We’re local now – but back in the day it was a huge understatement to say that we visited Walt Disney World frequently. And while there were times that we ventured off property for one reason or another, we always, always preferred our on property stays.
Art of Animation’s Little Mermaid Section
There are a thousand reasons to stay on property at Disney if you can make it work – from the free Magical Express ride to and from the airport (including luggage service both ways), to early access to FastPass+ booking 60 days out, to ease of transportation – be it by monorail, bus, boat, Skyliner, or Minnie Van – to and from the parks and Disney Springs.
Walt Disney World’s Pop Century Resort
But for me – the deciding factor was something less tangible: The Disney bubble. When I’m here, I want to be here – from the moment that I wake up in the morning to the moment that my head hits the pillow at night and into the time in between when I’m sleeping off park miles and churros.
Epcot from Disney’s Yacht Club
The immersive theming is so incredible throughout all of the Disney resorts – and there is SO MUCH to do around each of them – much of it for no added cost at all!
Look at this as an example. A calendar for the Poly for just the month of February. The amount that there is to experience at any given resort is incredible. You’ll find everything from fun runs to ukelele lessons around your resort when you’re taking time away from the parks.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Christmastime
This is why I always recommend setting time aside from the parks to experience your resort – and others if at all possible. Particularly during extremely busy times in the parks, like Christmas week into New Year’s, exploring everything that Walt Disney World’s resorts have to offer can be the key to turning an aggravating trip into one full of magic and peace.
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
What do you think? Are you an “on property” Disney visitor – or do you like to explore other options? Do you think there’s added magic in staying in that Disney bubble during your visit to “the World”?
