Why should I stay onsite?

[Cynner]

The question is what Disney Resort are you comparing to Off-site. Some advantages due to location ( BC Walk to EP, CR walk to MK) and many do offer a uniqure theming experience.
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But honetsly unless you are NOT able to have a car IMO and are totally dependent on buses, I do wonder what is the point seriously of staying at the All Stars.. You get a cheap motel feeling with Zero ( I count 30 min early entrance a joke) benefits besides being in the disney bubble. Pop/AoA do offer some unique experiences, skyliner, some theming. but the rooms itself is nothing special and small.

For me we usually do split between value and Delux. This year we are doing split between PoP and then heading over to Portofino at US. This will most likely be our last year staying at any Disney value hotel. You are looking at 150 at least a night now.. with a great deal.. So let's say average almost 200 a night.. for that I can get a much nicer place off site.
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IF we come back again ( cant believe I wrote that). We will most likely for cost savings. Stay offsite and slum it for 3 nights, rent a car, shop etc.., drop car off, then check into a Delux and used the 100s we saved towards those nights.. Not sure if others think this way, but I would be curious to see of the average on-site guest time decreases vs other years. Expecially with Genie etc.. maybe families decide to spent more for shorter on-site trips and go elsewhere. I loved having a theme park break days, while on-site, to relax, swim and shop. Now IF we come back we need to do experiences in blocks.. so maybe land at MCO , rental to cheap hotel, relax,, shop, Disney Springs, due AK/HS days as those for me are better with a car. and then check in for a couple nights on-site for skyliner and MK/EP.

The location is super important to me. But it's making me stay on the Seven seas or the Crescent lake regularly now. The boat from the Poly is super convenient as well btw. And the EEH for a Deluxe are likely to definitely make it so you don't need to pay for the LL$+ passes for the main liners.

You should also price out the cost of using Uber/Lyft vs getting a rental car if staying offsite, not really done that math myself, but rental cars are crazy expensive right now and you'll still have to pay to park at the Park unless you're an AP.

Most pools are fenced in and locked... very early I might add. Last time we stayed at Beach Club... we could never get to use the pool as were at the parks til close and the pool closed before parks closed.

BC is best for a down day between parks. Schedule three days, do one at HS, one at EP and one between just chill at the resort. Or do two and just come back to the pool at the heat of the afternoon from HS or EP.

Yeah I've been going back and forth between Coronado and Swan/Dolphin for a while

I was resistant about the Swan/Dolphin until now. The fact that it counts as a Deluxe, is walking/boat from both HS and EP has lead me to getting a Marriott rewards card that will earn 4 nights free at the Swan/Dolphin my first year. The Gran Destino Tower is fabulous.

The only thing drawing me to on-site would be the transportation. In 10 days we are flying to WDW for a short trip, mostly for Boo Bash. So we are staying at Movies basically because we won't have a car. At least we still have DME.

In December we are taking a longer trip and driving down from Tennessee. Originally we booked Movies then switched to POFQ when it opened back up. (POFQ is our favorite resort.) After looking at the price tag and thinking long and hard about it, we switched to offsite for substantial savings. I just cannot justify it when we will have a car and are still saving a huge amount even paying for premium parking every day. (Paying to park at POFQ really turned me off too.) I used to love evening EMH's, free or discounted dining, 60 day FP+ booking benefit, etc. With those things gone, I just can't justify the cost anymore.

I have an AirBNB week planned for when we're driving down next summer. Driving from outside the park vs from across the park makes no difference to me if the resort perks aren't worth it for that stay.
Plus, we'll be APs, so have paid park parking. When we fly down, I want to be close though.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I was resistant about the Swan/Dolphin until now. The fact that it counts as a Deluxe, is walking/boat from both HS and EP has lead me to getting a Marriott rewards card that will earn 4 nights free at the Swan/Dolphin my first year. The Gran Destino Tower is fabulous.

Yes the tower /Coronado rooms were nice but to us it was the same room that we had at pop with an added chair .... not worth how much extra it cost.

 

[kathy884]

I don't think you are missing anything. We think onsite is too pricey and stay offsite (Our favorite are the offsite timeshare condos -- RCI trade or renting from an owner). Orlando has always been overbuilt in terms of hotels / timeshares / rental homes, and you get nice accommodations for a good price (better value than almost any other vacation destination we go to).

