I am still working on getting things up and running so that I can actually help you book your Disney trip, but in the meantime, I'm going to talk about my thoughts on some common Disney questions! First up, the question of staying on Disney property versus staying offsite!
People often ask me “does it really matter whether I stay in a Disney hotel or not?” I always answer this with a resounding “Yes!” I’ll be honest – we used to stay offsite, thinking that we were saving a few dollars. However, with Disney’s resort categories, there’s really an onsite option that fits everyone’s budget. You may notice that I said thinking that we were saving a few dollars. There are a few reasons why you may find an offsite hotel that appears cheaper, but with Disney’s added benefits, it’s actually costing you more.
Added value #1:
Free transportation part 1 – Disney’s Magical Express
When you stay at a Disney owned hotel, you get access to Disney’s Magical Express. Disney’s Magical Express is a free shuttle provided by Disney from the airport to your hotel. Not only does Disney provide this free transportation to you, but they also collect your baggage for you and deliver it to your room, so from the time you step off the plane in Orlando, you’re on vacation! Not only is it easy and convenient, but it gives you a head start on the “magic” of your Disney trip, allowing you to focus on fun and family, instead of the hassle and chaos of luggage and transportation!
Added value #2:
Free transportation part 2 – Buses, boats, and monorails
Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, you’ll probably be chomping at the bit to get to the parks or Downtown Disney! You can take advantage of Disney’s free transportation from your resort to the parks, and between the parks, during the duration of your vacation. Each hotel has different transportation options, but these may include the monorail, boats, and/or buses. Once again – no worries for you! Just hop on and let someone else do the work, while you enjoy yourself!
Added value #3:
Free transportation part 3 - Parking
Maybe you’ve read this far and thought “well, I rent a car/we drive from home to Disney, so none of these benefits apply to me, we might as well stay offsite!” But, don’t make up your mind yet, Disney has a benefit for you too! When you stay at a Disney resort, you get free parking at all the parks for the duration of your stay. Think that’s no big deal? Disney charges $14 a day for parking at their theme parks! Once you apply that $14 difference, often staying onsite becomes a no-brainer!
Added value #4
Extra Magic Hours
Would you like to have some extra (and often less crowded) time in the parks? Of course! Extra Magic Hours provides just that. On select days, each park opens either an hour early, or stays open several hours late, for Disney resort guests only! That's not something you want to miss out on!
Added value #5
Room package delivery
If you’re like me, you can’t help but stop along the way for souvenirs. Sometimes there are things that just catch your eye and there’s just no way you can wait, but the thought of lugging whatever it is around the park all day stops you! Disney solves that problem for you when you stay onsite, by offering free delivery of your purchases back to your resort! You are able to just pick them up upon your return to your hotel! Easy!
Added value #6
Key to the World Card
Another great benefit of staying on Disney property is your Key to the World Card. This card serves as your room key, your park ticket, your dining plan credits (if applicable), and your room charge. Similar to charging things to your room at any hotel, the Key to the World card expands this and allows you to food and merchandise to your room not just at your resort, but at other Disney resorts, theme parks, restaurants, and Downtown Disney! It's so easy!
Added value #7
Package booking
Booking a package that includes your resort stay, theme park tickets, and even a dining plan (optional) can be a MAJOR money saver when it comes to Disney. Often, they offer specials that include free add-ons to your package. For example, right now they are running a special that gives you the dining plan for free when you book a package for select nights between now and March. This is a huge added value – the dining plan runs $34.99/night for adults for the Quick Service plan, and $45.99/night for adults for the Dining Plan. Make sure to check http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/ when considering a trip, there is almost always some kind of discount available!
Added value #8
Time
By staying onsite, you’ll be saving time each day getting from your hotel to the theme parks! Whether that’s by driving yourself or taking Disney transportation, staying in a Disney resort puts you closer to all the action! When you’re on a Disney vacation, every minute matters, and you’d probably rather spend those precious minutes in the parks than in a car!
Added value #9
Disney immersion
This is really #1 for me! When I go to Disney, I like to be immersed in the Disney feeling for as long as I can! When staying onsite, you get to stay in the “Disney bubble” all the time. What do I mean by that? You get to avoid seeing strip malls, fast food restaurants (with one exception), souvenir shops, billboards, Wal-Mart, grocery stores, etc. Personally, I love getting to spend some time pretending that none of that exists! This is certainly the most intangible of the benefits, but it may be the biggest!
All these added values add up to staying onsite! Whether it’s something you can put a price on, like transportation, or something you can’t put a price on, like time, these benefits really can’t be beat! This is certainly not an exhaustive list, please comment if you have anything to add!
Coming soon: my thoughts on the Disney Dining Plan!
Have a magical day!
Cara
No comments:
Post a Comment