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12. Afternoon Break Especially for families with small children, it’s really important to have some downtime in the afternoon. Kids can’t be expected to get up early AND stay up late and still maintain a good attitude. Heading back to the resort for a little nap is not wasting time—it’s a strategy for making your time more magical.    

11. Stay Late As it gets closer and closer to closing time, the weather gets cooler and the crowds get lighter. That means that staying late can be some of your most pleasant park hours! Plus, you DO NOT want to miss the nighttime spectaculars (fireworks) at Disney. Yes, they’re late (that’s why you should practice #12), but they’re worth ...

10. Don’t Buy Water Bottles of water are overpriced. Cups of ice water are free at counter service restaurants. End of story.   

1. ADR Parking If you’re road tripping to Disney (or renting a car), the free onsite parking that Disney Resort guests enjoy is certainly enviable. However, you can still make the parking situation work in your best interest with some careful planning. If you make an Advanced Dining Reservation at one of the Disney Resorts, you are automatically granted free ...

2. Extra Magic Hours I know what you’re thinking. “What?! Extra Magic Hours are only for Disney Resort Guests!” And yes, that’s true. But, you can still use EMHs to your advantage when staying off-property. Think about it: all the on-property guests are going to be planning their park itineraries based on the EMH of the day. That means as ...

3. Shuttles Transportation on Disney World property is simple and comprehensive. Staying off-property can limit your transportation options significantly, but you won’t be completely stuck. Most nearby resorts offer complimentary shuttles to Disney World property. Check with your resort before booking if shuttle service is important to you since the level of flexibility can vary. Some resorts only make stops ...

4. Disney Springs Guest Relations One of the things you may miss by staying offsite is the helpful Disney cast members available at Walt Disney World Resorts. However, if you find yourself in need of face-to-face assistance, the Guest Relations team at Disney Springs is equipped to help with all your vacation needs. Located in the Disney Springs Welcome Center, ...

5. Grocery Delivery Many guests choose an off-property resort because it’s easier to find a suite with a kitchen. I know that making food in our resort has saved lots of money and time for our family. But who wants to make a dreaded grocery store run when you’re on vacation? Thankfully, there are several ways to get the food ...

There are incredible perks to staying on Disney Property, but for some it makes more sense to find a place nearby instead. When the best choice for your party is to stay off-property on your Disney vacation, these resources will make your stay even more enjoyable.      

1. Wyndham Lake Buena Vista At the Lakeview Restaurant in the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, guests can interact with Pluto and Goofy while enjoying an expansive breakfast buffet. And here’s the bonus: this is probably the most reasonable Character Dining experience you’ll ever find, with a price of $27 for adults and $13 for kids four and up (that’s right, ...