
When planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, some people want to focus on selecting what theme Park to visit on what day, while others are focused on where to grab a delicious meal or a classic Disney treat, but another part of the planning process should be where are you going to stay and to consider if any of the Disney Resorts are right for you. Here are some things to consider when trying to decide which Resort is right for you!
Cost
This factor may be the top factor when determining what Resort is right for you. Disney has a variety of Resorts on property that cater to different price points. The first level is a Value Resort that provides basic amenities and limited theming to Guests, but if you plan to spend a lot of time in the Parks, this might be the right choice for you. All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, and All-Star Music, as well as Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation, would all be considered to be a Value Resort.
The second-tier resorts at Disney are the Moderate Resorts that provide quality amenities, unique dining, and entertainment at a slightly higher price point. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, and Coronado Springs would all be considered Moderate Resorts.
The highest level of luxury for a Disney Resort is the Deluxe Resorts – Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Crescent Lake Resorts Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club and Disney’s Boardwalk Resort are all Deluxe Resorts. These resorts combine wonderful amenities, a prime location near a Theme Park, and spectacular entertainment and dining options.
Guests visiting Disney World may want to save some money so that they can find more affordable lodging at Good Neighbor Hotels located near Disney Springs or they can consider a hotel off-property. Guests can save some money by staying further away but might be missing out on some Disney magic.
Location
Do you have a favorite Park that you visit more often than others when you visit? If you are a Magic Kingdom family, you may want to consider one of the Resort loop accessibly by one of the Friendship Boats or the monorail. Guests who love the festivals of EPCOT or the spine-tingling thrills of Disney’s Hollywood Studios may want to consider one of the Crescent Lake Resorts that offer easy access to both Parks.
Fans of Disney’s Animal Kingdom can find a home at the Animal Kingdom Lodge that extends the thrill of the Theme Park to the Resort where Guests can view animals roaming the grounds of the Resort from their rooms and other locations throughout the Resort.
Transportation
Guests staying at any Disney Resort can travel to the parks using the Disney bus system. However, at times that system can become somewhat congested, so Guests wanting to have more options to travel to the Parks should consider whether there are other transportation options from the Resort they are staying at.
Crescent Lake Resorts allow Guests to walk to some of the Parks, but they can also navigate using the Friendship Boats between the resorts and EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests staying near the Magic Kingdom can walk, climb aboard the monorail, or use a boat to get to there. While Guests staying at the Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort don’t have a monorail stop, they can still get to the Magic Kingdom via boat.
Guests can use the Disney Skyliner at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
Theming
Guests who tend to spend more time at the Resort and want a more thematic experience should consider the Resort’s theme when making their Resort hotel choice. Do you want a relaxing experience with fabulous views? Disney’s Contemporary Resort may be the right choice for you. Or you may want to consider staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — both offer high thematic value, as well as stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
Amenities
In addition to theme, Guests may want to consider whether the Resort has any special amenities like unique dining, entertainment, a relaxing lounge space, or even a fantastic pool. Guests may want to explore the unique surroundings of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort where Guests can explore the campgrounds and rent bikes or boats. Crockett’s Tavern offers some delectable drinks, and Guests can enjoy a wonderful meal at Trail’s End.
The aquatic lovers should check out Stormalong Bay, the pool at Disney’s Yacht, and Beach Club. Not only is the waterslide one of the best on the property, but the bottom of the pool is covered in a sand that makes you feel like you’re at the beach, but doesn’t stick to your feet when you get out of the water.
Related: The Best Pools on Property!
Are you currently planning a Disney World vacation? What is the most important thing to you when deciding what Disney World hotel to stay at? Are you more likely to stay on property or an offsite hotel?