The "MAGIC" of staying on site..?

[Troy08]

We stayed one trip on International Drive in Orlando-nice hotel but the commute to the parks was a nightmare, especially if you are not familiar with the roads. Plus the time factor involved, even if the DW buses take awhile, you are looking at DW out your window, not some super highway.

Plus it's the special feeling you get knowing you are part of "the world" no matter what Disney property you stay at. I would never stay off property again. BTW, my fav perk-neiong able to send your packages back to your hotel inste ad of having to tote them around all day.

 

[imatoad]

I'd rather have a shorter stay onsite, than a lengthy one offsite. However, I've never stayed offsite, so I guess I'm biased. Staying onsite is all about being immersed in Disney, there's nothing like it.

 

[rifamtrav]

If you're going in late August then staying onsite means you'll make that mid day trip back to the resort and pool faster and still be ready to go back for the late nights at the park. We stayed onsite 4 times in the 90's (first without, then with little ones) and the convenience was wonderful, especially with babies in tow. In 2000 we stayed off site for a week in early November, and truthfully it was a fantastic trip. The kids were able to ride almost all rides, lasted full days at the parks (we still rented strollers) but the difference was most parks closed early - Epcot was the latest at 9pm. So, we didn't need to go back to the hotel each day (although we did a couple of times, and that wasn't so bad). We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree, definitely got a great value, even used the FREE babysitting club one night so we could go have a nice dinner out (Citrico's in GF).
But, if you're going in peak season, definitely stay onsite to get the most of your vacation!

 

[coachyo]

You have to stay on site!

We rented a car and did not use the transportation much but getting aroung the world is easy and very easy going. As many people before me have said, it is about being Disney 24/7. From when you wake up and take a little stroll in the morning or slipping back to the hotel for a nap & or swim it is all truly a vacation. The CM's everywhere are fantastic. Your whole trip is DW and not just from when you pull into the lot until you leave the lot, it is all the time and the value for the $ just for that makes up the differences that you pay when staying on site versus off. That late night stroll around the place you stay or the service you get when you need something extra for your room can't be had offsite. You'll never even think of staying off again. Good luck. This site will help you make a trip of a life time if you spend a little extra time now preparing for it. Ask and someone knows and will help with whatever you need.
YO

 

[slk537]

There is no real way to explain it - it is just being immersed in Disney. DH and I own Interval Intnl timeshare and our trips always involved a 2-3 bedroom condo at beautiful places (Sheraton Vistana and Embassy Grand Beach are glorious!) and we always felt so lucky with all the room and full kitchen, whirlpool tub, etc. And then we did the DVC tour and while it looked lovely, it wasn't something we could afford at the time. And then...

And then we lucked into Old Key West through II. WOW! We were so excited. From the moment we set foot in the reception area to the moment we walked in the 2 br villa with our Key to the World room key in hand, we were hooked. They delivered balloons and an autographed photo of Mickey to our DS...the resort was so beautiful...! When the week was wrapping up, I began to feel so sad that our next planned trip was with II and not on Disney property. I knew there was only one way to change that. So we became DVC Members. And now? We give up the 2-3 bedroom condos for a 1 BR villa on property. And it is so worth it!!

Someone summed it up well: Staying off site is a great Florida vacation. Staying onsite is a DISNEY vacation.

But you know what? Either way, you're at WDW so you'll be happy

But oh...on property? Wow.

 

[crelange]

Thanks everyone. My DH has read your replies and we are staying on site!! Thanks, any lesser know little special things about staying on site? What is mousekeeping ( I assume housekeeping) but what makes it special? Are there any other little things to take advantage of?
Chris

 

[VAgal76]

Chris - Yeeaaaahhhh! You're staying on site. You guys won't regret it! I hear POP Century is nice if you're looking at a value. Sounds like you're trying to keep expenses in check. I'd also check out mousesavers.com for other helpful hints in the saving department. Plus, you can check out the budget board for even more valuable information.

Yes, mousekeeping is housekeeping. Towel animals are hit and miss, but I bet if you left a note along with their tip it would probably happen. I haven't been so fortunate as to get a towel animal yet, but I haven't asked either.

