So weird... About This Page:

[Chikabowa]

So I've been poking around, looking at different options, everything looks so good that I can't make up my mind. But can anyone tell me WHY I found rates at both the JW Marriott, The Ritz Carlton, and Gaylord Palms that are all at LEAST $100/night (or more!) less than the Disney Deluxe hotels? It seems as those should be at least on par or double what the Deluxe hotels are costing.

Just so odd to find rates at those luxury brand hotels that are significantly lower than the Disney collection!

[chezp]

I would imagine that it's down to their location and the fact that they're not on Disney property. It may also be that they're seeing lots of people staying on Disney property, with deals such as free dining, so perhaps they've lowered their prices to try and attract people to them?

[Caldercup]

I agree with Cheryl.

The value of a Disney resort (and I'm assuming you're going deluxe if you're seeing that much disparity between on property prices and off property) is really in the "extras"

• Free transportation from the airport to Disney
• Free transportation within Disney World
• Free parking at all parks (if you have a car)
• Resort package delivery
• Resort charging privileges
• Access to the Extra Magic Hours benefit (much more time in the parks)
• Access to purchasing the Disney Dining Plan

and, I'm sure, others that I've forgotten.

Many, many people enjoy off-site accomodations, but I feel that staying on property is best for my family and our style of vacation.
Eileen

[Colexis Mom]

I agree with the above I personally wouldn't pay more money to stay there

[jimmymac]

Perhaps because WDW hotels (not just the deluxes) are severely overpriced because they know people will pay?

[MMMD]

You definitely pay a premium to stay on Disney property. I think it is more than worth it but everyone has to do their own analysis based on their own preferences. In addition to Eileen's list I think I enjoy the fact that when staying on property you have the "Disney Magic" 24/7. Even when you are not in the parks.

[Principessa_di_Fata]

LOL Jimmymac, you nailed it on the head there!

[disney]

BESIDE ALL THE ODVEOUS THINGS ,PRICING, AMENITIES , LOCATION TO THE PARKS , DISNEY HAS ONE THING THAT NO OTHER HOTEL CAN BRING OUT IS THE MAGIC . I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A SECOND TIMESHARE WE OWN DVC AND OUT OF ALL THE ONES I'VE SEEN NONE OF THEM HAVE COME EVEN CLOSE TO DISNEY ON SITE PROPERTIES AND I MEAN ALL OF THERE RESORTS . GOOD LUCK ON CHOOSING BETWEEN DISNEY OR OFF SITE.

[Pax]

Originally Posted by jimmymac

Perhaps because WDW hotels (not just the deluxes) are severely overpriced because they know people will pay?

Severely overpriced? *laugh* No offense, but ... considering the services, conveniences, and other extras you get? Hardly!

[Bman]

Look at all of the things that the WDW resorts provide as part of what you pay. Look at all of the transportation costs - the monorail, the buses, the boats, the people to operate them - that WDW incurs. I stood looking out on Bay Lake from our balcony at the CR last week and was stunned by all of the activity that I saw that was just WDW transportation and I was only seeing what was going on around TMK.

Officially, you're paying more for the convenience of staying on teh WDW property. That, plus WDW's enormous over head costs are probably the reason why WDW resorts cost a bit more. And, IMHO, well worth that cost.

[Disneydiana]

Originally Posted by disney

DISNEY HAS ONE THING THAT NO OTHER HOTEL CAN BRING OUT IS THE MAGIC

I agree. You never feel like you are "leaving" Disney when you stay on property (at least for me) It's just another form of the WDW magical experience. Plus all of the "extras" are worth it too

[Principessa_di_Fata]

I think what it depends on is what you expect out of your Disney trip / resort. For a lot of people, the magic of the resorts and all of the extras are worth paying the extra money. They like being on Disney property and having the theming and the services. I know a lot of people who would rather go to Disney every 5 years and pay premium price for the magic than go every two years and pay less for no perks. The theming and extras to them are worth it and are what make the trip special.

For me, the only extra I use is the package delivery. Otherwise, I don't use EMH's and don't use the buses or dining plan. But then again I get a CM discount on my resort, so that tips the scales for me. If I didn't get that discount, I'd stay off-property without question, because it doesn't add up for me to pay for perks I don't use.

Bottom line is, you're paying extra for the theme and the magic, and a few perks (EMH, WDW buses and the option for the dining plan). That's a priority to a lot of people.

[cgai729]

Paying extra for being able to park the car when we get there and not get in it again until we leave. That's the main reason we stay on property. Everything else is gravy!!

[TheMadonna3]

As others have said, it all comes down to experience. You get what you pay for. If you want to experience Disney service and excellent locations of the deluxes as well as themed grounds and pools, fine dining, free transportation, and the comfort of just letting it all go, then you'll pay to stay on property. It's all a matter of perspective and defining what is important for you, your family, and your vacationing needs, wants, and desires.

I find the deluxes a bit overpriced, but they have things the other resorts do not and it's exactly what I said, those people get what they pay for. We're a moderate family and we find the price just right.

[mestitch]

While I do agree that the on property places, especially the deluxes, are extremely high (over priced even) I am one of those willing to pay for the magic I just turn a blind eye to how much I pay for the resort It's worth every cent to be in the "disney bubble" as we call it!