onsite or off?

[dolphincrazy]

Hello,
which is better and cheaper? I'm sure staying onsite is better but, Is there somewhere to get a better deal to stay onsite other than the Disney website?
Thanks, Maryann

 

[Pooh67_68]

www.mousesavers.com

 

[WDWisTheBest]

There are pros and cons for both locations. Onsite may be more expensive, depending on the resort. I would suggest that you look extensively at the Disney Resorts forum and the Hotels and Attractions forum to get ideas.

You didn't say when you are coming to WDW, but have you thought about looking into Pop Century onsite? Using the Annual Pass codes might also be something to consider.

Good Luck.

 

[Texowl2]

I think you should stay onsite only if you will take advantage of early entry every day. Otherwise stay in Kissimmee for about half the price of a Disney room

 

[SnackyStacky]

I think that the benefits depend entirely on you. I'm all about making lists though, so here goes:

Pros to on-property:
*Extensive, readilly available transportation
*Early Entry
*Ship your packages to the resort
*Charge-to-the-room privleges - eliminates the need to carry a lot of cash
*No car needed

Cons to on-property:
*you're pretty isolated - if you need anything from a grocery store, Disney will charge you an arm and a leg
*EXPENSIVE

Pros to off-property
*BIG savings

Cons to off-property:
*You'll more likely than not need a car - off site properties with shuttles usually run on a VERY limited schedule

That's not taking into account the "magic" factor that so many talk about when staying in a Disney resort. I don't personally subscribe to that theory. Disney magic isn't worth their resort prices as far as I'm concerned, but I'm not at ALL knocking anyone who thinks it is. Variety is the spice of life.

 

[dianeschlicht]

On site is definately more magic, but be forewarned that once you stay on site you wont want to do it any other way again! I would advise going over to the DVC rent trade board. You can get a great studio (larger than a hotel room) or a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom villa for a fraction of the Disney cost. The folk who have points they can't use, rent them out for around $10 a point. It's a great way to get on-site without having to mortgage the kids or stay in the Small rooms of the All Star, or Pop Century. Staying off site is definately cheaper, but we couldn't believe the difference in the feeling of vacation when we started staying on-site! It is so much easier to get around and take it relaxing instead of feeling harried or hurried.

 

[pampam]

We've stayed at most of the Disney resorts. We used to go every other year. Then, we realized we could afford to go every year if we stayed off site. So, we would go every year , usually staying on 192 near Old Town. However, we discovered the discounts we can get on our annual pass, and the discount codes available, so for the last 4 times we have stayed at All Star. We like the Disney feeling, transportation, early entry, Mickey's wake up call, and the feeling we get when Disney CM look after us. It's as if we have no worries. If we have a problem, someone will look after it for us, and that's a very nice feeling. When I travel, it's nice to know someone will help me, not that I need anything big, but it's a secure feeling. Yes I know bad things can happen anywhere, but in Kissimmee I was always looking behind me. Safety is a big issue with me, and I just feel better on site. The price we pay is comparable to an off site hotel, so why not go where the happiness is?

 

[djm99]

Again like so many others have said it depends on what you are planning during your stay. If I'm staying more than 5 nights i personally want to stay off site. Although you don't want to spend too much in my room for me a vacation is not a vacation without at least one days rest. And when I rest, I want to relax in spacous accommodations, and Disney just doesn't have that (well, they do but I really can't afford it). The kinds of rooms Disney has that I think are relaxing, run some $2000 a night. Take a look for yourself (type www dot disneysuites dot com- disboards willnot let me place their website url) Since I can't afford that, and really don't want to pay almost 2 house notes in one night at Disneyworld, I'll settle for a 6 bedroom house with private pool. No, I don't plan to cook, but its nice to have a full kitchen. You have to pay an additional $90 a week for housekeeping, and its worth it. And there is nothing better than "chillin" by your very own pool. Take a look at the house I'm renting this summer. If you want to, you can see if it is available during your stay. Tell Paul Joy sent ya!!!!http://tours.360house.com/viewer.cfm?house=68670&RefURL=tours.360house.com

 

[LoriMistress]

I would say onsite...just because it's much easier for transportation and the feeling that you're at WDW.