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When you begin to plan your Disney vacation one of the biggest questions that comes up is whether to stay on-site or offsite. There are many advantages to staying onsite however many people balk at the high price tag Disney resorts can carry. Why stay at a Disney resort when you can find other accommodations nearby for less? There are many reasons!
Enter parks earlier and stay later
Guests who are staying in Disney Resorts can take advantage of Magic Hours before general park opening and closing times. Every day select attractions are open longer at one of the theme parks. By taking advantage of this you can skip long lines when the park is open to the public.
The Disney Experience
When you stay onsite you’ll have Disney 24/7. From themed rooms, to characters onsite, movie screenings, to amazing dining experiences everything is in one place. Many restaurants at the resorts offer character dining opportunities. Taking advantage of this you’ll have more interaction than you would at a park character dining experience. You can also enjoy a variety of entertainment right onsite.
Transportation
Whether you drive or fly to the resort Disney has you covered. When you stay at a Disney resort there is complimentary airport pick up and drop off at Orlando International. You’ll also be able to go to and from any of the parks. If you decide to drive parking at resorts and at the park is also complimentary. This can be a big cost savings and should be included in your calculations when making a choice.
All inclusive meal plans
Eating takes up a big chunk of a vacation budget. There are a variety of Magic Your Way vacation packages that include dining. At the high end the platinum package with exclusive benefits and experiences as well as 3 meals a day and 2 snacks at either a table service or quick service restaurant. At the lower end you’re entitled to 2 meals a day and 1 snack at quick service restaurants. Any of these options are available in the resort or in the parks. There are several other meal plans in between these options.
Plenty of Choices
There are twenty-five Disney resorts and different price points – that means there’s something available for every family and budget. While some people prefer to stay in a resort like the Grand Floridian that has a more sophisticated feel, others opt for sleeping in a the cabins at Fort Wilderness.
Disney also has many options for families of all sizes. No two families are the same so why should every vacation be identical.
Have you noticed additional benefits to staying at a Disney Resort?
We’ve never been to Disney, although I’ve always wanted to go the pennies will not allow. I have had the travel brochures in the past and would definitely stay in a Disney hotel, why would you not want to, it makes the trip extra special.
I didn’t know Disney had all inclusive meal plans. Someday I would like to re-visit and stay at one of the resorts. Thanks for the info!
I totally want to gooooo… We have so many relatives in Florida and keep saying it will be a priority this year but never seems to be…Some day.
I have always wanted to stay at one of the resorts. Maybe this year.
I would like an all inclusive meal package. We love to eat well!
The only time I was at Disney was when I was visiting my Mom and we did a day trip. I have no children so I doubt i would actually go there for a vacation.
I usually stay on the monorail line, and it makes my life so much easier. It’s especially nice at the end of the day when you’re wiped out. You can get back to bed faster!
Great information indeed. I have only been to Disney World twice and both times we stay off site. It is an all around better experience to stay on site through is what I am finding out. Thanks for sharing.
You had me at cookie. LOL. I’ve stayed at a few Disney Resorts and have always enjoyed my stay. The perks you listed here really do make a difference.