As I mentioned in the last blog, the first choice to be made is whether you stay on or off Disney property.
Our personal preference as a family is to always stay on Disney property. We have stayed off a few times and it always SEEMS like its going to be less expensive, but it never is. Our last family vacation we used hotel loyalty points to stay at the Swan and Dolphin and spent almost the same amount on food as we would have staying on property for the whole trip. The beautiful thing about staying in a Disney resort is that you stay inside the "Disney Bubble" for your entire vacation, and I mean ENTIRE vacation.
The benefits start when you land at the Orlando Airport and take a short walk to the free transportation, Disney's Magical Express (on a funny note, we call the ride back to the airport the Tragical Express). If you have checked luggage, you can expect it to meet you at your hotel room 3-5 hours later (or you an collect it in advance if you're in a hurry). Simply follow the signs, walk up to the stand and scan your magic bands. You will be directed to the appropriate bus line, where you will board your bus to take you to the resort. FYI: These are very nice coach liners with bathrooms on board (important with small children, as its a 45 minute ride to Disney World from the airport). They also show classic Disney cartoons for the majority of the ride.
If you are staying on property, there is a new option that allows you to check in before you even board your first plane! The neat thing about this is that you can completely bypass the front desk. On our last trip, we had our room assigned by the time we had landed and we were able to go straight to our room and settle in (your magic band and now in some select resorts, your phone, acts as your room key). Now you’re all set and ready to go have fun! Another cool thing about magic bands is that while you are on Disney property (including resorts, parks and some stores in Disney Springs) your magic band can also act as your method of payment, meaning you don't have to take your wallet or cash, unless you want to buy alcohol (you have to be able to prove you’re 21).
There are a few other benefits to staying in the bubble for your whole vacation: free magic bands with your reservation, 60 day advance access to FastPass+ (its 30 days if you just have park tickets), 180 day advance dining reservations (30 days with just park tickets), free transportation (boat, bus, or monorail) between your resort, Disney Springs, and the theme parks, the ability to get a dining plan (this can be a real money saver, check out our next blog for more info), and extra magic hours. Extra magic hours are when, on designated days (it varies from week to week so check the schedule), a Walt Disney World theme park will be open an hour early and two hours later for resort guests. If you're a rope drop to kiss goodbye person.... this is a great way to extend your day!
There are other non-Disney resorts nearby, especially near Disney Springs but while the resort prices may be less expensive you won't receive the benefits listed above (a few good neighbor hotels do have access to extra magic hours). However, you may find that these hotels have more availability and larger rooms available than the Disney resorts, especially if you are doing a 'last minute' vacation.
Hope this helps! Up next... dining plans!