Benefits of Staying on Property at Disney World in 2024

Imagine waking up to a view of Cinderella’s Castle. Or strolling back to your room after a night of fireworks without worrying about a long commute. These are just a few benefits of staying at a Disney World resort, but there’s a lot more!

Staying on-property at Disney World isn’t just convenient; it’s a way to make every moment of your vacation magical. In 2024, the benefits of choosing Disney property accommodations are more enchanting than ever.

So, let’s take on a magic carpet ride to explore why staying inside the heart of the magic is a great decision for your Disney adventure!

Complimentary Transportaion

Visiting Disney World can get very expensive, very quickly. After booking flights, tickets, car rental, and hotel rooms – the costs start to stack up. Which is why we love the multitude of FREE transportation around the Disney World Resort.

Buses

Once you step into your room the whole of Disney World is in the palm of your hand. At every on-property hotel you’ll find the infamous Disney busses, one for each park plus Disney Springs. Departing every 10-15 minutes, you can hop on and kick your feet up.

Boats

Hotels in the Epcot Resort area, such as the Beach Club Resort, also have boat service between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Although, you’ll be so close to both you could even walk!

Guests staying in the Magic Kingdom Resort area have dedicated boat service as well – direct to Magic Kingdom.

Monorail

Staying in the Magic Kingdom Resort area gives you options though, as you can also hop on the Monorail.

Even though these options offer service directly to the hotels. Off property-guests can use them as well. Looking at you, Monorail Bar Crawl.

Skyliner

The most controversial and divisive option to travel around Disney World is the Skyliner. These gondolas in the sky began operation in 2019, and are truly an attraction of their own.

But these are high up in the sky, and some guests have reported being a bit shaken up by the adventure.

Early Morning Entry

Rope drop ready! Staying at a Disney World resort gets you into any Disney park 30 minutes early. That’s plenty of time to get to the front of the line at your favorite attraction.

Advanced Dining Reservations

While the parks are famous for their immersive experiences, character meets, and attractions. Disney in infamous for it’s dining. There’s even an entire festival celebrating food and wine at Epcot.

Among the many dining locations not to be missed, are spectacular table service restaurants. Global cuisine from locations like Sanaa allow you to try new dishes, while the Michelin rated Victoria and Albert provide a taste of elegance.

Reservations become available 60 days in advances, but popular spots can be hard to book! Guests staying at a Disney World Resort however, can make reservations for the duration of their stay (up to 10 days) starting 60 days from their check in date. That means you could book dining reservations 70 days in advance. Giving you a HUGE advantage.

Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan is back in 2024, and it could save you a ton of money. Ordinarily we would not recommend paying for the Disney Dining Plan, unless you are looking for an all inclusive vacation.

The package pricing is simply not enticing and can very often cost more than if you had purchased meals outright. But several times a year Disney offers complimentary dining plans to guests, which can save you hundreds of dollars.

It’s one of the deals you can find, if you’re looking to save money on your next trip.

Genie+ Advantage

If you’re visiting Disney for the rides, you’ll probably want to try Genie+. Disney‘s newest service to skip the lines allows you to book return windows for select attractions around the parks.

While you wait for your return time, you can experience some of the underrated attractions with shorter lines, eat, shop. Beats waiting in line.

Day guests to the Disney parks are able to begin making reservations when the parks open. But those staying at the Disney World hotels can start booking at 7:00 AM, a full 2 hours early for most parks. This all but guarantees you’ll secure a reservation for your favorite ride.

Savvy resort guests know, stacking Genie+ reservations from the pool is the way to go.

Extra Magic Hours

Possibly the biggest perk of staying on site at a Disney World hotel are the Extra Magic Hours. Unfortunately, this is only available to guests staying at Deluxe resorts or participating partner locations.

For those who do though, Extra Magic Hours can be a vacation game changer. This perk allows guests to stay and play up to 3 hours after park close.

Not every park is available every day, however so be sure to check park hours for your trip. Additionally, guests will need to have an applicable day-time ticket for the park.

Extra Magic Hours are glorious. Experience lower crowds than rope drop, and walk on waits for some of your favorite rides. AND get access to a third virtual queue drop at 6:00pm.

Amenities and Activities

All resort guests can enjoy a breadth of amenities and activities at their resort. Each on-property hotel is home to, at least, 1 quick service location. Moderate and Deluxe hotels will also have a selection of table service dining and some even have a buffet!

Plus there are tons of things to do around your hotel for non-park days. From outdoor movies and campfire smore’s, to making friendship bracelets and Christmas ornaments. You could spend a week in one of Disney World’s hotels and never get bored.

Have you stayed on property at Disney World before?