One of the best parts of Walt Disney World, in my opinion is the variety of resorts options available. They have spaces for every budget and party size. My family and I have stayed at everything from the value resorts to a 3-bedroom villa at a deluxe resort. To be honest, I love them all. I think once I head into the Disney ‘bubble’ I am just as happy as can be.
Heck, I think I’d even sleep at the bus stop if it meant I was at Walt Disney World. Not joking…
The hardest part about picking a Walt Disney World resort? Knowing which one is going to be the right fit for you. With all the options it’s hard to decide! Each hotel offers its own perks, restaurants and unique Disney touch. The hotels are a key part of the magic. How do you know you’ve made the correct choice? Well, if you ask 10 people which hotel is best at Walt Disney World, you’ll get 10 different answers. Everyone has a favorite! Yet, rest assured, you probably can’t make a bad choice. Personally, mine changes every time we visit!
If you are a first time Walt Disney World goer and need help deciding which hotel is going to be a good choice for you, the best place to start would be with a general overview. Once you get an ideal of what the different types of resorts are like, you can dive deeper into understanding what they have to offer. Then you can make your decision based on budget and what’s right for your family. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the different types of resorts offered!
Breath
First, take a second to breathe easy.
With some many on property resorts, I honestly don’t think it is possible to make a mistake. I said it above, but it’s worth saying again. While the hotels are definitely different from the value to the deluxe, each brings its own type of Disney magic to the table. Instead of fretting over what you might be missing if you select one resort over another, focus on why you are taking your trip to Disney. Make a list of all the reasons you are going on vacation and what you hope to get from your adventures. Then sit back and decide what resort is going to be the best fit to fit those needs.
Value Resorts
Let’s create a hypothetical situation where you are about to take your first vacation to Walt Disney World. Coming along for the ride are your little ones, ages 3 and 5. They love all things Disney. The movies, the shows, the life-sized characters. You name it, they love it. Your kids just can’t get enough of all these details.
The perfect resorts to make your kiddo’s wildest dreams come through are the value resorts. From the All-Star Resorts, to Pop Century to Art of Animation, your kids are going to love all the Disney animation details. Around every corner are characters that are larger than life and sure to bring a smile to your little one’s face.
The rooms are smaller, but are sufficient and have worked well for our family of four several times. Most rooms consist of two beds, a table, chairs, a night stand and a TV console with storage shelves. The bathroom area is often separated by a curtain and a door encloses the toilet and tub area. In addition to the items listed above, a pack-and-play or crib can also be requested and fits nicely in the room. We’ve even been able to stow our Sit-and-Stand stroller in the room with all of us in it. The value resorts allow for a budget friendly vacation option, but still give you perks of staying at a Disney resort, including Disney transportation and access to the Magical Express.
Moderate Resorts
Now, let’s pretend your kids are a little older. You’ve tried and loved all the value resorts, but want to expand your options of places to stay. You also don’t want to spending your entire vacation budget on your hotel room.
Moderate resorts are a middle ground between the value resorts and the deluxe resorts. The rooms are a little more spacious and the details are more sophisticated. While I love the larger than life characters at the value resorts, I also love the very thought out details of the moderate resorts landscaping. I have heard the moderate resorts being compared to the deluxe resorts when it comes to their styling and I have to agree. Plus, I’m in love with the theming at the pools at the moderate resorts. The resort buildings seem to be more spaced out than the value resorts as well. Due to this, it almost feels as though you are being transported to the place the moderate hotel is themed after.
Deluxe Resorts and Villas
Finally, let’s say you and your honey are getting away for a little anniversary celebration. You, of course, love Disney and have dreamed of enjoying the most magical place on earth arm-in-arm with your sweetie. Alone time and lots of beautiful high class details are what you want to round out your trip. The deluxe resorts will fit those dreams to a ‘T’ with their style and sophistication.
Or, let’s say you want more room for your family to move around in when you return home from the parks. With the deluxe resorts, you can can get a three bedroom villa, letting everyone have their own space. Or you can even rent a treehouse for an ultimate experience! Plus, many of the deluxe accommodations have two bathrooms. That right there is a game changer.
Disney’s deluxe resorts are by far the cream of the crop when it comes to staying on property. The second you arrive at a deluxe resort you feel as though you are on a truly relaxing vacation. Most of the deluxe resorts are geared towards Disney Vacation Club members who own a piece of the DVC timeshare. Therefore, when you arrive at a deluxe resort you are expected to feel as though you are at your home away from home. Accommodations include kitchens or kitchen areas giving you the option to make your own meals. Some have balconies for you to recline on while you watch fireworks or animals below. In addition, relaxing chairs, hammocks and lounging areas are plentiful throughout the deluxe resorts. You have ample chances to kick your feet up and catch up on some much-needed R’n’R.
Campgrounds
One additional option for staying on property is to get a site at a the Disney Campground. You are able to rent a cabin or bring along your own camper. If camping is your jam, you’re going to love being able to combine your love of Disney and being in the great outdoors.
As you can see, the options for staying on property are plentiful. The number of resorts and the number of staying options within each resort are abundant. Be sure to dig deeper into all the different details included at all of the resorts so you can prepare even better for your upcoming trip!
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