Is it best to stay on site at Disney World or off site?

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2Beagles

I've been to all of the parks you mentioned and if you have the time, then why not go to as many as you can? Assuming you have older kids that is. Toddlers might not do so well all day at parks, but older kids will have a blast. You really can do Islands of Adventure and Universal in one day, though the parks close earlier now, so it may take two. We did this on Labor Day. Islands of Adventure is pretty empty when it first opens, so that's when you hit the rides you want to go on first. We literally walked on the Spider Man ride and the same with Dr. Seuss' ride. As for hotels, we don't stay at the Disney hotels beause they are too expensive. Their 'budget' hotels like the Pop Century only has double beds and we prefer a suite so we can have some privacy from the kids. We recently stayed at the Homewood Suites on International Drive and the price was very reasonable. We're Hilton Honors members, so we used our points for one night and paid about $89 for the other night. Monday through Thursday they have meals they cook for you at dinner and you get a breakfast each day too. It's a two room suite with two cooktops, full fridge and microwave. Excellent deal for the price. We also like to stay at the Embassy Suites which is right down the road from the Homewood. This is also a Hilton hotel and the prices are just slightly higher. This is also a two room suite, but it's a little bit bigger than Homewood's rooms. It comes with a mini fridge and microwave and a cook to order breakfast is included with your stay along with a manager's reception starting at 5:00. They recently remodeled the rooms, so everything is new. If you stay there, ask for a room away from I-4 because it is a little noisy. The rooms on the side are quieter. I have nothing negative to say about either hotel. They are both nice. Enjoy your stay in Orlando.

twix

If you can I'd say stay on site. If you are a AAA member they offer discounts to Disney hotels. have fun

btlrboyz

i like staying onsite--it makes the whole experience~~~

gstfox

I've been to both many times and I love both! If I were you, I would look for a hotel off of International Drive, Orlando, FL where Universal is Located very close by, because the hotels will be less expensive and there are plenty of hotels to choose from. From there, Disney is about 15 min away. Disney hotels can be very expensive if you are on a budget. Have fun, and definately don't try to fit too much stuff in. I usually only will go to a theme park once every 2 months because it takes a lot out of you. Take the time just to sit back and relax. You'll be glad you did.

rnwgt

We have done this before and what we done was schedule our arrival a day or two before we had to be at Disney. I wouold reccomend staying on Disney property and getting a cheap hotel either before or after you leave Disney.

justpeachy

Personally I dont think you get the full experience staying off the parks. I used to stay on International Drive where a lot of the attractions are but after staying on the Disney Property I would never go back. With the Disney property you can take advantage of the extra hours which non resort guests cannot. You have free transportation every 15 minutes to the parks, beautiful themed pools, countless amenities, and the hotels are awesome. You cant beat the Disney hospitality either. Every cast member is so helpful and as nice as nice can be. I would definitly look at the virtual tours of the hotels on http://www.disneyworld.com and also http://www.allears.net has some great pics. Best of luck!

fjones446

go to www.floridavacations.com and look for Kissimmee, Fl. That is the best area to stay. Not so expensive as Disney.

gdovhull

I have been three times to orlando previously. Once in an off site hotel, once in a on resort hotel and once in a off site villa. My best experience by far was the villa. We went to pretty much every park including disney, universal and busch gardens and all were easy in a 30 minute drive apart from busch gardens which was 1 hour. The best thing about having a villa is the privacy and space it is so much better. Get up with no maid hassling you, no noise from the kids in the next room and so much more time. You can come home from the theme parks when you like and relax by your private pool, watch TV or have a nap. It is also brilliant if you want a day off, brilliant relaxation sat by your own pool, watching TV and when you are ready to venture out for a meal or go to a theme park you aren't all queing for one cramped bathroom. You can have your own space and it is so important for an orlando holiday. You won't believe how hot and bothered you get the villa is just a saviour. Take my word!!!

Tom D

Our family travels to WDW many time throughout the year. Depends on the time of year you travel and how far in advance you book. Best deal is to stay off WDW property and with the savings rent a car. Much more flexible and fast and easier with kids. Plus you can always park at one location and still use WDW transportation if you wish(upon a star).

Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess)

My husband and I stay on-site when we go, but we don't go to other attractions in the area - we do a complete Disney immersion. We like staying on-site because we prefer to take the busses than having to deal with driving and parking and walking through the parking lot and walking BACK through the parking lot and driving through traffic back to whatever hotel we're staying at.

Yeah, the loads on the busses can be heavy at times, but we'd much rather leave the driving to someone else and have curbside dropoff.

*CMR*

IN!

Mike F.

Hello,

We've stayed both in and outside of WDW...and I'd have to say that there's a HUGE difference. The experience of staying in the park is a much more stress-free. We really enjoy all the ease of on-site transportation, in-the-park dining, and the many other resort-guest benefits. Check out the link below for some more guidance. Have a great trip!

- Mike

Kanetria W

Yes a couple of my friends had tickets to go to Universal, Disney and Islands of Adventures. They stayed at a hotel near there. Most of the hotels offer shuttles to take you to the parks so you don't have to worry about driving. You just have to check around for the best hotels and make sure to check reviews! I always do so for my clients. I am a certified travel agent so if you need help, send me a message!!

Ida

all i can say is you get what you pay for. i stayed at a ramada on w 195....let me tell you dont get a room facing the court yard. they do kareoke till 11pm EVERY night.....plus it is an older hotel. but, it did have nice beds....then after we came back from cocoa beach we stayed in country inn near 195 next to a super wallmart. that was the only thing super about it was it was near everything even a wall mart for the ibuprofen i needed for an bad back from the horrible beds. the best place i stayed at was best western in cocoa beach...great location, great beds, nice baths, fantastic security, very well kept hotel. it had internet, pools, let me tell you it had it all.

Lakin J

It depends on how long you'll be at Disney. If you going for a week to ten days I wouldn't try to go to both. My family and I went to Sea World and Disney World in 8 days and ended up exhausted with cranky kids! You'll be shocked at how much there is to do at Disney AND how long it takes to do it. You have to consider waiting in line (even with the express pass you have to wait), getting from your hotel (weather in or out of the park) to you destination in the park, ect. I could go on and on but trust me....if Disney is your main attraction don't try to go to any other "parks". Maybe a little shopping outside the park but much more and you'll end up sucking the fun out of your trip! Good luck!

Hannah Montana

Yeah, I go to both a lot. Whatever u do don't stay at the Nick Hotel. It is horrible. I would stay on Disney property. If u don't mind spending money stay at the Yacht or Beach club if u plan on swimming. Don't stay at the Grand Floridian. Really expensive and the pool is not that great. Cheap hotels are the All Stars and Pop Century but they're not that great. Mid-range the Wilderness Lodge. I love it there.

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