One of the biggest decisions when planning your Disney vacation is whether or not to stay at Walt Disney World on site resorts. 
While staying at a Disney resort may seem like a splurge, it can actually be a surprisingly savvy move: it can save money!
That’s right – staying at off site hotels near Disney World won’t always save you money (sometimes, it costs more).
From exclusive perks to strategic planning tips, these money-saving strategies will help you maximize your vacation budget without sacrificing any of the Disney magic.
Whether you’re a seasoned Disney guest or planning your first visit, get ready to discover how staying on-site can make your Disney vacation both unforgettable and affordable.
This post is all about the 5 simple ways you can save a lot of money by staying at Walt Disney World on site resorts.
Saving Money by Staying at Walt Disney World On Site Resorts
1) You can save through booking Disney World packages or with current promotions
Disney World packages include a Walt Disney World resort hotel stay and Disney World tickets.
By booking a package, you can enjoy significant savings. These may include some nights free or discounted during your stay, “free” dining credits – or even complimentary Disney Dining Plans!
We talk more about Disney Dining Plans in this post.
These offerings change frequently, depending on the time of year you book and visit. For the most up-to-date information about Disney World packages, make sure to check out Disney’s site.
Not interested in Disney World packages?
Maybe you’re an Annual Passholder, or just want to book your hotel room separately.
RELATED POST: Can You Save Money by Becoming a Disney World Annual Passholder in 2024?
Disney frequently offers room-only discounts (sometimes, these are exclusive to Annual Passholders – and even Disney+ subscriber). But some are available for all guests.
In some cases, the longer you stay, the larger the discount is – but offers can change quite often, so check out Disney’s site for the current offer details.
2) You don’t have to pay extra for transportation to the parks and Disney Springs
One of the most significant perks of staying at a Walt Disney World on-site resort is the complimentary transportation to all the theme parks and Disney Springs.
This complimentary transportation includes buses, the Monorail, boats and the Skyliner, depending on the location of your resort.
Here’s how this can help you save money:
- There is no need for a rental car (if you fly to Orlando). This can get VERY expensive.
- You don’t have to pay for fuel – no rental car = no fuel cost (unless you drive to Disney World).
- You don’t have to pay for Uber/Lyft to go to the parks/Disney Springs.
Some off site hotels near Disney World may offer free transportation, but it is usually less frequent and convenient. Also, off site resorts often don’t provide shuttle buses to the water parks and Disney Springs.
3) You get extra time in the parks = better value for money
When you stay at a Walt Disney World on-site resort, you gain access to a valuable perk: Early Theme Park Entry.
Guests at all Disney World resorts (and select other resorts) can enter the parks 30 minutes before other guests.
Whilst 30 minutes isn’t a huge head start, it can help if you want to get one or two popular attractions before the wait times reach their peak.
Guests staying at Deluxe Walt Disney World resort hotels can also access Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.
This happens twice a week (usually once at Magic Kingdom and once at Epcot), where guests at Deluxe and select other hotels can stay in the park two hours after closing. It’s a great time to ride the more popular attractions – and enjoy the parks when they are less crowded.
Whether you stay off site or at Walt Disney World on site hotels, you’ll be paying a lot for your Disney World tickets.
But at least when you stay on site, you can spend more time in the parks, so it is slightly better value for money.
4) You don’t have to pay steep, hidden hotel fees
When staying at Walt Disney World on-site resorts, you can save significant money by avoiding steep hotel fees commonly found at off site accommodations.
Hotel fees at off site hotels near Disney World can sometimes be over $40 per night, on top of the room rate and 12.5% tax.
You also don’t have to pay for parking at Walt Disney World on site resorts if you plan on taking/renting a car.
On site guests also get free standard theme park parking, if you don’t want to take the complimentary Disney buses/boats/Skyliner/Monorail.
5) Free water parks tickets on the day you arrive (in 2025)
I’m not going to pretend this is the greatest perk Disney has ever offered.
But if you were planning on visiting the water parks anyway – and you arrive at Disney World reasonably early on your first day – this is a decent way to save money.
After all, 1-day water park tickets are not cheap:
Ages 10+: $74 + tax
Ages 3-9: $68 + tax
Ta Ta For Now
So, do you think staying on or off site is the best way to save money on your Walt Disney World vacation?!
This post was all about the 5 simple ways you can save a lot of money by staying at Walt Disney World on site resorts.
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Hi there! I'm an English 🏴 Disney fan who drinks a lot of iced green tea ☕️ with lemon 🍋 and spends most of my time missing the Disney parks! ✨