Many want all Disney for the full stay, but that hasn't ever been us.

If money is no object some of the deluxe resorts really have some lovely theming, and I think would be / are super fun to stay at. Money is an object for us though, and the prices keep those from being options my family would even consider.

If you don't want to rent a car or do uber/lyft, I think Disney Springs or onsite is your best bet too. Offsite hotel shuttles and public transportation would not cut it for me getting to the parks. Onsite is also super fun for the 13-17 year old set as they can use the Disney transportation and go exploring on their own (loved that at that age -- Parents had a motorhome and growing up we did quite a few stays at Fort Wilderness, the Disney campground).

 

[Precmom1967]

We are staying off site for the 2nd year. We can stay for 14 days off site for the same price as a moderate resort on property for 5. It really was a no-brainer for us. But with all the “perks” being taken away one by one, there is no advantage to us anymore.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

So admittedly, it's going to be a while before we get back to WDW. At the moment we can't go more than 5km from our home, so international travel is a way off. In saying that we are hoping for December 2023. Fingers crossed things are open for us by then.

But we were just talking about where to stay. What is the benefit to staying onsite anymore? No Magical Express, no Extra Magic Hours, no included Magic Bands, and most importantly to us, no 60day Fastpass+ booking window. The only benefit I can see is I can wake up early (and be exhausted for the rest of the day) to book 1 Genie Plus ride ahead of everyone else. And that's if I'm willing to pay for it, which I'm probably not. At $75 per day for all of us, and we are typically there for 14-20 days, it takes a huge amount of the budget.

In the past we've stayed at Windsor Hills which is only a few minutes from Disney Property, paid $110 for a 3 bedroom condo and $210 for a 6 bedroom pool villa. We all get our own room and plenty of space. Even adding in Uber to and from the parks, we are way in front.

Is there anything I'm missing. I've enjoyed staying on property in the past, but we've also loved our off property stays.

 

[TheBigErn]

You are correct that the onsite benefits are eroding. The biggest advantage to me staying onsite is distance to the parks. No matter how close to the "front gate" you stay, you're still 10-15 minutes further away than being onsite. And if you're rope dropping at 7am or earlier, every minute counts.

 

[Nabas]

You are correct that the onsite benefits are eroding. The biggest advantage to me staying onsite is distance to the parks. No matter how close to the "front gate" you stay, you're still 10-15 minutes further away than being onsite. And if you're rope dropping at 7am or earlier, every minute counts.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek is closer to DHS and Epcot than most Disney hotels, and you can get a 2-bedroom condo for the price of a Disney Value Resort.

Really, the #1 reason to stay onsite is to stay in the Disney bubble.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

The main thing that drew us to an onsite stay was the 60 day FP+ window. Now it's not there, along with the other perks I enjoyed (magic bands, EMH) I don't see the point.

We've stayed offsite many times before and loved the extra space it gave us for a significantly lower price.

 

[RoseGold]

My answer depends on when you are going. For right now, sure. Obviously no reason to stay on site.

but it’s not over. Changes are still coming. Disney has millions of aulani and riviera points they are trying to sell, and giant luxury hotels like Jambo and contemporary they are trying to fill. Big announcements are still coming with genie and with APs, and all of this is connected.

the EMH2 for only deluxe is the best news DVC has gotten in years. That’s like after hours level crowd. I’m thrilled. If a night at poly on a Wednesday gets me that, I’m in!

 

[TheBigErn]

Wyndham Bonnet Creek is closer to DHS and Epcot than most Disney hotels, and you can get a 2-bedroom condo for the price of a Disney Value Resort.

Really, the #1 reason to stay onsite is to stay in the Disney bubble.

You made my point. "Most" Disney hotels and only DHS and Epcot.

 

[Nabas]

You made my point. "Most" Disney hotels and only DHS and Epcot.

Sorry, I don’t understand your point. Some hotels are closer to some theme parks than others.

For example, Wyndham Bonnet Creek is closer to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and DHS than All Star Sports, All Star Movies, All Star Music, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Kidani Village.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek is closer to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DHS, and Epcot than the Grand Floridian.

Have you ever been to Wyndham Bonnet Creek? You literally have to drive under one of the “welcome to Disney” archways to get to it. It essentially is on property.

