Where to Stay at Disney World: Resort Guide

One of the most exciting steps in planning your family’s vacation to Walt Disney World is deciding where to stay! However, with over 25 Walt Disney World resorts to choose from, it’s easy to see why the fun family activity of selecting a resort might turn into feeling more like a chore than the exciting decision that it should be! As travel consultant that specializes in Disney and someone who has stayed at nearly every Walt Disney World resort, I am constantly asked which Walt Disney World resorts are the “best”. I have put together this guide to help you compare your resort options, decide what is important to you in a resort and narrow down which type of resorts is right for you!

We all have our own unique style and tastes, and have different opinions about what makes a hotel or resort appealing to us! Therefore, the resort selection process needs to be a personal or family decision. Regardless of what your neighbor tells you about where they stayed years ago, their favorite Disney resort might not be the best option for you. Some of us like the Victorian-style luxuries and others of us like the ‘log cabin in the woods’ style of resort. We all have different budgets and expectations in a resort, and luckily Disney has a resort style for every family’s tastes and budget! I’ll start by explaining the different categories of resorts, then after that I’ll help you narrow down which resort is best for you!

Walt Disney World Resorts: The Basics

First of all, there are 4 main classifications for Walt Disney World resorts: Value resorts, Moderate resorts, Deluxe resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts. As with any destination, the bigger your budget is the more amenities you can expect from your resort. To help narrow down your search right away, you can select one of these categories to set your focus in. Below I will discuss what you can expect at each level of resort:

What to Expect at Value Resorts

The basics of what to expect when staying at a Value level Resort:

Rooms open to outside walkways
Standard rooms sleep 4, but there are also suite options that can hold 6
Bright and kid focused theming
Pools are themed
Food courts but no table service restaurants at the resorts
Value resorts are large so bus stops can be located far from your room

What to Expect at Moderate Resorts

The basics of what to expect when staying at a Moderate level Resort:

Rooms still open to outside walkways
Some moderate resort room types can accommodate 5 guests, though most hold 4
A step up in theming, less child focused architecture
Multiple pools, the main pool will have a waterslide
Table service restaurants at the majority of moderate resorts

What to Expect at Deluxe Resorts

The basics of what to expect when staying at a Deluxe level Resort:

Rooms open to inside hallways
Larger rooms
Extravagant resort theming
Most Deluxe resorts offer closer proximity to one of the 4 theme parks
Private balconies in most rooms
Table service restaurants and quick service dining options
A Main pool with a waterslide, quiet pools, and hot tubs.
Gyms, spas and offer child care services
Valet parking available

What to Expect at Deluxe Villa Resorts

The basics of what to expect when staying at a Deluxe Villa level Resort:

All the amenities of a Deluxe resort with added in-room perks
Spacious room layouts (Studios, 1 Bedroom Villas, 2 Bedroom Villas or 3 Bedroom Grand Villas)
Designed for longer stays
Washer/dryer in villas
Kitchen or kitchenette (depending on room type)

Understanding the levels of Walt Disney World Resorts

Value Resorts:

Walt Disney World Value resorts are just as the name sounds. These resorts are great value for your dollar while still getting Disney-quality accommodations, on-property perks, and of course being in the middle of the magic. Value level resorts are great for families looking to save money on their resort accommodations so they can either stay longer or visit again sooner. Value resorts are fairly large, and they usually have multiple bus stop locations for getting to and from the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Value resorts are great for families that plan to spend the majority of their vacation time in the Disney parks and don’t plan to spend a lot of time at their resort. Value Resorts are also great for families traveling with smaller children that don’t require a lot of room space. Finally, if budget is a top priority you’ll want to be thinking about a value resort!

Tip: Value resorts are large, so often time guests will find upgrading to a preferred room is well worth it to be close to a bus stop and other amenities!

Moderate Resorts:

Moderate resorts are the perfect blend between value resorts and deluxe resorts. They offer upgraded amenities compared to the Value resorts, but still at a more affordable cost than the Deluxe level. The themes are more upscale than the Value resorts, which creates an atmosphere that appeals more to guests of all ages. Moderate resorts offer another step up in attention to detail which is seen in the rooms, landscaping, and theming around the resort.

