Where to Stay When Visiting Walt Disney World

One important decision you will make as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World, is whether to stay on-site at a Disney resort or off-site at one of the many hotels in the surrounding area. The purpose of this page is to offer some suggestions as to what criteria might be considered when making such a decision and to summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Things to Consider When Making Your Choice

When attempting to make the choice of staying on-site or off-site, it is helpful to know the answers to the following questions:
- What is my budget?
- How far in advance am I planning?
- How many people are in my party and what are their ages?
- Do we want to all stay together in one room or suite or villa?
- What hotel amenities are important to me?
- Will I have my car/rental car?
- Will I be spending most of my time visiting Disney attractions, or will I be visiting non-Disney attractions too?

Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Choice

Off-site Advantages:
- Generally better/larger accommodations for the same or a lower price.
- More likely to find rooms in your desired price range at the last minute.
- Better access to restaurants, shopping and other non-Disney attractions.
- NOT immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
- Some hotels offer scheduled shuttle service to the parks.
- Some hotels offer free breakfasts.
- Many off-site hotels offer discounts to non-Disney attractions and restaurants.

Off-site Disadvantages:
- Getting to and from the parks may be more difficult. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks from the parks.
- On peak holidays parking lot(s) at WDW might be closed.
- Quality of the rooms varies; as does service.
- Off-site guests must pay for parking at Disney theme parks if they drive unless they have an Annual Passport.
- Shuttle service is limited at many hotels, some hotels share shuttles making the service very slow and/or crowded, and some hotels charge for using their shuttle service.
- Hotel staff may be less familiar with Disney property.

On-site Advantages:
- Getting to and from the parks is generally easier. This is more important if one plans to take afternoon breaks.
- Immersed in Disney Magic 24 hours a day.
- Disney resorts offer wonderful theming.
- Disney staff provides excellent service.
- Properties are always clean and well-maintained.
- Priority on tee times on Disney golf courses.
- Room-charge privileges throughout WDW.
- Ability to purchase Magic Your Way tickets.
- Merchandise delivery to your Disney hotel.
- Access to WDW's closed circuit TV information channels.
- Unlimited use of WDW transportation system.
- Magical Express transportation to/from airport to WDW Resort at no charge
- Able to purchase Disney Dining Plan.

On-site Disadvantages:
- Rooms are more expensive.
- Availability of budget-priced rooms is limited, especially at the last minute.
- Dining is generally more expensive.
- Getting to and from area's non-Disney attractions may be more difficult.
- Going from resort to resort relying on Disney Transportation can be long and/or a hassle.

Ultimately the choice to stay onsite at a Disney resort or off-site all depends on what is right for you and your family.