The BIG Disney World Debate: Should We Stay On or Off Property?

Dannielle Puckett, Independent Travel Advisor & Affiliate of Sojourney Travel 

So, this is often the BIG debate. Should we stay on or off property? Honestly, it's not a straightforward comparison. Most people look at the conveniences and perks of staying onsite, but it’s more than that. It’s a different experience too.

My favorite reason is that when you stay in Disney's hotels, use Disney's transportation, eat in their restaurants, and play in their parks, then they are responsible for your trip from start to finish. This gives them the opportunity to ensure that your entire vacation is magical! 

My children’s favorite reason is that they love to be in the Disney Bubble. They love to be immersed into Disney’s world of storytelling and leave the everyday world behind. I think they love the resorts just as much as they do the parks!

Here are a few other specific perks of staying on property.

• Activities and Amenities: Disney Resort hotels feature amenities that immerse Guests in the worlds of classic Disney tales—including themed pools with slides, poolside activities, Character Dining experiences, unique recreation, delightful surprises and so much more.
  
  
• Get Around with Ease: Our complimentary bus, boat and monorail services are available to take you to popular destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—some Disney Resort hotels even offer convenient walking paths to nearby parks. Plus, the most recent addition to our fantastic world on the go, Disney Skyliner lets Guests glide across the sky!
  
  
• Resort Wide Charging Privilege: As a Disney Resort hotel guest, you can charge resort wide purchases back to your room.
  
  
• Magicband Discount: Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel have the option to purchase MagicBands at special pre-arrival prices up to 6 days before arrival. You can get your name on the back of your band too!
  
  
• Early Entry: All Disney Resort Hotel guests receive 30 minutes of early theme park entry, find out which attractions will be open HERE.
  
  
• Dining: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning, since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day like off-site guests.
  
  
• Early Booking Perk for Lightning Lane Passes: Disney Resort Guests can plan Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance, for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can plan up to 3 days in advance. These advance purchase windows will let guests secure some of their must-do rides and experiences after they've had some time to decide what dining reservations they want to book and any other plans they may need to consider.  
  
  
• Free Parking at your Disney hotel, the Disney theme parks, Disney water parks and the Disney Springs area
  
  
• New for 2025! Guest can enjoy admission to a Disney water park on check-in day—included with your stay!
  
  

There's also a financial benefit to staying on property. When you stay on property, I can book a vacation package for you that includes your room and tickets. It only requires a $200 deposit to secure and the balance isn’t due until 30 days prior to arrival. If something happens prior to your due date and you need to cancel your reservation, you can get your deposit back. If you stay offsite, you have to pay for your tickets in full and they are non-refundable.

So obviously, I vote for on-property. I just don’t feel it’s any comparison. 99% of my clients stay on property and are glad they did. In the end, you have to decide what is important to you and what you are willing to spend to accomplish those things. That being said, I wouldn’t want to put you in a financial strain. Although…. I did recently read that “45% of parents take on debt for Disney vacations but the regrets are few.” Ha ha!

Besides, you should not assume that staying on property will cost more. Disney has various levels of resorts to fit a variety of budgets. Their “value resorts’ are often less than $200/night.

Well, this got a little long. So, if you stayed with me this far, I should also mention that my service - and most importantly, my expertise - is complimentary for guests who secure Walt Disney World tickets in length of at least 3 days or a vacation package with tickets lengths of at least 3 days. For one or two day ticket purchases, I have to charge a planning fee for my time and expertise.

I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out with more questions or Schedule a Consult so we can chat. 🙂

Already booked, but now you wish you had used a travel agent? I may still be able to take over your booking and extend my free service to you. 🙂

- Dannielle

https://sojourneytravel.com/danniellepuckett