What are the current Perks of staying On-Site WDW Resort?

[LeeAnn]

Had rescheduled trip to this August. Previously had Free Dining but the new resv was straight room rate. Not sure I can financially do it so Im contemplating staying off property. However, I was wondering what perks I will be missing by staying off property. So many changes, having a hard time keeping up. Trying to make the best choice for us. Do love staying on-site.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Had rescheduled trip to this August. Previously had Free Dining but the new resv was straight room rate. Not sure I can financially do it so Im contemplating staying off property. However, I was wondering what perks I will be missing by staying off property. So many changes, having a hard time keeping up. Trying to make the best choice for us. Do love staying on-site.

I would have to say, at this time, not much. You can book adrs at 60+ days and you can ride DME from airport to hotel, but if you’re planning to rent a car, that doesn’t matter much.

at some point, you’ll only be allowed early entrance to parks by staying on property, but doesn’t affect anything til that starts. If FPs are Brought back, that’ll likely have The similar 60+ booking window.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

You can book ADRs at 60 days off site, too.

Honestly, the perks are if you believe in it being so much more magical, bla blah branding.

 

[GBRforWDW]

You can book ADRs at 60 days off site, too.

Honestly, the perks are if you believe in it being so much more magical, bla blah branding.

Off site, you can only do 60 days from the adr reservation date while on-site, you can book all ADRs for your stay at 60 days from your check-in date. The 60+ means 60 days plus length of stay.

This is how some really popular restaurants don't have any available 60 days out.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Off site, you can only do 60 days from the adr reservation date while on-site, you can book all ADRs for your stay at 60 days from your check-in date. The 60+ means 60 days plus length of stay.

This is how some really popular restaurants don't have any available 60 days out.

The price difference for that "perk" is redonkulous.

 

[NashvilleMama]

also includes parking at the parks. Disney transportation is the one key benefit right now, and the theming experience for what it's worth to your group.

 

[GBRforWDW]

The price difference for that "perk" is redonkulous.

They’ve had some really good hotel deals lately, so it’s not *as bad* but yeah, depends on how you want to dine while there.

 

[GBRforWDW]

also includes parking at the parks. Disney transportation is the one key benefit right now, and the theming experience for what it's worth to your group.

I skipped that one because you’re either paying to park at hotel or at the theme park. Either way, you’re paying for parking , unless they forget to charge you at the hotel, hehe

 

[heresabe]

Unfortunately, the perks are diminishing. While it is nice to rely on Disney for transportation, the actual perks of staying on site are vastly diminishing. I don't perceive the additional 30-minutes in the morning to be a huge plus.

Magical Express is a real perk while it lasts.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Unfortunately, the perks are diminishing. While it is nice to rely on Disney for transportation, the actual perks of staying on site are vastly diminishing. I don't perceive the additional 30-minutes in the morning to be a huge plus.

Magical Express is a real perk while it lasts.

I definitely agree, but if the 30 minutes extra also includes them opening the gates 30-45 minutes before that, like they do now, it'll be worth it, but 30 minutes might get you on one ride and in line for another before non resort guests start coming in.

 

[ExtraMagic]

I think there are only two perks right now:
-Magical Express from the Airport (ends in 2022)
-On site transportation (you can take bus/skyliner/boat depending on your resort to parks and Disney Springs)

Being in the "Disney Bubble" is a bonus, too!

 

[justprettynpink]

Also being able to book dining 60 days out for the 1st 10 days of your stay.

 

[paults]

A old coffee pot has more perks than Disney now.

 

[pigletgirl]

Being in the Disney bubble I think is the biggest perk. Everything else? You can find a nicer room for a much lower price point offsite. Do your research and YMMV.

 

[Edeyore]

Had rescheduled trip to this August. Previously had Free Dining but the new resv was straight room rate. Not sure I can financially do it so Im contemplating staying off property. However, I was wondering what perks I will be missing by staying off property. So many changes, having a hard time keeping up. Trying to make the best choice for us. Do love staying on-site.

Given the pricing at the value resorts on property, were would you be staying to save money? Stay on property you are provided with transportation to and from your resort to the parks.
Will the off property hotels provide you with transportation? By the time you go in August, I believe the extra hours benefit will be back in force. (either in the parks late or early) Though
some may not feel it is worth it, (blah, blah, blah, branding), stay at a Disney resort is unique. Stay at the Pop Century. Where else are you going to see a 30 foot high Mickey telephone?

 

[heresabe]

By the time you go in August, I believe the extra hours benefit will be back in force. (either in the parks late or early) T

I thought the late Extra Hours have been eliminated permanently and only the early 30-minute perk will remain. Am I mistaken?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I thought the late Extra Hours have been eliminated permanently and only the early 30-minute perk will remain. Am I mistaken?

Correct, Disney has announced 30 minute “Early Theme Park Entry” for each park every day will start sometime later this year. The program as announced/described does not include PM hours.

 

[Belles bakery]

From what I’ve been told and understand. Extra magic hours are not coming back.

 

[gharter]

As others have stated, the perks of staying onsite have decreased.
I will find out how useful the 30 minute early entry is (if its happening in April).
Its a toss up of driving or using their buses (especially with fewer passenger per bus)

 

[GBRforWDW]

As others have stated, the perks of staying onsite have decreased.
I will find out how useful the 30 minute early entry is (if its happening in April).
Its a toss up of driving or using their buses (especially with fewer passenger per bus)

I don't think Early Park Entry will be starting before summer. The blog post states it's part of the 50th anniversary celebration, so makes me think that will start in the fall. But, they will probably continue opening the parks 45 minutes early every morning for everyone.