4 April 2023
Pros and Cons of Staying on-Property vs. Off-Property at Disney World
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether to stay on or off the property. But what exactly do we mean by on-site or off-site accommodations? On-site hotels, also known as Disney resorts, are owned and operated by Disney World and located within the resort’s boundaries. On the other hand, off-site hotels are independently owned and operated by third-party vendors, usually situated outside the Disney World premises. However, to make it even more confusing, a third option, Disney Good Neighbor Hotels, offers a hybrid experience of on-site and off-site amenities.
Benefits that have changed or are now gone
A few benefits have changed or disappeared entirely in the wake of COVID-19. For example, on-property guests used to enjoy early access to the parks and extended park hours, but those perks have changed. However, staying on property still offers advantages, like proximity to the parks and Disney transportation. Here are a few things to take into consideration.
Airport Transportation
One perk that has been eliminated is Disney’s Magical Express airport transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the resort. This service used to be included for on-site guests, but now visitors must find their own transportation to their hotel. Options include using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft or shared shuttle services.
Ride Reservations
For many years, staying on property at Disney World meant having the exclusive advantage of securing Fastpass+ ride reservations in advance. However, this benefit has been replaced with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, leaving those who choose to stay off-property with somewhat of a fair chance at obtaining ride access. In addition, on-site guests can book at 7am versus off-site guests having to wait until the park opens. As a result, there is no longer as much of an on-site advantage to booking Fastpass+ reservations, making it easier for guests to justify spending less money by staying off-site. While some guests may miss the exclusive perks of staying on property, others may see the new system as a way to level the playing field and make the Disney experience more accessible for all.
Dining Plan
The Dining Plan used to be a great perk to staying onsite. This option has yet to be officially removed but has been suspended for over two years. This means that if you’re planning to book an onsite stay, you shouldn’t expect to be able to take advantage of this. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what’s best for your specific situation.
On-Property Benefits
Keep the Disney magic alive
Disney-themed hotels keep the magic alive, allowing you to escape from reality and immerse yourself in the theme park experience. The hotels have a similar thematic feel to the parks and often tell their stories, transporting guests to different eras and places. The opportunity to be insulated from the real world is incredibly appealing to many people. So if you want to stay in a magical place during your Disney vacation, on-property hotels are worth considering.
Convenience
On-site hotels are generally closer to the parks, and in some cases, guests can walk, take a gondola, monorail, or boat from the hotel to the park. This convenience means that not only can you save time traveling back and forth, but parties can also split up easily, or you can go back to the hotel mid-day to rest without losing a significant chunk of the day. However, it’s important to note that this benefit primarily applies to those exclusively visiting Disney World, and if you want to visit other parks during your trip, there may be better options than staying on property.
In-Park Transportation
One huge advantage of staying on property is the transportation system provided by Disney. Getting to and from the parks is a breeze with complimentary buses, boats, and monorails. Though some argue about the system’s efficiency, it’s hard to deny the convenience of not worrying about parking or navigating unfamiliar roads. Another bonus to staying on property is the ability to skip renting a car altogether. But, if you do find yourself in need of a ride, services like Uber and Lyft are always an option.
Parking
If you choose to drive to the park or rent a car during your stay in Florida, make sure to take parking into consideration. While you will most likely have to pay a parking fee at off-site hotels, both the self-park at the hotels and the theme park parking is free during your stay at on-site hotels. This can add significant savings for those planning to spend multiple days at the parks.
Individual Lightning Lane Priority
If you decide to stay on property, you’ll benefit from booking Individual Lightning Lane at 7am, giving you priority access to the park’s popular rides. However, off-property guests must wait until the park opens to book. If riding the most popular attractions is a priority for your group, staying on property may be the better option.
Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours
Need more time at Disney World? Then staying on-site gives you the considerable perk of early entry and extended evening hours. Early Entry, which now replaces morning Extra Magic Hours, is offered daily at all four theme parks. This allows guests to beat the crowds and enjoy exclusive access to select attractions for a few hours. Additionally, on-property guests can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours, which occur two nights per week, mainly at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. While the eligibility pool is smaller, those who can participate experience a less crowded park and enjoy nighttime shows and attractions even longer.
Resort Fees
While off-property hotels may seem attractive due to their lower prices, it’s essential to consider the added cost of resort fees. Unlike many off-site hotels, Disney World does not impose resort fees on top of the cost of your stay. These fees can add up quickly and put a dent in your budget. However, by staying on property, you’ll not only save money on resort fees, but you’ll also have access to a wealth of additional benefits and conveniences.
Packages
If convenience and ease are essential, booking an on-property package means everything for your trip can be booked at once. No need to worry about separate bookings for your hotel room, park tickets, dining reservations, and transportation. Knowing that everything is taken care of all-in-one spot can be a great feeling.
Off-Property Benefits
Cost
One of the biggest draws of off-property accommodations is cost. By opting for a non-Disney hotel, you can save money and put that extra cash toward other aspects of your vacation. There is also more competition among off-site hotels, which helps drive their prices down even further. Off-property hotels typically offer more luxurious amenities and diverse dining options than Disney resorts. While it is essential to consider potential resort and parking fees, choosing an off-property hotel can offer a more affordable and high-end experience.
Other Perks & Amenities
Off-site accommodations offer free continental breakfasts, pet-friendly options, and larger pools with hot tubs and waterparks. Additionally, some hotels and resorts provide shuttle services not only to the parks but to other non-Disney attractions as well. Not to mention, staying off-site allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the Disney property and escape it all. Some accommodations even feature kitchens, which can not only provide the convenience of preparing meals on your own but can also save a significant amount of money.
Custom Accommodations
By staying off-site, you can book accommodations ideally suited to your family size and needs for less money. Off-site hotels at Walt Disney World are often roomier, making it much more comfortable to rent a vacation home with individual rooms for everyone, a kitchen, an activities room, or whatever you might want for your vacation. While these types of rooms exist with on-property Disney hotels, they often come with a hefty price tag that puts them in the Deluxe tier, making them cost-prohibitive for many groups. Choosing to stay off-property can provide you with the flexibility and space to truly enjoy your Disney World vacation.
Universal Hotel Benefits
Is your family interested in doing more than just visiting Disney World while in Orlando? Then another option is Universal Orlando Resorts. Not only are the Universal resorts close by, but they offer their own array of advantages. For example, guests staying at a Premier Universal Hotel are granted Unlimited Express Passes to skip the regular lines–the equivalent of Disney’s FastPass/Lightning Lanes, but without the cost. Additionally, universal hotels offer great themed design, transportation to the parks, and a location within walking distance from the action.
Ultimately, deciding to stay on or off property at Disney World will depend on your budget, preferences, and priorities. If you’re looking for convenience, immersive theming, and special perks, staying on property may be your best choice. But if you want to save money and have more flexibility, staying off-property could be a better option.