It's a struggle that many of us go through when planning a vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida. Should you choose to book your hotel accommodations on or off Disney World property? There are many pros and cons on both sides of the dilemma. I keep choosing on site and here's why:
Disney Transportation is Amazing
- When we stay at a Disney hotel, we can park our vehicle and not return to it until the morning we check out of our hotel. My husband enjoys this because he doesn't have to get directions each day or follow a map. A big plus is that we don't have to spend any money on gas for the week.
- Disney transports their guests by using busses, boats, and monorails. My kids were especially thrilled by this when they were younger. One of our favorite memories is from riding in the front of the monorail with the driver. Anybody can do this; you just need to ask the person working at the monorail station. Sometimes you will have to wait for the next monorail and usually, you will have to change back to one of the regular seats at the next station to give other guests a turn. It really is a great thrill.
Disney Hotels are Themed
- Disney hotels are themed so well, that they feel like their own little world. We love staying at the Polynesian because it feels like you are in Hawaii. When staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, everything makes you feel like you are in Africa. It's not just the landscaping and the buildings. Disney even makes an effort to choose some of their employees to fit the theme. You will see many Africans working at the lodge and many Hawaiians at the Polynesian. There are too many hotels to list, but each Disney hotel is expertly themed. It's a great part of the trip.
Afternoon Naps or Swims Can Be Easily Accommodated
- The best thing about staying on site is the proximity to the parks. It's really easy to head back to your room and take a nap or afternoon swim. Many times, we will come back to the hotel and relax before heading to dinner at one of the parks. That way you are refreshed and can enjoy riding a few more rides or enjoy the parades or fireworks.
Disney Extra Magic Hours Alone Could Make the Decision
- Disney's extra magic hours allow guests of Disney resorts to enter the park early or leave the park late. You will be amazed at how many rides you will be able to enjoy before the parks get busy. Our family particularly likes the late night hours. On these days we sleep in and have a nice late breakfast at the hotel before heading to the parks. Sometimes we spend the day swimming or shopping at Downtown Disney and head over around supper time. It's wonderful to be able to miss the heat of the day and enjoy the rides late into the night.
These are the reasons that we consistently choose to stay on site these days. The biggest con to staying on site is the price. You can always find nice clean rooms off site for a lot less. As long as we can afford to stay at a Disney hotel, we will keep choosing to stay on site so we can enjoy the benefits. These little things really add up in allowing a Disney vacation to be a relaxing vacation.
