When visiting Disney World is it better to stay on or off property?

Answer 1

My family visited Walt Disney World in December of 2007, and to us, it was definitely better to stay on property. We got park-hopper tickets, transportation to and from the parks (that actually worked well during our busy stay), and we were on the dining plan, which was is extremely worth it. If you are planning to stay on property, make sure that your hotel is a Disney-owned hotel to receive the benefits.

Answer 2

This is a heated question that can change due to your personal preferences. Since I have not stayed off-property at Walt Disney World Resort, I cannot give you an accurate interpretation of what it's like off property, but I can tell you what things help you if you choose to stay on-property. Walt Disney World Resort offers many services that benefit the guest, such as shuttles, which alone saves the guest a large amount of money and headaches.

Staying on property has several advantages that are offered by Disney. Disney offers a shuttle service to and from the airport, taking care of your luggage and anything you may need for the trip. They will shuttle you and your family to and from your reserved resort. This privilege is given to those who reserve their suites before-hand, and change the box labeled "Ground transportation" on the online form.

Besides the airport transportation, guests can take special buses to each park/resort/attraction/waterpark/and more, with their property benefits. Also, those who stay on property are privileged with other transportation opportunities.

Disney also offers a hidded privilege to staying on-property. All Resort guests are elgible for a special event in the parks called "Extra Magic Hours." Those guests who stay on-property can stay in a specified park BEFORE the park opens, or AFTER the park closes, ABSOLUTELY FREE! (For more information on this benefit, see the special schedule that the hotel management will include in your resort welcome package!)

If you choose to stay OFF-PROPERTY, you are not to gain from any of these benefits listed above. When landing in Orlando Airport, you will not be able to board a Disney shuttle, and instead you will have to rent a vehicle. When going to the parks, you will have to battle Orlando traffic to get to the park of your choice. Additionally, you will not be able to stay after the park closes.

So, you see, you can benefit from staying on-property!