Check out the transportation board to see of Magical Express is running these days. Some folks that I know would use it again without hesitation so that's a thumbs up in my book.

If you want autographed pics of characters go ahead and request them for for your arrival. I must say it was a special treat to find a greeting by Mickey & Friends welcoming you to WDW.

Jeez, do I sound like a commercial or something advertising WDW and stuff or what?

OH MY! Is this your first trip to WDW?????

 

[Lisa P.]

If you want to be convinced to stay onsite, then ask this question here. The people who frequent this forum tend to be great fans of staying onsite. If you want to hear a more varied response, then ask this question on the Orlando Hotels forum. There, you'll find a lot of people like me, who have done both, onsite and offsite, plenty of times each.

I would say that there are certain circumstances under which you would PREFER staying onsite. And others underwhich you would PREFER to stay offsite. Here are some who might strongly prefer onsite:

--- notice and like visual illusion/details of a theme throughout a resort
--- don't want to rent a car on vacation and won't have their own car with them
--- don't like to drive while on vacation, preferring mass transit - bus, boat, monorail
--- their group may split up, perhaps with teens or babies or elderly folks
--- only plan to visit Disney
--- very early risers on vacation (early entry) or enjoy the late night hrs at MK (extra fee)
--- shop a lot in the parks and want package delivery to hotel gift shop, not just to park entrance area
--- want to charge purchases to hotel room key, not to regular credit card
--- want their checked bags sent to their hotel room, not picked up in airport baggage claim
--- want a themed pool slide (moderate & deluxe only)
--- don't mind added cost of onsite hotels
--- want costumed staff and reminders of "Disney" around them all the time

Everything else that one could want or enjoy onsite is now available offsite at a lower cost, especially in the last 5 years or so.

My DH and teenagers all think that "Disney" everywhere gets tiresome and it's a hyped grab for the wallet. We drive our car even when staying onsite and we've found it faster to drive to a nearby offsite resort than to wait for Disney transport and walk from bus/boat stops to our rooms. We like to sleep in a bit and we love the luxury amenities and restful atmosphere of a top timeshare resort condo with privacy for all of us, extra tv's & bathrooms, washer/dryer, jacuzzi and a kitchen for our hungry teenagers. Beautiful landscaping, poolside musicians or piped music and fun activities under the Florida sun round out our Orlando vacations. We enjoy a variety of theme parks and beach visits as a family together (rarely split up), not just Disney's. So we don't really fit the description of the Disney Resort lover. There are many more like us, but you probably won't find them on this forum.

If you plan to visit WDW for a relatively short visit and you don't mind all sharing a small hotel room for that time and/or you only plan to visit Disney parks and/or you won't use/have a car, then you would probably enjoy an onsite stay a lot - especially a deluxe or moderate hotel. The value hotels don't have a hot tub and they feel rather like a busy, active, colorful Holiday Inn to me. Little kids love them! I would prefer a really nice condo vacation (at the same price) anytime. YMMV.

Btw, mousekeeping is just housekeeping. Disney changes the names of some things to make it sounds more "Disney." We've gotten both very good and very poor housekeeping service quality - both onsite and offsite... even towel animals offsite. Same goes for the quality of guest services, other hotel staff, restaurant staff and park personnel. There's absolultely nothing to the idea (anymore - years ago there was) that these things are any different at Disney, IMHO. These days, many other places in the region pay better and even Disney has trouble retaining quality labor personnel - oh, excuse me, cast members.

 

[C.Ann]

If you want to be convinced to stay onsite, then ask this question here. The people who frequent this forum tend to be great fans of staying onsite. If you want to hear a more varied response, then ask this question on the Orlando Hotels forum. There, you'll find a lot of people like me, who have done both, onsite and offsite, plenty of times each.

