12 Reasons to Choose a Walt Disney World Resort

As you drive under the welcoming archway to Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll see a sign proclaiming "Walt Disney World — The Most Magical Place on Earth." Staying at one of the resort's more than two dozen on-site hotels allows you to carry that magic with you even when you’re outside the theme parks.

From exciting (and complimentary) activities to theme park benefits and homely amenities, here are 12 reasons to book a stay at a Walt Disney World hotel during your next trip to Orlando.

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You can access the theme parks early

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels (including select Good Neighbor hotels) are allowed to enter any of Disney World's four theme parks 30 minutes ahead of the posted opening time every day. While 30 minutes might not seem like a lot, it’s enough time to experience one or two major attractions (like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios) before the general public is let in.

To make the most of this benefit, arrive at the park gates about 30 minutes before that day’s early entry time, which can be found on Disney's weekly calendar. Plan for an additional 30 to 45 minutes for travel time from your hotel. It might mean an early start to your day, but a cup of coffee from your hotel will help energize you.

You can access a complete list of participating hotels and available attractions on Disney's early theme park entry information page.

A valid ticket is necessary for early theme park entry. Most ticket types no longer require a theme park reservation. You can check here to confirm whether a reservation is needed for early entry.

You might have the option to stay late

If early mornings aren't your thing, Disney also offers an extended evening hours benefit for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, Disney's Shades of Green resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels.

In contrast to the daily early entry, the extended hours take place only on select evenings and at one park per day. Currently, it alternates between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, with the Magic Kingdom remaining open from 10 p.m. to midnight and Epcot from 9 to 11 p.m.

Many of the most popular attractions in the designated parks are available during extended evening hours. With only a select number of eligible hotels, you can anticipate very short wait times and minimal crowds.

A valid ticket is necessary for extended theme park hours. Most ticket types no longer require a reservation for theme parks. You can check here to see if you need a reservation for extended evening hours.

You can enjoy complimentary transportation throughout Disney

Disney World spans over 25,000 acres, making it easy to navigate via boat, bus, gondola, and even a "highway in the sky" with the monorail. Regardless of the transportation option you select, all are complimentary for Disney hotel guests.

Every resort features one or more bus stops that provide transport to various theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Generally, you can board a bus that goes directly to your destination, and each stop displays estimated wait times on screens.

Guests at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, or Disney's Contemporary Resort can easily reach the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and other monorail loop hotels via the monorail. A small water taxi is also available to transport you to the Magic Kingdom from these resorts, as well as to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Ferryboats to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios can be boarded from Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels. You can also take a ferryboat to Disney Springs from Disney's Port Orleans resorts, Disney's Old Key West Resort, and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Disney's latest transportation option, the Disney Skyliner, links Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney's Art of Animation Resort with Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's one of the most picturesque transport methods available, open to guests of Disney Value and Moderate resorts, not just those staying at higher-tier hotels.

You can take advantage of transportation services from Orlando's primary airport to your hotel.

There are multiple options for traveling from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World. You can rent a car, use a ride-sharing service, or opt for the Mears Connect shuttle.

Mears Connect handles your luggage and provides transportation to and from the airport for those staying at Disney hotels.

The standard service introductory rate is $16 each way for adults and $10 for children; the premium service costs $250 round-trip for up to four passengers (with each additional passenger priced at $55). The premium service offers a private coach that takes your group directly to your resort without any other stops, justifying the higher cost.

Returning to your hotel for a quick nap is a breeze.

If you're staying off-site, you might waste hours commuting back to your hotel during the day. With Disney's complimentary transportation, you're just a short ride away from your Disney World hotel, perfect for when you or your kids need a midday rest.

This convenience is not just for tired children. Orlando's weather can shift from sunny to stormy in an instant, making it reassuring to have a place where you can dry off or refresh when necessary.

You can secure dining reservations ahead of everyone else.

You can book Walt Disney World dining reservations online up to 60 days in advance. Popular options, such as character breakfasts and Oga's Cantina, often fill up quickly.

Guests staying at a Disney World hotel can make dining reservations 60 days prior to their check-in date for their entire stay (up to 10 days). This means you can secure reservations 10 days ahead of others who can only book one day at a time as the window opens.

You'll have convenient access to kitchens and laundry facilities.

