After you have decided (or let yourself convinced :)!) that you'll spend some of your vacation at Disneyland or Disney World, the first thing you would want to do is program your trip - you may want to pre-plan as many details as you can so as to create conditions to enjoy your stay more and waste less time.
So,
Where shall you stay?
The traveller has two options: to book a room at one of the Disney resort hotels or to choose accomodation off-site. Generally, the main issue that arises is price and whether it is worth paying extra to stay on-site. We hope the following will help you enumerate and consider aspects you might ordinarily overlook and visualize both cases.
On-site accomodation
Pro arguments:
Themed resorts
All Disney resorts are themed. Staying at one means permanent connection to Disney magic.
Time saving
Besides being closer to Disney amusements, you may have access to Disney parks earlier than the off-site visitors - they open earlier for on-site residents.
Breaks
Living on-site allows you to have a mid-day break, a nap for children, permitting to enjoy the rest of the day at full power.
Free car parking
You may save a lot with this facility, especially if you plan a longer stay.
Free transportation
Guests can travel inside the resort free of charge. The means of transportation are more frequent and reliable for these routes. Plus this can spare you a lot of inconvenience, such as driving back tired after a busy day.
Purchase facilities
Purchased items are charged back to your room and there is also the free delivery service - you don't have to carry them around all day.
Resort mug
Purchasing a resort mug from your hotel will allow you to benefit from free refill of soft drinks and coffee for the whole stay. Available in your hotel only.
Guest Services
This service offers at request activities booking, dining reservations, parking tickets.
Activities
Guests have priority to most activities going on in Disney parks but there are some activities available only for resort guests.
Breakfast with Disney characters
You may have breakfast with Mickey even at the resort restaurant.
Guaranteed admission
Some parks may be closed during very heavy days but never for on-site guests.
Length of Stay Passes
These passes allow entrance everywhere and are available only to residents.
The Quality-Price Ratio
Price is usually the main reason for choosing not to stay on-site. But it may actually turn into a pro argument. Rooms are more expensive indeed in Disney hotels but there are also less expensive hotels, such as:
However, the quality of services is guaranteed with Disney resorts. Any reported dissatisfaction, you are promptly attended.
Shortcomings of on-site stay:
Price
Prices in Disney resorts are definitely higher for both rooms and food.
Booking
It is more difficult to book in Disney hotels. They are usually full and require booking long ahead and a deposit.
Outside attractions
It is more difficult to reach outside attractions if you reside on-site.
Atmosphere
Some might find it weary to be surrounded by the Disney atmosphere all the time.
The "magic" hour
The extra-hour before opening that is granted to on-site residents might not be considered such a great advantage as you cannot use it at you please: there is only one park that opens one hour earlier and it is the place where everybody in the resort will go.
Off-site accomodation
Arguments in favour:
Price
There is a wider range of pricing to choose from, and hotels are definitely less expensive. The food is also cheaper but this does not count for that much, as people usually spend most of their time in the parks and also eat there.
Breakfast
Some off-side hotels offer breakfast. This could be a valuable time-saver and allow visitors to make a good day's start.
Bookings
Rooms are likely to be available even in the last moment.
Atmosphere
Some might actually appreciate a break from the sometimes overwhelming Disney atmosphere.
Availability of Disney Hotels Activities
Except for health club access and pool access, all Disney hotels activities are available for non-residents - such as shopping, dining, entertainment.
Discounts
Some off-site hotels offer discounts to non-Disney attractions and restaurants.
Some of the shortcomings of staying off-site:
Parking
Parking lots might be closed on crowded days.
Parking is paid for off-siters.
Amenities
There are amenities available only for on-site guests.
Access to parks
Getting to parks is a lot more difficult.
Well, if your vacation is to be spent with Disney, why not go all the way? Conditions permitting, it seems that living on-site will allow you to fully enjoy your stay, with the benefits for Disney residents and the convenient access to Disney parks. There is, however, an acceptable compromise solution (and the most recommendable for first-timers): spending part of the time off-side and part on-site and see for yourself which is worth it.