Off-site vs on-site

[tkoran]

I'm wondering if I should consider staying at a hotel that is off-site, but close in order to save some money. I do see there are some hotels that offer free shuttles to Disney. Are there any advantages to staying on-site other than the airport services?

 

[Aliceacc]

Yes, several actually: (I edited this with the mousesaver's version

The following privileges apply when staying at any of the Disney resorts (Value, Moderate, Deluxe, Disney Vacation Club and Ft. Wilderness cabins & campsites):

Access to Extra Magic Hours

Ability to use Disney's Magical Express (free transportation and luggage transfers to and from the airport)

Ability to make up to ten days of Advance Dining Reservations starting 180 days prior to check-in.

Unlimited free use of the excellent Disney transportation system (buses, boats and monorails) which connects all of the Disney resorts to the theme parks and Downtown Disney, and connects the Disney resorts to each other.

FREE parking at all of the Disney theme parks (you'll be given a parking permit at check-in).

Charging privileges - you can charge most purchases in the Disney resorts and theme parks to your room key.

Package delivery - have theme park purchases delivered to your Disney resort.

 

[tkoran]

Thank you! Some of them I wouldn't use (like free parking), but I think some of them would prove to be invaluable.

Thanks again!

 

[colonialtinker]

I'm wondering if I should consider staying at a hotel that is off-site, but close in order to save some money. I do see there are some hotels that offer free shuttles to Disney. Are there any advantages to staying on-site other than the airport services?

We've stayed both on site(3) and off (2). I prefer staying on site. I like having all the advantages (ME, EMH) of staying on site.

The last time we stayed off site the bus from hotel only ran twice in the morning to each resort. I had tried to find out how often the bus would be running before I booked. I even called the hotel directly and was told it varies by the staff. This was when I decided I would never stay off site again.

 

[pajules]

I honestly think there are a lot of variables to consider.

1. How long are you going and how many people?

2. What time of year?

3. What is your budget?

I have stayed onsite when I was a 20 something single with friends and offsite last 2 times....

Onsite was great when I was in my 20's. Sleeping wasn't as much a top priority and we were only in our rooms for a few hours each night...we stayed at CBR. Also, we didn't have a car so using onsite transportation was fine with us...no need to worry about driving home after trying to complete a drinks of the world showcase

Having stayed offsite a little older (30's) and wiser (I swear being a parent changes everything), I just can't imagine spending 7 days in a "hotel" room with 3 other people, even if they are family especially if it was in the summer. I just need a little more room to move and spread out. We are also planning on eating at our condo, so that's a factor. Eating out 7 days in a row for all my meals is a little too much for me....I'd probably relive my college freshman 15

Also, depending on where you look sometimes you can get great deals offsite for very nice resorts. Having said that you do have to include in cost of parking each day...so include that in your pricing. Staying offsite I would never recommend using their shuttle services, I have heard horror stories at even some of the nicest places (we're talking 1 1/2 hour waits).

I'm sure I will get backlash from the onsite faithful and I will say, for shorter stays (4 days) or if you really want to experience the entire Disney experience then onsite may be the way to go for you. Soak it all in and enjoy the extra benefits of EMH...

Since we are staying offsite for a week long vacation this time, I'm hoping to be able to do a return trip during the holidays and stay at a deluxe for a long weekend trip for DS and DB and DSIL.

Honestly it's like figuring out a complex science equation...plug in all the variables and hopefully you'll come out with what works best for you.

 

[acourtwdw2]

We've stayed off site(2) and the rest on site(68). The real difference of staying on site is the convience of the disney experience.:

If your on property you can go back to your hotel whenever you want and then back to the park. When my nieces and nephews were younger there was nothing better than going to the park early in the day, swim during the mid afternoon and then back to the park later in the day.

The emh are a great feature becuase the parks are not crowded and you get more time with the chacaters.

If you are planning on having a car you can go to the local walmart or such and get food which you can prepare in your room. We get breakfast foods (ceral, bagels or pop tarts) so we dont have the expense of eating out. You can also stay at a home away from home which has a full kitchen or a studio with microwave, toaster and refrig. I know this can be a little more expensive but they are running a promotion for SSR which is a DVC villa resort and then you can make meals in your room.

Their transportation is also great because you can get to anywhere on property with little hassle.

You can also pool hop at some of the resorts so this is a fun afternoon that people dont think of instead of going to the water park so you wont need the more expensive ticket.

We also get the park hopper becuase you never know even with planning your plans may change half way thru the day like it starts to rain while at AK or blizzard beach early in the day so you need to change your plans

We are DVC Member which was the biggest savings for our vacations.

Amanda

 

[wilde_oscar]

onsite vs off site = time vs. money

onsite saves time, off site saves money... if you have more than 5 in your party, staying offsite becomes highly cost effective.

 

[mx55mom]

We rented a house off site last year and while it was nice to have a house and a car, there just wasn't that "magical" feeling. I love getting up in the morning and being on Disney property. Going to another resort for breakfast or dinner is fun too. I think my favorite was going to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club for a YUMMY sundae! I will add there there are only two of us so a room is plenty.

 

[tkoran]

Thank you everyone. There will be 4 of us and at this time I am not planning on renting a vehicle. I figure there's enough to do at Disney that we probably won't be driving anywhere else anyway. I am hoping to stay 6 nights and figured if we get the urge to go to Sea World or someplace we could always get a Taxi or just rent a car for a day since I would also love to see the ocean (never have). I also thought a minimum of a fridge and micro would be great so we didn't have to eat out every meal, obviously saving us a bunch.