Most hotel rooms at Disney World come with at least a minifridge and access to on-site laundry facilities, while some offer full kitchens and in-room washers and dryers. These amenities are typically found in Disney Vacation Club villas and some of the higher-end hotels on the property.

While the higher room rates may not offer significant savings, the convenience of cooking your own meals and returning home with clean clothes is a substantial advantage. You can reserve these accommodations just like any regular hotel room through Disney, even if you're not a Disney Vacation Club member.

If you’re interested in amenities like a kitchen, washer, and dryer, consider booking a stay at one of these locations:

• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Disney's Beach Club Resort
• Disney's BoardWalk Inn
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Some of Disney's Value resorts also feature family suites equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave, sink, and dining area. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice, these rooms allow you to prepare breakfast and stock up on snacks before heading to the parks.

You can refresh yourself in some of Orlando's most incredible pools

If you're spending all day at Disney's theme parks from dawn until dusk, you're missing out on one of Disney World's greatest attractions: the pools. Each resort features several pools, and by choosing your hotel wisely, you might find yourself with a waterslide, lazy river, or a splash area perfect for kids (with a nearby pool bar for adults).

The Lava Pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is among the finest at Disney World. This 142-foot waterslide winds through a volcano, and you can enjoy views of the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool.

Another highlight is Stormalong Bay, a sprawling 3-acre water park shared by Disney's Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts. It features a pirate ship slide, a lazy river, and a sandy beach area.

You can utilize points at Disney resorts

While it might not be our top choice for everyday purchases, Disney's credit cards can help families navigate a large Disney vacation more easily. The Disney® Visa® Card provides a six-month, 0% financing plan on Disney vacation packages for the initial six months (after which a variable annual percentage rate of 18.74% to 27.74% will apply).

For a shorter visit, consider using the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to earn 3 points for every dollar spent.

You can also opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) to pay for your Disney resort accommodation; you can then redeem the earned miles at 1 cent per mile to help offset some of the costs.

You'll discover accommodations suited for every type of family

When traveling with three or more kids, older children seeking privacy, or extended family, a standard room with two double beds won't suffice. Fortunately, Disney World provides a range of one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites and villas to suit any travel preference.

For those on a budget, some standard rooms feature a child-sized bed that folds down from the wall, and select resorts offer studio rooms with sleeper sofas and pull-down beds. You can also opt for a one-bedroom family suite with two queen-sized pull-down beds in the living area. (Your kids will be thrilled to see the dining table transform into a bed.)

You'll have the chance to be the first to purchase your Lightning Lane access

Disney Genie+ is a paid feature that enables you to bypass the standby line at many Disney World attractions and utilize a quicker Lightning Lane. However, a few attractions require a separate individual Lightning Lane purchase.

You can purchase individual Lightning Lane selections without needing to buy Genie+, and vice versa. Prices for individual Lightning Lane access vary by attraction, generally falling between $7 and $25 per person for popular rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

If you're staying at a Disney resort, you'll enjoy early access to individual Lightning Lane selections.

Individual attraction selections can only be made on the day of your visit, allowing up to two attractions per day for all guests. However, Disney resort guests can start purchasing their individual Lightning Lane access at 7 a.m., while non-resort guests must wait until the park opens.

You'll have a wide variety of exciting activities to choose from at your resort.

One of the highlights of staying at a Disney resort is the array of engaging family activities available every day. The monthly schedule may change, but you can always find poolside games, Disney trivia, campfires, and outdoor movie nights on offer.

Many resorts host free scavenger hunts that encourage you to explore different areas, rewarding you with a fun prize upon solving all the clues. While most activities are complimentary, some, like Mickey tie-dye T-shirts or s'mores kits for the campfire, come with a small cost.

Bottom line

Visitors often talk about being in the 'Disney bubble' during their stay at Disney World, and this feeling is even more pronounced when you choose to stay at a Disney hotel.

You'll find delightful details like hidden Mickeys and charming decorations, along with the ease of mobile ordering your morning coffee. Additionally, you're just a stone's throw from the theme parks, and Disney's dedicated cast members will strive to make your experience truly magical.

Unfortunately, you'll eventually need to leave this enchanted bubble and return home, but while you're at Disney, the outside world fades away, immersing you in a whimsical realm of magic.