disney resorts
active family travel,  Travel,  Uncategorized

Five Reasons to Stay at Certified Disney Resorts in Florida #travel

Disney is always a crowdpleaser. It is the one trip pretty much every family should take. But how do you know where to stay and how to save money? And should you stay at a Certified Disney Resort or should you choose a different option?

disney resorts
Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Florida, 4th October 2010.

If you’re planning to visit Disney World, staying at a certified Disney resort is a great way to fully enjoy the park without a lot of headaches. Staying at Disney resorts allows better access to the park, less headaches, and more fun. In the end, it takes away so much of the hassle that can go along with visiting the park. Take it from me, we have travelled both ways to Disney and it;s hard to top Disney service at a true Disney Resort.

A Disney Resort Means More Fun

Staying at a Disney resort may mean paying a little more for your lodging. However, after you factor in your savings on gas, time, and dining- not to mention experiencing the pure magic of Disney – it’s well worth it.

Transportation

This is my number one pick for the Disney resort advantage. When you stay at a Disney resort, you don’t have to worry about driving, finding a parking spot, and all of the other frustrating factors associated with staying off site. Instead, you can take a shuttle, ferry, or monorail to any Disney associated attractions. Straight from the airport, the magic begins. They pick you up in a shuttle and whisk you away to wherever you are staying. We stayed one year at Port Orleans and it was incredible.

Dining

If you have the Disney Dining Plan, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious meals at any of the food courts and restaurants on the property. That’s wonderful, because some of the really good character dining experiences aren’t at the park. They’re at the resorts. You can even dine at other Disney resorts in the area.

Extended Hours

If you stay at a Disney resort, you’ll have the benefit of extra hours to enjoy the park. Every day during either the morning or evening, one park or more offers extended hours just for Disney resort guests. Although, this still means you’ll have to share the park with a few thousand people, it’s a far better option than battling the raging sea of off site visitors during regular hours.

Exclusive Reservations

Staying at a Disney resort allows you to make your dining reservations 10 days before regular guests. That means you’ll be more likely to score reservations for the really hard to get dining times. In addition to that, you’ll be able to make your Fast Pass choices 60 days before your vacation. That’s twice as far out as non-resort guests.

[tweetthis]There are a few reasons to choose Disney Resorts when you travel to Disney #travel[/tweetthis]

Never Ending Disney Magic

A Disney resort is almost like staying at the park itself. When you stay at a Disney resort, the magic never truly ends. From the themed lobbies and restaurants to the animal pillows, a Disney resort exudes all of the magic and wonder that the park itself has to offer.

[tweetthis]When you stay at a Disney Resort the magic truly never ends. #travel[/tweetthis]

Get a Complete Disney Experience at Disney Resorts

There’s nothing like staying at a Disney resort to experience the full magic of Disney World. When you stay at a Disney resort, you may leave the Disney World grounds, but you’ll never leave the magic behind. It’s one of the best ways to capture the Disney experience in all of its magical, wonderful glory.

What do you think? Have you ever stayed on Disney property? 

Mom of two beautiful active girls, traveller, fitness junkie, social media consultant, and keeper of the sanity.

24 Comments

  • Robin (Masshole Mommy)

    We go to Disney every year and wouldn’t dream of staying off property! There is really no reason NOT to stay on site.

  • Jeanine

    We’ve never been to Disney, or stayed anywhere remotely close. I wish, and can’t wait for the day we do! It looks like such a magical place!

  • Krystal

    The transportation is a nice touch, however, I kind of hate waiting on the bus. I would love to stay a resort next time with monorail access.

  • Mykidsguide

    Staying at certified resorts can cost a little more than if you’d opt to stay outside the resort, but you’re right, the expenses may just be the same. Plus, you get to enjoy a lot of benefits.

  • Dawn McAlexander

    We stayed at one of the All-Star Resorts when we stayed at Disney World. I have to honestly say it was one of the best experiences that I have ever had with a hotel! I would love to go back and I would recommend the All-Star Resorts to anyone who is staying at Disney!

  • courtneyLynne

    I lived in Orlando for many years and I use to tell people that Disney hotels might sound like
    They cost more, but when you think about things like transportation etc…. They really aren’t that bad!

  • Chrystal | YUM eating

    Kiddo went to Disney last summer. I want to do the Disney cruise but I can’t really say Disney is on the top of my bucket travel list; which is weird because I have loved Disney movies and stuff since I was a little girl.

  • Susan Quackenbush

    Both my grandkids have been begging to go to Disney World so I’ve been considering taking them before school starts again. This post is actually perfect because it gives me some things to consider as we plan our trip! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

  • ricci

    OK, I have never been to Disney World but I have already decided that when I do go I will definitely be staying on site. I want the extra time in the parks!! LOL!!

  • Joanne T Ferguson

    I am the biggest Disney and Mickey Mouse fan there is! I could not agree with your blog post more today! They are great reasons and I always think one should find ways to maximize their time at Disneyland to enjoy and create memories! it is never fun when stress kicks in because you have to wait for transport, are hungry or simply because you are missing Mickey!

  • Yona Williams

    I did not know that you could stay at a certified resort and enjoy extended hours at the park – now that is a really nice perk to have. Never been to Disney before, but will get there eventually.

  • Gabriel

    My wife and I stayed at a one of the hotels adjacent to downtown disney for a conference and it was really nice, though a margarita was $12…