Choosing where to stay at Disney World is one of the biggest decisions when planning your trip. With so many hotel and vacation rental options in the Orlando area, one of the first things to decide is whether to stay on property at a Disney World Resort or off property somewhere else.
This episode kicks off our Disney World Vacation Planning Series and, for the first time, I’m recording from a hotel instead of my home office. I’m coming to you from The Walt Disney World Swan Resort as we break down the pros and cons of staying on Disney property versus staying offsite.
Takeaways
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The perks of staying at a Disney World Resort
The types of accommodations available outside of the Disney bubble
What Disney Good Neighbor Hotels are and how they compare to Disney resorts
The hidden costs of staying off-property that could impact your budget
Episode Summary
One of the biggest questions Disney visitors face is whether to stay at a Disney World Resort or book a hotel, vacation rental, or Airbnb off-property. Each option has its benefits, but the right choice depends on your budget, travel style, and priorities.
In this episode, we go over the major perks of staying at a Disney World Resort, including early park entry, free transportation, and the immersive Disney experience. We also explore the downsides of staying on property, like higher costs and fewer accommodation options for large families.
For those considering off-property stays, we break down how much you can save, the flexibility of choosing a non-Disney hotel or rental, and what hidden costs—like parking fees and transportation—could offset those savings.
We also cover Disney Good Neighbor Hotels, a middle-ground option that offers some Disney perks while keeping costs lower than official Disney resorts.
If you’re planning a trip to Disney and aren’t sure where to stay, this episode will help you weigh the pros and cons so you can find the best fit for your vacation.
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