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  • On May 7, 2026
    Joseph from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My daughter will be turning 13 during the time frame that we are planning on going to Disney. I'M trying to figure out if its cheaper or better to book through Disney directly for a resort.

    Hey there, Joseph! Thanks for bringing such a great question to planDisney! When it comes to booking a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, your safest bet is to book directly through Disney World!

    Let’s start with saving some money! The Disney World website has a Special Offers page for money-saving deals! Here you will find discounted hotel rooms, special offers for theme park tickets, the occasional FREE Disney Dining Plan, and more! I like to save money, so I always start my vacation planning on the Special Offers page!

    There are other great benefits to booking a Disney World vacation and staying at a Disney World hotel! One of my favorite benefits is the Early Theme Park Entry perk! Guests of Disney World hotels can enter any theme park, any day, 30 minutes before the park opens to other Guests! Additionally, if you happen to be staying at a deluxe Disney World hotel, you can take advantage of the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours perk! With this benefit, Guests can stay in select theme parks, on select nights, for a couple of hours after the theme park closes to other Guests!

    Another great perk is getting a jump on purchasing your Lightning Lane passes! Guests of a Disney World hotel can make their Lightning Lane purchases and selections seven days before their vacation arrival date!

    And, if you are thinking about Disney Dining for your daughter’s birthday, Guests of Disney World hotels can make dining reservations 60 days before their vacation arrival date (for up to 10 days of their vacation)! Speaking of Disney Dining, Guests booking their vacation through Disney World can add the Disney Dining Plan to their vacation package!

    Another perk that comes with booking directly through Disney World is peace of mind! Knowing that friendly Cast Members are available to support you with all of your vacation needs gives Guests a sense of comfort and care that we’ve come to expect from Disney World!

    Joseph, here is a PRO TIP for you! Stop by Guest Relations at any of the Disney Parks or your Disney World hotel and request a FREE birthday button for your daughter! Consider it a birthday gift from Mickey and Minnie!

    Dreams do come true!

    Jonathan

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Meet the Panelist: Jonathan, Pennsylvania

Hi, everyone!  My name is Jonathan.  I am a Disney-adoring husband, dad of three sons, and elementary school principal from Pennsylvania.  If you're visiting planDisney with questions about the Most Magical Place on Earth, then Hakuna Matata because you've come to the right group of people!  I'm happy to use my past Disney-travel experiences and knowledge to help you enjoy every moment of your vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort! Learn More About Jonathan

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