As someone who’s been planning Disney World trips for over ten years, I’m excited to share all the fantastic benefits of staying at a Disney World resort. Check out these unique perks, and you’ll see why staying at a Disney resort is the way to go for your trip!
Staying at a Disney World resort provides exclusive benefits for an enhanced vacation experience. Here’s what you can enjoy:
- Early Theme Park Entry: Gain a 30-minute head start at all four theme parks to kick off your day.
- Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: Enjoy extra time in select parks on certain nights while staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts.
- Early Access to Dining Reservations: Make dining reservations for your entire stay up to 60 days in advance to secure hard-to-get bookings.
- Water Park Admission: New for 2025, free access to Disney’s water parks on your check-in day.
- Lightning Lane Booking: Book 3 Lightning Lane reservations per day up to 7 days before your trip for your entire stay, up to 14 days.
- Complimentary Disney Transportation: Complimentary transportation around Walt Disney World via boats, monorails, buses, and the Disney Skyliner.
- Free Parking: Free parking at your resort and the parks.
- Discounted MagicBands: Save on customized MagicBands with room charging privileges.
- Dining Plans: Book Disney Dining Plans and enjoy savings and convenience with meal plans.
- Disney Magic: That special feeling where the outside world disappears, and you’re fully immersed in a world of joy and wonder.
These perks are only available at Disney Resorts.
When I say “Disney resort,” I speak of resorts owned and run by Disney and staffed by Disney Cast Members. These resorts are different from other places to stay, even those on Disney property but not run by Disney. Picking the right place to stay is essential for an unforgettable Disney World vacation, and staying in a Disney resort gives you unique benefits that make the whole experience even better.
Disney sometimes includes non-Disney resorts in its communications, which can be confusing. It’s important to note that resorts like the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve, the Four Seasons, the Disney Springs Resort Area, and the Good Neighbor resorts are not Disney resorts, even if they have ‘Disney’ in their names. Most of the unique benefits I’ve been discussing are exclusive to Disney resorts.
Exclusive Access and Early Planning
Early Theme Park Entry
Imagine the thrill of getting a 30-minute head start at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. This incredible perk allows you to kick off your day with a burst of magic, enjoy popular rides, explore excellent shops, and grab a bite to eat without the usual crowds. It’s a fantastic way to start your Disney adventure!
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villas are treated to the magic of extended evening hours at select theme parks. These hours allow guests to savor the attractions, shopping, and dining long after the regular park hours.
Lightning Lane Booking
As a Disney Resort guest, you can book 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass and 2 Single Pass reservations per day up to 14 days before your trip begins. Non-resort guests have a 3-day booking window.
The extended booking window allows you to plan your Lightning Lane selections well in advance. This advance window gives you a head start on reserving spots for the most popular attractions. With the ability to book for your entire stay, you’ll save time and enjoy a smoother, more efficient park experience.
Convenience and Flexibility
Complimentary Disney Transportation
Staying at a Disney resort has the incredible perk of free transportation. Disney makes it incredibly easy to get around with boats, monorails, buses, and the Disney Skyliner. You don’t have to worry about parking or navigating traffic. Just hop on the nearest mode of transport, and you’ll be on your way to the magic.
Free Parking
Disney resort guests receive complimentary parking at their resort and the theme parks. This is a huge perk, considering the costs and hassles of parking elsewhere. Whether you drive to Disney or rent a car, knowing that parking is covered at no extra charge adds a layer of convenience to your stay.
Enhanced Vacation Experience
Water Park Admission and Complimentary Towels
In 2025, Disney Resort resort guests will enjoy an exciting new perk: complimentary water park admission on check-in day. Now, you can dive into the fun as soon as you arrive, with access to thrilling water slides, sandy beaches, and the relaxing lazy river. Plus, Disney provides complimentary towels at their water parks, adding an extra layer of convenience to your aquatic adventures.
Discounted MagicBands and Other Perks
Advanced Dining Reservations
One of the advantages of staying at a Disney resort is the opportunity to make dining reservations 60 days in advance for the whole length of your vacation, up to 10 days. By booking for the length of stay, you have a significant advantage in securing those hard-to-get reservations at popular restaurants, ensuring that your dining experiences are as magical as the rest of your trip.
Disney Dining Plans
Disney Dining Plans are designed to add convenience and value to your vacation. These plans offer several benefits:
- Convenience and Peace of Mind: With prepaid meals, you can spend more time enjoying the Disney magic with your family and less time worrying about meal budgeting. This setup allows you to say “Yes” to your kids more often without financial stress.
- Flexibility: There are over 200 dining spots across the Disney Resort, theme parks, and select locations at Disney Springs, so there’s something for almost every taste. Whether you want a quick snack or a fancy meal, the dining plans have many options to fit your needs.
Disney Magic
“Disney Magic” is kind of hard to explain. Some people say that if you “get it,” no explanation is needed, and if you don’t, nothing will make sense. Staying at the resort puts you close to the fabulous theme parks and makes you feel like you’re in a magical world where all your everyday worries disappear. Guests often feel like they’re cut off from the outside world. Here, you won’t see any billboards or hear about the daily news—it’s like you’re in a magical bubble, away from all the usual hustle and bustle.
Conclusion
Staying at a Disney resort during your Disney World vacation unlocks exclusive benefits designed to enhance your magical experience. From early access to the parks and complimentary parking to the ability to make advanced dining reservations and access the convenient Disney Dining Plan, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with complimentary water park admission on your check-in day and the option to purchase discounted MagicBands for effortless and cash-free transactions throughout the resort, it’s a package that’s hard to resist.
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