As a former Floridian,my opinions of visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can differ from many others. A total non-purist, I have no problems staying off property. In fact, I prefer to have my own car, as I have had more than a couple of complaints with the Disney World Bus System. Plus, as a mother of a toddler, I like having the full control of when we come and go.
Not only do I like to have my own car, I, on occasion, enjoy staying off property. Shock and dismay, I’m sure, but there are several perks to staying off property. I’ve stayed at several of the different hotels off property, from a $29.99/night room at the Howard Johnson (I was in college), to the 4* Priceline Hotels. But, I found my absolute favorite when we rented a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa in nearby Windsor Hills.
Yes, 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
Plus, a private “splash” pool in the screened in back porch.
There are several communities just a few short miles – 4 to Disney’s Animal Kingdom – from Walt Disney World property, we could even hear the fireworks at night. We had no commute time, often shorter than several of our previous bus trips, and had full control over when we went to the parks and when we left. Though, as opposed to staying on property, we’re less likely to head back for a nap time break, we enjoyed coming back after dinner, getting our son to sleep, and still being able to stretch out, watch tv, and enjoy our relax, knowing that he couldn’t hear us talk or watch tv. If we were only heading to WDW once a decade, I wouldn’t consider staying off property, but finding deals helps us afford to visit more regularly.
The best part – for a week, we paid under $1000. Car rental and parking added don’t come close to a week on property in a moderate or deluxe resort, and most definitely not in a suite or multi-room.
There are several rental companies with excellent reputations to help you with your search. It can be quite nerve wracking to send a deposit to someone other than Disney, but with Google on our side, it’s easy to scout out the best rentals!
For a full review, head over to my personal blog to read about our experience from last January.
So do you like staying On Property or Off Property. Let us know in the comment box below.
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I absolutely agree – staying on property is extra magical.. but sometimes, it’s simply not practical! For the marathon weekend, we’re up and out by 3 am. With 4 adults and 1 baby, it would cost an arm and a leg to have enough room to not wake everyone up. I looked into renting DVC points or adjoining rooms, but financially, this makes the most sense. And, we had a wonderful experience!
I admit… Windsor Hills sounds FANTASTIC!
we’ve stayed off property before and enjoyed it.
It works out great for us.
Our family is large so we get 2 adjoining rooms at a Value Resort.
I don’t always love the Disney bus system but as a Disney resort guest you have the option to drive your own vehicle w/ no parking fees at the parks.
I’ve stayed off property but would never choose to do it again.
We have stayed off property many times. I love to stay on property, but sometimes, staying off property saves so much money that it gives us the opportunity to go to Disney several times a year. We have stayed at a property called Bahama Bay Resort off of US 192. I have booked it through their website, Expedia, and Travelocity. We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and had a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1800 square foot condo for $90.00 a night. The condos and the property (which has 3 pools and a kiddie water play area) are beautiful. Yes, it was not one of the awesome Disney resorts we have stayed at on property, but the price allowed us to take a wonderful last minute trip to Disney!
We have stayed off property many times. I love to stay on property, but sometimes, staying off property saves so much money that it gives us the opportunity to go to Disney several times a year. We have stayed at a property called Bahama Bay Resort off of US 192. I have booked it through their website, Expedia, and Travelocity. We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and had a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1800 square foot condo for $90.00 a night. The condos and the property (which has 3 pools and a kiddie water play area) are beautiful. Yes, it was not one of the awesome Disney resorts we have stayed at on property, but the price allowed us to take a wonderful last minute trip to Disney!
The last time I stayed off-property it was at the Royal Plaza near DTD. The room was great, beds awesome and a huge bathroom. Only problem was, it’s not on property!
Just can’t see myself staying Off property. The Disney Resorts are part of the MAGIC.