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Plan A Staycation Whilst On A Disney Vacation

It’s hard to find a vacation that hits the spot like a Disney vacation does. With a Walt Disney World vacation package you are guaranteed magic, excellent Guest service, and the making of memories that will last a lifetime.

Lake Buena Vista has something to offer for every one. For the adventure seeker’s the Disney theme parks have an abundance of rides and attractions to experience. Sports lovers can get their fitness fix through golf, including miniature golf, and visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. Water lovers can have lots of fun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks. Even those Guests who need a little pampering can visit a Disney spa, and treat themselves to some relaxation.

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Credit: Disney

Not to forget that the foodie in all of us is more than satisfied after indulging on all of the tasty food, sweet treats, and beverages that the Disney Parks and Resorts offer. And how could we forget the shopaholics? Even if you aren’t a shopaholic, you can’t visit Walt Disney World without browsing a store or two, especially with the choice of stores at Disney Springs. You can’t even stay away from the stores in a Disney theme park!

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Credit: V Mills

Phew! When you put it like that, you really do realize everything you can experience while on vacation at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s no surprise then that most of us need a vacation following a Disney vacation! You can have good intentions to have some downtime during your Disney vacation. Maybe just relaxing by the pool, taking a nap in your Disney hotel room, or even catching a ‘Movie Under The Stars’ one evening. The truth is you never really recuperate fully, from all the miles you’ve covered in the Disney Parks.

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Credit: Disney

But wait, we think we have the perfect solution! Why not take a staycation whilst on vacation? Let’s just say that we’ve tried and tested this, and it’s now become a must-do during any Walt Disney World trip.

So you may be wondering what it is and how we plan a staycation during our Disney experience? We’ll tell you just that, and let you into our little secret!

What is a staycation whilst on vacation?

A staycation is when you take a little time to stay elsewhere during your vacation. You don’t miss out on the Disney experience, you just get to enjoy it in a different way. It provides the perfect opportunity to take some time to rest and relax away from the Disney theme parks. Ideally, you’ll visit another Disney Resort on your staycation, encouraging you to immerse yourself in all that the Resort has to offer. It also encourages you to enjoy something outside of a Disney Theme Park or Disney Water Park, away from the crowds.

When should we staycation whilst on vacation?

You can definitely build a Walt Disney World staycation into a vacation at any time.

Our preferred time to take it is around the middle of a Disney vacation. You’ve had time to spend in the Disney Parks, and are just starting to feel the effect of all of those steps you’ve taken. Your feet and legs are feeling a little achy, and the combination of early mornings and late nights are catching up on you. A staycation can give you the perfect excuse to catch an earlier night than usual, followed by a lazy morning. We’re definitely not judging if you choose to take an afternoon nap whilst enjoying the pool area too!

The beginning of your vacation could also be a great time to take a staycation. You’re taking a vacation to escape reality and have some you-time, after all! Begin with a lazy couple of mornings and relaxing by the pool, and allow your body to get used to the downtime, before the magic begins!

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Credit: TripAdvisor

We can definitely see the benefit to taking a staycation towards the end of your Disney vacation. The only downside to this might be that you get a little FOMO! While you’re still in the Walt Disney World Resort, you may feel that you’re missing out on the Disney magic when you could be taking it all in before you head home. Our recommendation would be to take your staycation a few days before you head home so that you still have some time to spend in the Disney Parks.

Where should we staycation whilst on vacation?

We have four recommendations for a Walt Disney World staycation. With something to suit every budget, we hope that you’re inspired by the following suggestions.

A Disney Resort

Stay in a Disney Resort hotel that you’ve never stayed in before. This could be the perfect time to splurge a little and stay in a Disney Deluxe Resort. Let’s be honest, for most of us, a Deluxe Resort isn’t worth the extra dollars, when you plan on spending most of your time in and around the Walt Disney World Resort. But if you’re taking a staycation, then you can fully immerse yourself in all that the Deluxe Resort has to offer. It can also feel like a little sanctuary away from a Value Resort if that’s where you’re staying for the rest of your vacation.

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Credit: V Mills

Spend the day by the pool, sipping on cocktails. Dine-in at one of the Disney restaurants in the evening, sampling delicious food and drinks. Toast marshmallows at the campfire, and enjoy a Movie Under The Stars, or even better, watch the Disney fireworks without having to leave the Resort. Treat yourself to a lazy morning the next day, before enjoying breakfast from the quick-service restaurant. You could even order room service and have breakfast from your balcony.

A personal favorite Resort of ours to spend on a staycation is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. It offers pure indulgence in surroundings that are stylish and sophisticated, while still being magical. If you’d prefer a Moderate Resort, then Disney’s Port Orleans Resort gets our vote. Riverside is charming and idyllic. Why not choose to stay in a Royal Guest Room if Port Orleans Riverside is your choice? You’ll most certainly feel like royalty!

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Credit: V Mills

If you are staying elsewhere in Orlando during your vacation, book a staycation in a Disney Resort hotel for a couple of nights. This will allow you to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry into your favorite Disney Park, and experience travelling around Walt Disney World using the Disney Transportation System. 

Cruise with Disney Cruise Line

Booking a cruise with Disney Cruise Line could make for the perfect staycation. You are still right in the heart of the Disney magic, enjoying world-class dining, and outstanding entertainment and activities. A Disney Cruise offers a new level of vacation; one that every Disney fan deserves to experience. We have to mention the dreamy night’s sleep you’ll have on board Disney Cruise Line – the beds in the staterooms are something else!

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Credit: V Mills

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

If you’d prefer to escape to a beach to keep your feet firmly on the ground, then we highly recommend taking a staycation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Within 2 hours drive from Walt Disney World, you’ll find a Disney Resort sat on the edge of a white-sanded beach, overlooking crystal clear waters. It’s as perfect as it sounds! Feel the sand between your toes, splash in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and feel totally relaxed listening to the sound of the sea. If you’re looking for a little luxury, Disney’s Vero Beach offers you the chance to stay in a Deluxe Villa as the Resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club.

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Credit: V Mills

So what are you waiting for?

We hope we’ve inspired you to take a staycation whilst on vacation. You absolutely deserve that time to relax a little, without missing out on the Disney experience. We’re sure that once you take that staycation, it’ll become a little tradition for many more Disney vacations to come. And what’s more, is that no two staycations have to be the same! It’s your opportunity to try something new every time!

About Victoria Mills

Victoria is a Disney-loving, tea-drinking, Math teacher from Liverpool, England. Her motto is 'work hard, Disney harder'! Having taken part in the Disney College Program back in 2010, Victoria's love and appreciation for Walt Disney World only grew, and it's the place where she feels most herself - it's home!