 

[TheBigErn]

Sorry, I don’t understand your point. Some hotels are closer to some theme parks than others.

For example, Wyndham Bonnet Creek is closer to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and DHS than All Star Sports, All Star Movies, All Star Music, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Kidani Village.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek is closer to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DHS, and Epcot than the Grand Floridian.

Have you ever been to Wyndham Bonnet Creek? You literally have to drive under one of the “welcome to Disney” archways to get to it. It essentially is on property.

It's quite simple. As a general proposition, being on site puts you closer to the action than being off site.

 

[cakebaker]

Most pools are fenced in and locked... very early I might add. Last time we stayed at Beach Club... we could never get to use the pool as were at the parks til close and the pool closed before parks closed.

SAB was closing at 11 pm in late July when we were there. That’s as late as I’ve ever seen it stay open.

 

[cakebaker]

Here’s the reasons I have - 1) In the bubble 2) easy access to the MK, Epcot and HS 3) Half hour early entry at every park, every day 4) Evening EMH’s (2 hrs at the MK and Epcot) with a much lower crowd level and the ability to ride and re-ride without scheduling or paying for them.

 

[Marionnette]

Here’s the reasons I have - 1) In the bubble 2) easy access to the MK, Epcot and HS 3) Half hour early entry at every park, every day 4) Evening EMH’s (2 hrs at the MK and Epcot) with a much lower crowd level and the ability to ride and re-ride without scheduling or paying for them.

1. But what makes "the bubble" so special anymore? I'm having a hard time defending that now that every hotel room looks like a Marriott with some IP splashed about.
2. No Disney resort has easy access to all 3 of those parks. You have to take a bus to at least one of those from any resort.
3. 30-minutes early every day, shared with select offsite resorts. Not exactly an exclusive perk for staying onsite. I'm still wondering just how much anyone can expect to accomplish in 30 minutes? Maybe one attraction plus a head start in line ahead of the offsite rope droppers?
4. Evening Extra Hours are only for Deluxe Resorts and Villas PLUS S/D and SOG. They only occur at MK and Epcot, for one night out of the week each.

I understand your affinity to the Disney resorts but much of what you listed can be attained by staying at the S/D.

 

[cakebaker]

1. But what makes "the bubble" so special anymore? I'm having a hard time defending that now that every hotel room looks like a Marriott with some IP splashed about.

This is one you either get it or you don’t. I get it, you don’t. That’s ok.

2. No Disney resort has easy access to all 3 of those parks. You have to take a bus to at least one of those from any resort.

Yes. The only way not to have to ride the barge to the MK is to stay on site. Honestly, this one alone keeps me on site. An added benefit is I don’t have to drive to the parks every day, then either walk a long distance or wait for a tram to get to a hot car to leave at night. We valet our car on arrival and don’t see it again until we leave.

3. 30-minutes early every day, shared with select offsite resorts. Not exactly an exclusive perk for staying onsite. I'm still wondering just how much anyone can expect to accomplish in 30 minutes? Maybe one attraction plus a head start in line ahead of the offsite rope droppers?

Being available every day at all the parks will reduce the crowds going to them at each park. I expect to get done just about what you describe and without having to schedule it or pay for it. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, but it is a plus.

4. Evening Extra Hours are only for Deluxe Resorts and Villas PLUS S/D and SOG. They only occur at MK and Epcot, for one night out of the week each

I agree, that’s how they work and it’s an excellent perk.

I understand your affinity to the Disney resorts but much of what you listed can be attained by staying at the S/D.

1) I understand your aversion to staying on site, but not all of these can be attained by staying at the S/D 2) Prices at the S/D can rival the cost of on site 3) I’ve stayed at both the S/D before and I don’t like them.

It’s a personal choice for everyone. I simply listed why I choose to stay onsite. I hope this answers all your questions.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

So not from Georgia, but we fly in. Aside from DME, we've always used Mears and Uber to get around. We like the fact we don't have to drive, pay for a rental car, pay for gas, and pay to park because we are losing money. Money that could be for more souvenirs or for a Mears/Uber to Universal or another attraction for a day. To us, that is still a perk. It also saves our phone battery as we don't have to use a GPS/maps to get around. Someone else does it for us.
Again this is just us. And not every time on transportation has been perfect. But it saves us money and aggravation and stress.

