What's the "extra magic" when staying onsite?

[froggymomma]

Our first on-site stay was October 2003. Prior to that my DH and I, and later our DS, always stayed someplace cheap off-site. We figured that we would save a lot of money and that no way was any hotel worth the $ (we stayed at really cheap places).

We stayed at the Poly as part of a 3 day land/4 day sea package, and I booked an extra day at the Poly - without telling DH how much it cost.

What was the extra magic? Immersing ourselves in the Disney experience - the parks, the restaurants, strolling out to the beach to watch the EWP, the CMs, the transportation. Just the lack of worry or concern - never having to get in a car to go somewhere made all the difference. We loved to decide where to go and hop on the monorail or a bus. At MK we saw the boat and just decided that would be fun to take. I don't know if I'm making sense, but it was so much more relaxing. I love cruises because once I unpack I can relax and do whatever whenever. I felt the same staying on-site. I'm at WDW and felt that the world was at my feet.

It must have been magical because we're going back in June and my DH (very, very frugal when it comes to hotels) suggested we stay at the Poly again. How could I argue?

 

[pepe of ohio]

For us, the extra magic is the park staying open extra hours and the early in. But really its not having to see the interior of a car, or being in traffic, looking for the car in the parking lot , or roasting in a car till the a/c kicks in and doing it all over again the next morning. It also is that we do get tired during the day, and the short hop, whether by bus, boat or monorail is like another Disney ride for us, and laying out at our pool and resting till the evening to go back to the park is heavenly. Another kick I get is leaving the MK and seeing the line for the monorail to the parking lot. Then looking at the line for the monorail resorts, never really encountered one there. I figure them people going to the parking lot, ought to get to their car in about an hour, out and off property another hour and finally back to their off property hotel. Worth it, no!! The many free ways to get around WDW property are enjoyable and the CM's usually have a speel going while you ride. Had alot of really good bus drivers that sing, make you sing and laugh. Well worth the money staying on site!

 

[ufgator]

Generally, everyone employed by Disney is known for top-notch service! The "magic" starts when you are welcomed home to your resort. You are surrounded by sights, sounds, and smells, that immerse you into your vacation.
As I write this, it sounds "corny", but it's hard to explain! Magic is definately an attitude experienced and shared by many visitors and CM's alike. There is no place like it in the universe.

I agree. It is hard to explain. Disney goes all out with the themes. There is music piped in as you walk around the resort. Each resort has something unique - like lighting torches at Poly at night. Once you stay onsite, you can never go back!