How to Use Marriott Points for a Disney World Stay On Property (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is exciting, but the costs can quickly add up. One way to ease the financial burden of getting to the theme parks while still getting the thrill of on-property benefits is learning how to use Marriott points to stay on property at Disney World.

This strategy allows you to enjoy proximity to the parks, luxurious amenities, and the reliability of Marriott service, all while making the most of your hard-earned points (and limiting cash spending). Marriott offers 3 hotels that are considered on-property at Disney World: The Marriott Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Marriott Walt Disney World Swan, and Marriott Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotels.

Why Stay at Marriott Hotels on Walt Disney World Property?

Staying on Disney property offers numerous benefits, such as quick access to the parks, early theme park entry privileges, and complimentary transportation to all theme parks. You also get perks associated with Disney Deluxe Resorts, such as free parking at Disney theme parks and extended evening hours (extra hours in the parks on select nights).

In addition, guests will be able to reserve lightning lane selections 7 days prior to your visit, and non-Disney resort guests can reserve 3 days prior to a theme park ticket. However, staying on property can also be quite costly if paying with cash. This is where Marriott Bonvoy points offer the perks of getting on-property benefits at a fraction of the cost.

Marriott hotels on Disney property provide these perks along with the opportunity to use Marriott Bonvoy points, making them a smart choice for both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking the benefits of an on-property experience.

How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points for Disney World

Before diving into how to use your points, it’s important to understand how to earn them. New to earning Marriott points? Start with our comprehensive guide to earning Marriott Bonvoy points for Disney World for step-by-step earning strategies.

Co-Branded Marriott Credit Cards for Disney World

Sign up for a co-branded credit card, such as the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, or American Express Bonvoy Bevy, which offer generous welcome bonuses and points for every dollar spent. Chase and American Express also offer business travel credit cards, including the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business card.

Marriott Hotel Stays and Elite Status

Earn points by staying at Marriott properties. Points are typically awarded based on your spending, and elite-status members can earn even more.

Transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy

If you have a Chase credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can transfer these points to your Marriott Bonvoy account. American Express Membership Rewards points can also be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy.

Marriott Hotels on Disney Property Overview

Location of Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin Hotels and Disney Perks

Each hotel has unique features, such as room types (double vs. queen beds) and proximity to amenities. The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Swan, and Dolphin hotels are ideally located within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making them a convenient option for park-goers. Being able to walk to the parks can save time compared to waiting for transportation.

Make the most of this prime location with our complete EPCOT planning guide and Hollywood Studios Star Wars experience tips.

These hotels also offer multiple pools, a game room, health clubs, and world-class dining. Additionally, all three hotels provide complimentary shuttle buses to the Walt Disney World parks.

• Points Cost: Redemption rates typically range from 50,000 to 70,000 points per night, depending on the season and availability.

• Why It’s Worth It: The location is unbeatable, and you get Disney perks like Early Park Entry. With the new Disney lightning lane system, being on property has significant perks. Plus, the resorts offer high-end dining and luxurious amenities.

Important Fees and Considerations for Using Marriott Points on Disney Property

There are a few downsides to these hotels. The Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin hotels are not eligible for the dining plan, since they technically are not Walt Disney World Resort hotels. In addition, the 3 hotels do charge a resort fee plus tax of approximately $51 per night. The 3 hotels also charge a nightly parking fee (currently $36 for self-parking), however, you do get the benefit of free parking at the theme parks if you are staying at the Swan, Swan Reserve, or Dolphin.

While booking these hotels on points will save you a ton of money compared to paying cash for an on-property resort, there is a cash outlay of at least $50 per night plus parking if you have a car. So if you are looking for a truly free hotel stay, there are wonderful Marriott hotels that are off property and do not charge a resort fee. If your looking for more space and no resort fee, check our Marriott Vacation Club properties.

Explore our complete guide to the best Marriott hotels near Disney World on points for off-property options without resort fees. Looking to offset those resort fees? Consider Disney hotels with free breakfast that you can book with points to save on meal costs.

For families prioritizing budget savings, see how to achieve a complete Disney World trip for under $450 per person by combining off-property hotels with smart planning strategies.