We must be in the minority, as we much prefer to take Disney Transportation...
I'm about 50/50 about using disney transportation FamilyGuy....I do find the disney busses/monorails very convenient. I love getting dropped off at the front of the park and just bypassing the parking lots and trams. But I'm pretty sure we're in the minority because this is the Orlando/offsite boards.
If the OP were to post this question/scenario on the wdw resorts boards, there would be a shift in opinions. We happen to stay both on and offsite (more onsite though). We absolutely love staying at the WL and being able to take the resort ferry back and forth to the MK. I tried to get the WL for our Dec trip and it was sold out (as of July when I tried). We stayed here in August. At park close, we watched as literally hundreds of offsiters were loaded up to the monorail queu (like "cattle" by dh joked....believe me....we've been there). We strolled right on to the ferry and were in our room within 20 min total time.
I've heard comments about crowded busses----but even offsiters will run into crowded (and I mean jam packed) trams and monorails if they're going during Easter week. Even at the end of the night of a normal (non holiday) week, the parks are crowded. So even offsiters leaving the MK at the end of the day in June, or Oct etc, is going to come across being herded onto the monorail and then moderate wait times for the trams. In August, while staying at Vistana, it took us about 45 minutes to get from the MK to our car. Then we still had a 10 min drive back to the resort. So people complain about disney bus times and crowded busses........but the busses are usually only very crowded at park closing. I rarely come across standing situations except for those times.
So when people have issues with how long the disney busses take to get to the MK, are they really calculating the extra time offsiters or anyone driving has as far as the TTC goes ? In August, we waited close to 15-20 min just for a tram back to our car. That didn't include the wait time for the monorail from the MK to the TTC. So, I still contend, onsiters have the advantage over anyone driving when it comes to the MK. The other parks, I do believe, can be done quicker with a car. But we always seem to be the ones, that when we get to the parking lot, we are directed to the very far end. The farthest spots from the tram loading. We swear this always happens to us. Those people that get parking spots right up front are lucky---but it's all in the timing ! lol
That said, even when we stay onsite, we use a car sometimes. Since the OP will not be renting a car for their stay at POR/CSR, I'm thinking offsite might be better. Having a rental just gives you more flexibility. We especially like it for resort to resort dining. Just plan to be in the parking lots early on the Friday/Sat/Sun of Easter week. Those will be the worst days. I'd be in the parking lot by 8:00 am if I were driving on those days. So offsite is definitely doable....but just be ready for chaos especially if you plan to be in the MK over the weekend & driving a car. I'd bet alot of money it will take you at least 90 min, if not longer to get out of the MK if you leave at closing or anywhere near it. I think if you plan to be in the parking lot early and are mentally prepared for a lengthy exit (from the MK mostly), you'll be ok. Good luck !
