Why You’ll Love Staying at a Disney World Hotel
MickeyBlog often suggests that you should stay at an official Walt Disney World resort.
Some of you may have wondered why we’re so emphatic on the point, which is a fair question.
So, please allow me to explain why you’ll love staying at a Disney hotel.
Simplified Check-In
![Google Search](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Google-phone-search.jpg)
![Google Search](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Google-phone-search.jpg)
Photo: verdemedia.com
Do you have a smartphone? Congratulations! You have the ability to unlock the door at your Disney hotel!
A few years ago, Disney updated its technology such that MagicBands would unlock the doors at hotel rooms.
![phone](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/play-disney-parks-app-friends-in-front-of-space-mountai_5f07df9b.jpeg)
![phone](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/play-disney-parks-app-friends-in-front-of-space-mountai_5f07df9b.jpeg)
Photo: Disney
Guests didn’t even need to visit the front desk anymore. The wearable did everything necessary.
More recently, Disney added the ability for guests to do the same thing with smartphones.
![phone](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Disney-Magic-Mobile-Service-Preview-Smart-Phone-Magic-band-touch-point.jpg)
![phone](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Disney-Magic-Mobile-Service-Preview-Smart-Phone-Magic-band-touch-point.jpg)
Photo: Disney
The app will unlock your door for you. So, as long as you have your phone on your person, you’ll never get locked out of your room!
Gorgeous Lobbies
![Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Disneys-Grand-Floridian-Resort-Spa-Lobby-1-scaled.jpg)
![Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Disneys-Grand-Floridian-Resort-Spa-Lobby-1-scaled.jpg)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby
Still, I’d strongly encourage you to visit the hotel lobbies, especially at Disney’s more luxurious resorts.
Even when you’re not staying at one of these hotels, take some time to explore these areas.
![Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Disneys-Grand-Floridian-Resort-Spa-Lobby-scaled.jpg)
![Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Disneys-Grand-Floridian-Resort-Spa-Lobby-scaled.jpg)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby
Disney’s Deluxe Tier resorts are majestic cathedrals brimming with amenities that are free to enjoy.
At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you can listen to a piano while you explore the genteel Victorian-era setting.
![Polynesian lobby](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/disneys-polynesian-village-resort-lobby.jpg)
![Polynesian lobby](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/disneys-polynesian-village-resort-lobby.jpg)
Photo: Magic Guidebooks
Meanwhile, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will transport you to the South Seas as soon as you enter the Great Ceremonial House.
The fragrant scent will immediately put you at peace, as you experience the distinctive shops here.
![Tours](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Wilderness-Lodge-lobby.jpg)
Finally, fans of rustic environments should visit Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, which is home to a floor-to-ceiling fireplace.
These are the sorts of decadent touches you can expect at Disney resorts.
All-in-One General Stores
Speaking of shopping, you’ll have your choice of styles while staying at a Disney resort.
You can embrace your surroundings and shop for those hard-to-find Disney goodies, the mementos that will remind you of your trip.
![M. Mouse Mercantile](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2020-wdw-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-m-mouse-mercantile-store-1-scaled.jpg)
![M. Mouse Mercantile](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2020-wdw-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-m-mouse-mercantile-store-1-scaled.jpg)
M. Mouse Mercantile
However, Disney hotels also sell all the necessities of a family vacation.
Should you forget sunscreen or even a bathing suit, your hotel’s store(s) can accommodate your every need.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Boutiki-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Boutiki-1024x768.jpg)
BouTiki
Disney has designed each facility to guarantee that you have no need to go anywhere else for your shopping needs.
You’ll appreciate the convenience during vacation emergencies, and if you’re like me, you’ll have a couple of those per trip.
Delicious Restaurants
![Victoria & Albert's](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa-victoria-and-alberts-michelin-star1.png)
![Victoria & Albert's](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa-victoria-and-alberts-michelin-star1.png)
Photo: Disney
A Disney resort is home to a Michelin Star restaurant. That’s a real thing that has happened.
The fact that I can say that speaks volumes about Disney’s emphasis on cuisine.
![Victoria & Albert's](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa-victoria-and-alberts-michelin-star2.png)
![Victoria & Albert's](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa-victoria-and-alberts-michelin-star2.png)
Photo: Disney
Just because you’re taking a theme park vacation doesn’t mean you should settle for ordinary food.
Several Disney hotel restaurants serve some of the finest cuisines in Florida, and that’s TripAdvisor saying that not me.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-disneys-polynesian-village-resort-ohana-best-friends-breakfast-featuring-lilo-and-stitch.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-disneys-polynesian-village-resort-ohana-best-friends-breakfast-featuring-lilo-and-stitch.png)
Photo: Disney
Yes, according to the voting aggregate site, Disney hosts more than ten percent of the top restaurants in Central Florida!
Many of the resorts double as foodie destinations, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
![Steakhouse 71](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_013479.jpg)
![Steakhouse 71](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_013479.jpg)
Photo: Diskingdom.com
Even better, you don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the restaurants. They’re open to everyone.
