Should you stay on property at Walt Disney World?
My recommendation to friends and clients has always been “YES! You have to stay on property!” Don’t get me wrong, there are some other really great non-Disney options in the area, and many are becoming Disney affiliate properties. This means while they’re not owned and run by Disney, they receive some of the perks that Disney resort guests receive.
I’ve stayed primarily at on-property Disney resorts on our trips, but have also stayed at Disney affiliates and had a great experience!
There are a ton of reasons to stay on property, so I’ve pulled together my top few to help you in the decision-making process 🙂 Keep in mind, there are different tiers of Disney resorts with different price points (but all of them receive these perks), so find the tier that fits your budget!
1. Extra Magic Hours
Extra Magic Hours are a window of time in the morning or night when the park is only open to Disney resort guests. EMH are only offered on select days at select parks, so make sure you always check Disney’s website for the latest dates/times!
We always take advantage of this perk, and I encourage my clients to do the same. In the morning, it allows you to beat the crowds AND the heat – a huge benefit if you can get your group out of bed early enough to make it! And there’s nothing better than being the last ones in the park at night. It’s so magical walking down a near empty Main Street!
2. Complimentary Transportation
a. Magical Express: Disney offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Orlando airport from your resort. You need to register online in advance of your vacation, but it’s super easy (and free!). On your way back to the airport, you can even check your bags at your resort for your airline so you don’t have to do it at the airport. It takes a bit longer than if you rented a car or took an Uber, but as you would imagine, the experience of riding the Magical Express is, well, magical!
b. Service to/from the parks: Monorail, bus and boat – Disney’s got you covered! No matter what Disney resort you’re staying at, you can get to any of the four parks, two water parks and Disney Springs. They’re service is (usually) very reliable and runs frequently! Now you can track the bus arrival times on the My Disney Experience app!
c. Standard parking at the parks: Complimentary standard parking is included for Disney resort guests!
3. Full Disney Experience
Staying on property at a Disney resort keeps you immersed in the magic throughout your vacation. The Disney level of service is unmatched, and cast members go above and beyond to make sure your stay is extra magical. Every last detail adds that touch of pixie dust – from the special TV channels (we love watching Stacy’s Disney Must Dos!) to the Disney soaps and shampoos – it’s the little things that make your experience at a Disney resort.
What are your top reasons for staying on property at Disney?!