Staying on property; doesn't seem worth it?

[sbb2012]

Been to Disney 3 times and have always stayed off-property. I have always been happy with that.

Hubby suggested next summer we try and stay in a Disney resort just to have the experience. However, I've researched it pretty heavily, and while the properties have great amenities,

1)They are super-expensive in peak season, even the "value" ones.

2)The rooms seem tiny in the value resorts, and anything else is likely out of the question. When we travel, we like to stay somewhere with a 1-bedroom suite so daughter can sleep on her own in living room and we can have our own space.

3)The bus service to the parks, which is supposed to be a good perk, from my research is unpredictable. We like to be on hand about an hour before rope drop and I'm not sure I would trust the buses.

4)We like to have a fridge and microwave, and the value resorts require a nightly fee to rent one.

So, I don't honestly see a single perk to staying "on property". I'm interested in hearing both sides of the debate (on property vs. off property), especially from those of you who have stayed in both.

Thanks!

 

[cbg1027]

Been to Disney 3 times and have always stayed off-property. I have always been happy with that.

Hubby suggested next summer we try and stay in a Disney resort just to have the experience. However, I've researched it pretty heavily, and while the properties have great amenities,

1)They are super-expensive in peak season, even the "value" ones.

2)The rooms seem tiny in the value resorts, and anything else is likely out of the question. When we travel, we like to stay somewhere with a 1-bedroom suite so daughter can sleep on her own in living room and we can have our own space.

3)The bus service to the parks, which is supposed to be a good perk, from my research is unpredictable. We like to be on hand about an hour before rope drop and I'm not sure I would trust the buses.

4)We like to have a fridge and microwave, and the value resorts require a nightly fee to rent one.

So, I don't honestly see a single perk to staying "on property". I'm interested in hearing both sides of the debate (on property vs. off property), especially from those of you who have stayed in both.

Thanks!

The biggest two reasons I stay on property are for location and getting that 'Disney feeling' 24/7. I like being surrounded by Disney magic and Disney CM's.

When I've stayed off property in the past, I hated the longer drives to the parks. Even staying less than a mile off property significantly added to my transportation times, and I'd rather spend that time in the parks, or sleeping a bit later. I always have a car, but the buses are a major perk to me. Sometimes I just don't feel like driving, sometimes I like to be able to drink, and I never drive to MK because I find it more convenient to take the bus since the parking lot is so far from the gates.

You get more amenities for the money off property, but for my personal tastes, I would rather stay in a value than stay in a nicer off property hotel for the same cost.

The values now all have included mini-fridges, but no microwaves.

I don't have children, so space isn't an issue for me. I only travel with one other person (boyfriend, grandmother, or friend) so the values work fine for two people. Occasionally I splurge and stay mod/deluxe, but not for the amenities. I like to stay mod/deluxe for the different themes and better locations.

If off-site works well for you and you enjoy it, then stick with it. To each their own.

 

[disney212]

Have tried it both ways and for our family on property is the only way to go. We would rather not go at all if we have to stay off site. We did tire of paying top dollar for the deluxe resorts so we rented through DVC and fell in love with the extra space. So much so that we bought 2 contracts. Try renting through DVC, it is much cheaper than deluxe booked direct with Disney. We love the washer and dryer since it allows us to pack so much lighter. Throw a load in when we get back to resort for the night and they throw it in the dryer in the morning while getting ready!

 

[sbb2012]

Have tried it both ways and for our family on property is the only way to go. We would rather not go at all if we have to stay off site. We did tire of paying top dollar for the deluxe resorts so we rented through DVC and fell in love with the extra space. So much so that we bought 2 contracts. Try renting through DVC, it is much cheaper than deluxe booked direct with Disney. We love the washer and dryer since it allows us to pack so much lighter. Throw a load in when we get back to resort for the night and they throw it in the dryer in the morning while getting ready!

I didn't know you could rent the DVC points. How would I go about doing this?

