First Timer (staying in the park)

[andy13nj]

Been to Disney 3 times already, and each time we stayed off-property. This summer will be our first time staying "On Property".

Anybody who has stayed off-property, and has converted to being on-property, can you tell me what I'm in store for? (I understand not having to drive in and pay to park, the obvious things). What other 'perks' might I be in for?

Thanks!

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Been to Disney 3 times already, and each time we stayed off-property. This summer will be our first time staying "On Property".

Anybody who has stayed off-property, and has converted to being on-property, can you tell me what I'm in store for? (I understand not having to drive in and pay to park, the obvious things). What other 'perks' might I be in for?

Thanks!

The whole reason we will never stay off-site again is because of the Disney Dining Plan. We love it! Especially since we pretty much now revolve our trips around when Disney is offering a free dining discount. Don't know when you are going in August, but a general public free dining code should be coming out mid to late August dates pretty soon.

We also like Extra Magic Hours - we don't do morning EMH, but do like the night time EMH. I also like being able to charge back to our room and being able to send packages back to the resort so I don't have to carry them around all day. Plus I like the whole idea of being "submerged" in the magic when you stay on-site.

 

[chalee94]

Anybody who has stayed off-property, and has converted to being on-property, can you tell me what I'm in store for? (I understand not having to drive in and pay to park, the obvious things). What other 'perks' might I be in for?

the biggest thing is immersion. there's a buffer from the real world and it's all disney all the time. sometimes waiting for buses is a pain, but it is nice to just go from hotel to parks without having to drive yourself.

if you fly into MCO in orlando and plan ahead, you can take a free bus from the airport (disney's magical express).

you can also use your onsite room key as a ticket (if you have magic your way tickets attached to them - the resort can do it even if you buy the tickets from an online vendor like undercovertourist or mapleleaftickets) and a credit card (if you give the resort your credit card information).

extra magic hours are also an option staying onsite.

i don't find the disney dining plan to be a good deal, but it's an option if you are onsite.

i think purchases at the parks can still be sent to your resort's gift shop for later pickup if that makes it easier for you.

 

[skier_pete]

Agree with chalee - its a more immersive experience. I try to explain it to people as it's like staying at an all-inclusive resort or a cruise ship only it's 43 square miles in area. (This is more applicable if you are on the dining plan,also.)

The "advantages" are the Extra Magic Hours, you never have to carry your purchases with you (direct room shipment), you can place your tickets, charges, dining all on your room card. Though parking at the parks is free, a bigger advantage in my view is Magical Express and I don't once have to drive my car for an entire week.

 

[Metro West]