Where Should we Stay?

Staying On Property VRS Off Property.

Once you decide when you want to visit the parks, you need to decide where you want to stay. Staying on property or in other words one of the Disney owned resorts has its advantages. However you do have the option to stay off property in one of the hotels or resorts that are not located on Disney property.


The time of year you visit the parks should also come into play when you make this decision. Disney offers deals at different times of the year to encourage park attendance during predicted slow times. So always keep your eyes peeled for this too.


Lets take a look at both options so you can decide what is best for your family.  


Staying on Property

Packages

When you book your Disney Vacation on disneyworld.disney.go.com (the official Disney site) you can book packages that include everything you need, even your flights and the meal plan. 


Disney offers Value, Moderate and Deluxe resorts. With something to fit just about every budget. 


You don't have to buy a park ticket for every day, but they do get pretty cheap after the 4th day. 

Meal Plan

 Disney dining plans are a convenient and flexible way to enjoy meals and snacks at many of the restaurants and food service locations at Walt Disney World Resort. Dining plans are included in some vacation packages which also include a Resort hotel stay and theme park tickets.  Essentially you are buying your food in the form of points ahead of time, and then selecting your food options based on the number of points you have.  You do have to be staying on property in order to participate. 

Perks of Staying on Property

Obviously Disney wants you to spend as much time on Disney property as possible. They would prefer that the only other thing you see while you are in Orlando is the Airport. 


Staying on property does have its perks. The highlights for me would include:

- Disney Transportation 

- The Meal Plan

- 60 Day Fastpass+

- Extra Magic Hours

- Package delivery to your room

Check out our Resort Map

Staying off Property

Hotels and Resorts

Orlando or even more specifically Lake Buena Vista offers a variety of hotels and resorts for the budget minded guests. Personally I have stayed off property as much as I have stayed on property. It mostly depends on what I plan to do while I am in Orlando. If you plan to go to Universal or Sea World too, then maybe this this the best choice. Also some people find that they might only go to the parks 1 or 2 days and they just want to relax around a pool. Again, this might be a better option for you.  Just do yourself a favor and avoid the super cheap hotels. They are super cheap for a reason. 

Transportation

When you stay ON property you are provided with complimentary Disney Transportation. However, when you stay off property you have to arrange this on your own. When we stay off property we rent a car at the airport. Just make sure to use a company that is at the airport not in an off site location. 


You'll need to get yourself from the Airport to your hotel or resort and then to the park each day. So I would avoid Uber or Taxi Service.  Keep in mind that Disney parking is now $22 per day.  

Perks of Staying Off Property

Staying off property does have its advantages too. Quite honestly I've done both and I can't say which I prefer most. You will typically find better deals on rooms off property, especially those in resort style that offer multiple bedroom options. Most offer amenities like full kitchens, and in room washer/dryers to give you that home away from home feel. It is nice to be able to wash a load of clothes mid week and save from packing so much! 


Staying off property encourages you to explore the Orlando area a little too.

There is no wrong way...

The best options for you...

In short, I can say either way works. You do have to be a little more organized and a planner to stay off property and willing to pay a little more if you stay on property. 


Staying on Property - Pick a resort in your budget. Take advantage of the Meal plan, 60 Day FastPass, Extra Magic Hours and Included Transportation. 


Staying off Property - Pick a location that is a reasonable drive to the parks. There are plenty within a 5 to 10 mile radius. Do your research. Rent a car ahead of time and be ready to pay to park.