Ten Reasons to Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort

Part of the fun and magic of Disney World is the incredible resort amenities! It is one of the reasons that we joined the Disney Vacation Club in 2009, as we wanted to be able to stay on property every time we traveled to our favorite vacation destination. With over 25 resort locations, I promise you’ll find that one special resort that your family will look forward to staying at! And, with accommodations ranging from campgrounds, cabins, tree houses, cottages, Magic Kingdom view, value, and deluxe…there is something for everyone! Go ahead and send me a comment with your favorite Disney resort! So, do I have you interested? Here are 10 great reasons to stay on property while you play!

1. Disney’s Magical Express

If you are flying into Orlando International Airport, your vacation starts immediately upon landing! Not only do you get to bypass baggage, but the transportation fee is free!! Your bags will be delivered to your room and you are offered another complimentary ride back to Orlando International when your vacation is over. It does require advanced planning and remember that pets are not allowed on the magical express.

2. Complimentary Parking and Transportation

If you are a Floridian or driving to Disney World, this one is for you, too! With parking at a whopping $17 per day at the theme parks, Disney World offers you complimentary parking on all Disney World property with your hotel resort parking pass. Additionally, if you feel like leaving your car parked at your resort, you can take an array of boats, monorails, busses and more to get from place to place. All of this is complimentary!

3. Magic Bands

While you can purchase your magic bands for $12.95 per band, Disney is still providing a complimentary band to each member of your registered party if you stay on property. They are reusable, waterproof and WAY cool. Your magic band is your key to your room, stores your theme park admission and credit card information, allows you to access your fast pass+ selections, connects to your photopass account and makes you feel like you are really part of the magic!

4. Extra Magic Hours

As long as you are staying in a resort on Disney World property, you will enjoy one extra hour at the theme parks either in the morning before the park opens to general admission or for up to a few hours after the park closes to the public. Your magic band is your key to the extra magic, as you must present it to be allowed on rides or allowed to enter the park early. Make sure you do your research to get the extra magic hours schedule so you can make the most of your time on vacation!

5. Disney Dining Plan

One of my favorite additions to my resort reservation is the ability to add the Disney Dining plan to my vacation. It allows me the peace of mind to not have to carry a lot of cash or worry about how much I am spending when I am eating. You can choose a quick service only plan, dining plan with one table service meal, or even the deluxe plan with 3 table service meals per day. Included in the latter 2 is the resort refillable mug, which also allows me not to worry about more spending. Snacks are also included depending on the plan you choose. Make sure that you look into the plan, it is not for everyone, but it is certainly a great addition for my family!

6. Free Wi-Fi

It amazes me how many hotels still charge for Wi-Fi access in these modern connected times, but the more I have to travel for business, the more I see that is actually the norm. Disney resort hotels offer free Wi-Fi, not only in the resorts, but in most restaurants and in the parks. This could prove very helpful for some cranky kids (and teens!) that want to unwind on their tablets and cell phones at night!

7. Entertainment

Not only is there always something to do, but Disney knows how to do it right! From pool parties, trivia sessions, campfires complete with smores, movies under the stars, recreational rentals including boats and bikes, sand beaches, beautiful pools…you will find something to do and have a blast while doing it. Some resorts offer tours, activity classes, cookie tastings, wine tastings, towel folding classes, animal night vision viewing and more. World class entertainment is second nature for Disney resorts!

8. Care around the clock

Cast members are ready to help and assist you in any way, whether it is 1 pm or 1 am. The front desk is always open and managers are always on duty to make sure that whatever you may need is taken care of when you need it. On one particularly bad night, I came down with a migraine at 3 am. I had a cast member at my door within 10 minutes with an assortment of items I could use to cure it. She even brought me bottle of ginger ale to make sure I had something to drink. Disney cast members are top notch in my book!

9. Restaurants

Though you do not have to stay on property to enjoy the incredible dining choices offered, it is really nice and convenient that you can simply walk a few steps to enjoy some of the most delicious places on property. If you are a foodie, it really can come down to location, so being able to stay at the Epcot resort areas along the Boardwalk give you an incredible number of restaurants within just a few feet of each other, and of course a simple walk to the World Showcase through Epcot’s second entrance. I suggest that before you book, you look!

10. Cleanliness and Comfort

Another major perk with staying in a Disney Resort is the real care and attention that mouse-keeping gives to the rooms. I have always felt very clean and safe when staying, unlike some places just outside of Disney. I also know that care and consideration go into keeping the pools, towels, linens, carpets and curtains clean. Being able to sleep clean gives me great comfort!