Walt Disney World Resorts With the Best Perks for Guests in 2021
FAQ: Walt Disney World Resort perks
What are the perks available at Walt Disney World Resorts?
While perks vary from resort to resort, there are some that are shared by every official Walt Disney World Resort. These include:
- Free transportation between hotels and theme parks via bus, boat, Monorail, and Skyliner
- Pools with water slides, hot tubs, and activities
- Free parking at Disney theme parks, Disney water parks, and the Disney Springs area
- Airport transportation on Disney’s Magical Express (until January 1, 2022, when the service is discontinued).
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Online check-in
- Merchandise delivery and pickup
- First access to FastPass+ and advance dining reservations (temporarily on hiatus)
- Extra Park Time: Beginning in October, all guests enjoy a 30-minute early entry into the theme parks while Deluxe Resort guests will get two additional after park hours.
Which hotels are considered Deluxe?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Polynesian Village, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, as well as Disney’s Rivera Resort.
Which Disney Deluxe Resorts will have the extra time in the parks on select evenings?
Any of the Walt Disney World Resorts that are rated Deluxe (see above) will have this perk, including the Swan and Dolphin, although it is not a Disney property.
Are all the perks free?
Almost all of the perks are free. Although some — a few of the craft activities, cruises, bike, and boat rentals, or wine and food tasting — may incur an additional charge.
If I stay at one Walt Disney World Resort, can I use perks at another hotel?
All resort perks are for the guests of that particular resort, however, you can dine and drink at any resort.
Is it easy to transfer between Walt Disney World Resorts?
Yes, bus, boat, Monorail, and Skyliner services make it easy to travel between hotels.
Additionally, Disney’s luggage transfer system is excellent if you plan to stay at more than one resort during your vacation. At the end of one stay, just bring your bags down to the lobby when you check out and ask that they be forwarded to your next resort while you explore the parks. When you get to your new resort, you can either retrieve them from the bell desk or have them delivered directly to your room.
Is there transportation from the airport?
Disney’s Magical Express is a complimentary shuttle service between the Orlando airport and Walt Disney World Resorts. But unfortunately, this perk will end starting with arrivals on January 1, 2022.
Are luxury perks like Concierge and club-level rooms available?
Yes. All of the above resorts have concierge services that can assist in purchasing park tickets, making dining reservations, and more.
Also, all of the resorts, except for the Disney Vacation Club’s Riviera, have club-level rooms. These rooms cost more than standard rooms but come with club-level lounges that serve free food and drinks (including alcoholic drinks) throughout the day as part of your rate.
