Hi Nicole! Welcome to planDisney! Thanks for stopping by with your question!
You are off to a great start in planning your Walt Disney World stay! Visiting during the holidays is one of the best times to be onsite! Decorations are everywhere and holiday music is playing all around! Also, choosing to stay at a
Disney Resorts Hotel is a perfect choice. Each one is themed incredibly well and there are plenty of benefits that come along with staying in one. Access to Disney Transportation,
Early Theme Park Entry each day, as well as a host of others, are just a few reasons that make booking a Disney Resorts Hotel that special.
Another perk that comes along with staying in one of these amazingly themed resorts is being able to book
Individual Lightning Lanes entrances at 7 AM. This gives you a big advantage over offsite Guests. When staying in a Disney Resorts Hotel, you have full access to the benefits, amenities, and recreation offerings starting the morning of your check-in day and until the end of your check-out day. The best part is that you don't even need to be anywhere close in order to make these selections. You can be at the airport on your way down to Walt Disney World or in the car driving toward there. As long as you are checking into your resort on this day, you will receive the same benefits. Since Individual Lightning Lane selections allow you to choose the return window for your ride selection, you'll be able to choose the time that works best for you. (Depending on availability, of course)
This is a great idea for your arrival day. Most of the time, everyone is a bit tired from traveling and getting up early to get there. Planning a short park day usually ends up being the best option. Even better yet, having an attraction already booked that you do not need to wait in line for is an added bonus. I highly recommend using this strategy on day 1! As I mentioned earlier, you'll also receive the resort benefits until midnight of your check-out day. This will allow you to possibly enjoy the resort pool and other offerings on your departure date.
Nicole, I hope you enjoy your upcoming vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth! Make it a priority to stop in some of
Disney's Deluxe Resorts during your visit. Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge both host amazingly beautiful and tall Christmas trees in their grand lobbies during the holiday season!
See ya real soon!
Greg