If you're planning to visit Walt Disney World, there are many benefits to staying on Disney Property. Here's why I think it's worth it to stay on-site at Disney, as well as a look at the Art of Animation Resort!
Just recently our family had the chance to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and we stayed at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. There were so many benefits to staying on Disney property and I'd highly recommend it if you're visiting Disney World soon! It's much more convenient than staying off-site and there are quite a few perks for Disney guests as well.
8 Benefits to Staying on Disney Property
Complimentary Magic Bands. When you stay on Disney property, you automatically get Magic Bands for your whole party. Magic Bands can unlock your hotel door, charge purchases to your room, and count as your ticket to get into the parks. Off-site guests can purchase Magic Bands, but those staying on Disney property get them for free.
No Charge for Parking. When we've stayed off-site in the past, we've had to pay parking each day at Disney World. When you're on-site, you can take Disney transportation from your resort to the parks rather than paying that fee each day.
Resort Transportation. Disney World offers complimentary transportation via the monorail or bus system. You can hop on one of these convenient options from your resort and head straight to the parks! This is a huge time-saver and especially helpful if you have kids and will be carting them around.
Minnie Van Transportation. If you'd like to take transportation into your own hands without paying the fees for having a vehicle on-site, Disney has rolled out another option! Minnie Vans are a transportation service provided through Lyft. The drivers are usually just minutes away so there's no need to wait in a line for transportation if that's not your thing. The Minnie Vans can take you to the parks or down to Disney Springs for some shopping! We took a Minnie Van to the Grand Floridian for dinner, then hopped on the monorail to Mickey's Not So Scary Haloween Party and it was SO convenient. I'll have a full post coming on this phenomenal service soon.
Take a Break from the Parks During the Busy Times. When you do Disney with young kids, it's nice to have the option to easily leave the parks and return later. We often head out early in the morning but come back to our hotel for lunch and an afternoon swim while the parks are busiest. Then we use on-site transportation to get back to the parks for the evening. This gives the kids a nice break and lets them get a nap in so they can stay awake for fireworks!
Book FastPass+ Sooner. When you stay on Disney property, you can book three FastPass+ reservations 60 days in advance! Off-site visitors only get to book 30 days in advance so you have a big advantage in booking your favorite attractions early.
Disney Dining Plan. Disney guests who stay on-site have the option to add a dining plan to their stay. If you like convenience, you'll love this option. Simply use your dining credits at quick-service and sit-down locations throughout the park! Plus, you can take advantage of mobile ordering on the My Disney Experience app.
Extra Magic Hours. Disney offers Extra Magic Hours for guests staying in select Walt Disney World hotels and resorts. Extra Magic Hours are assigned to certain parks before opening and after closing. If you stay on-site, you can take advantage of these less busy hours and enjoy shorter lines!
On our recent trip to Walt Disney World, we stayed at Art of Animation Resort. It's one of Disney's value resorts and we really enjoyed the benefits of staying on Disney property.
Art of Animation Resort
We were lucky enough to stay in the Cars Suites during our visit, though I've heard all of the suites are amazing. Art of Animation also offers suites featuring The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo! Our kids are big Cars fans, so driving into Radiator Springs was a real treat for them.
Art of Animation resort features the largest resort pool at any Disney resort! Inspired by Finding Nemo, the pool even has underwater speakers. There are also two other pools on-site inspired by Cars and The Little Mermaid.
Our Cars Family Suite was amazing, and the kids loved all of the themed decor. The art had scenes from our favorite Cars movies, and check out those traffic cone lamps! So fun.
The suite was spacious and very clean. The eat-in kitchen area was perfect for breakfast before heading into the parks. Our suite had a pull-out couch and a kitchenette, too!
The carwash themed bathroom was probably my favorite part of our Cars Suite! We did indeed get "spiffy in a jiffy" as our kids were so excited to head into the parks!
If you have the chance, I'd highly recommend staying on Disney property for your next trip to Walt Disney World. There are so many benefits to staying on-site. One of my favorite perks was how simple it was to hop on to the Disney buses to see Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios during our visit.
Our family had a great time at the Art of Animation Resort, and it's one of Disney's value resorts so the rates are very reasonable. Plus, the themed suites are such a fun touch, especially for the kids! Disney has a variety of rates from value lodging up to deluxe villas, so you can find the best option for your family.
Are you headed to Walt Disney World soon?
Will you stay on site? Let me know where in the comments!
Disclosure: I'm a Disney Partner and received this complimentary trip for #DisneyKids. As always, all opinions are my own.
Deborah D says
Thanks for your advice. I hope to go to Disney one day and this will help.
Jesus T. Pena says
This is very helpful information. I like the idea of the "Minnie Vans" and I'm looking forward to your update. Thank you.
Dandi D says
I've never been to a Disney resort with my family, but I'm sure they'd love it!