 

[Catnmouse3]

Been to Disney 3 times and have always stayed off-property. I have always been happy with that.

Hubby suggested next summer we try and stay in a Disney resort just to have the experience. However, I've researched it pretty heavily, and while the properties have great amenities,

1)They are super-expensive in peak season, even the "value" ones.

2)The rooms seem tiny in the value resorts, and anything else is likely out of the question. When we travel, we like to stay somewhere with a 1-bedroom suite so daughter can sleep on her own in living room and we can have our own space.

3)The bus service to the parks, which is supposed to be a good perk, from my research is unpredictable. We like to be on hand about an hour before rope drop and I'm not sure I would trust the buses.

4)We like to have a fridge and microwave, and the value resorts require a nightly fee to rent one.

So, I don't honestly see a single perk to staying "on property". I'm interested in hearing both sides of the debate (on property vs. off property), especially from those of you who have stayed in both.

Thanks!

We ave stayed both on and off the property and my family has had mixed reviews. I personally loved staying on property my husband prefers staying off property. When we stay off property we usually stay in my in-laws timeshare so he prefers the extra space. This year we are staying at the new Art if Animation in a family suite. We have found this was the most affordable option with the extra space he desires.

 

[Upatnoon]

Been to Disney 3 times and have always stayed off-property. I have always been happy with that.

Hubby suggested next summer we try and stay in a Disney resort just to have the experience. However, I've researched it pretty heavily, and while the properties have great amenities,

1)They are super-expensive in peak season, even the "value" ones.

2)The rooms seem tiny in the value resorts, and anything else is likely out of the question. When we travel, we like to stay somewhere with a 1-bedroom suite so daughter can sleep on her own in living room and we can have our own space.

3)The bus service to the parks, which is supposed to be a good perk, from my research is unpredictable. We like to be on hand about an hour before rope drop and I'm not sure I would trust the buses.

4)We like to have a fridge and microwave, and the value resorts require a nightly fee to rent one.

So, I don't honestly see a single perk to staying "on property". I'm interested in hearing both sides of the debate (on property vs. off property), especially from those of you who have stayed in both.

Thanks!

You analysis is correct. For many people, however, it is an emotional decision, rather than a financial decision for picking a Disney resort. They want the "magic" and what they pay extra for it is worth it to them.

The great thing about the Disneyworld area is that there are a ton of options beyond what Disney offers. Everything from great homes to rent, to timeshares, to deluxe hotels.

Now, if you want to appease your husband, I agree with the previous poster and look at renting DVC points. For an idea of the cost, look in ebay travel and search for "old key west"

You can also look at the Swan and Dolphin and renting a 1BR at Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

 

[kat3668]

I didn't know you could rent the DVC points. How would I go about doing this?

http://www.dvcrequest.com/

 

[fla4fun]

There isn't a right or wrong answer to this debate.

For some families, off property is the better choice. You can get more space for your money, have more dining options available, and it's easier to visit the other Orlando attractions if you want to.

For some families, on property is the better choice. If they are flying, they don't have to worry about how to get to their resort, and they don't have to go to the expense of renting a vehicle either. They like going to the parks for Extra Magic Hours, and having the ability to have any souvenirs sent back to their resort so they don't have to carry them. Some people like not leaving the Disney bubble, and they don't have an interest in going to the other Orlando parks.

For me personally, since I live here, staying off property is the same as staying home and doing day trips. I don't do a lot of day trips. But I do stay on property for 3 or 4 ten day trips every year, and have a great time. I'm a Disney bubble person, and that's what works for me. I haven't had any issues with the bus system at WDW, and although I always have a car with me, the only place I even think about driving is DTD (those buses do tend to take longer than the park buses).

Depending on how long your trip is, perhaps you should start with a split stay - half on, half off. See which way works better for you. It's hard to compare if you haven't tried on property yet. You will have a vehicle with you (at least I assume so, if you were going to spend half your time off property) so if you find the buses don't work for you, you would be able to drive to the parks and park for free.

