difference in price why would you not stay on property.

 

[Schmoodle]

Depending on the trip, I sometimes stay off property because for the same amount of money I can have a much nicer place to stay. I can have separate bedrooms, rather than cramming us all into one hotel room. I have a kitchen and can get some groceries for when we're tired of eating out (which happens pretty quickly for us). I have a washer-dryer right there if we need it. I hate waiting for the buses, so I have found a rental car to be a necessity for us, even if on-property, so no savings there. We also like to explore some of Orlando's other entertainment offerings, and that's difficult to do if you are on-property without transportation.

But I also enjoy staying at Disney properties. I love being in the Epcot resort area. If I can get a good deal, that's usually what I end up doing. But as I said before, it depends on the trip. If it's a shorter trip, Disney-focused, and I have a PIN or free dining, then a Disney resort for sure. A longer trip, with teens that want some space, and other things planned, then a condo/house rental works for us. So I am not firmly in either camp. But maybe that will shed some light for you.

FWIW, I still get that magical feeling when I drive through the gates, or get my first glimpse of the castle.

 

[spiceycat]

Don't get me wrong I'm firmly in the "stay on property" camp, we've been to WDW four times and stayed on site (CSR & CBR) each time). I love the Disney 24/7 aspect to being on property, not driving, and not seeing the "outside world" for the week we are there.

I guess what I was trying to figure out was for what is a fairly same difference in price why would you not stay on property.

well at times RCI and II - both exchange companies have deals - $269 (sometimes alot less) and $227 (sometimes less) - you can get a week in a studio or 1-bedroom. these are getaways or final calls

now these generally don't happen in the summer - but the fall and winter they have them alot.

also with the senior discount can get a hotel room way below any at Disney - since I drive - getting there is not a problem

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Being someone who has done everything from super budget to staying on site in Deluxe resorts, it is possible to save money staying off site especially if you use sites such as hotwire and priceline. For example I rent cars for as little as $6.95 a day through hotwire - MCO has great availablility - right now I am renting from MCO for $8.95/day. I have an AP so I don't pay for parking - this is a big plus and I can get good rooms at a discounted price (well below the cost of a value resort) even in the summer.

All that being said - I love the magic of staying on property and will be buying into DVC just for that reason - even being now local. But it is possible to save money staying off site. And of course as others have mentioned to get more space and even higher quality lodgings for the price staying off site.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I read yor question one way and some of the responses seem to go another way. We generally prefer onsite, but we've done lots of offsite as well.

First, there is much more to the Orlando area than just WDW. Offsite becomes an advantage if we want to go some place other than Disney- like Universal or the beach.

If you are going to have a car either way- then one offset of offsite is parking fees. Either way, if you are driving, you still have to pay for gas. Navigation is perhaps an issue, also how long it takes to get to WDW. Some close offfsite places like Marriott World Center are on par with onsite.

Yes, the offsite dining options can save money. Many are chains. Timing is an issue. It takes time to drive around- so that is less time in Disney parks. offsite it can be easy if you need to buy anything- clothes, medicine, anything.

Grocery store runs become more feasible offsite. It's not worth the drive for $50 of groceries from onsite, IMO. But offsite, Publix might be right next door. Then again...there's an amazing Whole Foods on Sand Lake just off I-4. Most certainly not your typical grocery store. It's a dining destination unto itself; brick oven pizza, fresh sqeezed juice bar, HUGE buffets, barista, giant bakery, fresh seafood - lots of health(y) foods.

Much of the offsite hotels stay in business due to business travelers. That is one reason we may stay offsite in the area. Often, if you are staying offsite for a convention - you can extend the discount convention rate. Also, lots of offsite places are big chains with special rates and points rewards programs. So you can redeem your points if you are willing to stay offsite.

I think the other reason to stay offsite is simple variety. Some of the offsite places are amazingly beautiful. I've stayed at every Disney resort. It's fun to explore a new place sometimes. Just like visiting Universal is fun for variety. I like WDW better, but Universal has some excellent attractions. Many offsite places have amazing food options and beautiful pools/water attractions.

One more item...I can stay at the airport Hyatt pretty reasonably. If I have an early morning flight, it's really nice to just roll out of bed and be at the airport -for the sameprice as a mod/value. Plus the place is REALLY nice. You can drop off your car the night before and be done with it. (So there's a few $$)

 

[rock_doctor]

You can stay in Kiss for $25 a night in a pretty nice place (we stay here the night before we check into Disney) and eat at golden corral plus parking you can save a huge chunk of change each day. But in honesty it is much nicer to stay on property. The best way to get total enjoyment is total immersion. If seriously pressed for cash how about taking magical express to the Disney value hotel and only renting the car for the days you absolutely need it... Most of the car rental agencies have places in DTD and some will even deliver. You really only need it for runs to walmart and if you are adventurous the lynx bus can take you to walmart for a couple dollars... Try to stay onsite. Imho it does make a difference.

