We know there’s loads of you out there who definitely have a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, Florida on your bucketlist. Some people daydream about their wedding, others daydream about the moment when they get to finally walk down Main Street, USA. And when it comes to actually getting that dream trip booked, there’s one thing we always recommend: staying on site. Nothing beats the official Disney World resorts in terms of time saved getting to and from the parks, all the perks that come with being a guest (like Early Theme Park Entry!), and, obviously, the fact that Disney World resorts are some of the coolest hotels you’ll ever stay in.
Let’s start with the basics
All of the resorts at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida are handily divided into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. So this means you can pick and choose between what exactly you want verses what your budget is.
And don’t think that staying in a value resort means they skimp out on the good stuff. All guests, no matter what resort they’re staying at, receive the same perks when it comes to the parks! We’re talking FREE overnight parking, free transport to and from the parks, and you get access to Lightning Lane selections (through Disney Genie+, part of the My Disney Experience app) 2 HOURS before everyone else, as well as being able to make your dining reservations for your whole trip a whopping 60 days in advance!
Psst: Travelling with kids? Check out our 12 hacks for making Disney do-able as a family
Value Disney World resorts
Value resorts at Disney are all about being big on fun, but smaller on the price scale. They’re also really big on theming, like really big. Think giant Pongo and Perditas, Little Mermaid-themed rooms, and pools where they play the music from Finding Nemo under the water. We reckon the value resorts are the most fun places to stay at Disney, which makes them fab for families and those who just love being surrounded by the unmistakeable feel of DISNEY.
So, what are your options?
- Disney’s All Star Movies
- Disney’s All Star Sports
- Disney’s All Star Music
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
All value resorts have ‘motel’ style entrances – that means there’s no internal corridors! Instead, you’ll gain access to your room via your own individual, exterior entrance. All of ’em also have a nightly Movies Under the Stars, too. When it comes to dining, one thing you won’t get is any table-service options – all value resorts have food court style restaurants. Being quick service, there’s no waiting around either, making it great for kids!
One thing to note: whilst all of the All Stars resorts sit together on one physical ‘campus’, they don’t actually share any amenities.
Moderate Disney World resorts
Like the name suggests, these places strike the balance between price and facilities. Think larger rooms than at Value level, and more dining options. But the first thing you’ll probs notice? The change in style. Value resorts are big and loud and mega fun, whilst Moderate resorts take it down a notch – the décor is a little more subtle here and more similar in style to the Deluxe resorts than the value ones.
- The Moderate Resort include:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Moderate resorts also have motel-style doors. Each has a food court too, but all of them (except the Cabins at Fort Wilderness) also have a sit-down restaurant thrown in for good measure. So for those of you who really like to eat in a proper restaurant setting, a Moderate resort might be the one for you if you don’t fancy paying the rates of a Deluxe one.
Deluxe Disney World resorts
The crème de la crème of Disney Resorts. This is where you can expect top quality, top service, and top facilities. And, depending on your preference when it comes to theming, some of the best interiors and décor in the whole of Disney. Oh, and the dining? Off the charts. Most of the world’s fave Disney restaurants are actually ones found at the Deluxe resorts!
When you think Deluxe, think extra indulgence, extra luxury, and top notch amenities like children’s clubs and concierge services. Nice one. So, where can you stay?
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
If you stay at a Deluxe resort, you can expect at least one pool (most have more!), a fitness centre, a mixture of quick service and table-service restaurants, a bunch of bars, and a right bucket load of activities on offer. We reckon that it’s only really when staying at a Deluxe resort that you can totally do a couple of no-park days and not get bored. Yep, there’s that much on offer. Especially the waterparks – er, hello Stormalong Bay! This three acre mini waterpark at Disney’s Beach Club Resort alone will keep you and the kids happy all day long.
We know a thing or two about sending you lot off on your next Disney World holiday…
