and my family and I have been enjoying WDW along with other surrounding attractions for years now that we wouldn't have it any other way especially with all the great properties that are available out there .....whether condo, villa, hotel room, suite, rental home.
I can't explain how much better we feel by having a larger room or suite for everyone to spread out at the end of a long tiring day of touring parks with all the extra added amenities to go along with it (microwave, fridge, jacuzzi, etc.) at half the cost of an onsite room while still having much left over to eat in restaurants, shopping, and miscellaneous.
I can't speak for others, but we have found just as magical of a time offsite if not more by being able to get a little added break from Disney and getting a change of scenery on the outside whether visiting some other Orlando theme parks as well as nearby places to shop for instance allows a chance for mixing it up.
In addition, the going back to hotel offsite gives us a chance to unwind more within a relaxed and leisure pace which is in contrast to walking around the busy hustle-bustle atmosphere of WDW.
We had always driven down in the past but last year flew down however still rented a car from the airport so for years now the family has been driving right up the street to WDW (5 min.) from location on U.S. 192 where we happen to be in great company alongside many other vactioning families along with across the way at Sea World, Universal Studios, different restaurants, etc. without any headache causing commuting hassles.
Also, its' neat to be nearby great grocery stores (Publix is awesome), drug stores, and wal-mart to pick up some things.
All of our stays have always been comfortable and exceptional offsite and we will continue to stay outside of Disney in many years to come whenever we are in Orlando visiting because the overall experience along with value can't be beat; hope this helps out some and you have a wonderful vacation!