Is it worth the extra money to stay inside Disney World?

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You asked... I answered

I am planning my vacation for May '09 and will be staying in the Cabins. I have stayed in them before once when I was younger, but my family owns a motorhome so we have always camped since then. This will be my hubby's first time in the cabins and I know he will enjoy it, though we've camped 2x since we were married and knows what to expect with the campground.

Now, because I have always stayed on property, I of course think it is better, but I will try and give you a few reasons.
-- travelling back and forth to the parks will be time consuming and unless there is a free shutttle, or you are driving your own vehicle will quickly add up
-- after a long day traipsing through the parks you will still have to get your bone tired children back to their hotel, juggling packages, strollers, diaper/bookbags etc
-- you do not get the benefits of staying on WDW property

BENEFITS OF STAYING ON WDW PROPERTY
-- free WDW transportation to all theme parks (from Ft. Wilderness hop a boat for about a 15 min ride to Magic Kingdom, or bus to any of the other parks or waterparks).
-- You only have about a 20 min ride at most from any given park back to your hotel/cabin
-- Anything you buy can be delivered (free) back to your hotel (trading post at Ft. Wilderness) so you do not have to lug purchases around all day with you.
-- On site guests get to participate in Extra Magic Hours which are extended hours either early in the morning or after the park closes, so only guests staying on WDW property are allowed in the park, all others must exit. They check this by distributing wristbands... no wristband, no riding.

CABIN/FORT WILDERNESS BENEFITS
-- Cabins have a full kitchen, so if you are driving or are interested in renting a cab/rental car you can run to an off-site store and do grocery shopping
-- Because of the close proximity and free WDW transportation you can return back to the cabin for lunch, a nap and dinner, eat the food you bought at the store and drastically save $$ by not having to eat in the parks
-- The campground has 2 pools, pony rides, a petting zoo, free nightly Disney movie with campfire and a great view of the Electric Lights Parade (which can also be seen from Polynesian, Lodge and Contemporary, and we've caught it while waiting for a boat to return back from Magic Kingdom).

So, I agree with you about the cabins, for a slightly cheaper but still outdoorsy feel consider the Wilderness Lodge. It is slightly cheaper, still utilizes the boat to the Magic Kingdom and bus to others. If you solely intend to just sleep there, then go with a Value Resort (All-Star Movies, Music, Sports or Pop Century).

I would check out www.allears.net This site will give you more information than you can possibly need regarding rides, resorts, and restaurants. The restaurant section will have menus, prices and kids menus if available with prices. You will probably not want to commute all the way back to your off-site hotel for lunch and dinner. The campground is a quick trip, and with the full kitchen you can have some sandwiches, the little ones can nap and then you are back to it.

Another great reference is Birnbaum's Guide to WDW. The '09 edition comes out the end of Sept.

edit- on-site Disney guests get to use the free Disney shuttle from the airport to their hotel. You can find more info about that on-line it is called "Magical Express."

If you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail.

cori

There's some perks for staying inside the park, such as "extra park hours" which might come in handy with little ones. Some parks open an hour early or stay open a few hours later each day.

I always liked the convenient shuttles that took you straight back to your hotel and I'd check the prices of some of the All Star Resorts. Sometimes it's easier to go back to the room during the afternoon to swim or nap & then go back to the parks when you're feeling refreshed.

Melinda O

When my family took us to Disney we stayed inside Disney. We were there a week and Still didn't get to do everything we wanted but we were not as young. The nice thing about staying there was that we could go back and rest anytime we wanted without having to worry about getting to and from our hotel. I think with the little ones it would be alot easier and may make it more enjoyable for you guys as well. If your going to go I say go all out! Have a great trip.

planaroo

If you'll be spending a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom you can save a lot of time by staying in a Disney resort with monorail (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian) access to that park. Some resorts like Fort Wilderness have a boat service that runs to the Magic Kingdom, too. Similarly, Epcot is near the Yacht and Beach Club Resort and the Swan and Dolphin.

Disney resorts that require bus trips to the theme parks may actually take longer than driving there yourself, so you need to weigh the options.

If you're flying to Orlando and you decide to stay at WDW, you may be able to save money by not renting a car and taking Disney's transportation options around the property.

