Don’t Miss the Magic – Stay at a Disney Resort!
You will find a lot of Disney-focused groups on social media with discussions spanning many topics. Frequent conversations surround if it’s worth the cost to stay at a Disney Resort versus an off-property resort.
It is possible to find hotels close to Disney property that have a lower per-night cost for the room. But there can be other costs (both financial and logistical) to staying off Disney property.
Advance Dining Reservations
Disney Resort guests have an advantage when making dining reservations. Resort guests have the ability to make their dining reservations 60 days prior to check-in for their entire length of stay.
Guests not staying on Disney property can also make their Advance Dining Reservations 60 days ahead of time, but only for one day at a time. Resort Guests often have had a chance to begin making reservations by the time others are able to try.


(Matt Stroshane, photographer)
This means that if you are not staying on Disney property and you are going to the theme parks four days, you will have to book your dining reservations four separate days (60 days before each park day).
Disney Transportation
Once you arrive at your Disney Resort, complimentary transportation is available on a regular basis for the theme parks and Disney Springs. If you drive a vehicle to Disney, you can park at the theme parks for free.
Disney offers various modes of transportation: buses, boats, the Monorail, and Skyliner. Depending on which Disney Resort you stay, you will have at least one (but possibly more) of these options available to you.


Image Credit: Jennifer Turner, MickeyTravels
Many local hotels do offer shuttle service to the theme parks and Disney Springs. However, you will want to do your research!
Some hotel shuttles run on a very limited schedule, with rides to Disney in the morning and back in the evening. Not all of the shuttle options are complimentary; a per-person fee may apply, and advance reservations may be required.
There are off-property hotel shuttles that only drop off at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Guests must use Disney transportation to reach their destination from that point.
Of course, guests of off-property resorts can drive a vehicle and park at any of the theme parks. However, this will add to the overall vacation cost; parking is currently $25 for standard parking.
Early Park Entry
Disney Resort Guests can enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes prior to park opening each day. This gives resort guests time to ride one or two attractions prior to non-resort guests being able to enter.
Many guests use this time to ride the more popular rides that tend to have a long wait time, like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Flight of Passage, and Slinky Dog Dash.
Payment Advantage
When you stay at a Disney Resort, you can book your room and tickets as a package. This benefits guests both in payment options and cancellation and change policies.
No matter what the total of your vacation package is, only a $200 deposit is required to secure your Disney Vacation. The balance of your vacation can be paid over time, with the final payment being due 30 days prior to check-in.


Credit: Disney
Disney Vacation Packages are subject to current cancellation and change policies, but tickets purchased on their own are non-refundable and non-transferrable. For ticket-only purchases, the total amount is due at the time of purchase.
The Disney Bubble
Being in the “Disney Bubble” is one of the biggest reasons that guests prefer to stay on Disney property.


Photo: Disney
Disney is known for its world-class service and atmosphere, and it carries over into the resorts. You truly can escape the outside world and surround yourself with the magic!
Are you ready to book your next Disney Vacation? Use a MickeyTravels Agent to take the stress out of planning!