 

[TinkerbellsMom0923]

Let's go back 15 years ago. My in laws bought a house 10 minutes from Disney in a gated community with 3 pools and hot tubs. You can see The Tree of Life from the front yard. We took our 2 young kids there every year. The house is big and convienient. My brother in law lives there and has now bought the house. My BIL worked for Disney years ago so we got free admission and if we wanted discount resort prices. We would go for a week and stay at a resort for a few days. We have tried a lot of resorts. Over the years, BIL lost Disney job (layed off) but the kids now 19 and 22 got spoiled, they always want to stay on property. We now fly in the day before resort stay and stay one night at house. Staying on property is so much more convienient, it's got the Disney feel and it's happy all the time. I like to take a pool/nap break every day for a few hours and it's easy to get back to resort. The only problem we have ever had with busses was going from Yacht/Beach Club to Downtown Disney. There were so many people at the bus stop and every bus that came along was full. Otherwise no problems. Move head 15 years, my son now works at Disney in security and lives with BIL. We are going next week and will stay on property, my son has a room too. It's just so much nicer and easier all around.

 

[threedisprincesses]

I agree with much of what has already been said. For many it is an emotional decision having to do with the convenience of travel (Magical Express, not having to deal with your luggage after you get off of the plane, transportation to & from parks), Disney bubble, theming, and being emerged in Disney 27/7. The whole experience is magical.

Our family also plans our day so we have a break from the parks in the middle of the afternoon. We use this as pool time, rest time, shopping time, what ever we feel like doing that is not in the parks. It is not only a physical break but a mental one as well. The few times we did not take a break seem to be the "melt down days". (DH has a tendency to go commando every now and then.) I really try to make it about the entire experience, not just about the 4 parks. It seems that this is best achieved through staying on property. This makes it seem like more of a vacation and not just a long theme park visit.

I could not agree more with the post about doing a split stay (1/2 on property & 1/2 off of property). This way you can get a feel for what is best for your family. BTW-DVC properties are amazing!

Good luck with your decision! Remember even the worst day at Disney is a great day. : )

 

[threedisprincesses]

I agree with so much of what has been said by prior posts. The transportation to and from the airport as well as the luggage service is a really nice addition. This takes away part to the stress of travel. The transposition to and from various areas on property again takes away some of the stress of travel. Some of the DVC (wonderful BTW) have additional forms of travel to and from the parks (boats/monorail access). There have been a few occasions where we have had to wait a few minutes for a bus but in general they are convenient. The overall theming at the resorts allows you to be in the Disney bubble with out Gavin to be in the park.

For our family we always plan afternoon down time away from the parks. We swim, rest in our room, shop...what ever it is we feel like doing that is not in the actual theme park. This is both a physical and mental rest from the overstimulation of the parks. Also, the parks are most crowed from about 11-5, so we avoid some of the most crowded hours if we are there during a crowded time. Days we do not take this type of break (DH had a tendency to go "we have to get our monies' worth" commando) we tend have meltdowns (not always kids). So now not matter what (crowd levels, weather) I insist on this down time. Because we are on property, when we do walk away from the parks for a few hours, we don't feel like we are wasting time being away from the parks. It is so close we don't loose travel time and we have extra magic hours, too. This makes it feel more like a vacation and not just a really long trip to a theme park.

I could not agree more with the post that suggested trying a spot stay (1/2 on property, 1/2 off of property). This is the DIS & we love our split stays.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[threedisprincesses]

...

 

[BYC]

I would never stay off site. Just wouldn't do it. Staying on property is all part of the experience. And, you don't need a rental car, so you save that expense. And, you don't have to pay for daily parking, so you save that expense. I am happy to go the entire week without getting in a car. The bus service is fine. And, of course, there is always EMH, which you can't take advantage of if you stay off site. I rarely do EMH, but I like knowing I can. My kids have often gone out at night to EMH while I stay at the resort, which is another thing that can't be done if you stay off site.