Remember that if you stay off-property you'll need to pay to park $12 for cars and $13 for campers and trailers each day you visit the theme parks.

Hope you have a great trip!

Do it for Johnny! (Maddie)

While that price difference is pretty substantial, I find it is always worth it to stay on Disney Property. First of all, you will not have to rent a car, or take a car from the airport to Disney World, which can save you hundreds. You will also get to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours at the Disney Parks which is a great way to enjoy the normally densely-crowded rides. Plus, you really have to stay on-site to get the full Disney experience. Your choice though. Might I consider looking at a cheaper on-sit hotel? Have fun no matter where you stay though!

Jessica T

I would definitely recommend staying inside Disney World. Once you get there you are immersed in "Disney Magic". It makes your vacation!

Your family will be able to stay at any of the resorts, from the Values (I recommend Pop Century) to the Deluxe Resorts. Others have said that the Value and Moderate resorts only fit four, BUT that's not entirely accurate. They fit four PLUS a child under the age of three in a crib (available upon request, Disney will provide a pack-n-play). So this allows your family to stay in the Value resorts for as low as $82/night plus tax, a Moderate Resort (I recommend Port Orleans Riverside - very Mark Twainy, an outdoorsy alternative to the cabins) for as low as $149/night plus tax, and a Deluxe Resort (Wilderness Lodge falls into that outdoorsy, cabin theme) for as low as $225/night plus tax.

There are so many perks to staying at a Disney property.

1. Magical Express - if you're flying into Orlando International Airport, Disney will pick you and your luggage up, and deliver you to your resort, and when it's time to head home, they take you back to the airport

2. Extra Magic Hours - certain parks open an hour early and stay open up to three hours after the park officially closes. The early morning is great for little ones because you can get a lot done before the parks even opens, and can head back to the resort mid-afternoon for a nap, to relax or even for a swim.

3. Parks are closer to your resort - if you need to head back to your resort to rest, it's a short trip via monorail, boat or bus (depending on which resort you stay at) Sometimes little ones just need to have some quite time or a dip in the pool to break up the day

4. Room Charging - you can sign up to have your room key be used to charge anything on Disney property (food, souvenirs, etc.) I love this perk because I don't have to worry about carrying all my cash around with me.

5. Package Delivery - whenever you purchase something on Disney property, you can have them deliver your items to your resort for FREE! This way you don't have to carry around your purchases all day.

6. Guaranteed Park enterance - like others have said, the parks have been know to reach capacity. When this happens, only those staying on Disney property are allowed into the park (you are required to show your room key, and they'll let you in) I'm not sure what time of year you're planning on going, but if it's during the Holidays, it would be sad not to be able to get into the parks :o(

Have a wonderful trip, and I can't wait to hear what you've decided :o)

Indiana Jones

well do you have to stay in that specific hotel if you do stay on disney property?
cuz you can get a value resort for much less then fort wilderness.
value resorts start at $82 per night
personally i think pop century is really nice and its a value resort.

and yes it is soo worth staying in a disney hotel.
here are all the benifits you can get when you stay at the disney hotels.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/benefitLanding?id=BenefitLandingPage

i love staying in disney world.

kellystraveltrips

I believe it is worth it to stay in Disney. I also suggest looking into some other disney hotel options.

Still in the moderate category, but cheaper my favorites are caribbean beach and port orleans french quarters. (approximately $2100 for 5 days including tickets)
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=CaribbeanBeachResortLandingPage
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=PortOrleansFrenchQuarterResortLandingPage
In the value category I recommend pop century: (about $1800)
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=PopCenturyResortLandingPage

If staying outside the park, I recommend a hotel with a shuttle so you do not need to pay for parking each day. (although with the little ones you may want a car for more freedom to leave things in the car and come and go as you please, you know how your family operates best) I If you do not plan to use these disney extras, (shuttle, magical express, extra magic hours, etc..it may be to your advantage to stay outside of disney.

I have stayed in and out of disney, both as a kid (about 20 times) and last year at 23, and I had a great time either way!

