on site?

[farfaraway]

Unfortunately, we have to switch our reservation from May to mid August (but, hey we still get to go to Disney!). We've usually stayed on site to take advantage of the extra hours at Disney. We're considering staying off site and saving money. The only down side is we would't have extra hours if/when they offer it. What do they typically offer in August for evening extra hours? Is it worth it to stay off site? FYI: Our kids will be in college, so staying late is something we would take advantage of. TIA for your help.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Unfortunately, we have to switch our reservation from May to mid August (but, hey we still get to go to Disney!). We've usually stayed on site to take advantage of the extra hours at Disney. We're considering staying off site and saving money. The only down side is we would't have extra hours if/when they offer it. What do they typically offer in August for evening extra hours? Is it worth it to stay off site? FYI: Our kids will be in college, so staying late is something we would take advantage of. TIA for your help.

While Disney could change things at any time, the only regularly-scheduled PM Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are typically one night per week at MK (typically Wednesday PM) and Epcot (typically Tuesday PM). Other than special runs around land/ride openings, special events, and select holidays, this has more or less been the pattern for a number of years now and I suspect won't change much, unless Disney feels inclined to ever add back PM EMH at DHS now that SWGE is done.

I personally don't find a ton of value in MK PM EMHs, although it depends on the exact hours. All of the MK PM EMHs this past August were 10pm-12am, which to me isn't 'late enough' to have a lot of value for me as many people can hang with those hours, particularly in the summer with warm weather. The prior year there were more 11pm-1am EMHs on the schedule in August - those start looking a little better. The later the better when it comes to MK EMHs, in my opinion.

To me, the 60 day FP booking window is more of an advantage than EMH in terms of 'on-site' benefits, but that's a subjective opinion. Gobs of people stay off-site with no 60-day FP booking window or EMHs and have wonderful trips.

Hope that helps!

 

[kylenne]

Unfortunately, we have to switch our reservation from May to mid August (but, hey we still get to go to Disney!). We've usually stayed on site to take advantage of the extra hours at Disney. We're considering staying off site and saving money. The only down side is we would't have extra hours if/when they offer it. What do they typically offer in August for evening extra hours? Is it worth it to stay off site? FYI: Our kids will be in college, so staying late is something we would take advantage of. TIA for your help.

No one can answer “is it worth it” for you. What we can do is point out pros and cons, only you can do the math so to speak and decide from there. What is a dealbreaker for me may not be one for you, and vice-versa.

Many offsite hotels offer EMH and 60 day FP+ benefits now. Most of the Disney Springs hotels do. Many offsite places are actually quicker/more convenient to some parks than some of the Values. Obviously lower prices, and better amenities for what you’re paying are pluses.

The downside is no Magical Express or RAC if those are things you normally use. No Magic Band for room charging (though that may be a a Pro). Savings may also not be as big as what you think because non-Disney hotels like to play games with resort fees. You will also have transportation to consider because offsite shuttles are notoriously limited and not as convenient in terms of service. I strongly suggest renting a car or utilizing rideshare, which of course will add to your budget.

Personally, my last offsite stay was 2016 and barring something severe, I’ll never do it again. I was miserable and missed the freedom and convenience. We also love the Bubble too much. Swan/Dolphin is as non-Disney as we would go, because a lot of the offsite negatives are mitigated there. I grew up at the Dolphin on family trips and adored it tbh. I would strongly suggest them to people wanting to stay offsite. If you’re a Costco member they have some great deals available there, including things like resort and parking fees a lot of times.

 

[Gehrig1B]

We stayed offsite in August and did not enjoy it. This may be due to our love of Deluxe resorts and park proximity. We are hoppers and often end the day at the park walkable to our resort. We like Yacht Club and Wilderness Lodge. We are trying Carriberan Beach next week to try the Skyliner...

We were at the Waldorf Astoria and ultimately used rideshares to get to and from the parks. Changed the way we visit. Will not do it again unless forced to by rising costs. The shuttles were shared and one per hour for all the parks except MK.

 

[lorenae]

The one thing about August that I don’t like (and yep, I’ll be going in August myself most likely) is that it’s the start of the “party season”. The Halloween parties start mid-August and that means that MK closes at 6 PM to regular guests on those nights. I dislike that part, as we like to take a mid-afternoon break after hitting the park early but I don’t want to do the parties because of the additional costs.

Luckily in August ,the parties are only about twice per week but it if happens during your visit it can be inconvenient for sure.

 

[Gehrig1B]

I dislike that part, as we like to take a mid-afternoon break after hitting the park early but I don’t want to do the parties because of the additional costs.

Park hoppers make party season much more manageable. MK on party days is often much less crowded, then hop to another park for evening fun.

 

[lorenae]

Park hoppers make party season much more manageable. MK on party days is often much less crowded, then hop to another park for evening fun.

Absolutely- and I have an AP so PH isn’t a problem. The problem is one like this coming week, when I don’t have a party ticket and the only evening/night to go to MK is Wednesday (when it doesn’t close at 6 PM). The MK at night with fireworks and just being there is awesome. I have to choose August because of my GSs school schedule if I”m taking them. They definitely want to see the fireworks and be part of that magic. Luckily, in August the parties are only about two times per week and not like now with them most nights.

 

[Trinity88]

If the extra hours are your only reason for staying on site, I'd stay off and pay for a party or after hours event. You'll still come out ahead money wise.

 

[Rich M]

I have done 3 trips off site and will never stay off site again after staying on property. For us the travel time between our hotels from the park is just not worth it. I have looked at the nice rental homes with pools and thought how nice it would be to have a private pool but the travel time just isn't worth it to us.