I have to say I definitely prefer to stay off property (BLASPHEMY!!!!!!!!!)
I have been going to Disney on an almost annual basis for 30 + years since I was 12.
Over the years the way things have changed I don't see the "magic" staying on site anymore.
-It's so expensive and the rooms are so small. The standard room is basically the same room from the value to the deluxe resorts, but the amenities do differ
- the transportation is horrible now. It takes forever to get from A-B, not even mentioning the crowds and wait to even get on at some times of the year. I will still occasionally use it it for specific trips when I know it will be fast, but honestly I'd rather pay the parking and use my car to get from point to point. It's much quicker if you know the Disney roads.
- I can rent a house with our own pool for the price of staying in a 2X4 room for a week.
- My favorite stays over the years on Disney property have been at Fort Wilderness and we had a great time in one of the first seasons of Port Orleans French Quarter.
I know I'm saying this on a Disney Board where people will probably jump all over me and think I'm crazy, but I think for value, comfort and time constraining reasons, staying off property is now the way to go.
(Disclaimer- We also rarely ever rent a home more than 15 minutes from World Drive)
I have been going to Disney on an almost annual basis for 30 + years since I was 12.
Over the years the way things have changed I don't see the "magic" staying on site anymore.
-It's so expensive and the rooms are so small. The standard room is basically the same room from the value to the deluxe resorts, but the amenities do differ
- the transportation is horrible now. It takes forever to get from A-B, not even mentioning the crowds and wait to even get on at some times of the year. I will still occasionally use it it for specific trips when I know it will be fast, but honestly I'd rather pay the parking and use my car to get from point to point. It's much quicker if you know the Disney roads.
- I can rent a house with our own pool for the price of staying in a 2X4 room for a week.
- My favorite stays over the years on Disney property have been at Fort Wilderness and we had a great time in one of the first seasons of Port Orleans French Quarter.
I know I'm saying this on a Disney Board where people will probably jump all over me and think I'm crazy, but I think for value, comfort and time constraining reasons, staying off property is now the way to go.
(Disclaimer- We also rarely ever rent a home more than 15 minutes from World Drive)