Some hotels outside of disney:
http://www.radisson.com/hotels/flkissim ($89-109) has 3 pools, waterslide, kids activities, free shuttle..

http://www.sheratonsafari.com/ (87-127) pool with slide, free shuttle..safari theme..

http://www.clarionwaterpark.com/index.shtml (62-106) free shuttle, hotel/waterpark

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/advancedsearch?roomResult=none&quickRes=city&_requestid=220896&_requestid=220896 And there is a variety of holiday inn's that are reasonable and offer shuttle service

if you want more info, i am a travel agent, email me directly or visit: http://www.kellystraveltrips.piczo.com

Enjoy!

zuesefl

That is a good question! Sometimes the extra amenities are worth it, and sometimes they are not. Just really depends on what kind of vacation your family is really looking for!

You can read a really good guide on the Disney World Hotels and Walt Disney World at http://www.orlandofuntickets.com/Learn-About-Walt-Disney-World.php

I hope this helps!

First of all the cheapest Disney Hotels are Pop Century,and the All Star Resorts:Music,Movies,and Sports.So maybe you should try one of those if your worried about the cost.They are the newest.They have comfortable rooms, nice cafeteria's with pizza delivery,a bar, a laundry room, shopping and I think an arcade.
It is worth it to stay there because you get free shuttle to and from the airport and free shuttle to and from the parks from your room so you don't have to pay for a rental car.You also get "extra magic hours" in the parks (only for the Disney hotel guests).If you book a package they also give you little free bee's which are different every time we go.Some of the free bee's we got were a free 5x7 pic,free round of golf, free lanyard and pin, free preferred seating at select shows, free Mickey Toon Town adventure,and coupons for % off select stores.It might not seem like much but it all adds up to a good savings.
Have Fun!!!!

L J

It is most definitely worth the money to be inside the park. If money's a concern, ask for the garden view and take advantage of specials. You are paying for luxury and convenience. The really nice thing about the deluxe resorts is that you don't even have to take the monorail. There is a small ferry that goes from each resort, straight across to the Magic Kingdom entrance. Little kids love that method of transportation.
My family actually likes to move from around while we are at Disney. While we are enjoying the MK, we'll stay in one of those resorts. Two nights later, we'll move over to an EPCOT resort and take advantage of being within walking and ferry distances to that park and Universal -- but that's not really a little kid park -- some of the costumed characters can be a little scary in my kid's opinions. A few days at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and you've gotten to enjoy all of the parks and the perks and beauty of three different resorts.
You want to spoil yourself, go up concierge level and enjoy the snack and appetizer buffets, along with complimentary wine and beer. The Polynesian lounge is a fantastic spot to view the fireworks while enjoying desserts and cordials.
Personally, I'd think twice about the dining plan with your little ones. They can't each that much food. It's great for adults though. The lounge is great way to keep the kids eating. It won't replace meals, but will help carry them through between meals.
One last thought, check on the vacation club villas. Those are right next to several of the deluxe resorts and offer more space and kitchens.
Have a great vacation.

phmom

FAMILY of 5 IS LIMITED
With a family of 5 the value resorts (All Stars) won't work unless you get 2 rooms, and Wilderness Lodge won't either unless you want a really expensive room. Their less expensive ones hold only 4. At least that's what I've always run into when I've priced it. There is 1 moderate you can do, Port Orleans Dixie Landings where they have trundle beds. That's the least expensive, but you'll give up the kitchen. I have a family of 5, too. We've stayed on and off site, and while we love that Disney atmostphere, for us the whole idea of the Fort Wilderness mobile homes, because that's what the "cabins" really are, don't cut it. I wouldn't pay that money to stay in those. We've driven through and looked at them, and I wouldn't do it. (BTW - We've seen every Disney property) You can spend less and get a home with your own pool for less than staying in a Disney resort (btdt). We like staying in a condo with a big jacuzzi tub, big screen TV, and full kitchen. You don't have to pay anything close to $300 a night for that.

