The "Magic" of staying at a Disney resort

The Grand Floridian, a deluxe resort located on the Monorail system

            

When working with clients, we are sometimes asked what advantage there is to staying at a Walt Disney World resort.  Many times, people feel that they can skip the resort and save money on their trip.  While there might be a savings, we believe the pros of being on property far outweigh modest, monetary savings.  Not sure if you'll save, request a free quote.

Disney World has over 25 different resort options spanning from budget-friendly value resorts, mid-level moderate resorts, extravagant deluxe resorts and even a campground.  Prices range from $130-$6000 per night and depend on the resort category, room category, and travel dates.  Generally, you can expect to spend $200-400 per night.   

 Time - You will spend time traveling to and from the off-property resorts.  Something to remember is that Walt Disney World is HUGE!  It covers over 20,000 acres and is the size of Manhattan.  Time is valuable, especially if you have a short trip.  It will be less convenient to go back and take naps mid-day if you aren't close to your WDW resort.

The Skyliner Gondola

      Transportation - You have free transportation once you arrive at your Disney resort.  So, there is no need for a rental car.  The resort shuttles run every 5-25 minutes which varies depending on the time of day.  Some off-property resorts offer shuttles but they may only come two times a day or every hour.  And this is all if the hotel even offers theme park transfers.   

     If you decide to drive or rent a car to give you more flexibility, keep in mind that theme park parking is $30/day for non-resort guests (free if you're staying on property).  

    

     Money and Promotions - Staying on property with a package, which includes a resort stay and ticket plus the option to add a dining plan, makes you eligible for Disney promotions.  If these come out, even after booking, we will apply them to save you money.  Also, a package requires a $200 deposit and final payment 30 days before travel.  You can cancel anytime before final payment is due.  If you book a ticket-only reservation (and stay off-property), the full amount of tickets is due at the time of purchase and these are non-refundable.

     Early Park Entry - Resort guests are eligible for entry to select parks 30 minutes before anyone else.  Rope drop is only possible if you are coming from a Disney resort.

     Lightning Lane Advance Purchase - If you decide to purchase LL passes, you can do so 7 days prior to travel if you're a resort guest.  For others, it's 3 days prior.  This could be the difference between getting or not getting a pass for a particular ride.  Not sure what a Lighting Lane pass is, read more here.

The Beast at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom

      Dining Plan - You must stay on Disney property to purchase a Dining Plan.  If  you purchase the Disney Dining Plan, we will make those reservations for you as part of our free services.  Depending on your needs, the DDP or the simpler Quick Service dining plan, is designed for convenience and can be a way to save.  Check out this blog to find out if you'd benefit from a dining plan.

 Character Dining - Whether staying on property or not, you can still make reservations for a character meal.  WDW resort guests can do this 60 days before travel, others wait until 30 days before travel.  This might make difference of getting the meal you want to experience.

The "Magic" - As corny as it sounds, there is something to be said about being immersed in Disney.  If you stay on property, from the moment you arrive, you are enveloped.  Your off-property resort won't have Mickey-shaped waffles, Disney art, or  themed-pools.  No Disney gift shop, no cast members, and no whimsical Disney background music.  That special "something" disappears at the end of a long day visiting the parks when you pile into your car and head for your off-property hotel.  

Perhaps, one of the saddest signs of all times!

The "What if...." - I wrote this blog just one day after Hurricane Milton struck central-Florida.  Amanda, one of our agents, was visiting and offered a unique insight to being "stuck at Disney" during a storm.  Somethings we learned are that WDW has constructed buildings to withstand Category 5 storms, the resorts have generators, and maybe most importantly, Disney has a plan.  

Activity board at Contemporary Resort

After the theme parks and common areas closed, guests were sequestered to their respective resorts to ride out the storm.  It appeared that sufficient notice was provided about what would be closed and when.  The resorts that had interior access to a central lobby (mostly, your deluxe resorts) could access the amenities such as the store, arcade (which was free!), and restaurants.  Disney had a variety of activities to pass the time and once the storm has passed and it was safe, Disney start to shift back to business as normal.  

The theme parks were scheduled to reopen about 30 hours after they closed.  I added a couple of her photos below.

   

Extra towels and shampoo, furniture moved inside, and sandbags at the doors

One of the Monorails parked inside the Contemporary Resort

  

Carts and signs tied down for the hurricane

Lamps covered to prevent damage from debris

Don't forget to like us on Facebook.  Follow us here for more tips and tricks, not only for Walt Disney World resorts but all of the destinations we can help you plan and book.  And in case you didn't know this, our help is always free. ~Joe