The advantages of staying of property are numerous. At first it may seem cheaper to stay off-property on the tourist corridor on U.S. 192 and places off International Drive. Staying at a Disney resort is more expensive, but this is the classic case of "You get what you pay for!" Yes, you can get some places that have the same quality for the same or lower price. You are also closer to many other restaurants and other non-Disney attractions in the area. And many non-Disney resorts offer free shuttles to the theme parks. But the perks of staying at a Disney resort outweigh any advantages of off-property hotels. Let's go over the major points and then I'll list the pros and con's so you can better make this important decision.

When you stay at a Disney resort as opposed to others, you can be sure of consistency in quality, service, amenities and what I believe is a major perk, knowledge. The majority of off-property hotels and resorts staff will not have the information and familiarity with Disney as cast members would. This is important when you need to find out just what's going on in what park, hours, show times, etc. Big timesaver! You will also know that as a guest at a Disney resort, you can expect and will receive top-notch service second to none. You can also be assured that any Disney resort from the value resorts, All Star Movies, Music and Sports to the Grand Floridian, the rooms will be spotless, and the amenities abundant. Unless you are staying at a major off-property resort, service and room conditions at many of those "Budget" hotels can be hit or miss. Transportation is another huge factor. Many off-property resorts and hotels offer free shuttle service to the parks, but I can tell you from my own experiences, it is usually spotty at best, sometimes very crowded and many times you'll find the air conditioning does not work, and only leaves you off at a particular spot. When at a Disney resort, you will never need a car! Their transportation system of busses, trams, watercraft and monorail will take you anywhere on property, and you can expect consistency all the time. This is especially important if you have young children or an elderly member who needs a break. Just grab a short ride back to the room, rest and you can be back later for the rest of the day. This is not very easy or convenient to do when off property, because you must arrive at the place the shuttle will pick you up, unlike with Disney you can get transport anywhere at the resorts or the parks.

Another way staying on property in the long run saves you money is the package deals offered by Disney. When you stay off-property, you essentially are purchasing tickets, shows, tours, parking, and food ala carte. This can become very expensive. Disney offers many package plans some which include the whole ball of wax, including park admission, parking, activities, baby sitting, use of the facilities, and most important you can take advantage of including the Disney Dining plan (See my articles posted 5-3-06 and 1-6-08). It may seem more expensive at first, but with the Dining plan you will experience the top restaurants Disney has to offer at a 40% cheaper rate than if you were to dine on your own, plus you know that your reservation is waiting for you at the parks! The ease and convenience of a package plan, plus the assistance of a Disney planner when you book takes much of the headache and uncertainty out of the picture, especially if you have never been to Walt Disney World before. Another fine advantage of staying on property is the Extra Magic Hours. Each day one of the parks opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular park closing times, offering guests staying at Disney the opportunity to slow down a bit, a chance to see more attractions and not have to rush because of the longer hours afforded. All you have to do is present your resort key and you are in.

These are some of the key points for staying on property at Disney. Below I have listed the Advantages and Disadvantages of both...

STAYING ON PROPERTY ADVANTAGE

• Transportation to parks, easier, faster much more convenient
• Have your park purchases delivered to your hotel room or to front pick-up at the park entrance
• Best service in the business
• Being exposed to the "Disney Magic" at all times
• Being offered the best tee-times at Disney Golf courses and other facilities
• The free "Magical Express Transportation" to and from the Airport with baggage handling.
• Charge anything on property to your Room.
• Adding the "Disney Dining Plan" to your itinerary
• Make dining reservations, plan Disney tours right from the Hotel lobby
• Childcare facilities readily available at all resorts
• Disney resorts are beautifully themed and rooms are spotless and well-maintained
• Able to view Disney's private TV information channels in your room
• Purchasing "Magic Your Way" tickets
• Overall, the most care-free, time-saving and easiest way to stay at Disney

STAYING OFF-PROPERTY ADVANTAGES

• May reserve the same accommodations for the same or even lower price
• Closer to other attractions, restaurants and other venues
• Majority of off-site Hotels offer free transport to Disney
• Many off-site Hotels offer discounted or free meals, especially breakfasts
• During the busy season, better chance of booking a room, even at the last minute

So you can see from the above points mentioned, the best way to experience Walt Disney World and all it's magic would be to stay on property. The time saved and ease of dealing with a Disney Trip planner makes it a no-brainer. If you are still skeptical, one just has to plan and price a trip staying off property, and finding out that the initial cost of staying at a budget Hotel and then adding up all the extras you want is not worth it in the long run.