One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your Walt Disney World vacation is where to stay. Disney Resorts comes with tons of benefits, and you may be surprised to learn that they are a lot more affordable than you think.
Here are 10 ways staying on-site at Walt Disney World Resort can save you money on your vacation!
1) You Don’t Need a Rental Car
As a Disney Resort guest, you’ll get complimentary transfers to and from Orlando International Airport on Disney’s Magical Express shuttle. Once you arrive at Walt Disney World, you can use Disney’s complimentary transportation services to get anywhere on-site. This can save you several hundred dollars in your vacation budget.
2) You Won’t Need to Pay for Parking
If you’re driving or you decide you’d prefer a rental car anyway, you’ll save yourself $20/day in parking fees by staying on-site. Disney Resort guests get free parking at all the theme parks, Disney Springs, and any Disney Resort hotel.
3) You Get Your MagicBands Free of Charge
MagicBands serve as your park tickets, FastPass+, room key, dining plan, PhotoPass link, and even allow charging privileges. While not required, they do make your entire trip go much more smoothly (no trying to keep track of individual tickets and confirmations). As a Disney Resort guest you’ll receive a free, personalized MagicBand for every member of your party, saving you $12.95/person.
4) You Can Enjoy a Free Game of Mini-Golf
Looking for something fun to do on your break day from the parks? Walt Disney World Resort offers two miniature golf locations, each with two courses. When you book a Disney Vacation Package you’ll receive Magical Extras that include complimentary admission to one of these courses during your visit. This saves you $12-$14/person!
5) You’ll Receive Special Savings at Select Restaurants and Retail Stores
Also included in your Magical Extras, you’ll save 10-20% on shopping and dining at select stores. These include location such as Arribas Brothers (beautiful crystal pieces), Something Silver, Pop Gallery, House of Blues, and Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company. You’ll also save 10% on activities at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre.
6) You’re Eligible for the Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan is only available to Disney Resort guests, and can save you 10% on your food budget. It is accepted at nearly all Disney restaurants, both in the parks, at the resorts, and in Disney Springs. It is especially great if you’d like to experience several character meals during your visit. My favorite thing about it is that it makes your vacation feel all-inclusive and lets you focus more on the fun than the menu price.
7) You Won’t Need to Rent a Locker to Store Purchases
Do you think your kids will want one of those giant Disney plush stuffed animals? Or are you interested in some Disney art for your home? There’s no need to worry about carrying around large/delicate items or paying for locker storage when you’re staying at a Disney Resort. You can request to have your items delivered directly to your hotel room. This will save you $7-$15/day.
8) You Won’t Find any “Surprise” Resort Fees
I don’t know about you, but I get frustrated when I check into a hotel and learn there is a $20/night resort fee. You won’t find that at any of the Disney Resort hotels. The price you are quoted is the price you’ll pay. And with no parking fees, you can set your budget ahead of time.
9) You Can Take Advantage of Disney Resort Special Offers
While never a guarantee, Disney often offers special discounts on their vacation packages ranging from 10-40%. These offers can also include free dining packages, specially themed MagicBands, or even extra FastPasses. Military families receive special discounts throughout the year of up to 40% too!
10) You Can Get Free Vacation Planning & Concierge Services
When you book your Disney vacation package through Ears of Experience, you get access to all of our booking, planning, and concierge services at no additional cost. Where else can you get your own personal concierge for free?
I always recommend focusing on value over price when it comes to planning a vacation. That doesn’t mean money is no object, but it does mean you get what you pay for. Make sure you take into account the entire package when comparing rates for hotels and other components.
As you can see, staying on-site at Walt Disney World Resort comes with a world of benefits!
Ready to start planning your next Disney vacation? I’m here to help! As I mentioned, when you book with me my services are 100% free. Contact me today via my consultation form or send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com. I’ll be in touch within 24 hours to start designing your dream Disney vacation!
