I remember going to Walt Disney World as a child. We would drive down to Florida in the family station wagon - no seat belts, of course. We stayed at a motel right off the highway, and we’d drive to the Magic Kingdom one day, and then Epcot the next. Each day we’d try to see and do everything. I loved every minute...don’t get me wrong. However, it was only when I was an adult, and visited with my own family, that I truly came to appreciate the experience of staying onsite at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Whether you’re planning a 2-day or 2-week trip to Walt Disney World, staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is the way to go. Here are the top 5 reasons why:
1. Complimentary Transportation
The Magical Express is a complimentary bus service which shuttles Disney Resort guests and their luggage between their hotel and Orlando International Airport (MCO). You can relax and enjoy the stress-free ride to and from your hotel.
Guests at a Disney Resort hotel have access to resort transportation via bus, boat, or aboard the world-famous monorail. Different hotels provide different modes of transportation. Regardless of where you are headed, be it one of the parks, a Disney Resort hotel, or Disney Springs (formerly known as, Downtown Disney), your transportation is covered.
Complimentary transportation means no added cost for a car rental or taxi.
2. Extra Time to Plan and Play
You don’t want to miss out on any of your favourite Walt Disney World attractions. Guests staying onsite have the benefit of booking their FastPasses 60 days in advance, compared to the 30-day booking window for offsite guests. This helps to ensure that you see and do everything you want.
Guests staying onsite also get more time to play with Extra Magic Hours. Enjoy access to select attractions at one Theme Park each day, beyond regular operating hours. Our family loves visiting the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean after midnight, at the Magic Kingdom during Extra Magic Hours.
Also, staying onsite means anywhere you'd like to go, is a short trip away. If you've ever had to park your car in the Magic Kingdom lot, then take the trolley to the monorail (or ferry) terminal - followed by the ride into the Magic Kingdom park - you'll truly appreciate the proximity of an onsite hotel. So much time is saved, making it easier to return to your hotel. After a morning at the park, you could enjoy a nap or dip in the pool, before getting back to the parks again in the evening.
All this means more time for you to play!
3. Dining Plans
For guests staying on site, Walt Disney World offers a variety of affordable, and money-saving, dining plan options. The dining plans allow guests to enjoy a variety of culinary delights at over 100 dining locations across the Walt Disney World Resort...not to mention those fantastic snack credits. Dole Whip anyone?
4. Complimentary MagicBands
MagicBands are the centre of your MyMagic+ experience. This colourful plastic band worn on your wrist allows you entry into the parks, unlocks your Disney Resort hotel room, pays for food and merchandise, and gives you FastPass+ access to anything you’ve booked online. Guests that stay onsite receive complimentary MagicBands.
5. Complimentary Disney Merchandise Delivery
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can arrange to have any merchandise they purchase, delivered right to their hotel. This allows you to enjoy the rest of your time at the parks, without the hassle of lugging around bags.
When it comes to planning that magical Disney World vacation, staying onsite is a must! The Disney World Resort provides a variety of accommodations, from value to moderate to deluxe, that will meet any guest’s needs.
Regardless of the length of your stay or the size of your budget, a Disney World Resort hotel is the way to go!
Contact me at Enchanted Travel and let's explore all of the onsite accommodation options at the Walt Disney World Resort!