Should You Stay On or Off Disney Property?

The main issue in deciding whether to stay at a hotel on Disney property is one of cost versus convenience. Most off-site hotels are less expensive than their Disney counterparts. Many off-property hotels will provide shuttle service to the area's major attractions. However, this service may or may not be complimentary, and the service may be on a quite limited schedule, i.e. once in the morning to the parks, returning once at closing. The transportation options at off-property hotels is a major consideration when comparing on or off-property accommodations. If you are off-property and Disney is your major focus, you may find yourself really needing a car (which means you'll have the expense of renting one if you are flying into Orlando).

Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels tend to be more convenient, offer a complimentary, efficient transportation system, and an incredibly wonderful themed environment that brings the Disney magic to you 24 hours a day.

Beware of the Disney 'commando' strategy: "I'm getting the cheapest hotel room possible because I'll be spending all my time at the theme parks anyway." That's a potentially exhausting and stressful approach to Disney - you are likely to end up miserable. Everyone needs a mid-day break to swim, nap or simply relax. If you get away from the hectic pace of the parks - even for only a couple of hours, you can return to the parks later, refreshed and rarin' to go.

If you plan to visit other attractions in Orlando, an off-property hotel is not a bad idea and may save you a few bucks. But, remember to factor into your expenses the cost of renting a car (if you are flying), the price of gas, and parking fees (Disney resort hotel guests park free at all theme park parking lots). And this doesn't even begin to account for the 'intangibles' - benefits you'll miss by not staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel (like early entry privileges, for instance). Bottom line: don't just compare room night costs. It's not the whole story.

If your primary focus is Walt Disney World®, a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel is your best bet. You may pay a little more for the convenience, but in the end, a more relaxed and stress vacation is worth it.