One of the main reasons that people decide to stay at a Disney hotel is the resort amenities they offer. There are a lot of reasons to stay at a good neighbor hotel, most importantly that it comes with a large cost savings. But you get what you pay for and there are some benefits of choosing a Disney Resort when you have kids.
Pool Amenities
Disney hotels have great pools. Many of them have over the top theming but if that’s not your thing there are often “quiet” pools available. If you have small kids or timid swimmers there are life jackets available free of charge at all Disney pools. Life jackets range in size from Infant to adult. If your little ones prefer splash pads over pools these are also available at most resorts (check before booking if this is a priority for your family).
If you happen to be staying in one of Disney’s moderate or deluxe resorts there are water slides in the big pools. Hungry by the pool? You can grab a bite to eat from most pool bars or your resorts quick service location! Check your resorts schedule to find when they will be doing trivia and games at the pool for some afternoon entertainment. The pools are a great example of “the Disney difference” that make it worth it to stay on property.
Fun and Games
Disney resorts have fun playground areas for kids to enjoy. These are often in well-shaded areas so they can be used throughout the day. And, as you might expect, they are well maintained and clean. Some children may even have more fun at the resort playground than they will at the parks!
Older kids will prefer to take advantage of the arcade. This is one area where value resorts outshine moderate and deluxe alternatives, having the largest and best equipped arcades on property. You can save some money by going with a value resort and allowing for some resort days to take advantage of the arcades. Your teenagers just might thank you.
DVC Extras
If you are a DVC Member or are renting DVC points from a DVC Member you get some extra benefits when staying. One of our favorite benefits is that if you are staying in a One Bedroom or bigger you have a fully stocked kitchen so that you can make meals in the room. You can get groceries delivered to the resort and make anything you would like. For example, check out our ‘Ohana Noodles Recipe.
A great perk of DVC is the free parking. If you are not staying in a DVC room, Disney will charge $15/night at Value Resorts up to $25/night at Deluxe Resorts. This definitely adds up and may be enough of a savings to justify renting a car if you are flying in.
Not wanting to stay out late for fireworks or a dining reservation? DVC Resorts have board games and movies available free of charge for a fun family night.
Fireworks Viewing from Disney Resorts
If you don’t want to deal with evening crowds, prefer to get back to your room a little earlier, or just want to watch fireworks but not use a park day there are several places that you can view fireworks outside of the parks.
You can see Magic Kingdom fireworks from all three monorail resorts. You cannot see them from Wilderness Lodge but if you get on the water taxi to Magic Kingdom before they begin you can watch fireworks from the water.
If you are wanting to see EPCOT and Hollywood Studios fireworks you can view these from the Boardwalk area resorts. The Boardwalk Inn, Yacht & Beach Club and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin all have areas for fireworks viewing.
When watching fireworks from outside the parks you will not have the best views but you do have the benefit of avoiding large fireworks crowds and bus lines. Be sure to find a spot with plenty of time with a snack in hand.
Evening Activities
Most Disney Resorts will have marshmallow roasting, often with the option of buying chocolate and graham crackers for s’mores. We suggest buying these with a grocery order to save a little money and have plenty for your whole stay.
All Disney Resorts have “Movie Under the Stars” nights available. Our kids love Disney movies and they get even more excited in the parks when they see their favorite characters in person. Ask about the schedule at check in to be sure not to miss it!
Summary
There are many reasons to pay the extra money to stay at an official Disney Resort. One way to justify the cost is to spend more time at the resort (and therefore pay for less park days). These amenities will make your stay at Disney world that much more enjoyable. Let us know, what are some of your favorite Disney resort features?
Pingback: Disney World Budgeting - Our Family at Disney