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Guests who stay on Disney property enjoy privileges and amenities unavailable to those staying off-site. Though some of these perks are advertising gimmicks, others are real and potentially valuable.
Here are the benefits and what they mean:
1. Convenience
Commuting to the Parks using the Disney transportation system is easy, especially if you stay in a hotel connected by monorail, boat, or Skyliner.
2. Early Access to Restaurant Reservations
Guests at Disney-owned resorts can make dining reservations 60 days before arrival and then an additional 10 days into their trip.
3. Early Theme Park Entry
Disney resort guests—plus guests of the Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, Shades of Green, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the Four Seasons, and the DSRA hotels—enjoy extra time in the theme parks not available to the general public. In many cases, this means shorter waits in line for Disney’s most popular rides.
4. Disney's Magical Express (through December 31, 2021)
If you arrive in Orlando by air, this free bus service will shuttle you between Orlando International Airport and your Walt Disney World resort, saving you the cost of transportation each way. You’ll need to collect your checked baggage at the airport and bring it to the Magical Express bus stop.
5. Separate Pool of Park Reservations
Disney’s new park reservation system holds a certain number of reservation slots to be used only by Disney resort guests. Thus, even if no park reservations remain for (off-site) annual pass holders or (off-site) guests with dated tickets, Disney resort guests might still be able to get reservations. This is a big advantage, especially when trying to get into Disney’s Hollywood Studios during busier times of the year.
6. Free Parking at the Theme Parks
Disney resort guests with cars pay nothing to park in theme park lots—this saves you $25 per day. Be aware, though, that Disney charges for overnight parking at its hotels.
7. Golfing Privileges
Disney guests get priority tee times at the on-property golf courses.
8. No Resort Fees
Unlike most hotels outside of Walt Disney World, the on-site hotels don’t charge a nebulous nightly resort fee (versus a parking fee) on top of their advertised rates.
Last updated on September 8, 2021
