Why do you stay on-site?

[Cindy's Mom]

I remember one night walking leisurely from the Beach Club to Epcot with my DW and DS after eating at Beaches and Cream (in the BC) on a warm summer night. We took our time looking around enjoying the view of the Boardwalk, the resorts, the boats, the sand and the water. Everyone we saw had a smile on their face, holding doors for other people and just generally being in a great mood like us. It was something you can't describe but you felt... magic. And, also something you'd never get being off-site. It’s like when you come out of a really really good movie, you know, and everyone is in that same great mood.

Every night we watched the Epcot fireworks from our room or the beach and we truly enjoyed the entertainment and action of what was going in. This post doesn’t even come close to highlighting all the details that we enjoyed and saw being on site.

I'm all verklempt

 

[DISshopkeeper]

What is off site??

 

[debaone]

Close proximity to the hotel so we can take an afternoon break during the heat of the day and then return back at night. There is no way to effectively pull that off when you are off-site. Also like the monorail hotels (Poly!!) to make this even easier.

 

[Sleepy]

I have to agree with those who said they stay on property so they don't have to drive to get to their hotel.

Second reason is when staying with multiple people, nobody has to feel like they have to leave when they are not ready just because someone else in the group needs to go back to the hotel room. Also, nobody has to feel like they must stay in the parks with the rest of the group. It's just super easy to say "See ya later" and hop on one of the buses or monorail. It makes for a happier group.

 

[RJD]

I swore I would never stay offsite, but then we did. We stayed at Holiday Inn Sunspree Family Suites. It was practically within walking distance to the DTD entrance. For the money, it was great. It was nice having other options for dining. So I did enjoy offsite much more than I thought I would. That said, I do love to stay onsite and that would always be my first choice. You just feel such a part of the magic. I find the Disney transportation very efficient. Staying at a Disney resort gives you the option of contacting Guest Services for reservations, dining or recreational stuff. You do get the EMH and can send packages to your room. That's all nice. But for me the bottom line is Disney 24/7

 

[Mrsjvb]

even though it's just the two of us, and i am not one who needs to be submerged in the experience, nor do I feel the 'magic'.. we just prefer it, mainly for the convenience. If I feel like crap and have to take some down time, I can get back to the resort on my own without ruining DH's roller coaster fix. Who wants to mess with trying to find a parking space, then schlepping all your purchases back with you at the end of the day?

The self contained feel is what draws us in.. we know anything we desire to can can be covered at the resort,whether its a Fine dining Experience or a parade or a night of bar hopping Downtown.

 

[StrollPatrolMom]

I don't want to drive on vacation. I like the pre-paid aspect of the DDP...and being on-site gives you easier access to the parks and activities at all hours of the day. With 2 little kids, I wouldn't want to drive into the parks, take the tram, then the monorail, stay at the park for a few hours, repeat the process backwards for swimming and nap time and then turn around and have to do it all over again for an ADR in the evening...

too much work. I'm lazy.

 

[sah95]

You don't have to; think, make deliberate decisions, argue about which lane is moving faster, hunt for a parking spot, cook, remember what section of the parking lot you are in, make the beds,worry about making it thru the yellow light before it turns red, shop for groceries, deal with distractions, feel guilty about eating out when you've got this kitchen that you have paid for and heavn't used....once!

I totally agree!
I know this may be a shocker, but I like riding the WDW busses.