I have stayed both off site and on.  I can't recommend on site enough- it's a whole different world!

We have stayed at the Pop Century, which is the economy level.  While that was just my DH and I, I would recommend it for families with children.  We were rarely there because we spent all our time at the park, but they had a couple nice pools, an on-site cafeteria type restaurant (so-so food), and as will all the on-site hotels, transportation to the parks.  The rooms were nicely decorated and clean, and perfectly functional.  We did find it to be a bit noisy.

Last time we went was the first time with our daughter (she was 15 months at the time) and we got a deal on the Port Orleans Resort French Quarter.  We loved it!!  I couldn't believe the difference between the two.  This is one tier up from economy- not the cheapest but not the most expensive.  The rooms were much nicer- nicer sheets, prettier decorations.  The resort was so pretty, and much quieter.  We'll definitely go back there again, maybe for our trip this February unless another hotel we are interested in is running deals.

When you stay on site, you are immersed in Disney.  I always feel like the cares of the world are left behind.  I don't watch the news, I don't get on the computer, and I manage to refrain from my smartphone except to check facebook.  You feel so much more relaxed. 

Since they have resort buses, you don't have to drive in and park at the transportation center, then go get on the Ferry or monorail and take that to the parks.  (Sometimes this even involves a transfer).  We spent an hour and a half just getting from our hotel into the park on a busy day.  That's just wasted time, IMO.

There's also extra Magic Hours when you stay at the resort.  Different parks on different days have extended or early hours only for resort guests.

Hope this helps some!  Feel free to ask me any questions, and enjoy your trip!

We have stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort.  Nice place, not the best, but it is not very expensive.

Tiffany thank you for all your insight! WOW! That really makes me feel like staying on property is the right choice with a child!

We are looking at Polynesian, Contemporary and Port Orleans right now!

Any tips on making it through the parks with a small kiddo? :)

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Tiffany said ...
Last time we went was the first time with our daughter (she was 15 months at the time) and we got a deal on the Port Orleans Resort French Quarter.  We loved it!!  I couldn't believe the difference between the two.  This is one tier up from economy- not the cheapest but not the most expensive.  The rooms were much nicer- nicer sheets, prettier decorations.  The resort was so pretty, and much quieter.  We'll definitely go back there again, maybe for our trip this February unless another hotel we are interested in is running deals.

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Thats good to know Christina! We are looking at Polynesian, Contemporary and Port Orleans right now- sounds like you were not overjoyed with Caribbean Beach. And that helps to know!

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Christina said ...
We have stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort.  Nice place, not the best, but it is not very expensive.

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We have found that taking a break in the afternoon and going back to the hotel prevents meltdowns and actually gives us more time in the evenings.  Even if your little one isn't taking a nap, it's nice to go back for a couple hours and chill out, away from the crowds and hustle and stimulation.  So a little bit after lunch, we head back to the hotel.  This is another great reason to stay on site- it's easy to do.

There are Baby Care Centers at every park (check the map- they are marked.  I think it's a pacifier.)  They have a nice changing area, a tv, microwave, bathroom facilities, a little store with kid items that you might have forgotten.

Go at your child's pace.  If they want to ride a ride again after they just got off, go ahead and do it.  We let our daughter be the decision maker with some guidance from us.  We went to Disneyland last month, and this meant that we rode Small World half a dozen times, but it's what made her happy.

I bring some of our own snacks- you can spend a fortune in snacks.  While it's nice to buy a special snack (we're churro fans), it's not nice to buy a snack several times a day.

Have something to do in long lines, even if it's a game of I Spy or 20 Questions.

We always bring our own stroller since it's more comfortable than the Disneyworld ones (the Disneyland ones are quite nice), but everyone is different with that.

I can't recommend character dining enough- it is a fantastic experience!  If you can do one of these, I highly recommend it.  I have pics on our blog of our last one at Disneyland.  At Disneyworld, we have done Minnie's breakfast at Cape May Cafe, but there's some other really good ones (the boards I mentioned are excellent help with that).

I'm trying to think of others, but I'm blanking right now.  :)  If I think of more, I'll stop back.

I also really love the boards are disboards.com for tips. 

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Shannon said ...
Any tips on making it through the parks with a small kiddo? :)

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