I would say that there are certain circumstances under which you would PREFER staying onsite. And others underwhich you would PREFER to stay offsite. Here are some who might strongly prefer onsite:

--- notice and like visual illusion/details of a theme throughout a resort
--- don't want to rent a car on vacation and won't have their own car with them
--- don't like to drive while on vacation, preferring mass transit - bus, boat, monorail
--- their group may split up, perhaps with teens or babies or elderly folks
--- only plan to visit Disney
--- very early risers on vacation (early entry) or enjoy the late night hrs at MK (extra fee)
--- shop a lot in the parks and want package delivery to hotel gift shop, not just to park entrance area
--- want to charge purchases to hotel room key, not to regular credit card
--- want their checked bags sent to their hotel room, not picked up in airport baggage claim
--- want a themed pool slide (moderate & deluxe only)
--- don't mind added cost of onsite hotels
--- want costumed staff and reminders of "Disney" around them all the time

Everything else that one could want or enjoy onsite is now available offsite at a lower cost, especially in the last 5 years or so.

My DH and teenagers all think that "Disney" everywhere gets tiresome and it's a hyped grab for the wallet. We drive our car even when staying onsite and we've found it faster to drive to a nearby offsite resort than to wait for Disney transport and walk from bus/boat stops to our rooms. We like to sleep in a bit and we love the luxury amenities and restful atmosphere of a top timeshare resort condo with privacy for all of us, extra tv's & bathrooms, washer/dryer, jacuzzi and a kitchen for our hungry teenagers. Beautiful landscaping, poolside musicians or piped music and fun activities under the Florida sun round out our Orlando vacations. We enjoy a variety of theme parks and beach visits as a family together (rarely split up), not just Disney's. So we don't really fit the description of the Disney Resort lover. There are many more like us, but you probably won't find them on this forum.

If you plan to visit WDW for a relatively short visit and you don't mind all sharing a small hotel room for that time and/or you only plan to visit Disney parks and/or you won't use/have a car, then you would probably enjoy an onsite stay a lot - especially a deluxe or moderate hotel. The value hotels don't have a hot tub and they feel rather like a busy, active, colorful Holiday Inn to me. Little kids love them! I would prefer a really nice condo vacation (at the same price) anytime. YMMV.

Btw, mousekeeping is just housekeeping. Disney changes the names of some things to make it sounds more "Disney." We've gotten both very good and very poor housekeeping service quality - both onsite and offsite... even towel animals offsite. Same goes for the quality of guest services, other hotel staff, restaurant staff and park personnel. There's absolultely nothing to the idea (anymore - years ago there was) that these things are any different at Disney, IMHO. These days, many other places in the region pay better and even Disney has trouble retaining quality labor personnel - oh, excuse me, cast members.

----------------------------

You summed that up quite nicely!

When we travel to Florida for a "family" vacation, we consider it a waste of time and money to "only" do Disney and that's why we usually prefer to stay off-site.. We get our "magic" in the WDW parks, our "thrills" at Universal, our amusement at Sea World, and our rock bottom bargains at the Disney Outlets.. To us, that's a "magical" vacation!

Traveling alone, the Disney Resorts have their place in my considerations too, but staying on-site is not a deal breaker for me..

 

[Kanga1]

never having to venture outside the BLUE road signs!!!!

 

[DisneyDotty]

We just returned from 10 days of staying at the CR. For us, going to Florida IS going to Disney--haven't ventured off property in 20 years. Staying onsite allows us to immerse ourselves/wallow in/saturate our spirit/fill our quota of The Mouse for the next 4 years--til our next visit. We couldn't imagine going to Disney and not staying onsite. However, if you're the kind of family that is going to Florida, with a stop at a Disney park or two, you might consider otherwise. But I wouldn't understand you.
Have a great trip! And kudos to you for beginning your research. (Read the Unofficial Guide, too--packed with great info!)

 

[shady]

All great responses.

In a nutshell.

Onsite hotels is PART of the vacation.

Offsite is a place to stay while your ON vacation.

 

[Dodie]

From the time you check in until the time you leave, you are truly on vacation.

Every day, every second, from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep, you are surrounded by your "vacation."

Mickey soaps!

Disney transportation to everywhere you need to go! No driving. No parking.

Mickey Mouse wake-up calls!

The slow, relaxing nighttime walk from the bus to your room, through the themed walkways of your resort, after a long day at the parks.

Hidden Mickey's everywhere - just for you to seek.

Beautiful music softly played everywhere throughout the resort - coming from speakers you can't even see - reminding you that you are at Disney World.

