Perks of Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort
You may be asking yourself, “Is it worth staying at a Disney Resort?” I’m here to tell you why I think it is important to stay on property at Disney World by showing you what perks you get when you stay at an official Disney World Resort.
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One way to enhance the magic of your Disney World vacation is to stay on property at a Disney World Resort. By staying in a Disney resort, the Disney magic never ends, you are safely ensconced in the Disney bubble. However, there are some perks beyond that too.
Free Transportation when you stay at a Disney World resort
While Disney transportation is free to all Disney World Park guests, there is free transportation for resort guests. This transportation will take you directly from your resort to the Disney World parks, waterparks, and Disney Springs. Disney transportation options include monorails, buses, boats, and the Skyliner. You won’t have to worry about parking, directions, or even driving.
If you choose to stay at an “off-property” hotel or resort your transportation to the parks might be free but it is much less regular or reliable. You may only have a few times a day to get to and from the parks. Disney Transportation runs all day every day!
Access to Early Entry for All Disney World Resort Guests
Guests of the Walt Disney World Resorts have the opportunity to enter all four of the theme parks 30 minutes early. Disney has recently announced that this perk will continue through 2024.
Take advantage of the free transportation and get to the parks in time to take advantage of the early admission.
Extended Hours for Guests of Deluxe Resorts
Guests of the Disney Deluxe Resort and the Disney Deluxe Villa Resort have the opportunity to enjoy extended hours after the parks have closed to other guests. This perk currently only applies to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, but this benefit will be extended through 2024.
Currently, this perk is only offered twice weekly, and you can see the schedule on Disney’s website here.
Early Dining Reservations
Resort guests can make their dining reservations 60 days in advance of their stay. This comes in very handy for character meals and popular dining experiences that fill up fast. Off-site guests are only allowed to book their meals one day at a time, instead of being able to book their whole trip at the 60-day mark.
Dining Options Close by
Speaking of dining, all of the Disney resorts have plenty of dining options for you to choose from. Most resorts offer table service, quick service, and poolside options, with the exception of Value resorts which do not have Table Service options. Your biggest problem when it comes to dining may be deciding where to eat…there are ten dining options to choose from at Disney’s Coronado Springs resort alone.
Themed Rooms and Resorts
Staying at a Walt Disney Resort means that you are comfortably ensconced in the Disney bubble for the length of your vacation. The rooms and decor of the whole resort are Disney themed so the magic never stops. You can find hidden characters in the wallpaper, upholstery, and pictures decorating the resort too.
Disney Resorts each has its own theming. From the Decades theme at Pop Century including the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s. Port Orleans French Quarter has a New Orleans Jazz theme with a focus on the Princess and the Frog movie. Art of Animation’s theme is full of animated cartoon decor.
Some resorts (typically moderate and deluxe) tend to have a more subdued Disney feel, with less bright colors and cartoon characters and more elegant subtle Disney touches.
Resort Recreation and special activities
Staying at a Disney resort allows you to experience all of the fun activities at the resort. These activities include movies under the stars, trivia, scavenger hunts, and games around the pool. Most of these activities are completely free, but there are some like t-shirt making and s’more making kits that carry a small fee.
I would encourage you to plan at least one “rest day” at the resort so you can enjoy all of the amenities that the parks have to offer. You might be surprised to see just how much fun you can have without leaving your resort.
Discounted Magic Bands for resort guests
With many Disney guests opting to use the My Magic Plus app on their phones you don’t really “need” to have a magic band anymore. However, resort guests can buy Magic Bands at a reduced cost before their stay.
You can choose the colors, and characters, and even have your name printed on it. You can use the Magic Band to open your room door, charge purchases to your room, enter the theme parks, and check in to Lighting lanes.
Because you are staying at a Disney World Resort you will get a small discount of around $10 if you preorder. It’s good to note that there are fewer design options if you order ahead of time, there are dozens of designs in the park but you’ll miss out on your special discount if you wait to shop in the parks.
Amazing Pools
One of the best features of Disney World Resorts is its amazing pools. All of the Disney resorts have multiple pools, and these pools are themed just like the resorts themselves are.
Depending on where you stay you may have access to multiple pools, water slides, splash pads, and even a lazy river right on the resort property.
Most of the resort pool areas also have something for the adults too…a pool bar! So you can grab a refreshing cocktail and even a snack!
Quick Access for taking mid-day Breaks
Another perk of staying in a Disney World resort is that you can quickly and easily access your room for a break during the day if you need it, or if you need to go in for a change of clothes or shoes. Florida temperatures can be super HOT, so it’s nice to be able to get back to your room for a nap (especially if you have young kids).
This is really handy if you head to the parks early in the morning and come in to rest or relax by the pool during the hottest part of the day. You can then head back to the parks rested and refreshed for more rides and the fireworks show.
There are Walt Disney World resorts for families in every price range so that everyone can experience the magic. Have you stayed in a Walt Disney World resort before or do you plan to in the future? If you have stayed at the resorts what was your favorite perk?
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