planning for Disney: part two

on site or off?

In Part One of this Disney planning series, we covered traveling style. If you are just joining us, you can read that post here.
When you think Disney Vacation , you think $ signs. Thinking to save some of that budget to spend elsewhere, off site seems like the way to go. No doubt there are some exceptional values to be found off site but there are many reasons to stay on site as well. As a mom of a Disney loving family that has stayed both on site and off , let me help you compare.
As I mentioned in Part One, our first visit was about 10 years ago and our travel group was multi-generational. We had grandparents, parents and kids; 10 total. So many things we learned this first trip! For now we will just focus on accommodations. Specifically, to stay On-Site or Off Site.
We, all 10, stayed at the Coronado Springs Resort. Each of the 3 families had separate rooms and we did not spend much time there. In fact. Other than sleeping, bathing and changing clothes, we did nothing there. We didn't even try out the fabulous pools! (They have really beautiful pools!)
At the time we only had three requirements: 1) room for all of us together, 2) transportation to the parks for all of us, 3) decent price. We went to the parks all day! The kids slept in the strollers when they got tired; We were younger so I guess we never got tired. On-Site was awesome!
Fast Forward 7 years...We went as a group of 13, again multi-generational, and had access to a Time Share 4 bedroom condo. The Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort is technically on Disney World property but not a Disney resort. It's lovely, and we have stayed there a couple of times since then. Our Vacation Style had changed. The 4-year-olds were now 11 and there were 2 new toddlers along.
This time, we spent a bit more time at the resort. Naps were taken, movies were watched, food was cooked. We visited the parks but did not stay all day long. We drove our own vehicles and paid to park because it was cheaper than the transportation offered by the resort. Our needs were met by Off-Site.
Below are lists that might help you decide if you should stay on property or off. These are just my opinion...
On SitePros

• Closest to the parks.
• You can make dining and fast pass+ choices earlier
• Magic Band room key
• Complimentary Transportation
• Disney themes and characters

Cons

• More crowded (depending on time of year)
• Transportation could take longer than just driving to the park
• In most cases more expensive ( not always a big difference but there are always cheaper places Off-Site

Off SitePros

• Cheaper per night
• Cheaper dining options, or kitchen(ette) for in room meals.
• Time out from parks (if you need it)
• Closer to other area attractions if Disney is not your only stop.

Cons

• You pay for parking at the theme parks
• Distance to/from the parks.
• If you are flying in you will most likely have to rent a car.
• Outside of the "Disney Bubble" , may not have the "Disney" feel.

Knowing your Vacation Style ( Part One ) definitely helps when deciding Part Two. Once you figure out On or Off site, it's easy to choose your accommodations.