In this edition of The Weekly 5, I’m sharing 5 reasons to stay on Disney property in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or Disney Vacation Club Villa. With more than 25 resorts to choose from, there’s almost certainly an option to fit your taste or budget.ÂÂ
Although cheaper rooms off property are generally available, the benefits of staying on Walt Disney World Resort property many times outweigh that cost savings. There’s just something special about staying in a Disney resort. From the time you wake up to the time you lay your head on a pillow, the magic of Disney consumes you. Here are a few reasons I suggest staying in a Disney-owned hotel:
1Free Resort Transportation
One of the biggest perks of staying on Disney property is the multiple FREE transportation options. These include buses, boats, monorails, and in the near future, gondolas / cable cars called the Disney Skyliner. Disney has also recently launched a paid Uber / Lyft type ride hailing service called “Minnie Vans.”
When using disney Transportation you don’t need to use a car seat, meaning no lugging heavy gear through the airport or paying a premium to rent a car seat! Beyond on property transportation options, Disney’s Magical Express buses shuttle resort hotel guests to and from the Orlando International Airport free of charge.
2Magic Bands
Magic Bands are your modern key to a hassle free stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. Provided to resort guests free of charge, these wristbands act as your resort key, park ticket, PhotoPass card, and even a form of payment allowing you to charge to your room. Since they’re waterproof, there’s no reason to worry about removing your Magic Band at the pool, waterpark, or in the shower.
When it’s time to order your resort Magic Bands, you have 8 color options to choose from. For an additional charge, themed Magic Bands and accessories can be purchased in most souvenir stores across Disney property.
3Extra Magic Hours (EMH)
Extra Magic Hours are times when select Disney parks either open early or close late for guests staying on Disney property. While not all rides and attractions are open at this time, most are, allowing for shorter wait times. Extra Magic Hours vary depending on the time of year, so make sure to check the full schedule on the Disney World website.
4Rooms In Every Price Range
Disney Resorts fall into three categories; value, moderate and deluxe. Value resorts can start as low as $95/night, with deluxe villas ranging into the thousands. While deluxe resorts provide a luxuroius experience, value resorts also have a first class Disney touch.
When staying at any Disney World resort, don’t forget to schedule your character wake up call. The kids will love it!
5Send Park Souvenir Purchases to Your Resort
If there’s one thing I guarantee about your trip to Walt Disney World, it’s that you’re going to buy souvenirs! As an added benefit of staying on Disney property, these items can be sent directly to your resort hotel. This means you don’t have to worry about carrying them around all day or taking up room in your stroller.
