You and your family decided to dive into the magical world of Walt Disney World, but the big question looms: which resort is the best option for you?
In this post, we’ll take that pressure off your shoulders as we walk you through the different resorts you can find at Disney that perfectly match your wishes.
If your wallet likes to keep a low profile but you still want the enchantment of Disney, the Value Resorts are your fairy godmother.
With vibrant themes, cozy accommodations, and prices that won’t break the bank, these resorts are your budget-friendly ticket to experience the magic. You’ll find yourself surrounded by larger-than-life characters, towering icons, and a whimsical atmosphere that’s sure to excite your kids, as well as bring out the kid in you.
There are five value resorts at Walt Disney World, Pop Century, Art of Animation, All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, and All-Star Music. Standard rooms start around $133 and you still get all the perks of staying at a Disney hotel, including early park entry. Food courts allow you to choose a fast and easy meal that won’t break the bank, and you can use the My Disney Experience App to check for bus times to the park.
So, if you’re all about the thrills and spills in the parks and plan to spend limited time at your hotel, a Value Resort could be your happily ever after.
Now, if you’re seeking a bit more magic without sending your savings on a wild ride, the Moderate Resorts are your middle-ground haven.
Think charming themes, spacious rooms, and amenities that add that extra sprinkle of pixie dust to your stay. There are four moderate resorts at Walt Disney World: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans – French Quarter, and Port Orleans – Riverside. Standard rooms start at $260 per night.
Similar to the value resorts, Disney moderate resorts (with a few exceptions) feature doors facing outside without inside hallways, resembling a motel-style setup. They also offer a food court experience, typically serving American favorites like pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. However, in contrast to the value resorts and akin to the deluxe resorts, almost all moderate resorts (with one exception) boast at least one table service restaurant.
You’ll get the best of both worlds: a touch of luxury without feeling like you’re taking a nosedive into the deep end of your budget.
These types of Disney resorts are not too fancy, not too basic, they are just right for a comfortable and magical stay for you and your family.
If you’re all about living your best Disney life and the budget is more of a suggestion, Deluxe Resorts are your golden ticket.
The Deluxe Resorts are where dreams come true with an extra touch of extravagance. These are the crème de la crème, the Cinderella’s Castle of accommodations, if you will.
Spacious rooms, top-notch dining, and jaw-dropping themes await you. It’s like stepping into a world where luxury and magic waltz hand in hand.
There are eight deluxe resorts at WDW. Three resorts – Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary – are conveniently situated along the monorail route, providing direct access to Magic Kingdom and, with a transfer, Epcot. Meanwhile, three other resorts – BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach Club – are nestled around the picturesque Boardwalk area, conveniently positioned between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Wilderness Lodge offers proximity to Magic Kingdom but is not located on the monorail route. Lastly, Animal Kingdom Lodge is adjacent to Animal Kingdom, although it does not offer dedicated transportation to the park. Standard rooms start at $487 per night and you could easily skip a day at the park to spend at the hotel with all the amenities they provide, including exclusive pools, bars, and activities.
Choosing the perfect Walt Disney World resort is like finding your favorite Disney character – it’s all about the right fit for you.
Whether you’re dancing on a budget, seeking middle-ground magic, or ready to live the Disney high life, there’s a resort waiting to make your stay as enchanting as a fairy tale.
So now you know what you need to let your Disney adventure begin with a resort that feels like your own magical home away from home.
Remember, you’re not just choosing a place to stay. You’re picking the backdrop for your Disney dreams so you should make it count!
I get it, planning a family travel can be so stressful and overwhelming, especially when it comes to Walt Disney World.
That’s why I’ve put together a Disney Trip Without Overwhelm: 5 Easy Steps that can help you plan your next Disney vacation with no planning madness included.
And if you’re ready to take your travel planning to the next level, feel free to book a call with me so we can make that ideal vacation a reality.
Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
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