For any vacation, one of the make-or-break decisions is where you stay – and that’s doubly true for Disney! Should you stay at a Disney resort, or at a nearby hotel or vacation rental? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the convenience and perks of staying on-property might tip the balance. Let’s dive into why a Disney resort could be the perfect fit for your next adventure.
Disney Resorts for Your Budget
One of the best parts about Disney resorts is that there’s truly something for everyone, no matter your budget or travel style, so let's get the big question out of the way first: what's it going to cost? The answer depends largely on two factors -- when do you want to visit, and what kind of resort do you want to choose? At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, for example, Disney splits their resorts into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.
Value Resorts
For families looking to maximize their savings without sacrificing the magic, Value Resorts provide colorful, larger-than-life theming and plenty of Disney charm. One of my favorite examples in this category is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, filled with storybook landscapes and enormous character sculptures from classics like Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. Art of Animation also boasts the largest swimming pool at Walt Disney Resort and, crucially, has direct access to the Skyliner, Disney's fly-through-the-sky gondola network! One of the easiest (and probably the most fun!) way to get from your resort to the parks, these aerial gondolas connect Art of Animation with EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, not to mention other resorts and an even wider range of dining experiences.
While rates will vary depending on season, it's not unusual to find Value resorts for around $150/night in late spring, up to around $350/night for a last minute stay over Christmas week.
Moderate Resorts
Moderate Resorts strike a great balance between cost and amenities, offering more immersive theming and upgraded dining and recreation options. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is a standout in this category, punching way above its weight and honestly masquerading pretty effectively as a Deluxe, due largely to its role as a conference hotel. With a wide spectrum of dining options, bars, and lounges (all the better to conference in, I suppose!), another great pool, and a Dali-esque grand lobby, Coronado Springs can make a wonderful headquarters for your vacation.
Using our previous metric, you can find Moderate resorts at around $300/night during late spring when rates are generally low, to $500/night or more for Christmas week when rates are generally at their highest.
Deluxe Resorts
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, Disney’s Deluxe Resorts deliver immersive theming ranging from island retreats to mountaintop getaways to African safaris, prime locations, and premium amenities. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is an iconic choice, transporting you to the lush tropics of the South Pacific! Surrounded by swaying palm trees, tiki torches, and abundant gardens, this resort invites you to unwind in the tranquil beauty of island life, all while being just moments from Magic Kingdom. A "monorail resort," the Polynesian offers some of the very best transportation options; either an easy breezy monorail ride to the parks, or a quick jaunt aboard one of the sailing vessels of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Deluxe resorts can clock in between $450/night for low weeks up to $1000/night or more for peak, but while there is a premium cost, there are also premium amenities and surroundings to match.
Exclusive Resort Perks
Staying on-property is about more than a place to sleep -- it’s about unlocking benefits that take the stress out of your vacation. Early Theme Park Entry gives you a jumpstart on the day, letting you enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times before the parks officially open. Complimentary transportation means you never have to worry about parking, navigating, or even calling an Uber – just hop on a bus, boat, monorail, or Skyliner and let Disney do the driving. And staying at a Disney resort opens up booking windows for both restaurant reservations and Lightning Lane ride reservations, much earlier than anyone staying off-property.
Some financial perks may include offers like included tickets to one of the Walt Disney World water parks, seasonal discounts on vacation packages or park tickets, and the ability to add on a Disney Dining Plan, handy for keeping your expenses in check. (One of the most coveted offers is the addition of a free dining plan to your reservation; usually available in late summer, this is a great way to justify the on-property stay!)
Perhaps the most magical perk is the sense of total immersion. When you stay on-property, the magic doesn’t stop when you leave the parks. Whether it’s waking up to a view of the savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge or falling asleep to fireworks outside your window at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, every moment feels like part of the story.
Saving Time & Stress
Time is precious on a Disney vacation, and staying on-property gives you more of it. With transportation options at your doorstep and the ability to pop back to your resort for a mid-day break, you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking in the magic. For families juggling different age groups, on-property stays offer flexibility and convenience that are hard to beat. Pushing a stroller with a sleeping toddler directly into a Skyliner gondola, gliding back to your home base at Disney's Riviera Resort in fifteen minutes, and then enjoying the view from your balcony while they nap in the room? Wonderful! Heading back out later and getting dinner in the park with a calm and rested kiddo? Priceless.
What About Disneyland?
At Disneyland Resort in California, the on-property hotels deliver their own magic. From early park entry to being steps from the gates, staying at the Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, or Pixar Place Hotel offers unmatched convenience.
However, Disneyland also has a well-developed ecosystem of “Good Neighbor” hotels. These off-property accommodations are often just as close to the parks as the official Disney resorts and can provide a more budget-friendly option for families or large groups. While these hotels may lack Disney-specific perks, they’re a great choice for travelers who prioritize proximity without the on-property perks.
Off-Property Options
While staying in a non-Disney hotel, or "off-property," can sometimes be more budget-friendly, it comes with trade-offs. Many off-property hotels require additional time for transportation to the parks, and perks like early entry or complimentary resort transportation won’t be available. However, for larger groups or families seeking a more private vacation rental, off-property accommodations can be a good fit. I'm more than happy to help weigh the pros and cons for your specific needs!
Is Staying On-Property Right For You?
Whether you choose an on-property Disney resort for the full magical experience or an off-property option that better fits your needs, I’d love to help you plan your dream vacation. Let’s explore your options and find the perfect fit for your family’s style, budget, and vacation dreams!
