Is it worth it...

[Newliskeardfamily]

We are hoping to come in the spring, (assuming Florida gets its cases under control).
This year, we will only be spending 2 days a disney (one at Magic Kingdom, one at Disney Studios). Is it worth it to stay at a Disney resort for such a short trip? What does everyone think?

 

[Dakota731]

According to WDW statistics, 50% of guests are from other states so wondering how Florida can control all the guests coming from other states?

 

[Calee]

Today I would say no. Less perks, same or more money.

 

[kevtlas]

If park conditions stay the same as they were during my July visit, I'd say save your money and visit another time. We visited both parks (MK and HS), stayed from opening (9am in both cases) until near close (left MK at just after 7pm and HS around 6:30pm), and were only able to get on 4 attractions at each! That includes RotR, which is somewhat like having a FP, so really only waited for 3 at HS. Without FP, there is just no compromise. 2-4 hour waits for everything.

 

[NotANewbie]

Daughter and I usually do a 3 night long weekend hitting 1-2 parks each visit. They are relaxing, fun long weekends. You have time to enjoy your resort. You have time to not rush everywhere and see new things (amphicar or the new foot golf) or catch old favorites (Electrical Water Pageant and viewing the MK fireworks from Trader Sam's deck). Do it!

 

[Marionnette]

We are hoping to come in the spring, (assuming Florida gets its cases under control).
This year, we will only be spending 2 days a disney (one at Magic Kingdom, one at Disney Studios). Is it worth it to stay at a Disney resort for such a short trip? What does everyone think?

My advice is to reserve now with the hopes that there are more incentives for staying onsite in the future. You can always cancel and get a full refund if you aren't comfortable traveling or change your mind about where to stay.

Perks beginning October 1 include a 30-minute head start each morning in every park for onsite and select offsite resorts and 2-hour after-hours in select parks on select nights for Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villas guests, including Swan/Dolphin.

Given that both of those perks will apply to S/D and HS is on your to-do list, you might want to check rates for S/D and Swan Reserve for your dates.

 

[AndreaDM]

For us, a short trip would definitely mean staying on property. I would want to be close and be able to be at rope drop without driving. We are more likely to stay offsite for a longer, more leisurely trip when we visit all the parks and have hoppers, etc.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

For us, a short trip would definitely mean staying on property. I would want to be close and be able to be at rope drop without driving. We are more likely to stay offsite for a longer, more leisurely trip when we visit all the parks and have hoppers, etc.

Agree 100%. For a shorter trip, stay onsite. Less travel and less wasted time when you have so little of it. Plus the extra expense of onsite resorts is over less nights and a little less impactful.

 

[westie55]

For my family, on site is always worth it. We have small children so the convenience is something we are willing to pay for. I also LOVE all things Disney so I want to be immersed in Disney theming throughout my trip. I've stayed offsite and while it saved money, it felt like much of the magic was missing. Everyone's answer to this question will vary. Without FP and with Magical Express going away in 2022, you definitely get less than you used to by staying onsite.

 

[bookgirl]

I can only speak as someone who flys in. If you're driving it may be different.

I'm planning on doing an onsite on my upcoming trip (2021), but I'm going to be evaluating my future stays after I see what transpo looks like in 2022. Paying for transport between MCO and the fact that Disney now charges parking at resorts as well as the parks, I may rethink onsite stays.

Staying off site at a Hilton (cheaper and where I can earn points) may offset the bother of uber and hotel shuttles.

I like the bubble of onsite but the cost/return ratio is not what it used to be.

But as long as DME is still available it worked out easier to just stay on site and not deal with a rental car or car hire.

 

[Newliskeardfamily]

According to WDW statistics, 50% of guests are from other states so wondering how Florida can control all the guests coming from other states?

Disney seems to have a pretty strong policy on masks etc. As a potential visitor to Florida, I am made nervous by the push by some in authority to not embrace safety measures.

 

[Newliskeardfamily]

If park conditions stay the same as they were during my July visit, I'd say save your money and visit another time. We visited both parks (MK and HS), stayed from opening (9am in both cases) until near close (left MK at just after 7pm and HS around 6:30pm), and were only able to get on 4 attractions at each! That includes RotR, which is somewhat like having a FP, so really only waited for 3 at HS. Without FP, there is just no compromise. 2-4 hour waits for everything.

Is that because of covid measures?

 

[Newliskeardfamily]

Daughter and I usually do a 3 night long weekend hitting 1-2 parks each visit. They are relaxing, fun long weekends. You have time to enjoy your resort. You have time to not rush everywhere and see new things (amphicar or the new foot golf) or catch old favorites (Electrical Water Pageant and viewing the MK fireworks from Trader Sam's deck). Do it!

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Newliskeardfamily]

My advice is to reserve now with the hopes that there are more incentives for staying onsite in the future. You can always cancel and get a full refund if you aren't comfortable traveling or change your mind about where to stay.

Perks beginning October 1 include a 30-minute head start each morning in every park for onsite and select offsite resorts and 2-hour after-hours in select parks on select nights for Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villas guests, including Swan/Dolphin.

Given that both of those perks will apply to S/D and HS is on your to-do list, you might want to check rates for S/D and Swan Reserve for your dates.

thanks!

 

[kevtlas]

Is that because of covid measures?

Not at all. While we were there it seemed as if COVID never existed. No masks, lines as tight as always. Just lots of people and nothing to relieve the pressure from the ride attractions (no shows, no parades, no fast pass, etc.).

 

[happiestpoe]

If you're not concerned about the money, stay on property. I always feels trips are a little more magical when I stay at a Disney resort. But they are pricey, and you can stay at perfectly nice Hiltons or Marriotts which are property-adjacent for half the price.

 

[AnnaS]

Stay on property especially for a short stay. Good luck!!

 

[nkereina]

I agree with PPs. Staying on property helps you maximize your time on a short trip. Gives you room for flexibility if you need a break or want to park hop or whatever. The perks other than convenience are more limited now, but its less of a cost to swallow when its a short stay.