So you’ve decided that you want to take a vacation and you are ready for the magic to extend throughout your entire stay! While we are extremely biased, we also know the incredible value that comes from staying at a Disney property and the added benefits that you get while on your trip. 

THIS WAY to your next "Vacation Sensation..."

You probably knew there were multiple parks at WDW, and that it would take some planning ahead of time, but choosing where you’re going to stay is half the fun! Staying on-site at a Disney property means the magical Disney bubble helps encapsulate every part of your experience. At Walt Disney World alone, there are more than 20 resorts, ranging in size, cost, and location. There is truly something for everyone!

Additionally, each resort was created with its own designated theme. If you have tried one resort before, staying at a new hotel the next time makes your vacation feel fresh all over again. This is one of the reasons guests continue to go back. With so much to see and do (and so many places to stay!)... each getaway can be incredibly unique and feel like the first time.

So what do you look for when it comes to a resort property? If you want to be in the middle of the action and steps away from the parks, we can help guide you to the right option. Hoping to find the magic but need a more economical option this time? We know where to look! Prefer something a little more quiet and less themed? Maybe even a view of a golf course? Done! Want a full kitchen to help with food costs or have a family member with an allergy that needs to make food in the room? There are villas we can recommend. Did you know you can even stay in a tree house with views of river boats passing by?! The experiences seem endless at the Walt Disney World properties!

Staying on Walt Disney World property can offer many benefits, including early entry to the parks, free transportation throughout your stay, booking dining reservations for the entire length of stay 60 days in advance, and the chance to book Lightning Lanes 7 days before check-in (more on that here). Guests staying at Disney resorts also have the opportunity to book Lighting Lane Premier Passes, and those staying at deluxe resorts may receive additional benefits, including late night hours. 

At Walt Disney World, the resorts fall into three categories:

• Deluxe Resorts and and Deluxe Villas

• Moderate Resorts

• Value Resorts 

DELUXE RESORTS AND DELUXE VILLAS

The finest category at Walt Disney World, and the best way to enhance the entirety of your stay. Deluxe resorts are known for their elegant theming, signature restaurants, and often their close proximity to the parks... some even walking distance! Deluxe resorts have more square footage in their rooms, and some even offer 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas to really spread out.

With some Deluxe Resorts, guests can opt for a “Theme Park” view, and even watch fireworks from their room or balcony as music is streamed through their TVs. Deluxe Resorts offer a gym and some have the option for spa services. These hotel options also have internal doorway entries to the rooms (with some exceptions-- Deluxe Villas). Club Level with additional amenities and services are also an option at Deluxe Resorts. The pools are incredible and some even include cabanas that you can reserve ahead of time to make your rest days exceptional.

Deluxe Villas have the amenities listed above but include studios, or one, two, or three-bedrooms (sleeping up to 12). Deluxe Villas come with an open space living room, fully equipped kitchen (unless in a studio), washing machine and dryer, and plenty of storage. These are great for larger families, groups, or extended stays.

In regards to transportation, these options are the best. While all still provide buses, many also offer close proximity to the parks so guests can walk to the parks. Additionally, the monorail. SkyLiner, and ferries are offered as well at select resorts

Deluxe Resorts and Villas at Walt Disney World include:

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 

Disney’s Contemporary Resort 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort 

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort 

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Disney’s Riviera Resort 

Disney’s Old Key West Resort 

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa 

Disney's Beach Club

MODERATE RESORTS

Choosing to stay at a Moderate Resort within Walt Disney World is an excellent option. These properties contain both table service dining experiences (except at French Quarter) and quick service options. The pools are elevated as well as these include a water slide at the main swimming areas on each property. The rooms are a great size with many 5th sleeper options available. Many guests like these properties for the unique, yet more subtle, theming for each resort (versus the Value Resort options). These resorts feature external doors, with the exception of the tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

One thing to note is that most of these properties are spread out (with the exception of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter), and have multiple internal bus stops for transportation to and from the parks and Disney Springs. Both Port Orleans properties have ferry boat transportation to Disney Springs as well, while Caribbean Beach sits right on the SkyLiner. If staying at the cabins at Fort Wilderness, they also have ferry access to Magic Kingdom.

Moderate resorts at Walt Disney World include:

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 

The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside

VALUE RESORTS

The most economical in price point and the larger than life theming make this category popular for smaller families or those with younger children. These rooms will have the smallest footprint of all the offered resorts and most can only sleep up to 4 adults. The exception to this is the family themed suite options at Art of Animation and the family suite at All-Star Music. All of which which can sleep up to 6 adults. 

Value resorts offer quick service dining options. These resorts also have a designated bus pickup area near the lobby in the front of each resort. Choosing a preferred room when booking one of these resorts is recommended as that will ensure you are closer to the lobby, dining, main pool area, and bus stop. With the exception of Art of Animation Family Suites, entrances to all rooms are external. The theming for Value resorts are colorful, oversized, and generally appealing for small children. 

Both Art of Animation and Pop Century are located along the SkyLiner, which is a great way to get to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Families with strollers will prefer this option as you can leave your stroller open and not have to break it down on the bus.

Value resorts at Walt Disney World include:

Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort 

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort 

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort 

Disney's Art of Animation

I hope that this brief overview of Disney properties will help to create a better understanding of what Disney has to offer you and your family. I can help you discover which resort is ideal for you based on the needs and wants of your traveling party.