When planning a Disney vacation, one of the first decisions that must be made is whether to stay at one of Disney’s various resorts or to choose accommodations elsewhere. For our family, the decision is easy. We always choose to sojourn on Disney property because of several perks offered to resort guests.
Disney lures vacationers to its resorts by offering outstanding deals available only for resort guests. At any given time, Disney may offer deals that include significant percentages off nightly room rates, free park tickets for children, or our favorite, free dining. Our family has traveled to the World with this latter deal for our past five Disney vacations. This bargain alone makes up for any discounts other hotels may offer. Two meals, as well as snacks, are free for each member of our family every day of our vacation based on the number of nights we are staying on Disney property. For example, if we stay six nights at the resort, we each have six days of free meals and snacks. It is a bargain our family is unable to resist!
Another perk that my husband and I appreciate is the ability to leave our car parked for the entire trip. We always drive to Florida, which uses quite a bit of gas, but once we arrive, the vehicle stays parked until we check out a week later. Disney offers free transportation for all of its guests. We usually stay at one of the value resorts and take the bus everywhere we go. Because this is not an everyday form of transportation for our family, our sons are always excited to travel around in this manner.
For those who prefer the convenience of taking a car to the parks, Disney offers its resort guests free parking, another perk. Several of our friends prefer this method so they are not “stuck” waiting for buses during the day or are one of many in a massive crowd waiting for transportation back to the hotel after a park closes.
Our children like staying on Disney property because of the fun themed resorts. The value resorts offer larger than life icons of toys, gadgets, and Disney characters. Each section has its own unique theme. The moderate and deluxe results offer larger pools with slides, as well as private pools that are always open (although without a lifeguard on duty). The resorts on property are so unique and entertaining that you will want to set aside time on your vacation simply to explore them. Take your camera along; excellent picture opportunities are plentiful.
Of course, you probably are not going to Disney World simply for time at a relaxing, one-of-a-kind resort. You are interested in the parks! Therefore, Disney offers its resort guests additional benefits for these fun days. Perhaps most popular are Extra Magic Hours. Each day, one of the four parks either opens an hour early or closes three hours late for resort guests only.
Another bonus is for shoppers. Without a doubt, any vacationer to the World will purchase at least a souvenir or two while in the parks. Resort guest can have their packages delivered directly from the park to their hotel. At the values and moderates, the packages will be awaiting you the next afternoon at the gift shop.
Perhaps the best reason to stay at a Disney resort is that during your stay, you never have to leave one of the happiest places on earth, making an amazing vacation even more magical. On one trip, our middle son stated, “I’ve forgotten what our world looks like!” Using Disney transportation and never leaving their property truly creates an out-of-this world experience!
I’m ready to head back to that world, soon! I love you!