I've seen some intriguing tweets (say that fast why don't ya!) lately that the DTD hotels are doing some great deals right now. Has anyone ever stayed there, vs on property? I did once in high school, in what has just become the Wyndham. Thoughts? Or are the Disney Perks and accompanying magic just too much of a draw?
I've seen some intriguing tweets (say that fast why don't ya!) lately that the DTD hotels are doing some great deals right now. Has anyone ever stayed there, vs on property? I did once in high school, in what has just become the Wyndham. Thoughts? Or are the Disney Perks and accompanying magic just too much of a draw?
I think it depends on the person..but for me..it's Disney resorts all the time. I just like the magic, the transportation and the general feeling of being in Disney World for my entire trip.
Bella
I agree with Bella - we're on-property only anymore. When I was young and innocent, we stayed at a vacation home about 2-3 miles from the park. Was nice, but you just miss the magic of the World.
That being said, I know many folks/friends who are quiet as enamored with WDW that opt for the downtown resorts due to deals and have no regrets. But that's because they just don't get it. Freaks. Oh, Oops. I mean....good for them!
I think if you go regularly then you probably love Disney, which means you'll likely want to stay on property. I might be able to work myself up to a DTD hotel though.
This led me to start another thread on this topic:
You can get some great deals on those resorts, and you're still as close to "Disney" as you are at Saratoga Springs and the Port Orleans resorts. I think that if we took more than one trip per year, we'd consider those as good alternatives to be sure.
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2010 Beach Club Resort
2005 Port Orleans Riverside
2006 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2007 Wilderness Lodge
2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2009 CBR/Polynesian
How common is it for other resorts to get Extra Magic Hours? I think if they can get that then I might be willing to give it a try.
What we tell our friends is that the 'magic' is in that everyone you meet at the resort, on the bus's,monorail or boats is on a Disney holiday. The only people who aren't are the Disney cast members. I never stayed off site but I don't think you will find that outside the property. However a great price might make up the difference for some.
Joe
What we tell our friends is that the 'magic' is in that everyone you meet at the resort, on the bus's,monorail or boats is on a Disney holiday. The only people who aren't are the Disney cast members. I never stayed off site but I don't think you will find that outside the property. However a great price might make up the difference for some.
Joe
That's a good point Joe. I definitely think Disney makes an effort to have their CMs be thoughtful about your experience in a way that another hotel might not. Even if it's a high-quality hotel, the experience they're trying to deliver might not be as "Disney-Oriented" as the CMs at WDW.
You raise excellent points. I think the immersive experience of staying on property just can't be beat. It's kinda like flying first class; you don't know what you're missing, until you experience it, and then coach is just never quite the same 
Here's a way to think about it.
Disney World is about 49 sq miles. The theme parks only take up about 10 % of it.. If you stay outside the World and only come in to the parks you are missing 90% of Disney World magic.
Joe
I hadn't thought about it the way Joe put it..but that is so true. Disney really is just so much MORE than the parks.
I'd only stay offsite if it was a "offsite or nothing" type of situation. It would just feel weird!
Bella