 

[cmcadoo66]

I have never stayed off-site at WDW but it seems to me as if it is only about cost, on-site and off-site are about the same.

To me, being on-site is priceless. Once we arrive at our resort we want to stay in a Disney bubble, oblivious to the rest of the world, for that one week out of the year. We have done the Universal thing and all we could say was how better Disney was at everything so we have no interest in doing that again. We live on the beautiful North Carolina coast so getting to a beach is not important to us.

We don't feel the need for more space. It is the one week a year that we all can focus on just being a family......no sports, no schooling, no computers, no being gone all of the time with friends, no everyday life getting in the way, etc. I also don't want a place with a kitchen! I am a SAHM and I do not want to feel like I should be cooking because there is an ability to do so. It's my vacation too and that means no chores!!

But like everything in life, everyone has their own preference. Staying off-site just makes sense to some people and to some (me included) it makes no sense at all!

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

I think if you asked this question on the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board, you would get different answers. Some people don't like Disney transportation and they will choose to rent a car no matter what. Some have AP's and don't have to pay for parking anyway. All our trips so far have been onsite, but I might consider offsite depending on the type of accommodations I was interested in. There are many places offsite where you can get a 4 or 5 bedroom vacation home with a private pool for less than a room at a deluxe.

 

[lbv7]

It really depends on which WDW hotel you choose.
Is it the value at $ 89 a night, or the GF at $ 400 a night.
Can you stay at any of the WDW hotels, and also take advantage of free dining, if it is available?
You can probably stay at a Hampton Inn offsite for $ 125 a night (including free breakfasts) so you can use this is a starting point.

 

[eliza61]

Assuming you fly to Orlando and will rent a car what is the real savings from staying off of Disney property? Assuming a rental car costs $30/day and parking at the Parks is $14/day isn't most the of "savings" from staying off site used up? I suppose that if you have a car you have access to real world food prices, thus saving money there but that is about it...right?

Because sorry offsite wins.

Here is my price breakdown for Aug 23-27

Now we always rent a car regardless. I don't like disney transportation so that's a wash.

WE got a midsize car off of price line for 30 dollars a day so with tax it came to $178.00

14X5 to park 70 bucks. but that's if we decide to drive every day.

Now the big savings come in the room. We are staying at the waldorf Astoria right next to disney property.

price with aaa discount 237.00/night including tax.

Disney's animal kingdom prices.
340.00 thursday
360.00 Friday
360.00 Saturday
340.00 Sunday
$1575.00 with tax.

Grand totals.

Disney. 1575.00 room. +178.00 car=1753.00
Waldorf Astoria=1066.50 +178.00 car=1244.50

Sorry that's 500 bucks cheaper and the hotel is waaaaay better than any thing on disney property.

I love staying onsite for the atmosphere but sorry if we are talking money only, I get better accomodations for cheaper prices offsite. opps forgot the 70 bucks parking. LOL. It's only a 430 bucks cheaper.

I kept the resorts apples to apples, although if I wanted to compare some thing to the waldorf I would have to go the Poly or the Grand floridian and the savings would be even more. The price we got for the Grand floridian with our AAA discount was some thing ridiculous like 400 bucks a night.

Of course we may have been able to get a code but at the time I did not have one.

 

[PlannerMama]

I read yor question one way and some of the responses seem to go another way. We generally prefer onsite, but we've done lots of offsite as well.

First, there is much more to the Orlando area than just WDW. Offsite becomes an advantage if we want to go some place other than Disney- like Universal or the beach.

If you are going to have a car either way- then one offset of offsite is parking fees. Either way, if you are driving, you still have to pay for gas. Navigation is perhaps an issue, also how long it takes to get to WDW. Some close offfsite places like Marriott World Center are on par with onsite.

Yes, the offsite dining options can save money. Many are chains. Timing is an issue. It takes time to drive around- so that is less time in Disney parks. offsite it can be easy if you need to buy anything- clothes, medicine, anything.

Grocery store runs become more feasible offsite. It's not worth the drive for $50 of groceries from onsite, IMO. But offsite, Publix might be right next door. Then again...there's an amazing Whole Foods on Sand Lake just off I-4. Most certainly not your typical grocery store. It's a dining destination unto itself; brick oven pizza, fresh sqeezed juice bar, HUGE buffets, barista, giant bakery, fresh seafood - lots of health(y) foods.

Much of the offsite hotels stay in business due to business travelers. That is one reason we may stay offsite in the area. Often, if you are staying offsite for a convention - you can extend the discount convention rate. Also, lots of offsite places are big chains with special rates and points rewards programs. So you can redeem your points if you are willing to stay offsite.

