Should I stay on Disney property? (Onsite VS Offsite)

Every time I talk to someone planning a Walt Disney World vacation, this is one of the biggest decisions they have to make.  It really depends on each individual situation, but for the most part, I recommend staying on Disney property.  Let's take a look at the differences between staying in a Disney resort hotel, versus staying in a nearby hotel.

Staying in a Disney resort hotel has several benefits:

• Free transportation to and from Orlando International Airport to your Disney resort hotel
• Free transportation to and from the 4 parks, 2 water parks, Downtown Disney, and all Disney resort hotels
• Access to the Disney dining plan
• Extra Magic hours (When certain parks open early or stay open later just for Disney resort guests)
• Free parking at the parks, if you drive your own vehicle
• Ability to have in park purchases sent to your resort hotel, instead of having to carry them all day
• Excellent Disney customer service 24/7

While you might save a little money by staying in a non-Disney hotel, you will have to add transportation to/from the airport, a rental car to get to and from the parks, money to pay for parking each day, full price for Disney dining.  You won't be able to stay for extra magic hours, and you'll have to drag all your purchases with you all day long.  It's also much more difficult to take a midday break if you have family members who need to rest. The only time I would really recommend staying offsite would be if you have a large group, and can rent a house (and cook most meals, rather than eat out).