Deluxe Resorts:

Next, Deluxe resorts are Disney’s top of the line resorts! Each one of Disney’s Deluxe level resorts offers something unique for its guests to experience. From the moment you walk into your Deluxe Resort’s lobby, you feel the magic around you and are fully immersed. Deluxe resorts are perfect for families looking to go all out for their Walt Disney World vacation!

The majority of the Deluxe resorts offer close proximity to one of the 4 theme parks. Some Deluxe resorts like Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn are just a short walk from Epcot’s back entrance! The monorail loop resorts are also great for transportation since you are just a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom, or a quick monorail change at the Ticket and Transportation Center from Epcot! You can check out our guide to the Monorail Resorts here to read more about these amazing Walt Disney World resorts!

Deluxe Villas Resorts:

Most of the Deluxe Villa resorts are located at Deluxe resorts, and share the same resort amenities (Saratoga Springs, Old Key West and the new Riviera Resort are the exceptions). The Villas belong to Disney’s Vacation Club (DVC) and work slightly different than the regular rooms. Disney Vacation Club members get first selections on these room types and then later DVC will release the remaining rooms to Disney World for public purchase. These room types are designed for guests staying longer, needing more space or just want the comforts of home. Guests at these resorts have extra amenities in their rooms such as a kitchen, washer/dryer and living area. They are spacious and offer a very home-like feel!

Questions to Ask Yourself When Deciding Where to Stay at Disney World:

Picking a Walt Disney World resort can be a big decision! I have highlighted some important questions to ask yourself when deciding between the resorts or resort levels. After that, we’ll take a look at the many Disney resorts available to choose from!

Are you the type of family that needs more space?
What hotel chains do you typically stay at on vacation elsewhere?
What is your budget?
Do you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort?
Does resort proximity to the parks matter to you?
Do you need/want certain amenities like a kitchen, washer/dry, or spa?

Walt Disney World Resorts

Now that you’ve been able to narrow down which type of resort might be best for you, it’s time to take a look at the resorts! Here are the Walt Disney World Resorts listed by category. Links are included for each so you can view more pictures and details about each of the resorts!

Value Resorts:

Moderate Resorts:

Deluxe Resorts:

Deluxe Villa Resorts:

Conclusion – Where will you stay at Disney World?

Regardless of where you decide to stay on Walt Disney World property you can expect Disney-quality level of service and magic to follow! One of the best decisions you can make for your trip is staying on Disney property. All Walt Disney World resorts include perks like Magical Express (complimentary shuttle service to and from Orlando International Airport), early access to making FastPass reservations (60 days in advance instead of 30 days), late or early access to the parks (Extra Magic Hours), complimentary transportation to the parks and complimentary magic bands. As a result, you can even save money by staying on Disney property because you aren’t paying extra for things like transportation and Magic Bands. Plus, by staying on Disney property you’ll feel like you are in the middle of the magic your entire stay at Walt Disney World!

Click here to read more about why always stay on property at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels!

We hope you found our Walt Disney World guide helpful in choosing where to stay on your next Disney vacation!

Lastly, Josh is a travel consultant specializing in Disney vacations with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Wish Upon a Star with Us Travel. Please feel free to reach out if you’re ready to start planning your next Disney vacation!

Fairytale Wonders

Where to Stay at Disney World: Resort Guide

Walt Disney World Resorts: The Basics

What to Expect at Value Resorts

What to Expect at Moderate Resorts

What to Expect at Deluxe Resorts

What to Expect at Deluxe Villa Resorts

Understanding the levels of Walt Disney World Resorts

Value Resorts:

Moderate Resorts:

Deluxe Resorts:

Deluxe Villas Resorts:

Questions to Ask Yourself When Deciding Where to Stay at Disney World:

Walt Disney World Resorts

Value Resorts:

Moderate Resorts:

Deluxe Resorts:

Deluxe Villa Resorts:

Conclusion – Where will you stay at Disney World?

Further Reading:

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