As a Disney fan who goes all-out every time that I make my way to a Disney park, I can’t call myself “unbiased” when it comes to this topic. But that won’t stop me from tackling one of the most heated topics when it comes to Disney vacations: is it worth it to stay in a Disney Resort at Walt Disney World?
This is something that comes up time and time again, and I’m here to give you Darling Disney Duo’s view: stay on-property, you won’t regret it! Every time I think about going back to Disney World, I know I have to stay on property, because it is all part of a magical experience!
Stay On-Property: You Won’t Regret It!
The thing is, I will tell everyone I talk to, that the best thing to do when you go to Walt Disney World is to stay in one of the resort hotels because it will give you an experience unlike any other. Some people will definitely disagree with me, and think that your experience will be just the same if you stay off property. However, let’s agree to disagree. There are a tonne of advantages to staying in a Disney World resort and I won’t do a WDW vacation without staying on property! But why is that?
Each Disney Resort is a World of Its Own
Disney World is a magical world of its own. Not only does it incorporate the four parks, but two Water Parks; Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, as well as Disney Springs, the Boardwalk are, ESPN and of course all the resort hotels.
Why Stay in a Disney Resort? Total Immersion into the Disney Experience!
The resort you choose, determines the world that you are transported into. From the roaring bayou of New Orleans to the African savannah, all the way to the classic aspects of Atlantic city and every corner of the United States, you can find a little piece of a getaway within your vacation. No matter whether you are staying at a Value Resort or a Deluxe Villa, you don’t have to worry about finding little magical moments within your resort.
It is almost astounding how transported you become in a Disney Resort, and this isn’t by accident. Disney parks plans every tiny aspect of the resort, so that you truly feel as though you’ve stepped into something new. From the vegetation and architecture through the restaurants and rooms, your resort is a luxurious paradise that you’ll never want to leave!
Staying in a Disney Resort Can “Save” You Time and Money
The thing is, so many people head towards Disney World, and look at cost saving measures to do it. I get it, a Disney World vacation is expensive and throwing money at things you can’t afford is ridiculous. But, doing Disney World by staying at a resort will save you time and energy in the end. Plus, you get to enjoy the magic of Disney World from start to finish. There is an unexplainable feeling you get when you stay in a Disney Resort Hotel, and it makes your magical vacation even more magical. You will “seemingly” save a tonne of effort with free transportation and a variety of other perks. Bundling everything together gives you more bang for your buck with a vacation package too, even on a shoestring!
Being a Disney Resort Guest Comes With a Tonne of Perks!
There are so many perks of staying in a Disney Resort, and they all add up to an absolutely amazing experience. That is why I am going to list my favourite ones and hope they give you a real sense of the tangible reasons staying in a Disney Resort is a must-do on your future vacation!
The FREE Transportation
The first, and honestly on of my favourite perks to staying in a Disney Resort, is the fact that you get free transportation! Renting a car is great if you want the freedom to explore the surrounding areas, and I definitely recommend checking out a beach or two while you are in Disney World and Orlando, but the free transportation can’t be beat. You will get a guide at your resort and you can find the bus timetables to all the parks. Not only do the Disney buses get you there, but they also basically get you right up to the door.
The Magical Express is Absolute Magic
Besides transportation around Disney World, you also get your ticket on the Magical Express! Think of this bus like the Hogwarts Express, where it is taking you to a whole new world. Get off your flight, and you’re all set! Whether you are clearing customs or flying in domestically, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Just proceed to Disney’s Magical Express, check in and you’re on your way. You don’t even have to pick up your bags, because the luggage tag you get in the mail before departure means that it will magically (okay, someone will physically find it for you) appear at your hotel with you! This even works for international arrivals, just place your bag on the transfer carousel after customs!
The Dining Plan Is Only Available to Resort Guests
The Disney Dining Plan is Kenzie and I’s kryptonite. We live for this in a Disney World vacation, and think it is the best option for everyone, yes, everyone. I’ll tell you a little story, when I was 15 we were planning our first trip to Disney World, and as a high school student I was overeager and wanted us to get the best bang for our buck. So, I laid out the cost of the meals versus the cost of the dining plan, tips and extras prices. After a carefully calculated plan, I determined that if you are willing to spend the amount the dining plan costs, you can get way more than you paid. Thus, we went to Disney World the first time on the Deluxe Dining plan, and I’ve never had a more delicious vacation! See kids, this is why you study math.
Whether you do the dining plan for the cost versus experience or you do it for the shear convenience of tapping your band and getting your food, you won’t be disappointed!
The Extra Magic Hours are SO Worth It
An extra hour doesn’t sound like much when you are up from dusk until the clock strike midnight, but getting to explore the parks an hour before everyone, or stay an hour later is well worth it. I love the vibes during extra magic hours and you feel like you get to squeeze a little more out of your Disney World experience. I have had EMHs where we walked on to every ride in the Magic Kingdom (after running through the queue of course!).
Complimentary MagicBand, Because We Love Free Stuff at Disney World!
Who doesn’t love free things? Not us, we love them! And when you stay at a Disney Resort you get a FREE MagicBand. If you are from the US, you also get them sent right to your door, and that means you don’t even have to visit reception. You can just walk to your room and your band works as the key!
The Choice is Yours, But Disney Resorts are the Best!
In the end, you can do Disney for cheap. Eat off property, cook some of your meals, get a pretty Disney inspired AirBNB and you will love your vacation. But I love to tell people to do Disney all-out, because experiencing Disney by staying in the “bubble” is an experience you will never forget.
I agree, a Disney Resort is the best way to experience Disney. Also love the Dining Plan!!