Having a hard time deciding to stay on or off property for your next family trip? Orlando has so many different options when it comes to booking a hotel. But all that uncertainty never seems to hold any of us back from booking another trip to curb our “PDD”. Post Disney Depression, that is! I am here to help break down your on-property stay and why it is super beneficial. To start, I booked my fake-cation for a three night, four days stay for two people. Let’s begin!
For my fake-cation, I chose to stay at one of Disney’s value resorts. Disney makes it super simple because when you go to start booking, the hotels are separated into categories. These five categories include Campgrounds, Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts, and Deluxe Villas. My three-night stay was a little under $130 per night for two people. I went ahead and added on the ticket package through my resort; another task made easy. With the purchase of a ticket package, you have an option to make them hoppers.
Disney Dining Plan
We can all agree that we secretly go to Disney as adults mainly for the food. Instead of taking out Warren Wallet every time you want the best food ever, add the dining plan to your trip (Disney hurts Warren). With three different categories, the dining plan could help you save money and calories. Included are a certain number of meals and snacks with free drinks per person with the options of two quick service meals, one quick service meal, and a sit-down, or any two meals you choose. Here are our tips on How to Get the Most Out of the Disney Dining Plan.
Transportation
Staying on Disney property has so many perks that are (throw the pixie dust) free to guests! Every resort has free bus transportation and select resorts have monorail & boat services. Not to mention, Disney also offers a free bus transportation service from the airport right to your hotel; Disney Magical Express.
Just when you think there couldn’t be more magic, it gets better. Disney sends bag tags to your house. What does this mean? IT means you attach them to your luggage, drop them off before getting on the plane, and not seeing them until they magically appear in your room! It makes it extremely easy to travel with kiddies!
I researched a few hotels in the Orlando area on if they offer shuttle services to the WDW parks. Most hotels do, but they charge a fee. So if you decided to ditch that and rent a car, not only are you paying for a car for your entire stay, but you are paying for the gas also. Disney. sure does spoil the heck out of their guests!
No Carrying Packages
With Disney Springs just a short bus ride away, shopping and spending a day with the fam has never been so fun. Here is a little fact that you should definitely keep in mind while shopping throughout all the parks: What you purchase can be sent directly to your resort! No more carrying around ten bags of merchandise.
Free MagicBands
Remember I told you to stop pulling our Warren Wallet? The touch of the Magic Bands can also be used to pay for everything throughout the parks, Disney Springs included. How do you obtain Magic Bands you ask? Before your trip, Disney allows your group to customize their MagicBands via My Disney Experience. On the website, you will be able to choose colors and personalized names! They then get shipped directly to your house shortly before you leave for your most magical vacation. For more read MagicBands What You Need to Know.
Plus, if you booked a package, you’ll also get a luggage tag that coordinates with the color of MagicBand you choose.
Charge It!
If you don’t want to bring your wallet around with you as a resort guest you have the privilege to charge to the room. That MagicBand you get can be used to charge merchandise, food, or other activities on Disney property. The main difference from just using your credit card is is you are not immediately being charged against the credit card you have on your room.
Early Access to Fastpasses
It is a good way to stay organized especially through the app. You are able to pre-book FastPasses for each member of your party directly online 30 days before everyone else! Booking at 60 days out instead of 30 days giving you that competitive edge on getting those hard to get Flight of Passage and Slinky Dog Dash Fastapsses. If you aren’t sure which Fastpasses you should book read the Best Disney Fastpass Picks for Each Park. Showing up to the parks without a worry has never been so simple before.
Plus as an added bonus you can get an advantage on dining reservations! 180 days out you can book your dining plans for your whole entire stay on property not just for 180 days out and no more.
Save Money
I compared a WDW resort to a regular hotel found on a booking site and my stay at WDW was over $1,000 less than at an off property hotel. Not that I am biased, but I suggest doing some digging and compare your options. Besides, staying on property is just so much more magical!
Thanks for reading. For more, head to our article All Star Movies Resort Review and Tips.
Hi Mousketeers! I am 20 “ears” old and have been going to the parks since I was two. Each time I’m there, I learn new things. Just like yours, my world revolves around Mickey, so a New York girl traveling to Florida as much as possible may seem crazy, but it’s very much worth it. WDW Vacation Tips is the perfect outlet to gain fast and reliable knowledge for your upcoming trip to the parks. Whether it’s your first or one hundred and first visit to Walt Disney World, there is plenty to know before you go. Stop by and read some articles so you can experience the magic in a whole new way!