I think the other reason to stay offsite is simple variety. Some of the offsite places are amazingly beautiful. I've stayed at every Disney resort. It's fun to explore a new place sometimes. Just like visiting Universal is fun for variety. I like WDW better, but Universal has some excellent attractions. Many offsite places have amazing food options and beautiful pools/water attractions.

One more item...I can stay at the airport Hyatt pretty reasonably. If I have an early morning flight, it's really nice to just roll out of bed and be at the airport -for the sameprice as a mod/value. Plus the place is REALLY nice. You can drop off your car the night before and be done with it. (So there's a few $$)

Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[wesjohnson]

I disagree with many of the posts here as most are saying it is about the same price to stay off site. Sure, that is probably true if you are staying in a value resort compared to a comparable resort on Intl Drive.
However, as a family of six, we cannot fit in a standard hotel room. So, the cheapest place where we can stay on site is the Fort Wilderness cabins and those run about $300/night during value season (February) when we usually go. We stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek for $120/night for a two bedroom condo with kitchen and washer/dryer. We rent a minivan for about $35/day; parking is $20/day at the parks.

It is not even close. We save a ton of money by staying off site vs. on site. We've done both, and the magic if fun on site. But, it is not worth the additional cost to us. After numerous trips, we've realized that we pretty much only sleep and eat breakfast in our room, so there is really no point in having all the magical extras.

 

[jenlov]

We're going during free dining. that is saving us a TON. I ran the #'s compared to Windsor Hills resorts, and staying on property w/ free meals is still cheaper. If we didn't have free dining, that wouldn't be the case. Feeding 9 people at WDW (or anywhere, for that matter, lol) is not cheap. We're value resort, 2 rooms, QSDP. I enjoy not having to be housewife, cook, and everything else for a week. that's a vacation to me, lol.

 

[andysomma1]

I can't put a price on the "magical" feeling I get once I get in the "Disney zone". I leave my reality behind outside Disney.

Agreed. I live in Miami so I always drive to Disney and always stay on property. The only time I drove to a park was for Star Wars weekend this year to get a fastpass for Jeremy Bulloch. I can't say I missed the bus when leaving the park that evening but it wasn't as magical. I don't have a wife or kids so I enjoy hearing the little ones talk about their day. I also like staying on property because it just wouldn't be a trip to Disney World without hearing Stacy talk about the must dos.

 

[el_tigre]

We are staying at the waldorf Astoria right next to disney property.

price with aaa discount 237.00/night including tax.

Disney's animal kingdom prices.
340.00 thursday
360.00 Friday
360.00 Saturday
340.00 Sunday
$1575.00 with tax.

Grand totals.

Disney. 1575.00 room. +178.00 car=1753.00
Waldorf Astoria=1066.50 +178.00 car=1244.50

Sorry that's 500 bucks cheaper and the hotel is waaaaay better than any thing on disney property...

I kept the resorts apples to apples...

I actually agree with your premise 100%, but you can't get more apples to oranges than what you have here.

First off, you are comparing a savannah view room to (I would presume) a standard view room at the Waldorf. Even if you did book a higher room category, a savannah view room is something so unique it's really difficult to compare it to any hotel experience.

Secondly, you are comparing a AAA rate at the Waldorf to rack rate at AKL. Yeah, I know you said you didn't have a code at the time you booked, but someone booking now could get a standard room at AKL for a little over $190/nt with the current 30% off deal.

Here's a better comparison:

For your travel dates, you can score BW, BC or YC for a little over $251/nt and not have to rent a car with DME.

Now not offsite, but the Dolphin can be booked right next door with a AAA rate of just $127 per night. Now even adding the Dolphin's resort fee, the parking fee and the cost of the car rental, you're still saving more than $65 per night (almost $75 when you start figuring in the tax).

The only other real additional perk at the Disney resorts would be the DP, but it's almost impossible to make up that amount of savings with how Disney has jacked up the price in recent years.

Particularly when you are comparing to Disney's deluxe properties, you can almost always find a comparable (or better) AAA four diamond resort in the Orlando area for $100 less per night; I usually find Orlando's hotel market among the most competitive in the country outside of the World. True, there are perks you can only get by staying on-site. But don't kid yourself; you're definitely paying for them.

 

[tbaptista]

For us I am trying to figure out why we stay onsite. We drive to our vacation so our car is used to go to all the parks. Most will tell you that driving to the parks is faster than the buses other than MK.

We always avoid the EMH as those parks are usually the most crowded.

I guess the only perk I like is the DP and saving the $14 a day but not having to pay to park as a resort guest. And to be totally honest I am not even sure if I am over paying by using the DP instead of paying out of pocket. Just have never really done the math. We do however, always do 1 TS everyday..

Lastly, does anyone know for what you pay for a Deluxe resort in Disney how would it compare to an offsite resort of the same cost?

I know location doesn't compare but what about all the other amenities and room quality..

Just curious!