Here’s Why You Should (Still) Stay on Property at Walt Disney World

Disney fans are gearing up for several changes that could be coming soon to Disney Parks and Resorts with Bob Iger reinstated as CEO of the company. While no major changes have been confirmed so far, fans have been looking back toward the “old days,” and remembering favorite amenities and experiences that have been removed from Disney Parks for years now.

Many of these adjustments have made staying at a Disney Resort less favorable, such as the end of Disney’s Magical Express, and select amenities like Resort package pick-up, airline check-in, and Extra Magic Hours. We still can’t speak on if or when these experiences will return (and some likely will not) but there remains reasoning for why staying at a Disney Resort could be your best move for your next trip.

RELATED: The Hotel at Walt Disney World You May Never Have Heard Of

Close proximity to the theme parks

Unlike hotels around the Disneyland Resort where there are plenty of non-Disney hotels in walking distance of the Parks, Walt Disney World is so spread out that staying close to the theme parks could make or break your trip. The easiest way to stay closest to all the magic is to stay right on property, especially if you have the room in your budget to stay somewhere that is in walking distance to one of the Parks (such as Disney’s Contemporary Resort which is close to the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort or BoardWalk Inn, which is a stroll away from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.)

Even if your Disney Resort is not close enough to walk to a Park, it will still only be a short drive (or monorail or boat ride) as you are already staying on Disney property. (This can be especially helpful during late nights when you return to your Resort after a packed day in the Parks.)

RELATED: Monorail vs. Ferry Boat: Which Way Gets You to the Magic Kingdom Faster?

Complimentary transportation

…Not in the form of Disney’s Magical Express, unfortunately, though several replacements have popped up since the service ended at the beginning of this year. Guests staying at Disney Resorts, however, can take advantage of complimentary transportation (via, boat, bus, monorail, or Skyliner) between their Resort and the theme parks as well as Disney Springs.

Still prefer to drive yourself? If you stay at a Disney Resort, parking is complimentary at the theme parks. (There is a fee to park at your hotel, but it will likely work out to be less expensive than parking fees and time spent driving to the Parks while staying offsite.)

RELATED: PHOTOS: Airbus Receives Fourth Disney Plane Inspired by Daisy Duck

Disney theming

For Guests wanting to be totally immersed in the Disney bubble throughout their entire stay, a Disney Resort is the only way to ensure that this level of immersion follows you all the way back to your hotel room. While you may find some authorized hotels have Disney gift shops or Cast Members who can help with ticket sales, Disney’s top-notch theming can truly only be found in on-property Resorts.

RELATED: Could Resort Fees Be Coming to Walt Disney World Hotels?

Extra time in the theme parks

Perhaps the best perk of staying at a Disney Resort is the ability to spend extra time in the theme parks as this is exclusive to Resort Guests. It’s not Extra Magic Hours, but Guests staying on-property can enter each Disney Park a half hour early each morning, and Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts can stay in the Parks up to three hours after closing on select dates during Extended Evening Hours.

Advantage on dining reservations

Currently dining reservations for Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants can be made 60 days in advance. Resort Guests have a leg up on scoring the best reservations though as they are able to reserve dining for their entire trip right at the 60-day window. If you have your heart set on a certain hard-to-get restaurant, staying on property could be just the trick to getting that reservation.

Will you be staying at a Disney Resort on your next trip?