Disney Resorts: 10 Reasons to Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel by Mary Vaughan


Disney Resorts: 10 Reasons to Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel

Thinking about booking at an offsite hotel on your Disney vacation? Before you book, read on to learn why you may want to stay at a Walt Disney World resort

  • Convenience: The parks are huge and it's a ton of walking. Being able to head back to your resort when you need a little break to swim and relax during the day is a huge component to enjoying your time.
  • Free Airport Transportation: Disney offers the Magical Express shuttle, so when you fly in and out of Orlando International Airport you can ride the bus for free to and from your resort.
  • Free Magicbands: Disney sends personalized bands in the mail before your trip.
  • The Dining Plan: A great option to add to your vacation package to save money on meals.
  • Disney Magic: The way the resorts smell, the atmosphere, the theming. 
  • FastPass Booking Date: Resort guests can book FastPasses 60 days in advance while those staying off property can book them 30 days in advance and options are often limited by then.
  • Magic Hours: Each day at least one theme park opens early or stays open late for resort guests only.
  • Resort Charging Privileges and Package Delivery: You can link those free MagicBands to your credit card with a secure pin code so no need to carry your wallet and any shopping can be sent right to your resort so you don't need to carry it around all day.
  • Complimentary Resort Transportation: Resort guests can use resort buses, boats and the monorail to get around Disney property for free.
  • Dining Reservations 180 Days Out: Everyone can book at the 180-day mark, but the difference of the booking when staying on site is on the 180-day mark you can book that day plus 10 additional days, which, for a lot of guests, will cover their entire trip. When you stay off site you have to book each day separately so those popular reservations become harder to get. 

(Side note: The Swan & Dolphin resorts and some Disney Springs area hotels do get a few of these perks.)

Photo (main): Walt Disney World's Port Orleans Resort 

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Elisa Schmitz
I absolutely love staying on property in one of the fabulous Disney resorts! It is part of the magic of Disney World. Thank you for your insights, Mary Vaughan !
Ann Marie Patitucci
Love your Disney tips, Mary Vaughan ! Thank you!

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