Breaking the Myths – Where to Stay at the Walt Disney World® Resort

After deciding when you would like to visit the Walt Disney World® Resort, the next step is deciding where you want to stay. While working with their guests, our Magic Makers® often run into some misconceptions when it comes to accommodations at the Walt Disney World® Resort. As a continuation of our “Breaking the Myths” series, today we look at lodging.

1. Myth: I can receive the same benefits staying at a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel as I do staying at a Resort Hotel.
   Staying at a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel allows you stay “near the Magic” in accommodations just a short drive from the Theme Parks. While these hotels have all met Disney’s quality and service standards, they do not offer all of the Magical Extras that the Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels offer Disney’s Magical Express® Transportation to/from Orlando International Airport and the option of adding the Disney Dining Plans. Other features like Extra Magic Hours and early access to Disney FastPass+ planning vary by the hotel chosen. While most of the Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotels do offer transportation to and from the theme parks, the schedule and frequency of the transportation is often limited.
2. Myth: I can always save money by staying offsite for my Walt Disney World® Vacations.
   When taking a vacation to the Walt Disney World® Resort, there are countless lodging options for your family. While some offsite properties may offer a lower per night rate, that savings can quickly diminish when you add in extra expenses occurred with those properties. Transportation (cost and time) to/from the airport and theme parks, parking fees, dining costs, and resort fees can quickly add up! Plus, these offsite properties are excluded from most of Walt Disney World® Resort’s specials and promotions!
3. Myth: As a military family, it is always cheaper for us to stay at Shades of Green® Resort.
   Shades of Green® Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located at the Walt Disney World® Resort exclusively for use by military families. Many of our past military families have found that staying at one of the Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels utilizing Disney’s Armed Forces Salute discount has not only been just as economical, but provides them with more options and convenience. Details on Disney’s Armed Forces Salute can be found here.

With over 25 unique Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels available, finding the hotel to meet your family’s needs can be a difficult task! Count on your Magic Maker® to help guide you with this and every decision through your vacation planning! Put our years of knowledge and experience of the Walt Disney World® Resort to work for you and your family!