Amy's Top 10 Benefits to Staying at a Disney Resort

Amy - [email protected]

I will admit it: I’m a certifiable Disney addict. You could offer me a free suite in Orlando “just minutes from Walt Disney World” and I’m still going to choose to pay for a modest room on Disney property every time. Why? Here are just 10 of the reasons: 

1. Magic Your Way Vacation Packages – Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing how much your trip will really cost. Pay one price for tickets, dining, and accommodations before traveling. The only out of pocket expenses are discretionary spending and the tip portion from table service meals. This avoids the daily sticker shock of having to pay out of pocket to dine at Disney.
2. Disney’s Magical Express – Disney resort guests receive complimentary coach bus service to and from the Orlando International Airport. No need to fly with car seats. 
3.  Luggage Services – Disney guests can bypass luggage claim at Orlando International Airport and head straight to Magical Express check-in. Approximately 3 hours after landing, luggage is delivered right to your room and you don’t even have to wait around for it. When it’s time to check out, most guests flying within the U.S. can take advantage of Resort Airline Check-in. Check your bags at your resort and they’ll be waiting for you when you arrive at your home U.S. airport.
4. No Rental Car or Parking fees – All transportation around Walt Disney World is complimentary to resort guests. If you do have a car, parking is free. Off-site guests pay $20/day to park. Also note that Disney's Transportation brings guests to the front gates of each park. No half mile walk from the parking lot just to get to the front gate. No need to allow for an extra hour to park at the Ticket and Transporation Centre and wait in line for a ferry or monorail to get to Magic Kingdom.
5. 10-day Head-start on Dining Reservations – While anyone can book dining reservations 180 days ahead, only Disney resort guests get to book up to 10 days of dining past that 180 day mark. This is crucial for those nearly impossible to get reservations like Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom.
6. First Dibs at Fastpass Selection – Off-property guests can book fastpasses 30 days before their visit and must reserve them one day at a time. Disney resort guests can book 60 days in advance and choose all their fastpasses on the 60 day mark for up to 10 days out. This is the key to getting hot fastpasses like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train,  Frozen Ever After, Soarin' and Toy Story Midway Mania. 
7. Extra Magic Hours – Every day, one of the four Disney parks opens one hour early or stays open up to two hours after closing time for Disney resort guests and guests of select hotels on Walt Disney World property only.  This is especially helpful during the busier times of the year, allowing guests to experience attractions with much shorter lines.
8. Afternoon naps or swim breaks are feasible – When the sun becomes too hot and little ones (and big ones!) get tired and cranky, Disney resort guests can hop a bus or monorail back to their resort for a swim or nap – or both. Returning to an off-property resort is generally so time-consuming that it’s impractical to leave and return to a Disney park in the same day.  
9. More time at the parks – Many off-property guests find themselves cutting their park days short and missing the spectacular evening entertainment. They either need a break from park time or wish to cut costs by preparing their own meals back at the condo.  For Disney resort guests, faster access to the parks, extra magic hours, proximity for afternoon breaks, and Disney dining plans all add up to more time at the parks.
10. “The Disney Bubble” – There is just something magical about remaining on Disney property for your entire trip. You feel safe and sheltered from the rest of the world. Disney Cast members at all levels (aka “staff”) make your feel special from the moment you step off the Magical Express and are greeted with, “Welcome home!”  Many of us Disney addicts are just as in love with the Disney resorts as we are the parks.

The 3 Cabelleros at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort