Hey there, Kelly! Welcome to planDisney!
There's nothing better than staying in a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel while you're visiting
The Most Magical Place on Earth! My family stayed outside of the Resort only once when I was little and I promised myself I would never do it again! Not only did we miss out on some of the b
enefits of staying within a Disney Resort, but we also just missed the magical feel, the random character sightings, and the close proximity to the Parks. From a Value Resort to a Deluxe Villa, I am always happy to be staying right inside the magic!
While we mostly take the complimentary
Disney Transportation such as buses, the Monorail and my all-time favorite, the
Disney Skyliner, we have also rented a car and taken it to the Theme Parks. I was SO happy at the end of the night when we just moseyed our way back to the car and headed back to our Resort instead of waiting for a bus. One of the best parts about parking at the Theme Parks as a Disney Resorts Collection hotel Guest is that standard Theme Park parking is included in your stay!
I wouldn't worry about missing your chance at
Early Theme Park Entry just because you're
driving and parking at the Theme Parks. Theme Park parking lots tend to open approximately an hour prior to official Park opening time, still giving you and your party a chance to park and make your way to the Park entrance well before "rope drop"(when the Park opens for the day).
Disney bus transportation tends to start running 45 minutes before the Theme Park opening time, most likely getting these Guests to the Parks at a very similar time! You can always arrive at the parking gate a little earlier, you just may be held for a few minutes before moving through the gates to the lot.
Early Theme Park Entry is a great way to jump right on to some of the most popular attractions in the Parks without a long wait!
Peter Pan's Flight has ALWAYS been my family's "rope drop" ride, and now even my children know that it just has to be our first stop! I hope you and your family will be able to start some fun vacation traditions while you're staying at Walt Disney World Resort!
Ashley M