With the announcement today that Walt Disney World packages for 2026 are now open to book, you may find yourself part of the large mass of families wondering if next year could be your year to visit the House of Mouse.
Obviously most of Walt Disney World’s package marketing is geared to families with children, and the benefits to those families can be substantial. One of the highlights in 2026 will be a way for kids to get a free dining plan, which any travel advisor will tell you can save a family PLENTY of money. (If you’d like more details on how to get that benefit for your family vacation, email me here!)
But what about the solo traveler? What are the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel for them? If the benefits are worth it is something you have to decide for yourself, but I do want to at least lay out which ones are the most beneficial if you’re flying solo. Which, if I’m being honest, is probably my FAVORITE way to visit the world’s most popular theme park complex…
The first thing you need to ask yourself before booking any type of Walt Disney World vacation is what is more important to you – time or money? And be honest with yourself about the answer because it will impact a lot. If you are more focused on maximizing your time at the parks and want to quickly and easily get from your room to the parks and back, staying onsite can be a game-changer, albeit more expensive. If you want the best deal possible and are more focused on keeping your trip within a budget, staying offsite is certainly cheaper, but takes more time to get everywhere and do anything. Which is more important to you?
Like any good Travel Advisor, I can give you a cost comparison for staying onsite versus offsite, but for you as an individual, the EXPERIENCE you’ll have on your vacation is what determines the worth or value. So if you know time is more important, or you need help deciding, here are the Top 4 benefits for a solo traveler staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel in 2026.
- Early entry every day, at every park. Disney Resort hotel guests get into the theme parks 30 minutes early every day. You’ll get a head start to get to, and possibly ride, some of the top-tier attractions, which can definitely save you time on a busy day. Plus guests at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts have access to extended evening hours at select theme parks on certain days.
- Early access to Lightning Lane for your entire stay. Want to ride every possible ride you can? When you stay onsite you’re able to purchase Lightning Lane passes as early as seven days before you check-in. These can cover your entire stay (up to 14 days). This can be a MASSIVE benefit as it allows you more comprehensive planning and booking of Lightning Lane passes to maximize your time. Those staying offsite are typically able to purchase Lightning Lane passes three days before their park visit.
- Free (and sometimes fast) transportation from your room to the parks. If you are the type who likes the freedom of being able to go back to your room during a park day to relax, maybe grab a nap or take a dip in the pool, this perk can make a huge difference. Disney Resort hotel guests get free theme park transportation via monorail, boat, bus, and Disney Skyliner. This transportation takes you to the park, between parks, to Disney Springs, and to the onsite hotels. Plus, if you’re like me and hate rental cars, this benefit makes it really easy to get around without a vehicle of your own.
- The sheer safety factor. I’ve been to Walt Disney World solo many times, and as a woman, staying onsite has always been the way to go when it comes to safety. There are cast members and security officers everywhere, the resorts are well-lit, and the transportation around the resort feels safer to me than taking a ride share or taxi offsite. This is not to say you shouldn’t be vigilant and aware, but it can certainly ease your mind and anxiety levels.
There are plenty of other benefits to staying onsite at Walt Disney World, so comment below if you want more details. Of course I’d love to help you plan your next Walt Disney World vacation, especially if you’re a solo traveler! Click here to email me, and be sure to follow along for more tips and tricks along the way!