03/02/2022
When staying at Walt Disney World, you have the option to stay on Disney property, stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel, or stay off-site. I have done all 3. Like I always tell my clients and friends, there is not 1 way to Disney. Each trip can be made to fit your needs to make sure you have the most magical trip possible.
For me, the major pro of staying off resort is the convenience of a full kitchen. My family does not like to eat fast food and prefers to cook breakfast, pack lunches, and have something semi-healthy for dinner. Staying off-site I feel like you can more easily do this for a better price. Many WDW resorts have an option for a full kitchen, a kitchenette, or at least a mini fridge and microwave, but until All-Star Music Family Suites, the other options for a full kitchen setup would be in your higher priced resorts which many families cannot, or do not want to, afford.
âď¸The #1 reason to stay on resort - the âDisney Bubble.â
When you stay on-property, from the time your eyes open to the time they close you are surrounded by Disney magic. To me, this is what makes the entire experience. I could go to San Antonio, stay in a regular hotel room, and drive to an amusement park like SeaWorld for a similar experience to staying off property (okay, this may be a bit far stretched, but I feel this strongly about the âDisney Bubble.â). Watching my kids be in awe of life size Lightning McQueen or having Mickey Mouse in the hotel lobby - totally worth every penny. Who wouldnât want that experience? Stay on on property takes your vacation to the next level. To add - the cast members are all exceptional. You wonât find this kind of customer service at another hotel chain nor a VRBO.
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Early entry into the parks
Resort guests get to enter the park earlier than off-property guests. This means you have a better chance of riding with little to no wait some of the most popular rides. If you enter the park at opening, sometimes the lines for rides such as Rise of the Resistance or Flight of Passage are already over an hour long. No thanks!
đ Complimentary transportation around WDW property
Especially when traveling with young kids, the ease of getting around the parks is paramount. No car seats are needed (which means no reaching, climbing, etc by me!). Disney has made fun transportation options such as the Skyliner and the Monorail that almost seem like an attraction in and of itself. My toddlers love Disney transportation almost as much as they love some of the attractions. Also, if you drive your own vehicle to the parks, many times you will not get to park near the entrance of the park, adding steps to your daily count, and more time outside of parks for the day. Especially if you have young kids that you plan on taking to your hotel/resort for a nap, the parking lot can be a nightmare.
𼨠On-property guests get to make their dining reservations before off-property guests
If you want a reservation at popular restaurants such as Chef Mickeyâs or Cinderellaâs Royal Table, your best bet is to stay on property (this does not mean that if you stay off property you will not get a reservation, just much more difficult). Resort guests can book the entirety of their trip 60 days in advance. Off-property guests make daily reservations, 60 days in advance (which means waking up early to try to snag those reservations every day for a week sometimes!).
đ¨âđŠâđŚâđŚ There are room types for every family
Whether you want to stay in adjoining rooms or in a 2 bedroom villa, some Disney resort rooms can accommodate up to 12 guests. You can find a room for just about any family!
âĄď¸ This is a big one - Lightning Lane selections
WDW added Genie+ in October 2021. Part of this service are Lightning Lanes - this replaced the FastPass system of the past. Resort guests can make Lightning Lane selections at 7am the day of their park reservation. Off-resort guests have to wait until park opening for these selections, and sometimes they are all already taken by resort guests. It may be hard to experience Rise of Resistance, Seven Dwarfâs Mine Train, or Flight of Passage without a Lightning Lane selection. I just donât know if it feels like Disney without those rides!
đ Select deluxe and villa rooms have access to extended hours
All resort guests get to enter parks earlier than the public, but if you choose to stay at a deluxe or villa resort, you can enjoy the parks after close. This is a great way to ride some of those highly sought after rides that may not have been a possibility during the day - or ride them again!
Staying on resort is my recommended way to experience Walt Disney World. The magic that you experience is unlike anything else in the world. You are already going to WDW, why not do it âright?!â
