Thinking about staying offsite for your next Walt Disney World adventure?You're not alone — and honestly, it can be a fantastic choice… if you know what to expect.

Here’s your insider’s guide to the 5 most important things to know before booking an offsite hotel near Disney World.

1. You'll (Probably) Save Money — But Plan for Extra Costs

Offsite hotels usually cost less than staying at a Disney resort, sometimes way less.But don't forget to factor in things like:

• Parking fees at Disney parks (around $30/day unless your hotel covers it)

• Transportation costs (rideshares or rental cars)

• Resort fees some hotels sneak in

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👉 Sometimes those “cheap” rates aren’t quite so cheap once everything's added up!

2. Early Park Entry is Mostly for Disney Resort Guests

Disney Resort hotel guests get 30 minutes early entry into every park, every day.If you stay offsite, you usually won't get this perk — unless you're at one of a handful of select partner hotels (like Swan & Dolphin, or some Disney Springs hotels).

It doesn’t seem like much... but those 30 minutes can mean the difference between walking onto Rise of the Resistance or waiting 90 minutes later!

3. Location, Location, LocationNot all "Disney area" hotels are created equal.

Some offsite hotels are literally 5–10 minutes from the parks.Others — especially those that say "Orlando area" — could be 25–30 minutes away in real-world traffic.

🚗 Always check driving distance, not just "as the crow flies" distance.

4. Transportation Isn’t Always a Sure Thing

Some offsite hotels offer free shuttles to Disney parks — but:

• They often run just a few times a day

• They might stop at multiple hotels first

• They might drop you off at the Ticket and Transportation Center, not Magic Kingdom itself

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👉 Translation: you could end up waiting around a lot longer than you planned.

If time is money on your trip (spoiler: it is), sometimes a rideshare like Uber or Lyft will save you headaches.

5. You’ll Miss a Bit of the Disney Magic Bubble

This one’s subjective, but it matters for some people:

When you stay offsite, you're leaving Disney property each night.

No Mickey-themed soaps.

No hearing the distant sounds of fireworks as you fall asleep.

No Disney touches woven into every corner.

For some, that’s no big deal. For others, it’s part of why Disney feels so special.

Bottom Line

Staying offsite can absolutely work — and save you real money — if you know the trade-offs.

Weigh up what matters most: price, perks, proximity, and a little bit of pixie dust.

Because whatever you choose, your Walt Disney World holiday is going to be unforgettable.

(And if you ever need help booking the perfect stay, you know make sure to check out our main sponsor Portwood Travel below.)