[wdwjeff]

I've stayed both on-site and off-site over the years. As far as I can see, the only advantage to staying off-site is economics. The last time I stayed off-site, it was a quick weekend trip with just DW and myself. That time, we went to US, IOA, and AK(one day each), and it was before Universal had any on-site hotels. We stayed at the Studio City Sheraton, and it was very nice, but the magic just wasn't the same as when we've stayed on-site. Also, I don't expect Hard Rock(where we'll spend 3 nights before going to CBR this summer) to have the magic of a Disney hotel, but that no-line thing if you stay on-site at Universal just can't be beat! So, here goes my first posted poll: Do you prefer to stay on-site or off-site? It would be great if you could also post an answer as to why.;) :) :angel :)

[mickey]

I voted for on-site. We have always had a great experience staying with Disney, I don't think we could go back. We have stayed off property a couple of times, mostly because we got deals with Marriott and were able to stay in their timeshares for next to nothing. They were nice, but it just wasn't the same. We finally purchased DVC so that we could stay on property during every trip, and we wouldn't have to worry about finding the money each trip. We have had great experiences with all aspects of Disney's resort staff, even the maids are the best. They have always done something fun with our stuffed animals or toys in our room, that is one thing I miss with DVC.

[diamarch92]

Having stayed both on & off we prefer on-site. I can't even give a good reason why - just because I guess. There's just something special about staying in a Disney hotel that you don't get staying anywhere else. So my reason is "just because"!

[Doobster321]

As a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World the last 15 years, I have compared on and off site accomadations and have found that on site is really the best way to go. True, the off site places are generally easier on the wallet, but then you miss out on the experience of staying at a disney resort. Half of the excitement with going to WDW is staying at a Disney Resort and experiencing the fun of the location, theme, and atmosphere. Disney isn't only about the theme parks, the resorts are just as big of a part of the whole experience.

-Chris
Fort Wilderness (87-01)
Wilderness Lodge (94)
Contemporary (96)
Port Orleans (98)

[lvbug]

I have stayed at both on site and off site hotels. Used to be people chose off site to save money -- if you are very price concious and don't plan on spending any time at the hotel then off site is great. However. with the opening of the All Stars hotels, there's really no reason to stay offsite just because of cost.

I know everyone is sick of hearing me say this, but, there are some really luxurious offsite hotels too -- the benefit to these is alot of service with a break from Mickey. But, the price on these hotels is not cheap.

If you really like disney and appreciate the Disney Magic, then on site is the way to go. We usually stay off site but this year we are staying at YC/BC & i am really excited about being able to walk to Epcot & the boardwalk.

So, I think I'm torn

[jgriff2388]

This year will be my 6 visit to WDW and I've stayed off site 2 times. My experience off site was good, but nothing special.
Staying on site, however, is truly a wonderful experience.
You can't beat the convenience and the service is wonderful.

1981 - senior trip - off site
1987 - Polynesian
1988 - Polynesian
1992 - CBR
1996 - off site
2002 - Polynesian

:)

[shawnp0001]

I've got to go with on-site. To be totally immersed within the WDW grounds is an experience that can't quite be described. Even with the loss of early entry hours, the WDW transportation, the overall atmosphere and the customer service received at 99.9% of the venues makes it worth the extra price of staying on grounds. In May, I will have made my 11th trip and I will have stayed off grounds six times and on grounds the last five....I will always stay on grounds from here on out.

[lopo]

Wow! I see that I am definitely in the minority here, since I selected off-site. I have addressed this issue in the past elsewhere on the list but, in a nutshell, my family actually enjoys staying off-site (specifically in one of the rental homes with a private pool), and I just like to see everybody happy!

However, we are all willing to stay on-site if the opportunity presents itself. Eitehr way, we would have a swell time if we were in Orlando: we love WDW (and Universal and Sea World and . . . )

:D

[iamagrump]

I choose on-site. We have only been a couple of times and the time that we stayed off-site was a big mess. I would never do it again.

