11 Reasons Why You Should Stay On-Site At Walt Disney World Resort

There are so many reasons to stay on site at a Walt Disney World resort that we simply can’t list them all here!  We’ve stayed at several different resorts on property, and have had amazing experiences each time – plus, we’ve enjoyed countless perks that all guests staying on site enjoy.  Here are a few of those perks, and some pretty convincing reasons why you should stay at a Walt Disney World resort!

11. Free Transportation

Transportation from your Walt Disney World resort to the theme parks and Disney Springs is a breeze!  There are a variety of ways to travel from the resort you call home to wherever you want to go, and it’s all complimentary.  Disney’s bus system is well-known, but don’t stop there!  Many resorts also offer transportation via the WDW Monorail System, Disney Skyliner, or water taxis, and a select few resorts are close enough to some parks that you can even travel by foot.  Try doing that staying off site!

10. Fun Extras

Not all guests are aware of this, but there are many hidden extra activities that are available at Walt Disney World resorts.  Some of these activities can be enjoyed at an extra cost, including horse-back riding, archery, carriage rides, fishing, boating, and a variety of sporting activities.  But many of these extras are completely free, and can be enjoyed at every resort, such as movies under the stars, daily games and prizes by the pool, and marshmallow roasting over campfires!

9. Disney Immersion

If you want the Disney magic to continue beyond the parks and into your hotel stay, then you’ll want to reserve a room at a Walt Disney World resort.  By staying on site, you’re fully immersed in Disney for your entire vacation, even after you leave the parks.  This is one of the most important reasons that Disney fans stay on property.  Why leave WDW each evening when you can stay in the heart of the magic, at a Disney resort?

8. Dining with Disney

Some of our favorite dining experiences are located in Walt Disney World resorts.  And when you stay on site, you’re just steps away from Disney deliciousness!  Each resort has multiple dining options at your disposal, and these can include table service restaurants, gelato and bakery items, bars and lounges, quick service food courts, and even pizza delivery!  It’s great to come home to your resort at the end of a busy day in the parks, and grab a quick bite to take back to your room.  And if you’re looking for pre-packaged food or snacks, you’ll also find items like popcorn, boxes of crackers, fruit, cartons of milk, and much more at each resort.

7. Disney’s Magical Express

And the complimentary transportation extends even beyond travel to the theme parks.  Guests of Walt Disney World resorts can take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, which will pick you up from the airport and take you to your resort – and you don’t even have to claim your bags!  Disney will pick them up for you, and deliver them to your room.  Complimentary return service to the airport at the end of your stay is also available, and you’ll even be able to check your bags at the resort to save you time at the airport.

6. Service, Disney-Style

Try as you might, you won’t find any off site hotels that can compare with Disney when it comes to service.  Walt Disney World’s service is world-renowned; we’ve travelled the world and have never found a higher quality of service anywhere.  Disney’s attention to detail is everywhere, and every cast member makes it their mission to ensure each guest has an exceptional experience.  You’re in good hands at a Disney resort!

 5. In-Room Celebrations

Another reason to stay on site at Walt Disney World is the abundance of options Disney offers to make your stay extra special.  You can pre-order a wide array of in-room celebrations, featuring favorite Disney characters or themes, and when you arrive, your room will be decorated and personalized to your tastes!  It’s a super fun way to kick-start your vacation.  There are holiday and seasonal packages, as well as small to over-the-top packages featuring snacks, plush toys, treats, decorations, balloons, character bedding and much more!

4. Magnificent Pool Complexes

No one does pools like Disney!  Each and every Walt Disney World resort has a fantastical pool complex featuring stunning theming that matches the theme of the resort.  It’s one of our favorite elements of a Disney resort, and you won’t find anything comparable off site!  Whether you want to relax in a pool featuring a gargantuan Mayan pyramid complete with waterfall, or whip down a sea serpent water slide, or even climb aboard a massive pirate ship pool complex, there’s something for you!

3. Advance Reservations

For many guests, getting the jump on reservations is a key reason to stay on site!  Walt Disney World resort guests can start making FastPass+ selections 60 days before their visit, instead of waiting until 30 days, like other guests.  For dining reservations, all guests can book 180 days in advance of each dining experience, but resort guests can book all of their dining reservations, for the entirety of their vacation (up to 10 days), 180 days before their first reservation!

2. Extra Magic Hours

Ahhhhh, Extra Magic Hours!  Those aptly-named magical hours that one park daily is open only for Walt Disney World resort guests.  This is the perfect time to take advantage of shorter lines for rides, in case you couldn’t get that coveted FastPass+!  The given park each day will open either an hour early, or up to 2 hours later – but you can only take advantage of the extended hours if you’re staying on property.

1. A Resort for Everyone

You may already have your own favorite resort at Walt Disney World.  But if you don’t, trust us – it’s out there, you just need to find it!  With a dizzying array of resort pricing options, from value to moderate to deluxe, there’s something for every budget.  And with such a range of resort characters and styles, from rustic outdoor wilderness to African savanna lodge to luxurious Victorian beach resort, your dream resort is bound to be here!  The only question is – which Walt Disney World do you want to enjoy next?