Disney World Hotels: On-Property vs Off-Property
If you want to have the full Disney experience and take advantage of all the perks that come with staying on property, such as early park access and transportation, then staying at one of the Disney resort hotels would be the way to go. However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind sacrificing some of those perks, staying off property at a nearby hotel could save you money. Some popular nearby hotels include the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, the Holiday Inn Orlando, and the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista. These hotels are located just minutes away from Walt Disney World and offer shuttle services to the parks.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both staying on-site at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and staying off-site at a nearby hotel. Here are some factors to consider.
Staying On-Site:
- Convenience: Disney Resort hotels are generally more convenient because they’re closer to the parks, and they offer free transportation to and from the parks in the form of buses, boats, and the new Disney Skyliner aerial gondolas. Some resorts also provide early entry or extended evening hours to certain parks.
- Theming: Disney Resort hotels are intricately themed, which adds to the “Disney experience.” For some, staying in a Disney hotel is a big part of the fun.
- Price: Disney Resort hotels tend to be more expensive than off-site hotels. However, they often offer package deals and discounts, especially during off-peak times.
- Amenities: Disney Resort hotels offer a wide range of amenities, including themed pools, recreational activities, on-site dining, and shopping.
Staying Off-Site:
- Price: Off-site hotels are typically less expensive, even when considering transportation costs to the parks.
- Variety: There is a wider variety of accommodations to choose from when you stay off-site, including non-Disney hotels, vacation rentals, and villas.
- Flexibility: Staying off-site can give you more flexibility to visit other area attractions such as Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, or downtown Orlando.
- Privacy/Down Time: Off-site accommodations can be less crowded and more private, which can be nice after a long day in the parks.
- Transportation: Some off-site hotels offer shuttles to the parks, though service may be less frequent than what you’ll find at Disney hotels.
If the Disney experience, convenience, and early/extended park access are your priorities and you don’t mind spending a bit more, staying on-site is probably your best option. But if your budget is tight, or if you want more privacy and flexibility, you may prefer staying off-site. It’s also worth noting that it’s possible to have a mix of both, splitting your stay between on-site and off-site accommodations.
