Walt Disney World Resort guide
Staying in a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel ensures you are close to the parks and surrounded by Disney magic day and night. Guests love the convenience of popping back to their hotel for a midday rest, or a swim, before hitting the parks again in late afternoon. Guests in Disney Resorts can also take advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours whereby parks open or close an hour early just for resort guests. This means you can enjoy crowd-free fun for even longer. The Disney Magical Express is another complimentary service that makes your Disney experience as simple as possible. Buses, boats and trams are on hand with regular shuttle services taking you between parks and resorts. All resorts are well located but this makes each journey even easier.
The many hotel resorts of Walt Disney World
The hotel resorts at Walt Disney World
The Disney Dining Plan is a convenient money-saving service which allows you to pre-pay for certain meals per day. You can save up to 40% on dining and choose from over 100 restaurants around the resort.
Every resort is different and has an individual theme and amenities to suit your needs and budget. Whether you opt for a value resort or a deluxe, you can guarantee the legendary service and attention to detail Disney is famous for.
Disney Value Resort Hotels are perfect for budget conscious families. Choose one of Disney’s All-Star Resorts located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area. These resorts offer the lowest prices but still have everything you could need. Other value hotels include Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort, in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area. These resorts are slightly more expensive. Art of Animation has specialty themed family rooms with plenty of extra space and colourful decorations. Themes include The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo.
Most rooms in the value resort hotels sleep up to four adults and have two double beds or one king bed. These rooms are perfect for families or small groups. The resorts have swimming pools and playgrounds and some have extra entertainment like arcades. Value resorts are often popular with young families and become even more popular during school holidays. There is rarely a ‘quiet time’ but October to early December (not including Thanksgiving), and late January and February are some of the quietest times of the year.
The outdoors at Walt Disney World
Guests who love the great outdoors can opt to stay at the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. The beautiful campgrounds are set within the 750-acre forest with deer, rabbits, ducks and armadillos roaming free. There’s a pristine beach and charming woodland as well as great entertainment throughout the day and early evening. There are swimming pools for all ages and activities like horse riding, archery and canoeing available. Each campground can accommodate 10 guests so it’s a great option for larger parties. Disney Moderate Resort Hotels offer a great combination between value and exciting themes and amenities. Rooms are larger and the hotels have more dining options and recreational facilities.
Within the Disney Springs Resort Area (formerly called Downtown Disney), guests can chose from Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside or Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter. All rooms comfortably sleep a minimum of four adults thanks to the option of two queen beds or a king and bunk beds.
Little Pirates will love staying at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in the Epcot Resort Area. Pirate themed rooms are available for a swashbuckling adventure.
Cabins at Walt Disney World
Coronado Springs Resort in the Animal Kingdom is a Southwestern-themed haven with beachfront cabanas twinkling around a 22 acre lake. The beautiful resort has a fantastic health club with a spa, salon and 24-hour fitness facilities. There are 13 different styles of room to choose from, beginning with a standard room with two queen beds all the way up to an executive suite with a living room, dining room, bar area, office area and separate bedrooms.
Wilderness Cabins are available at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. The cosy cabins sleep six people and they’re great for families looking for space and flexibility. A well-equipped kitchen with dining area and living space is perfect for laid-back meals surrounded by the beautiful nature of the forest.
Disney Deluxe Resorts offer the ultimate in themed hotels. They provide the highest level of luxury and additional services and facilities to make your holiday even more memorable. Supervised children’s clubs and concierge services take care of your every need and the superior dining options are ideal for romantic evenings.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a lakeside hotel set in the 3-acre Stormalong Bay. This resort oozes elegance and grace with a New England yacht club style. This is a great resort for adults and is walking distance to Epcot and a quick boat ride to Dinsey's Hollywood Studios. The spectacular pool area includes a lazy circular river, three quiet pools, three whirlpool spas and a kids’ pool with mini waterslide. The Yachtsman Steakhouse is a delicious fine dining option serving mouth-watering steaks and seafood options.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a favourite with wildlife lovers and is one of the most affordable deluxe resorts. The hotel curves around four lush savannahs where over 200 animals and birds live, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Fun programmes led by the animal specialists help guests to learn more about the African wildlife that surrounds the beautiful lodge. The hotel also has a selection of beautiful pools and award-winning dining options. Spacious and beautifully designed rooms sleep a minimum of four adults.
Villas at Walt Disney World
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts provide the best amenities and the flexibility to cook and prepare your own snacks. The accommodation has either a kitchen or kitchenette and extra space for the whole family. Villas are a great option for families and large groups looking for luxury and flexibility combined.
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is one of the many luxurious villa resorts. Set in a charming Victorian style house, this resort is every adult’s dream come true. It is nestled between the golf course and the beautiful lake and is home to an indulgent and relaxing spa. The swimming pools with waterslide and aqua play areas will keep the little ones entertained, while the adults relax in style. For a truly unique experience, opt for the Treehouse Villas located 10 feet off the ground. These three-bedroom treehouses are a magical hideaway in the forest while maintaining the luxury and space you expect from a deluxe villa.
The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa provide an elegant, Victorian-style studios or multi-bedroom villas. The resort is perfectly located just one stop from Magic Kingdom and the fireworks at Cinderella’s Castle can be seen from the resort. You will also find a Disney Spa, Arcadia Games and outdoor movie screenings by the courtyard pool.