Melinda,
That is a great question, and one that can be more than a bit confusing to us all. Here is the quick answer;
If you stay at a Disney resort, you get select benefits that, as a whole, guests of other resorts don't receive. These are listed on their website, under the
"Plan" and
"Why Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel?" section, which I link to
here. Some of the more important ones include;
- Extended Theme Park Hours (Extra Magic Hours)
- Complimentary Resort Transportation
- Complimentary Airport Transportation (Magical Express)
- Disney Dining Plan
- Package Delivery
Some of the non-Disney run resorts that are located on Disney property will have some, but not all, of these benefits. Most, in fact, enjoy hardly any of them. I honestly don't remember what the Doubletree had when I stayed there last, but it changes occasionally, so it is best to ask them directly.
I think that the perks make it worth staying at a Disney resort, whenever the budget allows. If the budget means I stay at a Value instead of a Moderate, then so be it. Savings and convenience almost always seem to be worth it, for me.
Have a magical vacation!