When they are contemplating where to stay on their Disney vacations, my clients often ask me about the benefits of staying at a Disney resort hotel versus an offsite property. There are distinct pros and cons to both options, and understanding them is the first step toward deciding which choice is right for each individual. Let’s start with the advantages of staying at one of Disney Word’s onsite resort hotels.
Impeccably clean and beautifully themed, Disney World offers lodging options at multiple price points to fit every budget. With 26 properties (including 17 resorts, eight villas, and one campground), everyone is sure to find a Disney resort that caters to his or her own needs and preferences. In addition, all Disney resort guests qualify for exclusive perks such as Extra Magic Hours (during which a select park opens early or stays open late on certain days). Onsite guests are also eligible to add the Disney Dining Plan to their vacation packages, which can be a convenient (and sometimes cost effective) way to pay for meals. Furthermore, Disney provides free and dependable transportation from its resort hotels to its theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney area (but if you do choose to rent a car, parking fees are waived for resort guests). Finally, when you stay at a Disney hotel, you eliminate all of the “guesswork” that comes with finding a place to stay. Regardless of which Disney resort you choose, you can rest assured that your hotel will be clean and safe and that the staff will provide you with the highest level of customer service.
Now, let’s discuss the benefits of lodging offsite. First, staying in an offsite hotel can be a money-saver. In each case, though, it’s important to consider a few caveats and to do some math to determine if staying offsite is truly cost effective. While offsite hotels may sometimes offer attractive deals, shuttle service from many of these properties is less dependable (and sometimes nonexistent), frequently making it necessary to rent a car. When car rental and parking fees are factored in, oftentimes the savings of staying offsite is negligible. Another benefit of offsite hotels is that the rooms tend to be more spacious. In the past few years, however, Disney has created exciting new lodging options for larger families, including the affordable new family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Still, if you are traveling with a very large group, it’s hard to beat the affordability of an offsite condo or villa. Finally, Disney hotels tend to attract families with small children due to the intangible “extra-magical” feeling that comes along with staying inside the “Disney bubble” for their entire vacation. Consequently, for people traveling without small children, staying offsite can provide a welcome respite from that aforementioned “bubble”.
All points considered, I almost always recommend that my clients stay at a Disney resort hotel. Disney hotels provide the convenience, dependability, reputation, and “magical vibe” that many of them are looking for. However, there are cases where an offsite hotel may be a “better fit”. These include (but are not limited to) very large groups, people who prefer to prepare most of their own meals, and clients who intend to visit other Orlando-area attractions (like Universal Studios and SeaWorld) during their vacation.
What about you? Do you usually stay onsite or offsite when visiting Disney World? Do you have a favorite hotel that you always go back to?
Meredith
http://www.mm-gingersgetaways.com
"Drinking the Kool-Aid: A Mom's Guide to Disney World"
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In the old days of media, we might see a travel column that covers all sorts of alternatives by reporters with no vested interest. I guess this is the internet age we live in.
I'm so glad that you find my advice helpful. That's my entire goal! Disney World is a very popular vacation destination, and I'm simply trying to help people get the most out of their vacations by sharing my expertise for free. Thank you so much for your comments AND for reading! Have a great evening! By the way, if you are interested in other travel alternatives, Ginger (the owner of our company) writes a weekly travel blog for The Patch as well.
To include at least one Disney comment, my favorite place to stay is the Boardwalk area. It has its own little lake and nightlife (ESPN) and is walking distance to the back entrance of Epcot
Pleasantries aside, my concern here is that if other businesses choose to advertise in a similar manner it won't be long before the "What People Are Saying" section of The Patch throughout Metro Detroit will be filled with people promoting their businesses. I don't think that was the intended purpose of the section and I hope that when the site is updated this problem is addressed.
As I said before, my advice is free (and optional) for those who want to read it. Next week, I plan to give a few tips on vacation package options and later, I'm going to offer suggestions on other things to do while in Orlando--only for those who are interested, of course. Take care!
I do find myself looking here for whats going on in the local community.
As far as the Vero Beach Resort is concerned, you're right. The Vero Beach resort is about 90 minutes from Disney World, right on the Atlantic Ocean. Last time that we visited Disney World, we spent the last two days of our vacation at Vero Beach, and it was a wonderful way to wind down before returning to reality. I mentioned Vero Beach simply because this is the only Disney resort at which we've rented a villa. However, I've toured several villas on Disney World property, and they're all very similar in terms of size and amenities. Sorry for the confusion!
I'd like to clarify a few points you made. You are right that you don't have to purchase 160 points (you CAN purchase as little as 100), but 160 is the number of points that the average DVC member purchases. For the sake of space, I chose to quote prices for the average number. Also, keep in mind that prices increase every year, so what you paid two years ago is NOT what people would pay today. Also, you are right that you don't have to stay at the same resort each year. As I said in my previous comment, "with all of the new Disney vacation options worldwide [taking a different Disney vacation each year with your points] is certainly possible." Keep in mind, however, that each vacation option requires a different number of points, so you may have to forego a yearly vacation one year to save enough points for a cruise, higher-end resort, etc. Also, when I stated that the DVC is not always a good option for a family of four, I referred to a family of four who is content to stay in a value or moderate resort room (as opposed to a deluxe room or villa). Also, keep in mind that these prices include lodging only. So it's important that every potential DVC member crunch some serious numbers. I'm so glad that you're happy with DVC. Many people are. I've included a link directly to the Disney Vacation Club website where I got my pricing information for 2012. http://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/about/cost/. Thanks for you comments!
Please. Having read many online sites, and many print newspapers, I like the freedom the web gives to readers and writers. Don't want to read it? No clicky. Like it? Woot! Free cool article!
I am not opposed to the DVC in any way. My husband and I have personally been considering a DVC membership. I think that's it's a great option for some people, especially if they know how to use it to the fullest extent and get the most "bang for their buck."