Walt Disney World Resort Basics
When you’re starting to plan your Walt Disney World vacation, one of the first things you’ll realize is that there are over 25 different resorts that you have to choose from, broken down into 3 different categories: Value, Moderate and Deluxe/Deluxe Villa. In this blog, we’ll go through each category to help you better understand which is the best fit for you and your family.
Value Resorts
As you might guess from the name, the Disney World Value Resorts are typically going to be your most affordable option for staying on-site at Disney World. If you’re planning on spending most of your vacation at the parks and minimal time at your resort, this can be a great option if you really just need somewhere for your family to crash every night. They also have great Disney theming that can be especially fun for families with younger kids.
The Disney Value Resorts are:
All-Star Movies Resort
All-Star Music Resort
All-Star Sports Resort
Art of Animation Resort
Pop Century Resort
Value resort properties will have a main pool without a slide and quiet pools, along with a central building housing the registration desk, gift shop, and a quick service restaurant (Disney-speak for counter-service). The guest rooms are separated from the main building and have outside-facing rooms. Like all Disney resorts, they offer bus transportation to the theme parks and Disney Springs, with Pop Century and Art of Animation on the Skyliner route to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
While most Value Resorts offer studio rooms with two queens or one king bed, both All-Star Music and Art of Animation offer family suites for larger groups looking for a bit more room. In fact, Art of Animation’s rooms are primarily family suites themed to either Cars, Finding Nemo, or Lion King. However, you are going to find that the price per night for the suites is comparable to higher-tiered resorts with more amenities.
Moderate Resorts
The Moderate Resorts are the mid-point option for staying at Disney World in terms of cost and amenities. Moderate resorts offer bigger pools with slides, both quick-service and table-service restaurants and lounges. This is a great choice if you’re planning to spend a bit of downtime at your resort and want to take advantage of more amenities.
The Disney Moderate Resorts are:
Caribbean Beach Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Moderate Resorts can be a great choice for larger families. With the exception of Port Orleans - French Quarter, there are room options for families of five, with Coronado Springs and the Cabins offering space for even more people.
These resorts can also be quite large so know that there may be multiple bus stops you will need to keep track of during your stay. That can also make Moderates a great option if you’re driving since you will likely be able to park right near your resort room. Caribbean Beach is also on the Skyliner route and the Port Orleans Resorts offer boat transportation to Disney Springs.
Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts
Deluxe Resorts are the top tier of Disney Resort. They have all the bells and whistles that Disney provides. While the Deluxe Resorts and Villas can have a higher price point, you are going to get what you pay for in an elevated experience in ambiance and amenities. This could be anything from seeing giraffes and zebras from your room at Animal Kingdom Lodge or the ability to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Grand Floridian, Polynesian or Contemporary Resorts.
There are many dining options onsite, both quick service and table service, along with lounges open in the evenings. They include some of the nicest pools on Disney property, with a few offering cabana rentals if you plan to make a day at the pool. Along with a main pool with a slide, many also have a splash pad area for younger kids as well as quiet pools. If you’re considering taking a full day to relax at your resort, Deluxes are an excellent choice.
The Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas are:
Deluxe Resorts
Animal Kingdom Lodge*
Beach Club Resort*
Boardwalk Inn Resort*
Contemporary Resort*
Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Polynesian Resort*
Wilderness Lodge*
Yacht Club Resort
Deluxe Villas
Old Key West Resort
Riviera Resort
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
* Deluxe Resorts with Villa Buildings/Rooms
The Villa rooms at these resorts are different in that they offer either studios with kitchenettes or 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas with full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and washers and dryers. Most of the Deluxe resorts and villas are also in close proximity to the theme parks with multiple ways to get there including buses, boats, monorail, Skyliner, or even within walking distance!
There are also perks unique to Deluxe resort guests. Disney has recently confirmed that guests staying in Deluxe resorts and villas will be able to take advantage of extended hours at the parks on select days through 2024. On select dates, Deluxe guests will be able to continue visiting the parks for hours after closing, giving them the opportunity to ride attractions with much shorter lines.
As this is an overview of the different types of resorts, there are still many nuances between them. As your travel advisor, I’m here to help you find the options that are right for you and your family. Contact me by replying to this email or completing the quote request form on my About the Memories website. I'd love to help you find the perfect resort for your vacation!
