Basketball-themed hotel courtyard with basketball hoops, basketballs, and a large red whistle statues.
  • On Mar 28, 2026
    Courtney from ND Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    What are the pros, cons, and perks to staying on location vs off for WDW? Which hotels are on location? Thank you!!

    Howdy, Courtney!

    Thanks for coming back to planDisney with your question. It looks like you’re considering staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel during your Walt Disney World vacation. Let me tell you, I have been to Disney World many, many times. Having stayed at a few Good Neighbor hotels as well as a few other accommodation types in the area, I do have to admit that my most favorite accommodations are those owned by Disney. There are a few reasons why, and I’m happy to share them with you. 

    For one, no one does immersive storytelling and theming quite like Disney. Every Disney resort tells a story. You’ll find that story being told throughout the property via decor, activities and amenities. Nothing compares to stepping right into Mardi Gras at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter or looking for Nemo so you can “Just Keep Swimming” at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These are just a few options, but every Disney hotel gives you the chance to step into your favorite Disney stories. 

    Another reason why I love to stay at Disney resorts is the perks. If I were to just name a few, I’d highlight the fact that you get to book Lightning Lane passes, advanced dining reservations and Enchanting Extras earlier than non-Disney resort guests. This gives you a huge advantage. Your chances of booking that attraction or restaurant you really want to experience are so much higher since you get earlier access. As a Disney resort guest you also get the benefit of Early Theme Park entry, so you'll enter the parks earlier than other guests. Choosing to stay at a deluxe resort will also provide you with Extended Evening Hours on select nights, so you’d really max out your park time as a deluxe guest! 

    Another perk that we love is having access to complimentary Disney transportation for the duration of your stay. As a Disney World Resort hotel guest, you’d never really need to rent a car. Once you arrive at your resort hotel, Disney’s comprehensive transportation system is at your disposal. You can travel anywhere on Disney property using their transportation system. I love this perk because it’s not a vacation if I have to drive! 

    I’ll share a list of Disney resort hotels with you as well as a comprehensive description of the benefits to staying on property. Knowing what I know about staying on Disney property, I almost always choose a Disney resort for my stays. While some Good Neighbor hotels provide a few of the perks I mentioned above, Disney-owned hotels provide so many more. 

    I hope this information helps get you closer to making a decision, Courtney. I know that you’ll love staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel as much as my family and I do. Thanks for stopping by planDisney. We’ll see ya real soon. 

    Sakinah
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Meet the Panelist: Sakinah, New York

Hi friends! I’m Sakinah from New York. As an event professional and lifelong Disney fan, I love turning thoughtful planning into magic. My multigenerational family and I love to visit Disney Parks as often as we can, but our most visited park is Walt Disney World. I’m so excited to help you plan a vacation that’s sprinkled with magic, wonder, and memories that last a lifetime.  Learn More About Sakinah

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