BarbMO37256

We are booked for March 17-21. Our hotel is a big suite(lots of room for our 3 kids and we get a free buffet breakfast. It is at the gate of Disney with free shuttle. I booked months ago and got $88 rate that is now $159. Still, I do want to stay at the park which would cost us $199 a night, no b-fast and a small room. Is it worth the perks to spend $500+ to stay onsite?The reason that it would be $199 a night is because we have to stay at a moderate resort because there are 5 of us and they won't let us stay at the value, and we are going at peak season.

DarkShadows

Well lets see I live in Orlando,Florida just ten minutes from Disney World,n if all u-r- trying to do is impress someone by spending all of that money to stay on site than knock ur self out.Outside the gate as u say r some great places to stay so why spend and additional forty dollars for a cramp room for five people with three of them children,I am sure u-n-ur husband need some space of ur own at the end of a day with three kids right breakfast,free shuttle compared to nothing on site because u-r-on site hey! I can walk as well I would take off site what u don't think Disney World,makes enough money now that u want to give them n extra $40.00 just to stay on site please get real here OK!

RhondaH7088

I can answer this because as a child my family and I have been to Disney World so many times I can't count. My father had a time share condo that we would stay in, and I remember him looking into staying onsite and him thinking it was too expensive and not worth it. Don't know if you've ever been to Orlando before, but there are LOTS of places to stay hotel or condo wise for a week that is right outside of Disney World, especially if your family is driving and you will already have a vehicle. If you are flying and not renting a car, there are still lots of shuttles and buses that take you into Disney from your hotel spot. Why not stay only a mile or two outside of Disney and take a ride in, have nicer amenities, go to breakfast buffets on the cheap for the whole fam, and the go into the parks? I think whatever saves you money the most and still gives you those basic necessities is a must, because I promise you will want that extra money when you and your family are walking around in Disney...there is so much stuff to do and food and drink in DisneyWorld is EXTREMELY expensive.

NAN

If it is a once in a lifetime thing then go for what you want.If you don't have the extra money then go for the cheaper deal.Do you want to remember the breakfast and cramped room or do you want to spend more money on fun stuff and eating with Mickey or an extra souveneir?It's just where ever your priorities are.

RobynsMama

I love staying on site but it is nice staying off site too.Here are the perks of staying on-site:1) The shuttle buses from your hotel to the different parks and other Disney resorts.2) You can go to other resorts and use their pools, restaurants, and other facilities.3) You can take advantage of the Disney Magic Hours, which allow you to either get into a park earlier or stay later.4) If you rent a car, you don't have to pay for parking at any of the parks.I liked staying off site too because you get to see more of Orlando and can eat other places, other than inside the park. I don't know if your renting a car, if not I'm not sure how easy it would be getting from your hotel to the park or to go to the other parks. I also don't know if you have the park hopper ticket or not and are alowed to go to the different parks in one day.It is up to you and your family and what is best for them and your wallet. You really do have a great rate at your hotel now, and you probably won't have a lot of problems getting around either, plus you don't have to worry about breakfast either.Good luck and have fun on your trip, I'm jealous I love Disney!!

CaLFoNia0445

Save that extra money and stay offsite of WDW. Enjoy!!

racegal

I am all about saving a buck or two. However, staying at Disney is a lot of fun. You get their free no hassle transportation around the world, you can enjoy the pleasure of extra magic hours which gurantee no lines and it seems you have the park all to yourself and by the end of a long day, its great to let someone just drop you off at your resort. Or if you need to take a mid day nap it's quick and easy to hop on a bus for a quick trip back to your resort. But again, if convenient transportation and extra magic hours do not impress you than stay off-site and use the extra money for something special or your kids college fund.

Staffie1

I have stayed in the parks and outside the parks. I prefer staying in the park because of the extra perks you get like the shuttle buses and the extra hours at the parks (before and after opening) which are reserved just for the hotel guests. I think it is worth the extra bucks to stay on Disney.

AndreaS

We have a time share condo right outside of Disney plus we always spend a couple of days staying on the property, therefore I have stayed both on and off site. Personally, I love staying onsite due to all of the perks that Disney offers for their onsite guests. The extra magic hours is worth the extra money plus the free transportation. Also, if you go shopping throughout Disney you can have your purchases sent to your resort, for free, so you don't have to lug them around everywhere. I also love the fact that we can park our car once we get to our resort and not have to worry about it until we leave for home. Also, it is really hard to describe but you have a sense of magic while staying there, there is nothing like it. However, if you want to save a buck or two, then stay off site, but you should consider staying onsite for a few days just to see the perks. You will really see the difference. Infact we plan on staying onsite for now on due to this and just use our condo for trading to other places.

MJR8426

The best way to save money at Disney World is to go in the off-season, but your dates are during Disney's peak season. It's hard to say if $500+ is worth it for you. If you're able to comfortably afford it, and this will be the only trip for a while, I definitely would stay on-site. Keep in mind that when you stay on-site, you have access to Disney's Magical Express transportation and the Disney Dining Plan, both of which can save you money.