• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

5 Tips for a Magical Trip Staying Offsite at Disney World

April 11, 2023 | Disney

When it comes to planning a trip to Walt Disney World, where you stay can make a big difference in the overall experience. While there are plenty of great on-site options, staying offsite can offer some unique benefits. To help you make the most of your offsite stay, I’ve put together five tips that will ensure your trip is nothing short of magical.

Pin Me!

1.) Choose a Hotel Near Walt Disney World

One of the biggest benefits of staying offsite is the opportunity to save money on accommodations. However, you don’t want to sacrifice convenience and end up spending more time commuting than enjoying the parks. To avoid this, I recommend choosing a hotel that’s within a few miles of Walt Disney World. Not only will this save you time and money on transportation, but it will also allow you to take advantage of any free shuttles that may be available.

staying offsite

Caribe Royale is very close, and has great amenities including huge rooms!

2.) Look for Family-Friendly Amenities

Just because you’re staying offsite doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the perks of a Disney resort. Many offsite hotels offer family-friendly amenities like pools, game rooms, and complimentary breakfasts. Look for hotels that cater to families and offer the amenities you need to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.

    Residence Inn Flamingo Crossings has a great free breakfast complete with Mickey waffles!

3.) Consider a Vacation Rental

If you’re traveling with a large group or extended family, a vacation rental may be a great option for staying offsite. Not only will you have plenty of space to spread out, but you’ll also have access to a full kitchen and other amenities that can make your stay more comfortable. Vacation rentals are also a great way to save money on food by preparing meals at home.

staying offsite

Rent a small or large home from Reunion Resort and give everyone space to spread out

4.) Plan Your Transportation Ahead of Time

When staying offsite, transportation can be a bit more complicated than simply walking to the parks from your hotel. Make sure you plan your transportation ahead of time, whether that means renting a car, using rideshare services, or taking advantage of free shuttles. It’s also important to factor in travel time, especially during peak hours when traffic can be heavy.

staying offsite

Staying somewhere right next to Disney property like Gaylord Palms takes the guesswork out of drive times

5.) Explore Offsite Dining Options

While there are plenty of great dining options within the parks, offsite dining can offer a unique culinary experience. From local favorites to chain restaurants, the Orlando area has something for everyone. Plus, many offsite restaurants offer discounts and special deals for Disney guests. Take advantage of this by doing some research ahead of time and planning at least one meal offsite during your trip. You may discover a new favorite restaurant and create a fun family memory outside of the parks!

Caribe Royale has several different restaurants including an awesome breakfast buffet!

I hope you enjoyed these tips, please let me know if you have any questions about staying offsite! You can email me at heather@heatherslookingglass.com or catch me on Instagram at @HeathersLG

Related: Top 10 tips for saving money in Walt Disney World

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • 4 Things That Stop People From Exercising (And What To Do About Them)
  • 6 Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
✨ Cooking together, laughing together, and makin ✨ Cooking together, laughing together, and making memories that’ll last a lifetime. 💖 (ad)

The Pampered Chef Kids Club Box has been a total game-changer for us! 🌮 It’s more than just a box of ingredients — it’s an experience that brings us closer while building valuable kitchen skills, confidence, and even a little STEM learning along the way! 🔬

The best part? NO auto-renewals! 🙌 You can try it when you’re ready, no strings attached.

💌 Comment the word “kids” for the link to start cooking up some fun with your family!

#PamperedChefKidsClub @PamperedChef
🍹✨ Checking into Margaritaville Resort Gatlin 🍹✨ Checking into Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg feels like stepping into vacation mode the second you arrive! (Ad)

From the laid-back tropical vibes in the lobby, to cozy rooms with mountain views, steps from downtown Gatlinburg, a pool made for relaxing, and even a fitness center — this resort has everything you need for the perfect Smoky Mountain getaway. 🏔️🌴

Would you stay here on your next trip to Gatlinburg?

#MargaritavilleResort #GatlinburgTN #SmokyMountains #ResortLife #MargaritavilleVibes #GatlinburgVacation #TravelTennessee #MountainGetaway #ResortTour
A peek behind the scenes of what a school morning A peek behind the scenes of what a school morning looks like around here. (Spoiler alert, it’s not as glamorous as some people think!)

Just a mom trying to get her kid out the door followed by procrastinating about work. Then I end up working late into the night instead. 😵‍💫🫣

🚨 If you would like a 🔗 to the lights in my laundry room just comment with the word LINK and I will DM it to you! 

#adayinthelife #momlifebelike #behindthescene #contentcreatorlife
Some days I feel strong. Other days, I feel like I Some days I feel strong. Other days, I feel like I’m sprinting to catch up with a finish line that keeps moving.

Turning 40 has me reflecting a lot — where I thought I’d be, where I actually am, and what “success” really means. Who is in charge of making those rules anyway? 👀

I don’t have it all figured out. But I’m learning that I’m not behind. I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
And if you’re struggling with this too… you’re not alone. 💛

#thisis40 #confessiontime #enneagram3 #whatissuccess #momconfessions
Recently, I had the opportunity to enjoy EPCOT’s Recently, I had the opportunity to enjoy EPCOT’s new adults only bar, Geo-82. ✨ 

It’s beautiful, sophisticated, and very nostalgic. The attention to detail is astounding! 

You can even purchase a fireworks package and sip and dine while watching the show with the music piped in and lights dimmed.

My fave? The brown butter old fashioned, complete with spaceship earth stamped ice cube. 🧊 🥃 

Reservations can be made 60 days in advance on the Walt Disney World app, and walk-ins are not accepted at this time. 

I will admit it’s pricey, so something I would save for a special occasion! Very cool experience though and would 10/10 go again! 

#epcot #geo82 #epcotdining #epcotfood #disneyrestaurants
Some of the Halloween merchandise I found recently Some of the Halloween merchandise I found recently at Walt Disney World. The pink ghosts are my favorite! 👻 

What is your fave? 

#disneyhalloween #bootoyou #disneymerchandise #disneyhalloweenmerchandise #mickeysnotsoscaryhalloweenparty
Hot girl summer? More like cozy girl autumn. 🍁 Hot girl summer? More like cozy girl autumn. 🍁

Are you ready for fall? Share with a fellow autumn lover (or cozy outfit lover!) 

#cozyvibesonly #fallisintheair #hoodieseaon #fallisintheair #relatablemom

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d