 

[Carlyluvsdisney]

I have always stayed on property and we are at a Disney value resort right now. I would probably stay somewhere offsite before staying at a value resort again. We live in Florida and have annual passes and we probably take 7-8 small trips a year. I could definitely see why people stay at the value resorts & they are a good value for being on property but they are not for everyone. If you are used to a one bedroom you would probably not enjoy your time here. The rooms are small. Two double beds. These rooms are good if you only sleep in them and nothing else. The value resorts can also get crowded and noisy. I've been spoiled with the moderate and deluxe resorts and if I had to take a budget trip I would just stay somewhere else.

 

[Mousemommy1]

OP, I think you have done your research and know what benefits are offered by staying on site. It appears that since you have come to the conclusion that "it's not worth it", that those benefits are not things that you place value on, and that's ok!

For my family, we would not do Disney if we could not stay on site. We have stayed at all levels of resorts at WDW and we would do any of them again if it means we are at Disney. For us, being surrounded by the magic 24/7 is part of the allure. We completely rely on WDW transportation, and yes, while sometimes its faster than others, we are on vacation, thus not in a huge rush to be anywhere which is freeing to us! We actually joke about the transportation and say that the fastest bus service will be at the resort we stayed at last trip.

We do use EMH's, often shutting the park down. At Disney, your view of the real world is minimal, if at all. We love our bubble!!!

For our family of four, the size of the rooms has never been an issue. Keep in mind that we have a giant sectional couch at home and the four of us always end using the same two cushions together...we are...close

There is no right or wrong answer, it's what works best for you. We are willing to pay extra to be on property, for us, it's just that AWESOME!

 

[susieq76]

I like the term "Disney Bubble" that someone else used- that is us to a T. We won't go if we have to stay off property. My husband and I literally park the car and do not get back in it until the day we leave. We are immersed in Disney 24/7- just the way we like.

We have gone value (the themeing is amazing), moderate and this year we are lucky enough to be able to be doing Deluxe. I love them all for different reason.

 

[softballmom3]

I second renting DVC points. We are going that route next year. There is a DVC forum here on the Dis that's great!

 

[WantToGoNow]

I have stayed offsite twice in very nice villas but I just do not like staying off property. I just dont feel like I'm at Disney - I don't like driving from place to place - I like the busses. I don't cook on vacation - we eat out every meal. After leaving the park we are still at Disney - not dealing with traffic and all the stuff we go on vacation to get away from. I will gladly stay at a value and sleep with my thrashing dd8 before I stay off property again. Last time I told dh to remind me how much I hated staying offsite if I ever mentioned it again - and he has - and he doesn't even care for Disney that much.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I think in your situation I would also recommend renting dvc points for a stay - you may be able to stay in a deluxe one bedroom villa for what you would spend on a moderate resort.

I do think it is worth trying at least once - staying on property - it is very relaxing being in the Disney bubble in my mind - letting them take care of transportation. But in the end you'll just have to try it and see if you like it. I would recommend staying at a unique resort that gives you more than just a room experience so you can enjoy all the Disney"esqueness" - like Animal Kingdom Lodge - a very one of a kind resort -you can't get a room overlooking a savannah just anywhere - it will help you justify the expense and if you rent dvc points even better - or a resort very close to your favorite parks - like the Boardwalk Villas if you like the Epcot area or Bay Lake Tower or Wilderness Lodge Villas if you like the Magic Kingdom area.

You'll only know if you give it a try - but I would recommend a one bedroom villa - and to save money - renting points may be your best bet! Happy Planning!

 

[JennyDrake]

With an AP, I have paid as little as $59/night for the values. This past trip 2 weeks ago, it was only $79. Free parkign at the parks, should I choose to drive and bus service that I find is much more "good" than "bad." But if you are ahppy off site, then that is the best option for you!