Why Stay at A Disney Resort ~ Top 7 Magical Reasons

Why stay at a Disney Resort?  For many, a trip to Walt Disney World may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.  There’s a lot of planning to do, but the first and possibly biggest decision is this:  where should we stay?   Should we see if we can save money by staying nearby?

Orlando has a plethora of hotels and resorts to choose from, which is a plus for the consumer. You have many accommodations to chose from, and in an effort to stay competitive their rates are usually quite reasonable.

I feel strongly that guests should stay at a Disney Resort!  This vacation is a Magical, possibly one time only experience (*ahem* my husband would warn you otherwise… ha).  Consider the following Disney Resort perks closely before making your decision.

#1 – Cost Savings

If you assume that staying at a Disney Resort will cost you more than staying off site, that may not necessarily be the case.

There are different levels of Disney Resorts, with varying prices and amenities.  The Value Resorts are loads of fun, more than adequate to serve your lodging needs, and can often be the same price as surrounding (off site) hotels.  My family recently stayed at the newest Disney Value Resort, Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms.  This would be my top recommendation… we had a fabulous time!

If you stay on property and have a vehicle, you get free parking at the Disney Parks.  This adds up considerably.  At my last check, the parking rate was $14 per day.

Disney runs some fantastic, money saving Special Offers on their site.  These range from hotel discounts, to free dining, to “kids stay and play free”, to the legendary 2009 offer “Buy 4, Get 3 Free” (hotel, tickets, & dining! My personal favorite).  All are based on staying at a Disney resort, and can save you hundreds of dollars over booking an off site property, then purchasing food and park tickets separately.

When you stay at a Disney Resort, you can opt for free transportation on the Magical Express bus from the Orlando airport to your hotel.  Combine this with using the free, very efficient bus system to get to and from the parks, and you could be saving the cost of a rental car altogether.

Additional Magical Mickey Extras

#2 – Disney Dining Plan

We love the Disney Dining Plan, available to add on to your vacation package only if staying at a Disney Resort.  We added this on our first family trip, have continued to do so ever since, and in my option is a top reason for why stay at a Disney resort.

I didn’t add this under cost savings, because price wise I think it’s kindof a wash (you eat more than you normally would, but at a slight discount).   If you go with the Dining Plan, the best bang for your buck is to make Advance Dining Reservations, or ADRs, for Character Dining.  My family’s favorite is Chef Mickey’s!

Maybe it’s booking a bunch of fun restaurants you may not otherwise eat at, adding to the overall enjoyment of your trip.  Maybe it’s the “not even paying attention to the total” when the dinner check arrives.  Maybe it’s being forced to have dessert at both lunch at dinner.

Take your pick.  I love all those reasons.

#3 – Extra Magic Hours

Whether you take advantage of extra magic hours or not, it’s a great option to have.  Every day there’s a park that will either open early or stay open late, allowing only Disney Report guests to stay and enjoy.  This can drastically reduce the crowds, and makes for an exclusive feel.

#4 – The Disney Atmosphere

When I’m on my other-worldy Disney vacation, I don’t want to drive out at the end of the day… past normal blocks of businesses and traffic.  I’m there to forget that world.  I want to go back to my resort abounding with Mickey details and whimsical music pumped in wherever I walk.  It’s a total experience, and so much more complete and immersive if you just stay right there throughout the duration of your trip.

#5 –  Magic Bands!  (Formerly “The Key To The World”)

Former version:  when you check in, you will be given a credit card with a picture of a castle, your name, and “Key to the World” printed on it.  And it is just that, my friends.  Seriously… when was the last time someone offered you a KEY TO THE WORLD?

New version:  Booking a stay at a Disney Resort means you will be provided with a free set of Magic Bands for each guest.  You can customize them ahead of time on the My Disney Experience website, with each person’s preferred color and printed name.  They are shipped to you typically 1-2 weeks prior to your arrival date.  (Below still applies – they have the same functionality at the previous Key to the World.)

Room key, food payment (if on the dining plan), park ticket, charge card at gift shops … the list goes on.  You can go all week with nothing but the KEY TO THE WORLD in your pocket.  It’s a heady feeling, indeed.  This remains one of my husband’s absolute favorite aspects of our Disney trips.

#6 – My Disney Experience

Once you have booked a Disney Package (it’s considered a package when you book the base of a Disney property room + park tickets), there’s a fun and fabulous tool to track and plan all the details of your trip.  Just log in to their website and your full itinerary can be viewed under My Disney Experience.   This will include any dinner reservations you’ve made, which Disney parks you’ve earmarked to visit each day, any FastPass+ reservations you’ve selected, and an exciting, “# Days Until Your Vacation!” message.  (I just love that part.)

#7 – Never Leaving the Disney Property

It’s so incredibly relaxing.  Riding the buses and never having to leave The Happiest Place On Earth is another wonderful perk of staying at a  Disney resort.  If you can afford to stay at a Deluxe resort on the inner monorail route, more power to you.  But whether you utilize the Disney transportation bus, boat, or monorail… we’ve found that not having to drive is just wonderfully.  No need to search for parking, or argue over directions.  It’s a truly laid back sensation.

Why Stay at a Disney Resort – The Big Decision

So have I convinced you yet?  Watch for those Disney Special Offers, and be aware of the lower crowds and cheaper rates available during Off Season.

And if you are debating about whether to stay on site – please take my advice!  You’ll never regret that extra sprinkle of Pixie Dust it adds to your vacation.

*o*     *o*     *o*

If you have stayed at a Disney Resort – what is your favorite part of staying on property?