5 Reasons We Love Walt Disney World Resorts

The Walt Disney World resorts are all amazing.  There is definitely a resort that will work within every budget and/or meet your needs for amenities and accommodations.  I always recommend browsing the different resorts and classes of resort to help determine where you budget is and what resorts are available within your budget so that you can make the right pick for your family.  No matter which resort you select, these awesome 5 reasons that we love Walt Disney World resorts will apply:

5. Extra Magic Hours Benefit

Every guest that is staying at a Walt Disney World resort receives the Extra Magic Hours benefit for no extra charge.  Not only that, the benefit is ONLY available to resort guests so it is limited in order to receive the full effect of the perk.  Extra Magic Hours is where one of the four major theme parks are either open an hour before scheduled park opening or stay open a couple hours later than scheduled park closing only for resort guests.  Every attraction, store and dining location do not stay open for Extra Magic Hours, but the major attractions are all typically open.  The resort guest must still have valid theme park admission for that park for the day, but they get extra value since they get additional time at the park.  Not only that, the lines are typically way shorter since it is only limited to resort guests and not the general public.

4. Amazing Pools and Activities

The pools at each and every one of the resorts are nothing short of amazing.  The pool areas are almost like miniature waterparks.  There are slides, water playgrounds, splash pads and huge themed pools with everything matching the theme for the resort.  The pools are so popular that you must use your Magic Band linked to your resort stay to access the pool area so that they can control other guests entering the pool area and ensure it is limited only to guests actually staying at the resort. Not only are the pools amazing, but there are also lots of activities and games led each day at the pool.  Each resort also has various other scheduled activities, too.  You will definitely want to check the resort schedule for your stay to see what events are hosted and work them into your plans.  These are a lot of fun!

3. Free Transportation

Once you arrive at the resort, you won’t need a car to get around anywhere unless you just prefer to drive.  There is free transportation to the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and other locations around Walt Disney World right from the resort.  The types of transportation available varies depending on what resort you are staying at.  You may have any combination of bus transportation, boat transportation, monorail, or the Skyliner.  You may even be close enough to walk to some locations, too.  You can even get to other Disney resorts by catching transportation from the theme parks or Disney Springs so that you can shop, dine and tour the other resorts, too.

2. Movie Nights and Fires

These are among some of our favorite events at the resorts.  Most nights at most of the Disney resorts there is a movie and fire offered.   At the fire you can actually roast marshmallows (bring you own or purchase a kit) and enjoy the fun of the fire under the stars at the resort with other guests.  After the fire there is a movie that is shown.  The movie will always be a Disney movie and the schedule is posted in the resort information so that you can pick the movie night you and your family are most interested in and see the show times.  Some of the movie nights are outside, and some of them are indoors.  The resort info will have those details for you.  They are a lot of fun and great way to relax after a long day in the parks.

1. Disney’s Magical Express

This can definitely save you a lot of money and hassle.  When you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, you are offered the Disney’s Magical Express service complimentary with your reservation.  This service actually picks you up from the airport and takes you back at the end of your stay.  Not only that, they will actually pick up your bags from baggage claim and put them in your resort room for you.  You can also gate check your bags from the resort so that you don’t have to deal with your luggage once you arrive back at the airport.  This saves you time as well as eliminates the need to plan separate transportation or rent a car.  We absolutely love the convenience of this service.