jlb727
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 13, 2019
I have helped many people plan their Disney trips and I'm always amazed at how programmed people are to stay onsite, buy the DDP, etc. There are other options out there for people who are looking for them, but they're not as visible. I'm glad boards like this exist so people can research other options that would work for them!
I don’t think “programmed” is the right word, though some people are strongly in one camp (staying off site vs staying on site) and refuse to consider the other.
I think you make a lot of good points! We had a good time staying off site. However, I felt like the customer service and proximity added something extra staying onsite. Value isn’t found simply in feeling like you’re saving some money, though obviously it can be. Staying on site can be fairly cost effective. We make two meals a day in our hotel room no matter where we stay, and I’d never suggest anyone get the Dining Plan! Even “free dining” isn’t a great deal for most people.
Again, it goes back to goals and the accommodations in which someone finds value, monetarily or otherwise, which is different for everyone! OP just has to decide where they find value.