Where to Stay: On Disney Property or Off-Site?
One important decision you will make as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World is whether to stay on-site at a Disney Resort or off-site at one of the many hotels in the surrounding area.
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The purpose of this page is to offer some suggestions as to what criteria you might want to consider when making such a decision and to summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Things to Consider When Making Your Choice
When debating the choice of staying on-site or off-site, it is helpful to know the answers to the following questions:
- What is my budget?
- How far in advance am I planning?
- How many people are in my party, and what are their ages?
- Do we want to all stay together in one room, suite, or villa?
- What hotel amenities are important to me?
- Will I have my car/rental car?
- Will I be spending most of my time visiting Disney attractions, or will I be visiting non-Disney attractions too?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Both Options
Off-site Advantages
- Generally larger accommodations for the same or a lower price.
- More likely to find rooms in desired price range at the last minute.
- Better access to restaurants, shopping, and non-Disney attractions.
- NOT immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
- Some hotels offer scheduled shuttle service to the parks.
- Some hotels offer free breakfasts.
- Many off-site hotels offer discounts to non-Disney attractions and restaurants.
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Off-site Disadvantages
- Getting to and from the parks may be more difficult. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks from the parks.
- On-peak holiday parking lot(s) at Disney World Parks might be closed.
- Quality of the rooms varies, as does service.
- Off-site guests must pay for parking at Disney theme parks if they drive unless they have an Annual Pass.
- Shuttle service is limited at many hotels, some hotels share shuttles making the service very slow and/or crowded, and some hotels charge for using their shuttle service.
- Hotel staff may be less familiar with Disney property.
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On-site Advantages
- Getting to and from the Parks is generally easier. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks.
- Immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
- Disney Resorts offer wonderful theming.
- Disney staff provides excellent service.
- Properties are clean and well-maintained.
- Priority on tee times on Disney golf courses.
- Room-charge privileges throughout Walt Disney World.
- Merchandise delivery to your Disney Resort.
- Access to Disney World’s closed-circuit TV information channels.
- Unlimited use of Disney World transportation system.
- Magical Express transportation to/from airport and Disney World Resort at no charge
- Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan.
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On-site Disadvantages
- Rooms are more expensive.
- Availability of budget-priced rooms is limited, especially at the last minute.
- Dining is generally more expensive.
- Getting to and from non-Disney attractions may be more difficult.
- Going from Resort to Resort relying on Disney Transportation can be long and/or a hassle.
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Once you’ve answered the requisite questions and considered all the pros and cons, you’ll be closer to deciding if on-site is the way to go or if off-site is better for you.
Click here to review the specifics of on-site Disney World Resorts and get access to fact sheets for all of the AllEars’ Resort main pages.