Surprising Reasons Why a Disney Resort Is Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash

If you need to choose between staying at a Walt Disney World Resort or an off-the-property hotel in Orlando, this article is for you. The cost of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort varies based on the time of year you visit and the type of Resort you are booking, but some details about the Disney vacation experience shine through year-round.

Sticking to your budget is essential, but if possible, I recommend you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. The convenience time savings are worth the expense, particularly for short trips. True, the cost of Disney dining, your Park Hopper ticket, and Disney Genie + do add up, but we think a Disney Resort Hotel is well worth the cost.

You’ve already heard about the perks of early theme Park entry, Disney transportation, and short Park commutes, but those are not the only reasons I love Disney Resorts. Some of these reasons might surprise you. This is why a Disney Resort is worth your hard-earned cash!

Simple Check-In Process

With Disney Direct-to-Room Service as an option for Guests, Resort check-in is a breeze! Online check-in is available 60 days before your stay. Guests check in online at home, and magic bands are mailed to your home before vacation.

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#disneycountdown Day 21: Time to do online check in and make room requests! #disneyplanner #disneytravelplanner #disneytraveltips

♬ Elevator Music – Bohoman

Just tap into your MyDisney Experience app on your arrival day to check the status of your Resort room. When your room is ready, you will be notified in the app, and you can head to your home away from home! Don’t worry; your magic bands will be programmed appropriately to let you into your Resort room.

No more waiting in line with a group of exhausted kids or juggling suitcases at the Guest Services desk in the lobby. Direct-to-Room Service is designed to make your vacation stress free from the start.

Note: Disney Direct-to-Room Service is available at all Disney Resorts. However, it is not available at The Swan and Dolphin Resorts as they are not Disney-owned hotels.

No Resort Room Keys

Magic bands are a big time saver when you are on the go in the theme Park or at the Resort. Thanks to magic bands programmed to open your Resort room, there is no need to distribute keys to your travel group and dig them out of packed bags at the end of an exhausting day in the Park. Touch your magic band to the door key card and watch as it magically opens before your eyes.

When it comes time to hit Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, or a Disney Water Park, your magic band acts as your Park ticket.

Morning Wake-Up Calls

Sure, you can get a wake-up call at other hotels. But only Disney Resort Guests get a wake-up call from Mickey Mouse and the gang. Mornings can be less than magical for Guests worn out from long Disney Park days, but it’s nothing a little bit of Disney magic (and Joffrey’s Coffee) won’t fix. Scheduling a wake-up call is quick and easy and leaves little Guests incredibly excited about answering that early morning phone call from Mickey Mouse.

In-Room Joffrey’s Coffee

Speaking of Joffrey’s Coffee, Disney Resort Guests can enjoy a cup of this Disney-specific coffee each morning. Value Resorts,  Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe Resorts all have in-room coffee makers with the official coffee of Walt Disney World stocked in the room. Again, other hotels have in-room coffee, but there is something extra special about savoring a cup of Joffrey’s Coffee on a Disney vacation.

In Room Disney Movies and Movies Under the Stars

Who doesn’t love a fun activity that is included with the Resort cost? Movies under the stars are available at many different Disney Resorts (weather permitting). Relaxing near the beach or pool as a Disney movie plays under the stars is a beautiful way to spend the evening. Guests hoping to relax in their Resort room can enjoy Disney movies on a Resort movie channel. This low-key evening is the perfect way to wind down if you decide to skip the evening hustle in the Parks.

Kid Friendly Pools

You know that Disney pools are showstopping for theming, waterslides, splash pads, and pool bars. But you might not know just how kid-friendly they are. Cast Members serving as activity counselors play fun music, lead trivia, and coordinate games of Marco Polo to keep kids excited and engaged at the pool.

Interacting with these fantastic Disney Cast Members may have your kids craving more time in the pool than the theme Park. Kid-sized life jackets are complimentary at many Resort pools. Going down the slide and floating around the pool in a life jacket is fun for kids and allows parents to relax stress-free poolside knowing their little ones are safe.

Easy Transportation Options on the Property

Walt Disney World Resort transportation is an incredible Guest perk. The ability to relax on the way to and from Disney Parks is a luxury that I love. Aside from being convenient, transportation is fun and a great way to see different parts of the Property without worrying about getting lost driving the roads of Walt Disney World.

Delicious Dining Options At The Hotel

Tasty restaurants that far surpass theme Park food standards are conveniently located at Walt Disney World Resorts. Guests need not leave their Resort to enjoy a great meal. Some of my favorite Disney dining spots are located at Disney Resorts. Trails End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness Resort, 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are some of my favorite dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort!

Packaged snacks to take into the Parks are available in the Resort gift shop, so there will be no need for delivery orders or late-night trips to buy food; your Resort has you covered.

Gorgeous Theming

Detailed Resort theming brings Guests into the magic when they stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. Magical theming ties together amenities, hotel rooms, pools, Resort restaurants, and architecture to tell a unique story. The detailed Resort theming leaves Guests with the understanding that staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel means you get so much more than just a hotel room. You are buying a bigger and better Disney vacation experience because the magic continues even after you leave the Parks.

Unexpected Disney Magic

Unexpected Disney magic abounds at Walt Disney World Resorts. Hidden Mickey faces in lobby art, expertly themed pools, Mickey soap in restrooms, and character-themed foods on the dining menus are all small touches that make a significant impact on Walt Disney World Guests.

 

The small Disney details are some of my favorite parts of Walt Disney World Resorts. Good luck selecting your Disney Resort Hotel for your next magcial vacation, you can’t go wrong!