The advantage of staying at Disney is having their transportation and getting the Extra Magic Hours, plus at FW Chip and Dale's sing along (other resorts have extravagant theming), BUT their bus system can take as long and sometimes longer than getting in your car and driving to a nearby off site hotel. (refer to the Unofficial Guide) My cousin stayed in the FW trailers and complained afterwards about the buses taking as long as 45 min to get from point to point sometimes. We can go from the Epcot parking lot to where we usually stay in 15 min. When parks open and close is when the traffic is heaviest, and it can take you longer. So plan to take 30 min to get to the parks. For a mid-day break, if you're nearby, you can do it in much less. For us, the money saved is well worth it. It's a mobile home not a beautifully themed resort for crying out loud! It's NOT worth $300/no no matter whose forrest it's parked in!

Park Closing At Capacity - Have seen this happen only on holidays - NYE, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and it wasn't all parks at the same time. MK was at capacity before Epcot and others.

HAVING A CAR VS RELYING ON WDW - Orlando is very drivable, and since you're talking about having kitchen facilities, I'm guessing you're going with a car rental to make a grocery run. You could save the money on a car and gas by just using WDW transport, but I did it twice and didn't like it either time. I really prefer the freedom of having a car. They are supposed to have everything, but sometimes they run out. I had a new camcorder battery that shorted out. They would've had it except they were doing inventory, and none of their stores in any parks had it. If they did, it would've been $70 instead of $40 at Best Buy. The car can pay for itself.

(We're big Disney freaks. Made 12 trips prior moving to FL and buying AP's. We've averaged a trip each month since then, and it's been 3.5 years)

poroxx

Do it ONCE...to say that you have done it . It is convenient to run the kids back..for a quick change of clothing..nap..etc. and get right back on the monorail to the parks.

brit

I always stay inside Disney. The hotels are excellent and the staff is great. You can also take advantage of the Disney transportation system and possibly get the dining meal plan.

daphne m

no the room are so small try renting a home at www.orlandovacationrentalfl.com they are very nice here and will go over the homes with you. It cost nothing to reserve a home they don't charge deposits all homes have your own pool.

buckblade

Staying at a Disney resort pretty much locks you into a 100% Disney vacation. Since there are many others things you can do in the area that are not linked to Disney, you might find staying on-site restricting. With three young children, having your own car would be much easier than trying to board all five of you on one or more shuttle buses to go outside of the Disney landscape. I would stay off site and use the money you save to spend a day at Sea World and some of the I-Drive attractions.

Mutya P

Yes, it is the best idea for the sake of your kids! I am sure they will enjoy the environment. The will be able to meet the Disney Characters like Pluto, Mickey Mouse and others.
GOD BLESS THE KIDS!

robheather13

We go every year and you won't be a the hotel long enough to enjoy it.

I would stay at Embassy Suites. They have a great breakfast and you can fill up for free before heading off to the park.

becca_nethery

We stayed on Disney property (movie resort-value resort) and we loved it! My kids loved the different themes and just the overall look, it was awesome. I know its more pricey but my kids just adored the rooms, inside and outside of the hotel. I have stayed off of Disney property but then you have to commute your family, and if you need a break and go back to your room to rest you are able to with free disney transportation. But all in all staying on Disney property is Magical!

goodhands33637

IMHO, it's cheaper to stay off property or at Fort Wilderness since you will have more freedom to bring food with you. The food bill really adds up if you are forced to eat out at every meal.

Adolph L

You didn't say when your going, but if you go during high capacity time, they do close the park. We went during the Christmas holiday and WDW was closed at 12:30pm because the park was at capacity. In other words, if you stay off resort, the park was already closed and you would not be able to get in unless you were staying at one of the resorts. Besides staying on resort, I also recommend getting the park hopper. This lets you from one park to the other in the same day. All you do is hop on the bus (or boat or monorail) and they take you from park to park to cabin. The 1 year old might want to stay with the grand parents. New Orleans was great and a heck of a lot cheaper than wilderness. I think also if you get park hopper it will give you line jumper. I don't remember but it was included in our package with AAA. see my pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/17260997@N06/sets/72157606890782324/

rpf5

Not yet, l think you would be wiser to wait until they are older & more able to remember the visit. Travelling with 3 kids that young is tough. Your going to be plenty busy pushing strollers around the parks that l doubt if even the adults are going to appreciate Ft. Wilderness. The money you save could get them their own room...lol
Have a good trip.

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