Question: What are the disadvantages to staying at a Disney World Resort?
Answer: Staying on-property at Disney World is not for everyone on every vacation. Some advantages to staying off-property include:
Sticker
Shock
Disney resorts are great, and you pay for it. Most come at a
premuim price. Even the least expensive of the Disney resorts, the All-Stars,
generally go for about $90 or more per night. The most luxurious hotel,
Disney's The Grand Floridian,
starts at $339 for a view of the parking lot. Add to that tickets, meals
and transportation for a family of four, and you have one expensive vacation.
On top of that, the Disney hotels are rarely discounted much (although
some discounts can be found if you are persistent). Conversely, hotels
off-property can be found for well under $100 per night, and many include
breakfast and transportation to Disney parks.
Life
Outside Disney World
Although some of my family members would be shocked to hear me say it,
there is plenty of fun to be had in Orlando that is not Disney. Most noteably,
Universal Studios has two great theme parks and a CityWalk filled with
restaurants and entertainment. There is also shopping along International
Drive, Sea World, space shuttle launches, beaches, and much more within
a short drive. Staying off-property may put you closer to the non-Disney
action.
