11 Reasons Why You Should Stay Onsite at Walt Disney World Resort

I always recommend to all of my friends that they should definitely stay on property at Walt Disney World if they can. It is definitely an amazing experience and full of great benefits. Here are the top 11 reasons why you should stay onsite at Walt Disney World Resort for your next Disney vacation:

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11. Themed, magical vacation experience.

It is hard to top the level of magic and experience that Disney provides. If you want the immersive Disney experience with a perfectly themed resort, then you will definitely want to stay onsite for your vacation. You get to be in the middle of all the magic and super close to all of the theme parks and happenings within Walt Disney World.

10. Complimentary transportation from the airport.

If you will be flying into the Orlando airport, then you will receive free bus transportation directly to your resort via Magical Express. There is a station at the airport just for Magical Express, and it is the first place that you will scan your Magic Band. You also receive free return service back to the airport.

9. Dining Plan options.

Only guests that are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort (and have tickets included in their package) can purchase Dining Plan options. These options make the vacation feel all-inclusive and allow you to budget for your meals in advance.

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8. Vacation packages can be paid down over time (with no interest).

When booking a vacation package that includes a resort stay and park tickets, the vacation can be paid off over time as long as it is within the required time before the vacation starts. Packages require a $200 refundable deposit (if cancelled within the cancellation window) and then you can make your payments as you can in any way that you like.

7. Free Magic Bands.

Every guest staying at a Walt Disney World resort location receives a free Magic Band for each guest. Once the reservation is linked with a My Disney Experience account, then the guest can customize their Magic Band color and the name that is added to the inside of the band.

6. Better booking windows for Dining Reservations.

When staying on property, guests will be able to book their dining reservations for their entire vacation right at 180 days from their arrival date. Guests staying off property can only book 180 days in advance each day, so they would have to log in every single day to make their reservations for every day that they are staying. This means resort guests get the first pick at many of the dining times, which is helpful when you are trying to get some of the popular restaurants.

5. Extra Magic Hours.

This is definitely one of our favorite perks of staying on property. Resort guests get exclusive access to a particular park either an hour before park opening or up to 3 hours after closing. There is a schedule for Extra Magic Hours so that guests know which park will offer the advantage on a given day. (Note: Park admission is required to attend Extra Magic Hours.)

4. Free transportation around Walt Disney World.

There is really no need for a car at Walt Disney World if you don’t have one. Disney offers complimentary bus, boat, monorail, and skyliner transportation that you can use no matter what resort you are staying at. You will want to become very familiar with the transportation options and schedules so that you can get around property like a pro.

3. Earlier FastPass+ selections.

Guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort will be able to make their FastPass+ selections for their entire vacation starting at 60 days prior to their arrival date. Guests staying off property get to start making these selections 30 days in advance. This is a huge advantage to get the popular attractions.

2. Resort delivery when shopping in the parks.

When you are shopping in the parks, you have the ability to send your packages back to your resort so that you don’t have to carry them around. You just fill out a simple form at the gift shop location and it will be delivered to the gift shop at your resort. You just simply pick up your items at the gift shop. This service is absolutely amazing!

1. Free parking at the theme parks.

If you do have a car on property and prefer to drive to your various locations, then you will be glad to know that you will receive free parking at the theme parks. This is a huge savings since parking at the theme parks is $25 per day now for standard parking. Keep in mind however, Disney does now charge for overnight parking at their resorts for resort guests.