When it comes to Disney resorts, there is SO much to consider: Your location, what you’re looking for in a resort, what the resort can offer you, family size, etc! Disney has 3 different resort categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. How do you determine which will be best for you and your family? Look no further! I am here to help you figure out which Disney resort is right for you!
Disney Resorts are split into 3 different categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts.
Deluxe Resorts:
Deluxe resorts have a variety of room types and sizes available at deluxe resorts. These resorts are the highest quality on Disney property, but also usually come with the highest price tag. These resorts come with a level of cleanliness and on-site benefits that are worth the cost, and the saying “you get what you pay for” really does apply to these resorts. When staying on-site at a deluxe resort, one of the biggest benefits if the transportation systems available to you at these resorts. These resorts are in much closer proximity to the parks as opposed to the value resorts, making it a great reason to stay at one of these resorts. Disney’s Grand Floridian & Spa, Polynesian Resort, and Contemporary Resort have direct monorail line access to Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge also have boat access to Magic Kingdom as well. Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club along with Disney’s BoardWalk Inn also are within walking distance or a boat ride to Epcot. The Skyliner also picks up guests at the back of Epcot, so all guests staying at Yacht & Beach Club or BoardWalk Inn have quick access to the Skyliner allowing them to jump on and get to Hollywood Studios via Skyliner, boat, or walking.
Some of the best restaurants on Disney property can be found at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. These restaurants offer both quick service and table service dining options, and some table service locations are character meals, allowing you to eat some of your favorite foods while seeing some of your favorite characters!
Standard rooms typically sleep up to 4 people, but some rooms like suites or villas can sleep more than that. Standard Deluxe rooms are about 344 square feet. Standard deluxe rooms have two sinks, one toiler, and one shower/tub combo. In some standard rooms at deluxe resorts, the shower/tub may be separate from the toilet area which is really nice for families all trying to get ready at the same time.
The deluxe resorts are: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Village Resort, Riviera Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club Resort, Star Wars: Galactic Cruiser (Opening in 2021!)
Moderate Resorts:
Disney’s moderate resorts are great options when you are wanting a little luxury, but wanting to stick within a budget as well. It is a great compromise right in the middle of both value and deluxe, and a great option if you are still wanting to stay on Disney property.
The standard room size is about 314 square feet, putting these rooms right in the middle when it comes to sizing. Rooms as Port Orleans Riverside and Caribbean Beah Resort both have fun themes, that make it so much fun to stay in these rooms. At Caribbean Beach Resort, the pirate rooms have pirate ships for beds and at Port Orleans Riverside, the Royal rooms have the walls light up and come alive, both making it fun for families to stay inside these rooms. Another great benefit of moderate resorts is that rooms can hold up to 5 people without having to book a suite. These 5th Sleeper rooms are spacious and offer families of 5 to be able to stay at a moderate resort without having to book a value resorts room. Transportation at most moderate resorts includes Disney buses, which is the main transportation option. These resorts also have internal bus stops, since the majority of these resorts are large and spread out, so that is the only downside when staying at this location because you may have to wait for the bus to make multiple stops. Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter both have a boat option that will take you to Disney Springs.
Moderate resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offer transportation via Disney Skyliner to both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
The moderate resorts are: Disney’s Coronado Springs & Gran Destino Tower, Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort.
Value Resorts:
Disney’s Value Resorts are great for guests who plan to be out of their room the majority of their visit to Disney and are really looking just for a clean space to stay in with a bed and air conditioning. Luckily, Disney’s Value Resorts will give you all of this, but still give you a little bit more! Yes, Disney Value Resorts are still a little more expensive than staying off-site, but you do still get the benefit of Disney’s Magical Express bus transportation to and from the airport (if applicable), transportation to the parks, Extra Magic Hours, and a 60 day Fast Pass booking window.
Disney Value Resorts have bus transportation to and from the parks. Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resort actually have transportation via Disney Skyliner to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot, which is an extra perk when staying at either of these 2 resorts. To be honest, Art of Animation is my favorite value resort, but I find it doesn’t feel as much as a “value” resort-like some of the others.
The Value Resort rooms tend to be very basic with its accommodations. The rooms have the “motel” vibe where all rooms face outwards and open up to the outside. These Value resorts all have themes to them, but come off as over the top but fun and different. The pools at these resorts are all themed, so while you are staying at a value resort, you still have that Disney flare making it better than staying anywhere else off-site. These rooms are also great for larger families because not only do they offer standard-size rooms, but family suites that fit larger families as well.
The value resorts are: All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century, and Art of Animation
No matter what resort you pick, you can’t go wrong with staying on Disney property! Remember, when you stay on Disney property, you will also be able to book fast passes 60 days in advance of your check-in date. This is only available for guests on property, so this is something to consider when trying to decide if an on-site Disney resort is right for you!
How do you know what resort is right for you? It really comes down to what is most important to you and your family. Price is usually a big factor when it comes to your resort selection. Are you looking for a big room? Great dining options? Amenities and Convenience? Or, do you like a good theme and that is important too? There are so many factors to consider, and when making a big decision like this, using a travel advisor (like me!) in order to make your decision is a great way to make sure you get everything on your list!
Love and Travel Dust,
Molly
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