If you want to go on a Disney vacation, I highly recommend staying on Disney property! Disney is about telling a story, painting a picture, and creating a complete experience, right? Well, the resorts on Disney property certainly aren’t an exception.
Not only does the theming and attention to detail of each Disney resort make you feel like you are part of the story, there are also perks that hotels off-site don't have! That added value and convenience makes staying on Disney property totally worth it!
But with over 25 resorts to choose from, how do you pick the one that is best for your family?
Well, my friends, that is where I come in! I've broken it down for you into smaller categories that will help you decide!
Oh, and as you read on, remember there is a story that Disney is always trying tell! A hint or indicator of it is usually in the resort name!
To begin, Disney separates its resorts into four categories - value, moderate, deluxe and villas. Villas are usually part of the Disney Vacation Club but can still be booked for cash. Pricing follows this model as it sounds – value is a better price per night as compared to deluxe. Same goes for features onsite and availability of certain amenities. Let’s do a quick breakdown!
Value Resorts at Walt Disney World
The bulk of rooms in the Value category are standard and approximately 260 square feet. There is a basic bath setup, with the sink often in the open and the toilet and shower/tub in a separate room. Bedding arrangements could be two doubles or a king. The maximum occupancy for these rooms is 4 people.
Some rooms in this category are family suites coming in at approximately 520 square feet. They have a similar set up as a standard but double the baths and add in some convertible sleeping options. The maximum occupancy for the family suites is 6 people. You can find these at Art of Animation and the All Star Music.
From here, the value resorts at Disney World are all about the same. Views can differ from parking areas and wooded areas to swimming pools. You can expect that the better the view the higher the price.
Speaking of swimming pools, the pools here are typically themed and could be interactive. The pools at the value resorts do not have slides, but there is still a lot of fun to be had! You can also find life-jackets in a variety of sizes that are free to use at each pool.
Other forms of recreation are limited to poolside games, a playground, and an occasional movie outside at night.
Your dining options will consist of a foot court and a poolside bar.
Finally, one of the best perks of staying on Disney property is transportation! It is provided for free by Disney and is typically via bus. The only exceptions to this are the Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century, which recently were added the Skyliner route.
Value Disney Resorts Include: All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Campsites at Fort Wilderness.
Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World
Standard rooms in the Moderate category are in the 300 square foot range with a similar bath set up as a value resort, but maybe an additional sink. Two queen beds or one king is the standard, with a maximum occupancy of 4 people. They also offer fifth-sleeper room options that have an additional murphy bed, so that the maximum occupancy increases to 5 people.
Views are also similar to the value resorts but with an additional possibility of a room facing or near a natural body of water.
Pools, other recreation and dining options are a little more robust with the addition of “quiet pools,” water recreation, bikes, a health club (Coronado Springs), at least one table service restaurant and a lounge.
Transport here is typically bus as well, but there might be a boat service from some resorts to Disney Springs. Caribbean Beach also is on the skyliner route.
Moderate Disney Resorts Include: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World
There are a variety of rooms and sizes in the Deluxe category. We’re talking anywhere from 344 to 440 square feet.
The bath situation can vary too and includes what you’ll find in a moderate, but probably in a different configuration for more privacy. If the room is larger, there might be several baths.
Bedding configuration is like a moderate property with nothing smaller than a queen.
What really sets the Deluxe resorts at Disney World apart are the views, recreation, dining, and transportation!
Pools will have slides, hot tubs, or other water features. Spa services might even be available. There are more table service restaurants, room service and maybe even character dining onsite.
Lastly, these resorts are typically in close proximity to a park which many people prefer. This means that free transportation options open up. Buses, skyliner and boats could still be available, but add walking and monorails to the list.
Deluxe Disney Resorts Include: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club.
Villa Resorts at Walt Disney World
We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club.
Rooms are villa-style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.
Villa Disney Resorts Include: Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House and Kidani Village, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Villas at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Your Next Step
And there you have it! I know the differences between resorts at Disney World can be a lot to absorb, but I am here to help you through it!
I recommend that you evaluate each category as described and make your selection based on the needs of your family. From there, think about the story of the resort and what resonates with you most – maybe it’s animation, the Caribbean, or the South Pacific, and so on. With the breakdown above and these two tips, you’re on your way to selecting the resort that is perfect for you!
Still have more questions about resorts on Disney property? Click here to contact me!
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