As a word of caution, the word is out about how exceptional these meals are, though.
So, you should always book an Advanced Dining Reservation when possible.
Spacious Rooms with Disney Theming
Some Disney hotel rooms are as big as your first apartment. I’m not even joking.
In fact, when you’re willing to splurge for a suite, you may discover that the villa is bigger than your home!
![Mickey Mouse Penthouse](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Mickey-Mouse-Penthouse.jpg)
Disney designs spacious rooms to fit any budget and traveling party size.
To wit, some rooms are for couples, while the largest suites are big enough to host 12 nightly guests!
Best of all, each room is overflowing with perfect Disney touches.
You’ll find rooms themed to your favorite characters and movies, whether you prefer The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, or Mickey Mouse.
Sometimes, the hotel room’s theme isn’t even specifically about Disney.
For instance, some hotels offer theming based on classic vacations of yore like Key West, Florida, Saratoga Springs, New York, and…the boardwalk. Any boardwalk.
Disney sprinkles a bit of pixie dust into every room, and you’ll delight in trying to discover all the unique touches.
You may find yourself studying the shower curtains and ceiling lights.
Imagineers have meticulously themed every nook and cranny to maximize the experience with even more Disney!
Rooms with Unforgettable Views
In some instances, Disney plusses the spacious rooms with unique room types.
Specifically, you can sometimes look out your hotel window and witness extraordinary backdrops.
The most famous of them is the Savannah View room type at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
When you stay in one of these rooms, you can watch the animals frolic in their natural habitats.
You don’t even need to leave your room. Instead, you can sip your morning coffee and watch the zebras starting their days, too.
Similarly, some room types provide views of the various lake surroundings.
I especially love this option at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
When the rain comes, I can watch the waterfall on Bay Lake. For my money, it’s one of the most tranquil sights at Disney.
Of course, you may prefer a different view at the Contemporary.
Some hotel rooms feature “Theme Park View,” which is precisely what it sounds like.
You look out your window and see Magic Kingdom in all its splendor.
At night, you can watch the fireworks from your hotel room, which makes it feel like a private show for you.
Themed Pools
Disney themes its hotel pools with as much passion as the rest of the hotels.
You may think you’ve visited some great pools in your life, but you’ll change your mind after witnessing Disney’s best.
![Pool at Old Key West Resort](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pool-Old-Key-West.jpg)
![Pool at Old Key West Resort](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pool-Old-Key-West.jpg)
Pool at Old Key West Resort
At the various hotels, you’ll discover a pool located by an ancient pyramid, a Spanish fortress, or even a volcano.
Disney designs its pools to provide memorable backdrops during your swim.
![coronado springs](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pools-coronado-springs-resort-00.jpg.webp)
![coronado springs](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pools-coronado-springs-resort-00.jpg.webp)
Photo: Disney
I can assure you that once you swim beside the Mayan ruins at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, all other pool views will feel inferior.
Early Theme Park Entry
![Early Theme Park Entry](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-wdw-epcot-early-theme-park-entry-sign-1-scaled.jpg)
![Early Theme Park Entry](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-wdw-epcot-early-theme-park-entry-sign-1-scaled.jpg)
Early Theme Park Entry
This amenity might be the best of the bunch, and it’s exclusive to guests staying at official Disney resorts.
When you stay at Disney, park officials reward you with early theme park access.
Let’s say that a theme park opens at 9 a.m. for regular guests. Disney will let you enter at 8:30 a.m.
That gives you 30 minutes to rush toward your favorite attraction.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-wdw-epcot-early-theme-park-entry-sign-2-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-wdw-epcot-early-theme-park-entry-sign-2-scaled.jpg)
Early Entry at EPCOT
You’ll have so much time that you might be able to experience multiple rides before the park officially opens to guests.
Early Theme Park Entry is Disney’s way of saying thank you for staying onsite.
Once you take advantage of this amenity once, you’ll crave it all the time. It’s that addictive.
Early Access to Lightning Lane
Here’s the newest amenity at Walt Disney World, and it’s a biggie.
As of July 24th, 2024, guests staying at official Disney resorts gain a massive competitive advantage.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-lightning-lane-multi-pass-single-pass-7-1024x471.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-lightning-lane-multi-pass-single-pass-7-1024x471.jpg)
Photo: Disney
You may book theme park Lightning Lane experiences seven days before your arrival.
Guests who aren’t staying at official Disney hotels will be full of regret, as they cannot reserve their bookings until three days before their park visit.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-lightning-lane-multi-pass-single-pass-17-504x1024.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-lightning-lane-multi-pass-single-pass-17-504x1024.jpg)
Photo: Disney
You have that extra window to pick all the things you want to do, vastly improving your odds that nothing sells out in front of you.
People who don’t stay at Disney are venting about this decision because it provides such a stellar advantage to guests like you.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-lightning-lane-logo-1024x436.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-lightning-lane-logo-1024x436.jpg)
Photo: Disney
That’s the latest of many reasons why you’ll love staying at a Disney hotel.
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Feature Photo: Disney