:)

[tinkerbell]

we have only stayed on-site .. we have talked about it but we feel like its not worth any money you might save if the getting to and from the parks isnt as easy as staying on site. But we dont go to any other attractions in florida .. we only go to WDW. Even now that we drive .. we park the van and dont get back in it till we have to leave. Its my dream to stay at every single one of the resorts except swan and dolphin :)

[wdwjeff]

tnkrbell,
Welcome to the boards-we can always use a new member with a fresh perspective. I do think, though, that you're doing yourself a disservice if you've never been to Universal/IOA. They can't come close to matching the Magic of WDW, but they do have excellent rides. In fact, Spiderman in IOA is the best ride in Orlando, IMHO. Also, if you stay on-site there, you just show your room key, and can get onto any ride almost instantly. That beats WDW's Fastpass by a long shot. When we go this summer, we're staying on-site at both. I just feel that if you're going to spend the time, effort, and money to go all the way to Orlando(I'm in West Chester,PA, near Philly) that you might as well enjoy as much as you can down there.

:D :)

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by wdwjeff
tnkrbell,
Welcome to the boards-we can always use a new member with a fresh perspective. I do think, though, that you're doing yourself a disservice if you've never been to Universal/IOA. They can't come close to matching the Magic of WDW, but they do have excellent rides. In fact, Spiderman in IOA is the best ride in Orlando, IMHO. Also, if you stay on-site there, you just show your room key, and can get onto any ride almost instantly. That beats WDW's Fastpass by a long shot. When we go this summer, we're staying on-site at both. I just feel that if you're going to spend the time, effort, and money to go all the way to Orlando(I'm in West Chester,PA, near Philly) that you might as well enjoy as much as you can down there.

:D :)

thank you very much for the welcome ..I am almost scared to reply though about the other parks in orlando because when I did on another board .. well it made a lot of people angry .. but really everyone here seems so much nicer so far I havent seen any mean remarks even if someone doesnt agree .. (takes a deep breath) sooo here are my reasons .. I have been to universal in california .. I was disappointed :( I also went to a Paramount Park not long ago in northern Ca. where once again I annoyed my friends by saying "its not as good as WDW" I live in Texas .. and we got plenty of theme parks .. and actually we have the best water park in the world SCHLITTERBAHN's. the thing is I have never felt the same feeling I get at WDW. No one else in my family is interested in the other parks either. And I gotta tell you .. to me even a month at WDW doesnt seem enough time to do it all and I love doing everything there. I am truely disney nuts ..because with me its not just about WDW .. I got blasted because I dont find anything wrong with WDW or the Disney company :) I might should warn you all .. I am an old granny :)

[mickey]

Originally posted by tinkrbell
I am almost scared to reply though about the other parks in orlando because when I did on another board .. well it made a lot of people angry .. but really everyone here seems so much nicer so far I havent seen any mean remarks even if someone doesnt agree ..

Welcome. Don't worry about posting about other things, but try not to dwell on them. I think we are all here to plan vacations or discuss past vacations, so talking about things outside of Disney is fine, since we don't live WDW 24 hours a day. Well, I do, but that is my fault.

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by mickey
Welcome. Don't worry about posting about other things, but try not to dwell on them. I think we are all here to plan vacations or discuss past vacations, so talking about things outside of Disney is fine, since we don't live WDW 24 hours a day. Well, I do, but that is my fault.

ok I confess I live WDW 24 hours a day too :) and lucky enough to be married to someone that is just as obessed with it as I am.

[wdwjeff]

Don't worry about offending anyone here, especially me. It's just not gonna happen. And, you're absolutely right. US/IOA don't even come close to the magic of WDW. I guess I just like the variety of a little bit of everything whenever I'm down there. That doesn't make either of us right or wrong-just different. And, if we were all the same, wouldn't the world be a boring place?! Having said all that, if you ever get a chance to do the Spidey ride, do it, and I can almost promise you that you won't regret it. By the way, I love the way you jumped right into so many of our forums-looks like you'll be a great member, tnkrbell. Keep those opinions coming.:) :)