So, you’ve decided to visit Walt Disney World Resort! Yay! What now? You know your destination, you have your dates, and now you need to decide where to stay.
There are 30 different Disney Resort options at Walt Disney World Resort. Each resort has its own unique features and atmosphere. It can be overwhelming to choose, especially if this is your first visit. Here’s how to decide which Disney Resort hotel is right for your family.
How Many People Are in Your Party?
Your family size is going to be a big deciding factor in your choice of hotel room. Many of the Disney Resort hotels have a maximum occupancy of 4 (plus one additional infant under age 3). If you are traveling with more than that, you’ll want to look for resort rooms designed for larger families. You can also choose to book multiple rooms if your budget allows.
Some of my favorite options for larger families are the following:
– Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (sleeps 5)
– Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (sleeps 5)
– The Family Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (sleeps 6)
– The Family Suites at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort (sleeps 6)
– Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds (sleeps 6)
Many of the Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts can sleep 5 (plus an infant) in a standard room, so be sure to check those out as well. Remember that standard rooms at Deluxe Resorts are larger than those at Value or Moderate Resorts.
If you have more than 6 people you want to fit in one room, you’ll want to look at a multi-bedroom suite at a Deluxe Villa Resort. They’re beautiful rooms that even include a full-sized washer and dryer.
Speaking of space, even if you have a smaller family you may simply want more room to move around. Or, you might want a separate bedroom area if you’re traveling with young children (better for naps). Take a look at some of the larger room options to see if that might give you the relaxing space you’re looking for in your vacation.
What is Your Budget?
The resort you choose will play the biggest role in your vacation budget, so you want to be sure to choose a package that you’re comfortable with. The Disney Resort Hotels fall into four categories:
– Deluxe Villa Resorts ($371 – $4,302+/night)
– Deluxe Resorts ($359 – $3,583/night)
– Moderate Resorts ($187 – $606/night)
– Value Resorts & Campgrounds ($67 – $570/night)
You see that these are wide ranges, but there are several factors that determine your package price:
– Room Choice/View
– Standard Room vs. Suites
– Standard Level vs. Club Level
– Time of Year/Week
– Discounts & Promotions
A standard room in the summer will cost approximately $150 at a Value Resort, $225 at a Moderate Resort, and $400 at a Deluxe Resort.
Seasonal promotions can save you 15 – 40% on your package, so be on the lookout for these. If you’re working with a vacation planner (like me!), we can look for upcoming promotions for you and automatically adjust your rates if they apply.
What Features are You Looking For in Your Hotel?
Next up, if you’re looking for specific features in your resort it’ll help you narrow down the options.
Would you prefer to have a kitchen or kitchenette in your room? Do you require a separate bedroom area (or three)? Look at family suites, cabins, or Deluxe Villas.
Do you prefer interior hallways to exterior ones? In most cases you’ll want a Deluxe Resort or a Deluxe Villa.
Are you looking for a great pool day in between the parks? There are no better resorts than Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club for this. Their pool even has its own lazy river.
Would you like monorail access to Magic Kingdom? Check out Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
What about a view of animals outside your balcony? Of course, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge would be a perfect fit. What about a view of Cinderella Castle? Look at one of the three “monorail” resorts.
A vacation planner is your go-to resource for learning about the unique features of each resort. We study every option so we know the little secrets that make each hotel special!
What Atmosphere Do You Want for Your Vacation?
Finally, you want to keep the type of vacation you’re looking for in mind when selecting your resort. Are you looking for something quiet and relaxing? Are you looking to spend all your time in the parks and simply “crash” in the room? These make a big difference in the value you’ll get in each resort.
If relaxation is your goal, I highly recommend any of the Deluxe Resorts. The Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs each have their own full-service spa on the premises. The Polynesian is a favorite of those who love tropical vacations. A lower priced option I love is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (either Riverside or French Quarter).
If you’re traveling with young children who LOVE the characters, a value resort might actually give you that “Disney” feel. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is my pick for this (you can hear Nemo underwater in the pool), but other great options are Pop Century or All-Star Movies.
Would you like to be fully immersed in a Disney story? Port Orleans Resort – Riverside offers Royal Guest Rooms that feature the Disney Princesses and headboards with interactive fireworks. Art of Animation Resort offers rooms themed to Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Cars, and The Little Mermaid.
Are you looking to be truly pampered on your vacation? Look for a resort that offers Club Level service or a Deluxe Villa.
Find the Perfect Disney Resort
If this still feels like a lot to decide, you’re not alone. With 30 options, plus a wide variety of room and view choices, it easily gets overwhelming. This is a huge benefit of working with a vacation planner who specializes in Disney Destinations. We can help you find the perfect resort for your family that takes into account all of these factors. I provide my clients all of this service completely free!
No matter which Disney Resort you choose, you’ll look forward to that legendary Disney service and benefits you won’t find elsewhere. There’s no better way to experience the Disney Parks than to stay in the middle of the magic!
Ready to start planning your next Disney vacation? I’d love to help you take all the stress out of it! I provide a full suite of booking, planning, and concierge services at no additional cost for clients who book with me. Contact me for a free quote or send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com.
