Offsite or Onsite?

Lion King Section (Art of Animation)

Before we moved to Florida I never stayed offsite.  We tried a couple of the value resorts, but we mainly stayed at Pop Century.  We always drove down, so we never chose onsite because of the transportation.  It was more expensive to stay onsite, but I loved the feeling I got at a Disney resort.  The offsite hotels just don't have that same magic that a Disney resort does.

However, we have opted to stay offsite a few times since moving.  The main reason for this is money.  It is a lot cheaper to stay offsite than it is in a Disney resort.  I can find a room for under $50.00 much of the time.  Granted, the rooms are bare bones, but they offer a bed and a shower.

Finding Nemo Section (Art of Animation)

The offsite hotels are getting to me though.  We have not had an overnight stay to Walt Disney World in a long time.  Even though I could spend just a few dollars to stay overnight, we usually opt to just come home.

We want to go to Disney for my son's birthday, and I would really like to stay overnight.  We always seem to rush when we go for the day, so I would like to take our time, go to a nice dinner, and enjoy Disney at night.  I am once again having the debate whether or not to stay onsite or off.

The pros of offsite:

Cost: I can get a room for less than half of a Disney value.

The pros of onsite:

Theming: Disney resorts are FABULOUS!  There is just no competing with the level of detail each resort has.  Some resorts (mainly the values) are over-the-top Disney, but they are great for kids.  The other resorts have themes too, but they are usually more subdued (think New Orleans French Quarter or a gorgeous mountain lodge).

Transportation:  Even though we drive, we can still park our car and not have to worry about driving.  This is nice if we want to have a drink, or for people who are not as familiar with Disney property, no one has to worry about finding their way around (although Disney does do a great job of labeling everything).  Some offsite hotels do offer buses to the parks, but the schedule can be sporadic at best.  

Cars Section (Art of Animation)

No Parking Fees:  This does not apply to everyone, but for people who do not have Annual Passes and are not staying onsite, Disney charges $14.00 a day to park at one of the theme parks.  You are only charged once a day, so if you decide to park hop you won't have a second fee.  However, if you are an onsite guest, parking fees are waived.

Food:  Each resort has a minimum of a food court, and many of the resorts have both counter service and table service restaurants.  Many offsite hotels do not have restaurants, and even though there are restaurants around the hotels, if you don't have a car it can be a pain to get to them.   

In my opinion, there is really no comparing onsite and offsite.  Sure, the offsite hotels can be a lot cheaper, but I think the pros of onsite far outweigh the cost differences.

I mean, which would you choose:

This?

Or This?

Pop Century

This?

Or This?

Beach Club