That quick walk to the foodcourt to get your first cup of coffee in the morning, while your spouse is in the shower, enjoying the lovely landscaping and early morning bunnies - even at the value resorts.

Not having to carry your purchases around the park or Downtown Disney - just picking them up at the front desk.

Being able to easily take that break in the afternoon if you need it - even if it means just going back and changing your shoes and socks before making an evening of it.

Looking off in the distance from your balcony, patio, or the walkway in front of your room and seeing the top of the Wishes fireworks or Illuminations or the Pleasure Island searchlights in the distance at the end of your day.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

--- very early risers on vacation (early entry) or enjoy the late night hrs at MK (extra fee)

There's no extra fee for late night hours any more, not to start anything, just for informative purposes.

 

[Tinkbell]

It is just so much easier for me to stay onsite. I have to go in the summer months and I NEED that afternoon break time at the resort. Yes, I could take a rest at an offsite hotel, but I feel that I'd be wasting too much time traveling back and forth. If I stayed offsite, I'd feel like I had to stay at the parks all day.

 

[flamom]

we just returned from our first onsite stay and i can honestly say i don't know if i could ever stay offsite again.I really felt that staying onsite made our vacation complete.It really is kind of magical.

 

[TLinden16]

I think just being immersed in the Disney environment 24/7 while I'm there is magic enough. I love waking up, walking to the food court, and getting something on a Mickey plate or cup. Walking around the beautiful resorts that are themed to the tiniest detail. Looking for hidden Mickeys in the room and around the resort. Hopping on a Disney bus to head to the park, and let someone else do the driving.

I will never stay offsite again.

Karen

 

[minnie61650]

For me, I would say staying on property is making it a real Disney vacation. I enjoy staying anywhere on property 20x more than staying anywhere off. You are surrounding yourself with disney and emersing yourself in the magic.

There is no hassel to get to the parks, the CMs are so nice and pleasant to be around (for the most part). It's all about location and service...its the best. Id much rather stay at the Pop of AllStar than a 4 star off property.

Jungle Josh

I absolutely agree with Josh.
I love the All Stars.
They can't be beat. I have visited WDW more than a dozen times with the 1st time in 1971. I've stayed at FW, Disney Inn, a few the of Hotels on hotel Blvd., CBR and the towers at the Contemporary. I got see the MK from my balcony at the Contemporary and I'm happy I got to experience it once. I just prefer the All Star Resorts.
The theaming is pure Disney.
My last 4 visits have been at The All Stars and this fall when we take dd,dsil, and our grandson age 3 we are staying at the All Stars. I thought about AKL and even though we can well afford AKL I just wanted Alex to experience the Disney Magic at the All Stars. I can hardly wait.
When we pull up to check in and I see those huge icons I know I'm at Disney
Linda
97 more days

 

[Dare2Wish]

I could not imagine staying offsite. If it came to staying offsite or not going, I would honestly not go! The Disney resorts are a big part of our Disney vacation. Disney is just everywhere! My daughter was estatic when we stayed at the Contemporary. Every morning, we would look down into the concourse and see Mickey & friends at breakfast. I can't think of a better way to start a day of vacationing! We could watch the beautiful Wishes fireworks right from our little own balcony. What a way to end a day of vacationing!

 

[Sissy35749]

If you want autographed pics of characters go ahead and request them for for your arrival. I must say it was a special treat to find a greeting by Mickey & Friends welcoming you to WDW.

What's up with this....more details please! My DD would LOVE this.

Some other things that I didn't see mentioned......

If you have kids, get a wake up call and have them answer the phone....it will be Mickey calling, and my kids loved it.

If you have golf freaks in your party, they will get first class service. They just let the desk know that they have a tee time at x golf course at x time and the bellman will call a cab and get thier golf clubs out for them. The cab ride is free for resort guests. Then, after they play, the course will keep thier clubs, clean them, and have them waiting at the next course they intend to play if they have another tee time. They give them a cool mickey name tag as well.

IMO, staying at a Disney resort just makes your trip a whole different experience than staying off site. It definately adds a giant sprinkling of extra pixie dust to the whole trip.