DisneyDining Disney Dining Plan and Reviews
Where to stay at Walt Disney World will be one of the most important vacation decisions you make. Thereās a lot of misinformation out there about Disney resorts, so whether youāre deciding to stay on or off property, or debating the merits of different Disney resorts, youāll need to have the right information. Here are some lies you shouldnāt believe about Disney resorts, along with some truths to help you make your decision.
1. Too Expensive
One of the most common lies we hear about Disney resorts is that theyāre just too expensive. But the price youāll pay to stay on property varies widely, depending on the time of year and specific resort youāre staying at ā like everything else at WDW, itās possible to get a great deal, if you do your research! And if staying at a deluxe resort is still out of your price range, itās worth looking at moderate and value resorts, especially if youāre really only using the resort as a place to crash, and donāt need any bells and whistles.
2. Itās Better to Stay Off Property
You might save a bit of money staying off property, itās true.Ā But youāll also lose out on a lot of perks that make it worth staying at a Disney resort.Ā Transportation to and from your hotel will take much longer if you stay off property, which will quickly become a factor, especially if you have kids and are spending long days in the parks. Thereās also the benefit of enjoying Disney service at your resort, and keeping the Disney magic going, even beyond the parks!
3. Theyāre Just for Sleeping
Sure, if youāre spending 12 hour days in the parks, you might only need a place to lay your head at night. But thereās so much more to do at a Walt Disney World resort! In fact, each vacation, we plan to spend one full day in the resorts, so we can take advantage of activities like archery, fishing, hiking, carriage and wagon rides, and more. Oh, and donāt forget to check out all of your resortās pools ā thatās worth a day in itself!
For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact our sponsor Magical Vacation Planner by calling: 1(407)442-0289
Or for a free no obligation quote with new bookings you can fill out the form by Clicking HERE!
4. The Best Food is Outside of the Resorts
Many people bypass Walt Disney World resort dining for options inside the parks, or at Disney Springs. But donāt be fooled ā some of the best restaurants on property are located in Disney resorts, and theyāre well worth making the effort, regardless of where youāre staying. Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disneyās Yacht Club Resort, Topolino’s Terrace ā Flavors of the Riviera at Disneyās Riviera Resort, and Jiko ā The Cooking Place at Disneyās Animal Kingdom Lodge are just a few gems to get you started.
5. Thereās Nothing to do For Free
Believe it or not, there are plenty of completely free things to do at Walt Disney World resorts. Watching movies under the stars (and from your resortās pool), evening campfires, safari animal viewing, animation classes, live music, and seasonal activities like trick-or-treating and gingerbread house viewing are just some of the complimentary activities at Disney resorts. Check with your resort for more details!
6. One Vacation, One Resort
Still holding onto those dreams of staying at the Grand Floridian or Yacht Club, but donāt have the budget? Well, a little-known fact about Disney resorts is that you can stay at multiple resorts during the same vacation (theyāll even transfer your luggage to your next resort for free!), allowing you to get a taste of a deluxe level resort for a night or two, while staying at a more affordable resort for the rest of your trip.
7. Stay at One Resort and Use the Pool at a Different Resort
While resort hopping is highly recommended and allows you to enjoy many experiences at Disney resorts youāre not staying at, one thing you wonāt be able to do is pool hop ā in most cases. If youāre staying at one of the three All-Star Resorts (Music, Movies or Sports), you can use any of the pools at any of these resorts. Similarly, if youāre saying at one of the Port Orleans Resorts (French Quarter or Riverside), you can also use pools at either resort. Otherwise, youāll have to be happy with admiring the pools at other Disney resorts from a distance, and swimming in your resortās pools!
8. Canāt Walk From Resorts to Parks
Youāll be doing a lot of walking at Walt Disney World, so youāll probably take advantage of WDWās complimentary transportation. But for those who really like walking, there are a few resorts that are within walking distance of a theme park or two. Disneyās Contemporary Resort is a quick stroll from Magic Kingdom, for example, and any of the Epcot area resorts are within walking distance of Hollywood Studios and Epcot (plus Disneyās BoardWalk). As soon as the new path is completed, youāll also be able to walk from Magic Kingdom to Disneyās Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!
9. Resort Gift Shops Are All the Same
Itās tempting to think that if youāve seen one Walt Disney World Resort gift shop, youāve seen them all. But itās not true! While there is of course some overlap in merchandise, each resort gift shop also carries items specific to that resort, allowing guests to commemorate their resort experiences. Looking for an Aloha Mickey shirt? Head to Disneyās Polynesian Village Resort. Want to take home music by The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra? Youāll only find it at Disneyās Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Loving that Fort Wilderness camper keychain with working headlight? Well, you get the picture!
10. Monorail Resort Loop is Only for Guests
Thankfully, you donāt have to be staying at one of the monorail resorts in order to ride the monorail loop for free! Resort hop to your heartās content by riding the Resort Loop to Disneyās Polynesian Villages Resort, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Contemporary Resort. The Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center are also on the same line.
