For full disclosure: I own no rental property, nor do I want to, nor do I have any interests in rental property.
Every trip to Disney was on property for a decade and a half. We stayed at the Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans Riverside every time. These locations got cramped as our family grew to three children, but we used the bunky bed and made the best of it.
Then in 2013 I rented a Villa for a long stay (4 weeks) to experience living near Disney. We have now rented four different villas and I can share my experience to help with your decision.
There are two options to staying off property: you can rent a house or apartment, known as a villa. Or, you can stay in an off property hotel. Off property hotels are often larger and cheaper than on property, but not always. For this, I will focus on villas. A villa could be anything from a pool house to a town house apartment that is provided for short term vacation rentals.
If you don't have a car, are coming for a short stay, or have a small family, staying on property may be the best answer. You'll be able to immerse yourself into a Disney experience.
If you have a large family, want to save money, staying for a long time, or just want some space? Renting a villa might be a better option.
The Disney bus system is a nice option and is often seen as the benefit of staying on property. But honestly, the bus system can have long lines, long waits, and long delays. After waiting for all the motorized carts to load, you are often left with standing room only for a long crowded ride to your destination. Alternatively to the bus system, you can get a villa within driving range that is comparable to the Disney bus system. Parking fees can be very expensive, but are free with some passes.
If you stay on property you get the Extra Magic Hours. The park will open early or stay open late on certain nights for resort guests only. The crowd levels are at their lowest and you can ride the most. That can be a great perk if you are an early riser or a night owl. If you aren't staying on property, you can still take advantage of the night time magic hours toy tour and shop, but not ride the rides.
There is a huge benefit to staying at a monorail resort when you are attending the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Unlike the buses, the monorail quickly delivers you to your destination. However, the monorail resorts are some of the most expensive resorts in the area.
Some villas are a long distance from the parks requiring an hour drive! Traffic is often terrible, bumper to bumper, and slow going. However, if you select a villa in the West Gate area off 192 (near Famosa Gardins) there is a back road that takes one past the employee casting. You can go from driveway to walking through the Animal Kingdom gates in only 15 minutes.
I will often hear guests say they like staying on property so they can head back to the resort in the afternoon for a nap or a swim. While that may be true, in the time it takes to ride the buses you could make it back to a villa. You will have your own private pool if you are renting a pool house villa.
Food is one of the most expensive parts of a Disney vacation. An adult hamburger meal will run $9- $10. Staying off property gives you greater dinning options. I could have a steak at The Texas Roadhouse for the cost of a quick service meal on property. Or, making a quick meal in the villa's kitchen is the most affordable alternative.
To see more about villas, visit a site like Home Away. As you can see, there is no perfect answer to the debate. You should pick the option that works best for your family. Which ever you pick: staying on property or off, you are going to have a great time!
