This is the biggest source of debate among my Disney-loving friends and family. I have stayed at several Disney resorts and non-DW resorts as well, so I’m going to play devil’s advocate and try to point out the highlights of both.
Disney Resorts
Price Options Disney has three levels of resort pricing –Value, Moderate & Deluxe-- designed to meet every budget. (Our first trip to Disney as a family, we were on a very tight budget and the rate for our Disney Value hotel was comparable to a La Quinta “off campus”.) Each level of resort has themed pools, restaurants and amenities, so even at the lowest price point, you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything.
Magical Express This is one of my favorite aspects of staying on property. About three weeks before your vacation Disney will send you big yellow luggage tags. Check your bags at the airport and then sit back and RELAX. When you arrive in Orlando, you can skip the baggage claim and head straight to the ME counter where you will board a tour bus that takes you to your hotel and your bags will be delivered straight to your room.
Dining Disney has created several plans which allow you to package your meals with your room and park tickets and save up to 30% on dining. The Disney Dining option is only available to those staying at Disney resorts. (More information on Disney Dining in a later post)
Transportation Buses, boats and monorails, oh my! There are several different modes of transportation designed to get you from your resort to the parks. I love never having to drive (extra glass of wine with dinner!) and my 5 year old loves that she never has to ride in a boring old car.
Magic To me the Disney resorts are an extension of the park. The theme is carried throughout the entire hotel from swimming pools to shower curtains. The Disney “Mousekeeping” team always adds bits of whimsy to the room and many of the resorts have Character Dining options which allow you to eat a meal with your favorite Disney friends in the comfort of your hotel.
“Off Campus” (This is the phrase my friend Kelli uses to describe anything in Orlando that is not on Disney property)
Cost The number one reason I hear for choosing a non-Disney hotel is the price, especially when the travel party is large. There are lots of condos and houses for rent just outside of Disney World that have two – four bedroom floor plans with kitchen and amenities that allow the whole gang a little bit more space. A friend of mine is going to DW in December and taking two sets of grandparents. To get two suites at a Disney resort would have been pretty pricey. Their off-site condo was so inexpensive, they get to stay an extra night. Many people have also mentioned that they are able to use their hotel points “off-campus” for discounted or free stays, allowing them to return to DW more often.
In addition to the savings on room-rates, food outside of DW is less expensive. This can mean big savings when you (like my friend) have to get 10 people fed.
Transportation As you can tell, part of vacation to me is a break from driving. Disney transportation, while incredibly efficient, is not always the most convenient. For example, getting from DW hotel –to-DW hotel via bus requires a transfer at the closet park. Three of the major parks have parking lots right out front, allowing park-hoppers to use their own car to move with ease within the Disney property. (Magic Kingdom is the only exception). Plus, the Disney property is SOOO big that some of the non-Disney properties are actually closer to certain parks than hotels within DW. If you plan on park-hopping or have lots of dining reservations, I would consider renting a car even if you are staying at a DW hotel.
A little too much mouse? Since I’ve got a Sea World and a NASA facility in Texas and I am not into Harry Potter, I'm not inclined to roam when I am in Orlando. For those of you who wish to venture out to the other Orlando-area attractions, consider staying “off campus” or at least renting a car!
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