on site vs. off site

[cardio75]

We are planning a trip in May to attend graduation in Orlando, and of course want to go to Disney. Trouble is where to stay on site (at one of the value resorts) vs. off (like Holiday Sunspree Resort). We are eligible to stay at Shades of Green also. Any opinions?

 

[TomD]

We have never stayed offsite so I cant help you to much with your secision. Staying onsite brings the magic alive to us. We have stayed in All Stars 3 times and never had a bad stay. The early entry to the parks was our deciding factor for staying on site and we have never regretted it.

 

[TLinden16]

If you can afford it, I would definitely stay onsite. Disney has so many resorts at many different price levels, so hopefully one can fit into your budget. It's nice to just hop on a bus and let Disney do the driving when heading to a park. And you'll also get the early entry hour. For me, staying onsite is the only way to go

Karen

 

[trirae]

We've only been once and stayed off site because we had a large group and rented a house. It would have been my choice to stay onsite, and we will in the future. BUT I will say that I didn't mind being offsite as much as I anticipated. Getting to and from the parks didn't take that long (potentially the same as onsite depending on the location). The food was cheaper, and in our case since we had a house, it was nice with small children not to be in a hotel room. So, it probably is a matter of personal preference.

There are so many "it depends," but you'll enjoy your trip regardless.

 

[ttfn3]

We have stayed on site and offsite - mainly offsite. You need to decide what accomodation type you need. We like having at least 2 separate areas so we can spread out. Plus, I like having a washer/dryer when we stay a week. It's also nice to save some money on accomodations so you have more money to spend at the parks. And we also plan off days to hang out by the pool. If you stay offsite, pick a place on the south end of International Drive or on 535. These resorts are very close to Disney and an easy drive to Disney. After trying EE for the first time in October, EE isn't that big of a "sale" for me to stay onsite. I prefer going to a park that had EE the prior day - much smaller crowds! The biggest perk for us to staying onsite this time - was being able to walk to Epcot (we stayed at the BWV). That was nice.

 

[WDWDennis]

Its been years since we've stayed offsite. I just don't like having to leave the magic at the end of the day. There are some really nice resorts offsite though. On our last offsite stay, it was quite crowded and each night when we left, it was a nightmare trying to get off Disney property. The roads were just jammed with cars. Actually, it was the same most mornings. I just swore I didnt want to deal with that ever again at WDW. Another reason is, sometimes we split up during the day(we often take friends with us). Staying on property, allows you to spit up easily. You don't all have to leave the park and drive home if one person wants to go back and take a nap. Also, my wife likes to sleep in each morning. I like to be at the parks early. Staying on property allows me to head out early and she can take her time and then catch a bus to the park where I'm at. Then again, many offsite resorts have shuttles, they are just not as effecient.

Good luck deciding!

 

[HopperFan]

Each time we have stayed offsite, even my DH, who is not a die-hard Disney-er, says "never again will we stay offsite". I see no off-sites in our future now, only magic sites.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

I like having a washer/dryer when we stay a week

We have always taken a half of a day in the middle of a week-long trip to sleep in, lounge by the pool, and do a few loads of laundry - all resorts have laundry facilities - usually very close to the pool.

 

[spiceycat]

SOG is consider on-site - I would go for it!!!

then if they are full for the week you want - they can offer you a WDW resort for the SAME price.....or use to be able too.

I would go with SOG regardless.

you can walk over and use the monrail at the Polyn - the beach area and Polyn marina too.

 

[Bugsmom73]

Stay on-site. My sister and I stayed off site and the transportation was horrible, we tried it one day and then spent the money, driving to the parks, it was far worth it in our minds. The transportation took forever and was really crowded and ran like every 2 hours. I vowed never to stay off site again.

 

[jimmiej]

Everything I've read says SOG is a beautiful resort. If you can get it, I think you should.

I'm a firm believer in staying on-site (& I've done both-see below). The benefits are worth the extra $$$.

 

[lovmy2girls]

Stay onsite you will be happy you did. You can park your car and never have to get in it until you leave if you wish. The moderate resorts are nice and not that bad compared to the value if you can get a discount with a AP or state code. Check mousesavers and compare prices.

 

[pouncingpluto]

I vote either onsite or SoG. I've stayed at SoG, and I don't think it has the same magical feel as Disney resorts, but it is very nice, with a great location and great price.

I would pick SoG over a value resort every time. The accomodations are just SO much nicer at SoG. I would probably pick a moderate over SoG just because I do love the feel of the Disney resorts.