The old on site vs off site debate

[mm1971]

How does Fastpass work if you stay offsite? We started out staying offsite and liked the idea of being able to go to any restaurant, take a trip to the mall (I have 3 shopaholic girls) or for a drive to the beach.These stays were pre magic band. Then we started staying at the Art of Animation (love those rooms, very spacious for a family of 5). We are torn for next year. We miss being able to eat out, Disney restaurants are hit and miss with us. The good ones are very pricey if not on the dining plan and the QS are ok, but there are so many excellent restaurants out there, plus we wouldn't be able to go to the mall (we don't rent a car if we stay onsite). I like the freedom of choice staying offsite but the perks of staying onsite

If you are staying off site, you get to book FP at 30 days out from your reservation. On site it is 60 days out. If you are going at a busy time, it is possible that the FP for the more popular rides will be gone by the time you can book them. That is the biggest difference of on vs. off. We stay on site and rent a car. It just seems easier sometimes when we want to go at our pace or visit off property stuff. Magic bands you can purchase separately at the resorts and parks and have the ticket information linked to the bands.

Will be staying at AoA for the first time this January over marathon weekend and looking forward to seeing the decor.