Staying On-Site vs Off-Site at Walt Disney World
When friends are planning a Disney World trip, I’m often informed that they want a budget-friendly vacation, followed by the question, “Do you think we should stay at a Disney Resort or stay off-site?”
That’s a tough one… well, sort of. The reality is that you can always find a cheaper place to stay in Orlando. The question is if it’s worth missing all the amenities that staying on-site at a Disney Resort offers.
I’m always looking at all of my options, even off-site hotels, but it’s probably obvious that I always end up staying on-site.
The Disney Bubble
If I’m visiting Orlando just for the purpose of going to Disney World, then there is no question that I want to be in the “Disney Bubble.” My plan is to spend all of my time within the 30,000 acres of Walt Disney World.
I love being completely immersed in all of the Disney theming. Disney does a fantastic job making not only the theme parks magical, but also the resorts!
In addition to the full submersion of Disney theming, there are all of the perks of staying on-site.
Perks of Staying On-Site
- 60 Day Dining booking window – you get to book all your Dining Reservations 60 days before checkin, whereas guests staying off-site must book 60 days before each of their days at the park. This gives you better chances of grabbing those hard-to-get reservations, especially toward the end of your trip.
- Early Morning Magic – you get to take advantage of Early Morning Magic. Everyday, every park opens 30 minutes early only for guests staying at a Disney Resort.
- Purchase Lightning Lanes 7 Days Before Check-in – When you stay at Disney Resort, you are able to purchase and book Lightning Lanes 7 days before checkin. However, guests who stay off-site must wait until 3 days before their ticket start date, and unfortunately by that time, they are often gone for the day.
- Dining Plan – you are able to purchase the Dining Plan if you’d like. I’m a huge fan of the Dining Plan and the “all-inclusive” feel you get while you’re at Disney World!
- Transportation to and from the parks and Disney Springs – Disney offers free bus transportation, and in some cases boats, monorails and the Skyliner, to and from the parks.
- Bonus: if you are using a boat, Monorail or the Skyliner for transportation, you may not even have to fold your stroller – this may sound like no big deal, but trust me, it is when you have stuffed your stroller full of drinks, souvenirs, diapers, etc.
- Free Parking at Your Resort and the Theme Parks – if you are staying on-site, you receive free parking at your resort. And if you want to opt out of the complimentary transportation Disney provides to and from the parks, you are more than welcome to drive your own vehicle and receive free parking, saving you $25 per day.
- Deluxe Evening Hours – currently Disney is offering guests staying at Deluxe Resorts the opportunity to stay at Magic Kingdom an extra 2 hours after park closing once a week and to stay at Epcot and extra 2 hours after park closing once a week.
Potential Perks of Staying Off-Site
- Complimentary Breakfast – While staying at a Disney Resort gives you eligibility for purchasing the Dining Plan, there are no resorts at Disney that will give you a free breakfast. However, there are hotels in the surrounding areas that will offer a complimentary breakfast.
Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
If you have decided that staying on-site is what you want to do, I highly recommend checking out our post on the differences between the Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts to help you decide which is best for your family.
