5. Extra Magic Hours
Another fantastic perk of staying on property is the opportunity for extra time in the parks. At least one park each day hosts Extra Magic Hours(EMH)--either an hour before the park opens or two hours after the park closes. This benefit is for Disney Resort Hotel guests only. The Magic Kingdom has more attractions open for morning EMH's than any other park, so it would be a good idea to arrive early at the Magic Kingdom to take advantage of the morning EMH option. The evening EMH's let Disney Resort Hotel guests enjoy a different theme park on specified nights for about two hours after the park closes to the general public. More attractions operate during the evening EMH's than during morning EMH's, so evening EMH's tend to be more crowded. To go to another theme park, you must have the Park Hopper feature on your admission ticket to enter.
6. Shopping at Walt Disney World
There are over 300 shops at Walt Disney World, including Disney Hotel Resorts, Disney Springs, both water parks, and the four theme parks. You can charge purchases at any of these sites directly to your room, using your MagicBand. Leave your cash and credit cards in your room safe, and enjoy shopping with just a touch of your MagicBand and a special pin# given to you when you check in. Another advantage Disney offers to Disney Resort guests is the option of having your purchases sent to your room. This alleviates the hassle of carrying packages around all day. This service is available at any shop at the four theme parks. Just let the retail clerk know at the time of purchase and they will make all the arrangements. Theme park purchases can also be shipped to your home via UPS or FedEx for a nominal fee.
7. Outstanding Amenities and Entertainment
Each Walt Disney Resort Hotel has a host of amenities and entertainment for the entire family. There are horse drawn carriage rides, bike rentals, "Movies Under the Stars", catch and release fishing excursions, fun arcades, elaborate playgrounds, "Stories and Songs Around the Campfire", to name a few. For adults only there are nighttime entertainment venues, such as sports bars, nightclubs and lounges with exceptional live entertainment. There is definitely some form of entertainment for the entire family. Enjoy a day at the parks, then go back to your Disney Resort Hotel for relaxation, swimming, or some other fun activities.
8. Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan offered at Walt Disney World so guests can budget their dining costs in advance and possibly save money. There are various plans (at various costs) which provide guests with a set number of credits that may be redeemed for snacks, counter service meals, table service meals, or signature dining meals. The credits are stored on the guests' MagicBands with the receipts provided after redeeming the credits indicating how many credits remain. Walt Disney World guests purchasing a vacation package with a room and tickets through Disney are eligible to buy the Disney Dining Plan. Mobile ordering is now available at select restaurants at the theme parks and Disney Springs. Order your food through your "My Disney Experience" app, tap your phone to let the restaurant know you have arrived, find a table, then you will be notified when your order is ready for pickup at the designated area.
**Free dining plans are offered at select Disney Resort hotels and on select dates**