It may not be enough to sway you to stay on property, especially with the new Mears system coming soon (as an FYI Universal also has their own shuttle system run by Mears that you have to pay for to and from the airport-I know everyone compares but its just an FYI), but hopefully it gives you some insight.

 

[Marionnette]

This is one you either get it or you don’t. I get it, you don’t. That’s ok.

Let's just say that I used to "get it". What I loved about staying onsite doesn't exist anymore.

Yes. The only way not to have to ride the barge to the MK is to stay on site. Honestly, this one alone keeps me on site.

Did they shut down the MK monorail?

Being available every day at all the parks will reduce the crowds going to them at each park. I expect to get done just about what you describe and without having to schedule it or pay for it. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, but it is a plus.

But you can get that same perk if you stay offsite at one of the select resorts.

I agree, that’s how they work and it’s an excellent perk.

But nonetheless, a perk that exists for S/D (and soon the Swan Reserve) as well.

1) I understand your aversion to staying on site, but not all of these can be attained by staying at the S/D

Which of those cannot be gotten by staying at S/D? The feeling of being in the bubble?

2) Prices at the S/D can rival the cost of on site

But are often much less than a Disney Deluxe Resort, which are the only ones eligible for the Extra Evening Hours.

3) I’ve stayed at both the S/D before and I don’t like them.

Personal preference.

It’s a personal choice for everyone. I simply listed why I choose to stay onsite. I hope this answers all your questions.

I respect your opinion and I understand why YOU choose to stay onsite. I'm not trying to convince you personally to do otherwise. I'm just saying that most of your arguments for staying in a Disney Resort can be countered with equally compelling reasons to jump ship and stay offsite.

 

[cakebaker]

Did they shut down the MK monorail?

No, but it's much less appealing to me than the barge is and have you seen the crowds at night at the MK waiting for the monorail? No thanks to that.

But you can get that same perk if you stay offsite at one of the select resorts.

But nonetheless, a perk that exists for S/D (and soon the Swan Reserve) as well.

I can can combine these with the same answer I gave before..... but I can't get all the other perks. And I don't like the S/D. Why would I stay at a resort where pricing is not cheap that I don't like rather than stay at a resort that gives me more of what I want and that I love staying at? My personal preference is the YC, concierge level. Right now, we're on wait and see mode about what concierge will actually look like, but given a choice I'd be at the YC every stay. Otherwise it's Wilderness Lodge and we'd love to give the RIviera a try- it's the reservation we had back in March 2019 that was cancelled.

Which of those cannot be gotten by staying at S/D? The feeling of being in the bubble?

Transportation to the MK. If I'm not mistaken, the S/D no longer uses Disney transportation and you have to go to the TTC to get to the MK.

Personal preference.

Exactly. That's just what I said- we all have our own personal preferences, wants and needs when it comes to a WDW trip. For me, on site is the only choice that fits. I can find off site that might meet 1 or 2 of what I want, but I won't find one that does it all. I also forgot 1 advantage that isn't an offered perk, but valuable to us. We park hop. We take afternoon breaks at our resort every day, every trip. We would not do that if we had to haul out to a parking lot, get into a hot car and drive to wherever our resort was. Being on site, especially with a resort that has better access, is key to us.

 

[tnd]

We just returned from our first trip to WDW in 5 years and it was our first off-site stay. I absolutely loved it and cannot ever see staying on property again unless there are significant improvements to the on-site perks. We are a family of 5, which rules out a lot of rooms at Disney in any event. We have a 16 year old son, and 10 and 6 year old daughters. Cramming all 5 of us into one hotel room is not an option for a week. We have done the Family Suites at AoA several times and that was my first thought, but they were very expensive for this trip, and without things like the 60 day FP+ window and EMHs, I could not justify the cost. We also don't need to return for naps/breaks mid-day anymore, which was one of the main advantages of staying onsite in the "old days." We ended up renting a 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom house in Windsor Hills, with a private pool, for significantly less than the Family Suite. Even with the rental car, it was well worth it. Other than for MK, the parking was not bad and we were usually back to our house within 10-15 minutes. I also cooked breakfast at the house each day, saving us more money. I'll be curious to see how the on-site experience changes with the Genie+ system, but I really loved having a house to go back to. The space really matters as the kids get older!