Picking the Perfect Walt Disney World® Resort
So, you’re heading to Disney World and wondering where to stay? Trust us, staying on Disney property is the way to go! Disney is all about creating a magical story, and their resorts are no exception. Each one is designed to pull you right into its unique tale, from the whimsical details to the themed décor. Plus, staying on-site comes with perks you just can’t get at off-site hotels, like extra park time, easy transportation, and the ability to make reservations for dining, experiences and lightning lanes before off property guests.
With over 25 Disney resorts to choose from, how do you pick the best one for your family? Don’t stress – we’ve got you covered.
Disney Resorts are grouped into four categories based on their offerings and amenities: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Ready to dive into the details and find the perfect fit for your family? Let’s explore each category!
Value Resorts
When it comes to budget-friendly options, Disney’s Value Resorts offer a fantastic combination of fun themes and essential comforts. Here’s what you can expect:
- Room Size and Layout: Most rooms are around 260 square feet and feature a straightforward bed and bath setup. The sink area has plenty of storage and separates the sleeping area with a door or curtain for privacy. The toilet and shower/tub are separated from the sink area by a second door. Each room includes 2 queen beds – one of them is a queen-sized murphy bed that doubles as a table during the day.
- Family Suites: Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort are the only value resorts with a family suite option. These rooms sleep 6 guests, have two bathrooms, and have a kitchenette with a fridge, coffee maker, small sink, and a microwave. Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort have double beds and a queen, where suites at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort feature queens.
- Views: Rooms may overlook parking lots, wooded areas, or swimming pools. Better views and preferred rooms are available for a slightly higher price.
- Pools and Recreation: You can expect themed pools without slides, poolside games, playgrounds, and outdoor movie nights.
- Dining: Dining options are limited to a food court and pool bar.
- Transportation: Most Value Resorts use Disney buses for transportation. However, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort are connected to the Skyliner, offering a fun and scenic way to get to EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
Includes:Disney's All Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All Star Music Resort, Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Moderate Resorts
Moderate Resorts offer a great mix of comfort and added amenities. Here’s what you get:
- Room Size and Layout: Standard rooms are around 300 square feet, with a bath setup like Value Resorts, but often with an extra sink. Most rooms have two queen beds or one king-sized bed.
- 5th Sleeper options: Some rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside include two queen beds plus an additional kid-sized pull-down bed. Furthermore, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offer a full kitchen along with the ability to sleep 6 guests.
- Views: Rooms may overlook parking lots, wooded areas, or swimming pools. Since these Resorts are larger, preferred rooms are a great choice if you want to be closer to the main lobby. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter is the exception, with a more compact layout.
- Pools and Recreation: You can enjoy large, incredibly themed main pools with water slides, “quiet pools,” and additional amenities like bike rentals, fishing, and health clubs, depending on the resort’s theme.
- Dining: Each resort has at least one table service restaurant and a quick service option, with the exception of Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter, which does not have a table service restaurant. However its sister resort- Port Orleans Resort- Riverside, does have a table service option.
- Transportation: Moderate Resorts offer more transportation options than Value Resorts. In addition to Disney buses, Caribbean Beach is the main hub for the Skyliner, providing a faster transfer to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Port Orleans Resort- Riverside and Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter also have serene boat service to Disney Springs. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort also feature boat transportation to Magic Kingdom® Park
Includes:Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside, and The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe resorts bring luxury and convenience closer to the parks. Here’s what you can expect to find at these resorts.
- Room Size: Rooms vary in size and room configurations.
- Views: Standard rooms have views that you would expect at other resorts. However, you may also opt to get premium views, including those that offer theme park views with a prime view of the nighttime fireworks spectaculars.
- Pools and Recreation: You’ll find pools with slides, hot tubs, spa services, and more elaborate recreational activities that match the theme of the Resort.
- Dining: Deluxe Resorts have many dining options, including table service restaurants, lounges, room service, and possibly even a character dining experience.
- Transportation: Deluxe Resorts have many transportation options including Disney buses, Skyliner, the Monorail, and boats. You might even have a walking path for quick access to one of the theme parks.
Includes: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Yacht Club.
Deluxe Villa Resorts
Deluxe Villas are a part of the deluxe resort category, meaning you still get the same blend of luxury and spacious accommodations. The purpose of these Resorts is to give you all the amenities of home, with options like multiple bedrooms, and full kitchens.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Room Types: Deluxe Villas range from cozy studios to large three-bedroom units, providing a variety of options to fit your group’s size and needs. Except studio options, villas come with full kitchens, living areas, laundry, and multiple bathrooms.
- Views: Guests who stay in the villas enjoy views that include beautiful garden landscapes or serene water views. Some villas also offer premium views that might include sights of the theme parks or other notable features.
- Pools and Recreation: Deluxe Villas enjoy the same elaborate amenities as the deluxe resorts. This includes the pools, slides, and hot tubs that match the resort’s theming.
- Dining: Deluxe villas usually offer dining options that include a range of table service restaurants, quick service spots, and sometimes even character dining. Since many villas also have kitchens, you can prepare meals in the comfort of your room, if you choose to go that route.
- Transportation: Transportation options are extensive, including Disney buses, Skyliner, Monorail, and boats. Some deluxe villas are also within walking distance of theme parks, making it easy to get around.
Includes: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.