On or Off Site Accommodation About This Page:

[orangepixie]

Hi All, I am travelling to WDW in January 2010 from Australia via Mexico with my husband and 3 children 18, 10 and 6 years. My question here is would it be better to stay at a WDW resort and spend the extra money or stay in alternate accommodation away from there? would hiring a car/taxi be more inconvenient and expensive? This is a trip of a life time for my family as after this we go from
5 in the family to 4. I want to make sure we have a ball. If anybody has any comments/suggestions please tell me. Thanks

[yakamishi]

Without question stay on sight.

Yes, it is rediculously cheaper off site. But my personal theory is...if you're spending all this money money already? Why cut cost on what really matters?

[orangepixie]

thanks for that

[emtpej]

You have to weigh your own pros and cons...
I would say that you should stay on site... possibly at Port Orleans, Riverside (POR) in Alligator Bayou (AB) where you can get a room for 5. There are other great places to stay, too.

Here are a couple of places to look for information to help with your decision:
On-Site vs. Off-Site Lodging -- PassPorter.com

Basic Disney Resort Information

Enjoy your planning -- feel free to ask any question!

[Princessdreamer]

My vote is stay on site. Especially if you do not have your own transportation. Disney makes it so easy to get around. And you cannot beat that Disney feeling.

[KMB733]

My vote would be to stay on site. The benefits for staying on site out weigh those of staying off site. And if you do not plan on going anywhere besides WDW, then staying on site is your best option.

[Harrison]

We've done both and on site is uncomparable. I would stay on site!!

[Colexis Mom]

I would definitely stay onsite!!

[cdnmickeyfan]

Definitely stay on site. We usually stay at the value resorts and get two adjoining rooms. That way you have more space and the kids feel like they have their own area. Its cheaper than the moderate or deluxe resorts. We will always do this. I just can't spend the money on the more expensive resorts when you're virtually never in your room. Plus you get all of the perks of staying at the more expensive resorts. You can also visit, use the facilities of the deluxe resorts if you so choose. We've always done this and it works out great. Good luck and have fun on your trip.

[lauren-roxy]

I would stay on-site. You will save money on parking and if this is a trip of a lifetime, it will be even more magical to stay at one of Disney's resorts.

[Kynna]

Hands Down On Site! You may save $ on the accomodation off site but will spend more trying to retrieve the magic. I've done both. Even stayed in a very nice condo off site. Nothing compares to being right there.

[Principessa_di_Fata]

Yes, off-site is DEFINITELY cheaper, and you get much more for much less. I stayed off site my entire childhood / teenage years (with one exception) and didn't have any less magic that I can recall.

However, with that said, staying on-site is much more convenient. You have all of the transportation options and all of the theming, all of the restaurants and counter service places, and it's just so much more convenient all around. No having to hire a car / pay for a taxi / rent a car.

I vote for on-site, myself.

[karyntay07]

I'm in agreance with everyone else - definitely stay on-site! I've stayed off-site and getting to and from the parks can be a hassle, something you don't want to worry about while on vacation . You can't go wrong staying on-site at Disney! Have a great time!

[Sue M.]

I have done both also, & do feel it's more "magical" staying on-site. It may be cheapr off-site, but you would have to calculate car rental & WDW parking costs of Ithink it's $11/day into the budget. With a fam. of 5, you could look into 2 connecting rooms at a value or moderate resort, or book POR, a moderate,as someone said, they have 2 doubles & one trundle for the 6yr old. Some of the deluxes have a pull-out sofa in the room, another option is to look at renting DVC points & stay in one of the Villas. I think maybe a WDW specialist travel agent would be helpful to you, to look at all the options.
Another benefit of on-site, is Extra Magic hours, and the ability to add on the dining plan if you want to a pkg. You wil be going in Jan, which is value season at WDW so prices for resorts will be cheaper & discounts come out sometimes, as this year. Another reason to go with a Travel Agent! They know when discounts come out & will adjust your booking accordingly. There are many Travel Agents on this site who can help you. Good luck!

[paradox]

We have done both, and on site is the only way that we go now. I always tell my friends going for the first time that staying at Disney is the best. No matter where you stay it will be fantastic.