With so many hotel options located around Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, have you ever wondered why you should stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel? Disney offers over 25 unique resorts, each with it's own themeing and a price range for everyone! You also recieve some special perks when staying on-site. Today I am going to outline some of my favorite reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort!
1. Early Access to Fastpass + Booking/Panning** - When you stay at a Disney Resort you can reserve select shows, rides and character meets up to 60 days prior to arrival! This means you can get first dips on some the best and most popular attractions! Fastpass + service allows you to make 3 advance experiences per day, per park. If you decide to stay off-site, you can still make advance Fastpass+ reservations 30 days in advance.
2. Free Magic Bands - Resembling a bracelet or fitness tracker, Magic Bands are a plastic bracelet that can be used to make your trip more convenient! Magic Bands are used for:
your hotel room key
theme park tickets
fastpass+ check in
connect photopass images
charge food & merchandise*
redeem Disney Dining Plan credits
You are also encouraged to to customize your bands by choosing one of 7 colors and add your name or a word to be printed on the inside for free! Added recently, is the option to pay an additional fee, to upgrade to one of the themed bands
3. Disney Dining Plans - Dining Plans are a great way to pre-pay for your snacks and meals at select Walt Disney World restaurants and kiosks. Dining Plan are only available to on-site guests. Dining locations vary depending on what dining plan you purchase. But be advised, many table service meals (such as character dining) book quickly and reservations are highly recommended. Dining reservations can be made 180 days in advance.
4. Stay in the Magic - Here you can experience the detail, service and storytelling that Disney in known for! Each hotel has it's own theme, extra activities and pools! Best part?! Being in close proximity to all 4 of the Disney World theme parks, as well as Disney Springs and Disney water parks. This is also great when you travel with small children. This way you can take an afternoon break from the parks or even just the heat, without having to go too far!
5. Complimentary Transportation - This service can begin as early as when you step off the plane with Disney's Magical Express. The Magical Express is a motor coach that transports you from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World Property, at no extra cost. When you arrive, you can then take advantage of buses, ferries and the monorail, to get around the Walt Disney World property, also at no extra cost.
6. Extra Magic Hours - Spend extra time at one of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks each day. This perk is just for on-site guests! Each day one of the 4 parks will offer extra magic hours in the morning or at night, and the only way to take advantage of these hours is to be a on-site resort guest. This can be a great perk when late night extra magic hours are offered, as it does provide low crowds during the event. Do remember though, depending on time of year, parks with extra magic hours can get more crowded during the day. This is also a great option for guests with park hopper tickets, as you can start or end your day with the extra magic hours, and then hop to a less crowded park throughout the day.
These are some of my favorite reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel! What are your favorite reasons? I would love to read the comments below!
*credit card must be provided at check-in.
**experiences are subject to availability
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