On or Off Property...Where Should I stay?

It has been awhile since I have had a chance to sit down and write. Life has gotten really busy as I'm sure many of you are familiar with. October is one of my favorite months but it is starting to prove to be just as busy as December. With the holidays right around the corner, I'm sure things will not be slowing down much. So with one child actually taking a nap (this does not happen often anymore since they have turned 5) and the other content watching YouTube Kids, I decided to use the time wisely.

I thought I would spend a bit of time talking about the differences between staying off and on Walt Disney World property. For Disney fans, there is nothing to consider. They almost always choose to stay on Disney property. For those who just see Disney as a destination to take the family, they may be more likely to stay off property. People have different levels of excitement about Disney and that is okay. Everyone vacations differently and that is okay too! As I have taken on this new travel business venture, it has given me the opportunity to learn about other ways to do Disney. This, I feel, is making me more of an expert and also helping me to grow as a travel professional. 

Honestly, I have only stayed off Disney property one time. I am a Disney fan so even if it means spending extra money, I want to immerse myself in the ​Disney experience. In order to be able to write this article, I had to do a little research to find out more about staying off property. Looking at different Disney blogs, websites, and then speaking with a very helpful and knowledgeable Disney Travel Company Cast Member allowed me to feel comfortable with offering my readers some facts about staying off and on Disney property. This is not written to suggest that you choose one over the other. This is a simple list of what you do or do not get on and off property.

Both onsite and Disney Good Neighbor hotels can be booked as Disney Packages (excluding the Disney Dining Plan.) If you find yourself interested in getting a FREE quote for a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, I am happy to assist with that. Contact me at http://www.navigatetheear.com/quote-request.html
​or sstuemke@themouseexperts.com.


​Staying on Walt Disney World Property

1. There is a lot of convenience to being right on property. You are close to everything and will not need a car unless you plan on leaving Walt Disney World Resort. Their transportation is free to onsite guests.
2. ​​Extra Magic Hours are available to those staying on Disney property. Certain parks will open early or stay open late to guests that are staying on site. This gives ​Disney on site guests the added benefit of seeing more and doing more because there are less people in the parks during these hours.
3. The Disney Dining Plan can currently only be booked for those staying on Disney property as part of a package. If the free dining promotion is offered by Disney, it is only available to on site guests.
4. The resorts are an experience in and of themselves. From the oversized theming at value resorts to the beauty and grandeur of the deluxe resorts, they are truly an extension of the theme parks and the Disney brand.
5. Dining reservations can be made at 180 days out for your entire trip. This is important for those not to be missed character dining experiences.
6. ​​Fast Pass + attractions can be reserved at 60 days out compared to 30 days out when staying off site.
7. You get to live in the Disney “bubble”. This is important to those who want to be completely immersed in the Disney experience.

Staying at a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel

1. These are known as Disney Good Neighbor hotels but they are not owned by Disney. I have seen mixed reviews on these resorts but that holds true for certain Disney resorts as well (mostly value resorts).
2. They likely will be more budget friendly because these hotels compete against each other for pricing. Comparing a Disney Resort hotel to a Good Neighbor is really like comparing apples to oranges and there is such a demand for staying on site that Disney does not have to compete with those not owned by them. 
3. Last minute deals can be obtained at these hotels which can equate to a really great nightly rate.
4. Many have free shuttle buses to the Disney parks.
5. There may be additional resort fees besides the nightly rate.
6. Guests staying off site can book dining 180 days out but not for the entire trip like those staying on Walt Disney World property.
7. Fast Pass + attraction reservations do not open to those staying off site until 30 days out compared to 60 days out for those staying on Disney Property.

So, there it is. There are pros and cons to staying both on and off site. I would love to hear from you about which you prefer. Please comment below.

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