TOP 6 Reasons to Stay on Disney World Property in 2025
I’ve visited Walt Disney World annually (at least) since 2013. For most trips, I’ve stayed on property.
I chose on-property accommodations for many reasons. I loved the onsite perks, and most of all, I loved being in the Disney “bubble.”
Photo: Disney
But things have changed. Some perks have disappeared entirely or have shifted behind paywalls. (Bob Iger has yet to address all concerns.)
Despite that, do I recommend on-site stays? Yes.
Even if you don’t do it for every trip. Even if you occasionally shorten your stay. I still stand behind the overall value of staying inside Disney World.
Let’s explore why …
Head Start on Advance Dining Reservations
Making Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) can be the most stressful part of trip planning. Booking coveted restaurants is truly a contact sport.
This is one of the reasons I recommend booking trips through Mickey Travels. They will book these for you!
Photo: Disney
However regardless of who does it, all dining reservations open 60 days in advance. For guests staying on Disney property, reservations can be made for an entire trip (up to a 10-night stay).
Not only is this convenient, but it means you’re more likely to score the hottest restaurants. (You’ll need that larger window to find an ‘Ohana breakfast.)
Disney
Eating at Disney World is arguably my favorite activity, so a resort stay is a no-brainer.
Head Start on Lightning Lane Reservations
Booking attractions in advance via Lightning Lanes is also an exclusive resort perk. Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (formerly Genie+) allows guests to book Lightning Lane queue access (shorter lines) to top attractions or shows.
Like ADRs, guests can make reservations for the length of their stay (with an increase of up to 14 days).
While all visitors can book these, resort guests have a 7-day advantage, and non-resort guests only have a 3-day advantage. This time difference can make or break which reservations you’ll score.
If your heart is set on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you might need a leg up.
Free Resort-Wide Transportation
While the Magical Express is gone, you can still forgo a car rental. Besides an airport cab, I usually get away with zero transportation fees.
As a hotel guest, I have free access to other parks, Disney Springs, and the waterparks. With a little pre-planning, I can access other hotels too.
Free onsite transportation options vary between busses, the Monorail, Skyliner gondolas, boats, and even walking.
All year round, Imagineers work hard to ensure no one waits too long for a ride. Honestly, scheduling buffer time for my commute is better than dealing with overpriced rental cars and Orlando traffic.
Some offsite accommodations offer shuttle services, but these operate on their hours, not Disney’s. With Disney transportation, you’ll never miss fireworks because of another hotel’s schedule.
Even when the bus ride is crowded, I’d rather Disney take the wheel.
(Please note: If you need a car, parking is free at the resorts and theme parks for hotel guests!)
Free Waterpark Admission on Arrival Day
For all of 2025, hotel guests can enjoy free admission to one of Disney’s water parks on their check-in day!
I think this is a great opportunity. I always take it slower on my arrival day and sitting by the pool sounds perfect.
Plus, unless you take a redeye or drive overnight, you won’t make rope-drop. With ticket prices, it doesn’t make sense to spend half a day in the park.
Even if you only splash around at Blizzard Beach for a couple of hours, they are free hours.
Free is a hard price to beat!
Access to Resort Promotions
Skipping on-property accommodations could mean missing out on huge savings! Disney World likes to release discounts exclusively tied to hotel stays.
Upcoming discounts include offers for free dining and a variety of room discounts. Some room discounts are tied to the length of your stay, the time of year, or your status as a Florida Resident or AP (Annual Passholder).
When exploring deals, I’d encourage you to do the math.
You could end up spending more on initially ‘cheaper’ accommodations. (This is especially true when adding on car rentals.)
Losing the discount advantage may not be worth it.
Early Theme Park Entry/Extra Magic Hours
Not only can resort stays save you money, but they can also get you more park time. Let’s discuss Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Magic Hours.
Early Theme Park Entry is available for all Disney World hotel guests. It allows you into the parks 30 minutes before they open to the general public.
(I do recommend showing up an hour before the parks open.)
Extended Evening Hours is available for guests booked at Deluxe Disney World hotels and villas. This perk lets you stay in select parks on specific nights past closing. Hotel room keys are required, so crowds will lighten up during those times.
Photo: Disney
While more exclusive, Extended Evening Hours access can make the price of a Deluxe hotel worth it – especially if it saves you money on Lightning Lanes.
What are you waiting for? Stay in the “bubble” and make the most of these magical perks.
Happy vacation planning!
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
Feature Photo: Disney
