When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, one of the biggest decisions is whether to stay on or off Disney property. While off-site accommodations may seem appealing, Disney Resort hotels offer exclusive perks that enhance convenience, immersion, and overall enjoyment.
From seamless transportation to unique resort amenities, here are ten compelling reasons why staying at a Disney Resort hotel is worth it.
1. Complimentary Disney Transportation
Getting around Walt Disney World can be daunting, but Disney Resort guests enjoy complimentary transportation throughout the property. Whether it’s the monorail, boats, buses, or the Disney Skyliner, guests can easily travel between resorts, theme parks, and Disney Springs without needing a rental car or rideshare service.
- Monorail: Offers direct access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT from select Deluxe Resorts.
- Disney Skyliner: Provides a scenic ride connecting select resorts with EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Boat and Bus Services: Convenient options for reaching all parks and Disney Springs.
2. Early Theme Park Entry for Resort Guests
One of the best perks of staying at a Disney Resort is early theme park entry. Resort guests can enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the general public every day, allowing them to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.
Pro Tip:
- Arrive early and head straight to high-demand rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway before the crowds arrive.
3. Extended Evening Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests
Guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas enjoy extended evening hours on select nights at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. This exclusive perk allows for extra ride time with fewer guests, making it an excellent way to experience top attractions at night.
Current Extended Evening Hours Locations:
- Magic Kingdom: Attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run, and Space Mountain.
- EPCOT: Attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
4. Proximity to Theme Parks
Staying on property means being closer to the action. Many Disney Resort hotels are just steps away from theme parks, allowing for midday breaks, easier park-hopping, and quick access to dining reservations.
- Magic Kingdom Resorts: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
- EPCOT & Hollywood Studios Resorts: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.
- Animal Kingdom Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers breathtaking views of wildlife right outside your window.
5. Early Access to Lightning Lane Selections
Disney Resort guests can purchase and select individual Lightning Lane attractions starting at 7:00 AM, giving them a major advantage over off-site guests who must wait until park opening.
This early access is especially helpful for securing high-demand rides like:
- TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
6. Exclusive Dining & Advanced Reservations
Dining at Disney is a major part of the experience, and resort guests get a head start on reservations. On-site guests can book dining reservations for their entire stay (up to 10 days) 60 days in advance, giving them priority access to high-demand restaurants.
Must-Try Dining Experiences:
- Wish Makers Enchanted Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
- Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom.
- Space 220 at EPCOT.
7. Themed Resorts & Immersive Storytelling
Every Disney Resort hotel is themed to perfection, offering an immersive atmosphere that extends the magic beyond the parks.
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Brings beloved animated films to life with themed rooms and larger-than-life character sculptures.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Offers an African safari experience with views of zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife from the resort’s balconies.
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Features a relaxing tropical vibe with Skyliner access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
8. Exclusive Resort Activities & Entertainment
Disney Resort hotels offer more than just a place to sleep—they provide a full vacation experience with exclusive entertainment, pools, and recreational activities.
Fun Resort Perks:
- Movie Under the Stars: Enjoy a Disney classic outside under the night sky.
- Campfire Activities: Roast marshmallows and participate in storytelling sessions.
- Themed Pools: Experience massive resort pools with waterslides, splash zones, and cabanas.
- Character Dining: Meet Disney characters without waiting in theme park lines.
9. Shopping & Exclusive Merchandise
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels have access to exclusive resort merchandise and special souvenirs.
Popular locations include:
- Curiouser Clothiers at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- La Boutique at Riviera Resort
- BouTiki at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
10. The Ultimate Disney Experience
Finally, staying at a Disney Resort hotel means you never have to leave the magic. From the moment you check in, you’re fully immersed in the Disney experience, from cast member interactions to resort-exclusive perks.
Ready to plan your Disney stay? With so many benefits, choosing a Disney Resort hotel ensures a stress-free, fun-filled, and unforgettable vacation!
Which Disney Resort is Your Favorite?
Tell us in the comments below! Have you stayed on property before, or do you prefer off-site accommodations?
