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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Packing Cubes & Travel Backpacks – Tripped Travel Gear
Hotels – Booking.com
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Attractions & Tours – Viator
Attractions & Tours – Get Your Guide
Theme Park Tickets – Undercover Tourist
City Passes – CityPASS
Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours – Big Bus Tours
Travel Insurance – InsureMyTrip
RV Rentals – RVShare

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Rewards Credit Cards – Explore My Favorites
Budgeting Apps for Families – See Our Top Picks
High-Yield Savings – CIT Bank Savings Connect
High-Yield Savings & CDs – Raisin
Kids’ Banking – Greenlight
Micro-Investing – Acorns

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