'; Benefits of Staying on Property at Walt Disney World, part one
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Friday 29 March 2024
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Benefits of Staying on Property at Walt Disney World, part one

While the irony of starting our “Staying Off Property at Walt Disney World” series with a couple articles stating all the reasons why you SHOULD stay ON property has not escaped me, I felt it was the most appropriate place to start. I don’t deny there aren’t some amazing reasons to stay on property. We absolutely love staying on property – and here’s why.

Disney Transportation

Transportation when staying on property at Walt Disney World

Photo by Disney Memories Through Photography

Okay, this is actually a pro and a con (we’ll address the cons in a later article). The pros… We’ll start with Disney’s Magical Express which is a complimentary airport service. When you arrive at Orlando International airport, all you have to do is head down to the Magical Express Welcome Center and prepare to be taken to your resort. The Magical Express Service will collect your bags from baggage claim and take them to your room for you. Disney assures that your bags will be in your room within three hours of checking into your resort. Instead of messing with a rental car, the Magical Express bus will take you right to your Disney resort – no fighting with Orlando traffic or a GPS to figure out where you’re going. If that wasn’t enough, some airlines allow you to check-in for your return flight right from your resort. Checking in at the resort also means that they take care of making sure your bags make it to the airport and where they need to go so you have them waiting when you get home.

Once you’ve arrived at your resort and are ready to head to the parks, Disney offers complimentary resort transportation. There buses (and sometimes boats) will pick you up right from your resort and take you to any of the four major theme parks, water parks, or Downtown Disney. Not only do you avoid paying for parking, you also avoid the tram ride in. Disney buses drop you right at the park gates – just a quick walk and you’re ready to head to your favorite attraction. At Magic Kingdom, the bus drop off allows you to skip the Monorail or ferry ride from the Transportation and Ticket Center – getting you in the park a lot quicker. The resort transportation means that you don’t have to worry about missing any turns, coming back to a blistering hot car that’s been sitting in the Florida sun all day, or finding a gas station while you’re on your vacation. You can sit back and let your bus driver do all the work and take advantage of those little known shortcuts and roads that only Disney transportation has access to.

Disney Dining Plan

Disney dining when staying on property at Walt Disney World

Photo by Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW

If money is your concern, the Disney Dining Plan isn’t for you. If not having to worry about the price of your meals and getting your credit card out at every meals sounds like a welcomed part of your vacation, then you might like the Dining Plan.

The Disney Dining Plan is bundled with your hotel stay and provides one snack, one quick service meal, and one table service meal a day – per person. Other plans are available including a Quick-Service Dining Plan and a Deluxe Dining Plan. It is nice walking into a restaurant or quick service location and not having to worry about prices. If you want the hamburger, get the hamburger. If you want the filet, get the filet. Knowing that all your meals are paid for in advance can make your trip a little more relaxing. Note however, gratuities are not included and will need to be covered in addition to your Disney Dining Plan.

Want a few more reasons to stay on property at Walt Disney World? We have them coming in our next article – the Benefits of Staying on Property at Walt Disney World, part two.

 

On or Off Property?!?! Check out Jonathan’s full article series covering this great debate:

Staying Off Property at Walt Disney World

Benefits of Staying On Property at Walt Disney World, part one

Benefits of Staying On Property at Walt Disney World, part two

Staying Off Property at WDW with More Space

Staying Off Property at WDW, the Transportation Benefits



I live through wood and nails - father, husband, web developer, graphic designer, picture taker, disney nut.