Hey Insiders, Kara here! I wanted to chat with you about a few things regarding Disney resorts! I know some folks opt to stay elsewhere when visiting the parks, but I am most definitely NOT one of those people! I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World for years, however, this year takes the cake; since joining TKI I have been to the parks 9 times so far this year, with trip #10 just a few weeks away! As a frequent guest at Walt Disney World resorts, I am very accustomed to not only the service level but the functionality of staying on Disney property as well! On a recent trip, I found out just how different (& complicated!) it is to stay off-property and try to get to and from the park each day! (without a car, of course!) The hotel had such a nightmare shuttle situation, I opted to pay for an Uber to the park instead! Disney makes everything so easy and seamless, I just can’t imagine staying anywhere else! Let me tell you why…
First and foremost, Transportation. As I said unless you have a car (and are willing to pay to park!) there is no transportation like Disney’s transportation. No reservations are required to use the buses, they run constantly all day long, and are complimentary to resort guests. (The same is true for guests staying at resorts where the skyliner or monorail is available!) If you’re planning to attend an after-hours event at the park, like the Christmas or Halloween parties in Magic Kingdom, keep in mind, most off-property hotels do NOT offer transportation beyond regular park closing hours. You will likely have to Uber or take a taxi back to your hotel when your event ends at midnight or later. Disney resort guests are covered; their buses never stop running until the event is over. The same also holds true for RunDisney guests, with early morning event transportation available from all Disney resorts.
A higher level of service and safety. Disney guests have come to expect a higher standard of service when visiting a Walt Disney theme park, so why not reserve that guarantee at your hotel as well? There is nothing worse than coming back to a hotel room after a long, exhausting day in the park and it not being a clean and comfortable environment for your family. With a Disney resort, you know your room is clean and sanitized to perfection. If ever you do encounter an issue, you have the assurance that Disney will make it right to the best of their ability. Cast members are always on hand at the front desk to ensure that your magical experience doesn’t end when you leave the parks. This includes providing a safe environment for kids to play and for families of all ages to enjoy.
Convenience. One of the best enhancements to come out in the last few years is the ability to mobile order food right from your My Disney Experience app! Guess what? That doesn’t stop at the parks! You can mobile order food from quick service locations at your Disney resort, too! Imagine waking up early and mobile ordering your food in the app while you’re getting dressed, then it’s ready when you walk up to take the bus to the park! Grab it and go; such a time-saver! The same goes for the evening as well; I love to mobile order dinner on my way back to the resort so that it’s ready when I arrive! I can grab my meal, and take it right back to my room! You really appreciate these little conveniences after a long park day!
Organized activities for kids & families. Taking a rest day off from the parks? Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do around your Disney resort, too! Recreation leaders around the pool areas will have organized games, music, and even arts & crafts for guests to participate in! (Some art & craft offerings are an additional cost.) In the evening, families can enjoy movies outside on the inflatable big screen, and even smores making on select nights! The fun never has to stop on your vacation, be it a park day or not!
Genie+ Booking Priority. Perhaps the icing on the cake for Disney resort guests is their priority booking of paid attractions at Walt Disney World. While all guests can book Genie+ included attractions beginning that day at 7:00 am, only Disney resort guests can book those extra popular, paid attractions right away! Here are the exact rules straight from the Walt Disney World website: “Guests of a Disney Resort Hotel and other select hotels: make your first selection at 7:00 AM on the day of your park visit (includes Guests of Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and Shades of Green Resort®). All other Guests can make their first selection when the park opens.” This is a HUGE time saver and gives the upper hand to Disney resort guests for the most popular rides, like Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!
There are many factors to take into account when selecting the best resort for your family’s needs on vacation! Let our preferred friends at Academy Travel help you find the perfect match! They book all of our travel for us, and we would be lost without them! Click here to get a free quote and information from a Disney travel expert! ALL of their services are totally free!
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