[HeatherD]

I stay off-site, at a hotel that is as close as DLH (Best Western Park Place Inn). I looked up Del Sol. From what Google shows me, Del Sol is by Tony Roma's, just down from the IHOP (the IHOP is right by my BW, at the crosswalk). Though Del Sol is not "closer" than DLH, it is close enough for an easy walk and not enough of a difference that it makes sense to pay that much more for DLH (if distance is a priority). However, I can't give any insight on the quality of the place.

Unless you are looking for deluxe accomodations or what a little extra Disney touch to your trip, there really isn't a compelling reason to stay on site. The resort itself if very intimate and all within walking distance. Most off-site properties offer shuttles, or they hook up with the Anaheim Coridor shuttle, if it's too far to walk after a tiring day.

Even hotels that are too far to comfortably walk are closer than some of the commutes from a WDW resort to a park. If you're nervous about it being a non-Disney hotel, you can do one or two things: stay at a good-neighbor, since Disney will hold them to a standard or sorts or stay at a name you trust - there's a HoJos, Holiday Inn and Marriott (Courtyard?) on Harbor just above the McDonald's. I think there's also a Westin nearby, but then you're probably getting closer to Disney property prices.

There are very few perks to staying "on-site" that you can't also get by staying at a good-neighbor hotel (early entry, discounted tickets, etc). I've never heard about package delivery to actual rooms (they will hold them at the front of the parks) or other traditional WDW perks.