Hold onto your Mickey ears, Disney enthusiasts! We all know the magic of a Disney World vacation – the thrilling rides, the dazzling shows, the iconic characters coming to life. But before you can conquer Space Mountain and snag a selfie with Cinderella, there’s an important first step: choosing your home base, your Disney World Resort!
Fear not, fellow adventurers! Whether you’re a seasoned Disney pro or a wide-eyed first-timer, this guide will be your compass, navigating you through the incredible world of Disney World resorts. We’ll explore all the options, from the budget-friendly havens to the luxurious dream destinations. Get ready to discover hidden Mickeys, uncover secret pools, and find the perfect resort to match your Disney dreams!
The Four Disney World Resort Squads:
Disney World resorts come in four fantastic flavors, each offering a unique experience: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa. Let’s meet the crew!
The Value Bunch (For Budget-Minded Explorers):
Calling all treasure hunters! The Value Resorts are your secret map to a magical Disney experience without breaking the bank. Think of them as compact, cleverly themed oases bursting with Disney spirit. Imagine drifting off to sleep in a room that looks like it’s straight out of a Disney movie (think Toy Story at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort for an average price of $130 per night, or a scene from “The Lion King” at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for $110 per night). These resorts offer food courts for refueling after park adventures, refreshing pools with pint-sized pirate ships or larger than life figures for the little ones, and convenient bus transportation to whisk you away to the magic. Perfect for families with young scallywags who are more interested in character meet-and-greets and epic park adventures than spacious rooms.
The Value Resorts:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort (Average Price: $130 per night): Immerse yourselves in the worlds of your favorite Disney films, from Toy Story and 101 Dalmatians to Fantasia and The Mighty Ducks.
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Average Price: $110 per night): Step into the worlds of timeless Disney and Pixar classics like The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars.
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort (Average Price: $100 per night): Blast back to a bygone era with rooms themed after iconic decades from the 1950s to the 1990s.
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort (Average Price: $100 per night): Celebrate the world of sports with rooms decorated in themes like football, tennis, surfing, and basketball.
The Moderate Marketeers (Mid-Range Magic):
Craving a step up in comfort and a touch more Disney pixie dust? Then the Moderate Resorts are calling your name! Think of these resorts as hidden gems, offering spacious rooms (some with balconies for park-peeping!), delightful theming that transports you to faraway lands (think the Caribbean at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for an average of $180 per night, or a charming Southern town at Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside for $190 per night), and multiple dining options, including table service restaurants for a fancy character breakfast. Plus, some Moderate Resorts offer additional transportation options like boats, making park hopping a breeze. Ideal for families who want a balance between affordability and amenities, and those who have a soft spot for a particular Disney theme.
The Moderate Resorts:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Average Price: $180 per night): Set sail for a tropical paradise with island-inspired rooms and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. Relax on white-sand beaches, explore shipwreck playgrounds, and enjoy leisurely boat rides to Disney Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (Average Price: $170 per night): Embark on a Spanish Colonial adventure with terracotta rooftops, vibrant plazas, and a Mayan pyramid centerpiece. Enjoy a moderate-sized resort with three distinct areas to explore and a skyliner connection to Hollywood Studios and Epcot for added convenience.
- Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter (Average Price: $190 per night): Be transported to the French Quarter of New Orleans with charming balconies, wrought-iron railings, and a lively atmosphere. Take a leisurely carriage ride, rent a Surrey bike for a family adventure, and enjoy delicious beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks & Bakery.
- **Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside (Average Price: $ Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside (Average Price: $190 per night): Escape to a Southern riverfront setting with moss-draped trees, paddlewheel boats, and a relaxed atmosphere. Explore scenic walking trails, rent a boat for a peaceful cruise down the Sassagoula River, and enjoy delicious Southern specialties at Boatwright’s Dining Hall.
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Average Price: $200 per night): Embrace the rustic charm of the Pacific Northwest with towering log cabins, crackling fireplaces, and stunning views of a glistening lake. Spot native wildlife, enjoy a campfire sing-along under the stars, and dine at the award-winning Whispering Canyon Cafe, where servers add to the lively atmosphere with playful antics.
- The Deluxe Dream Team (Luxury Fit for Royalty):
Calling all Disney royalty! The Deluxe Resorts are the pinnacle of Disney indulgence. Imagine stepping into a world of grandeur, with meticulously themed rooms that redefine “happily ever after.” Think Victorian elegance at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for an average of $450 per night, a Polynesian paradise at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for $400 per night, or savanna views and exotic animal encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for $500 per night. These resorts boast multiple pools, signature restaurants with award-winning chefs, and some even offer coveted monorail access, making park hopping a luxurious breeze. Ideal for guests who seek an unforgettable, immersive Disney experience and prioritize top-notch amenities and location.
The Deluxe Resorts:
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Average Price: $400 per night): Immerse yourselves in the spirit of the South Pacific with lush tropical landscaping, volcanic waterfalls, and views of Cinderella Castle. Relax by the Lava Pool, enjoy a Dole Whip treat, and take a monorail ride directly to Magic Kingdom.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Average Price: $450 per night): Embrace Victorian elegance with a touch of Disney magic. Relax by the resort’s grand pool with a cascading waterfall, indulge in an afternoon tea at Victoria & Albert’s, and enjoy a monorail ride to Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Average Price: $200 per night) (Previously listed under Moderate Resorts): While Wilderness Lodge offers a moderate price point compared to other Deluxe Resorts, it boasts unique theming and is included in this category due to its upscale amenities and offerings.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Average Price: $500 per night): Embark on an African safari adventure with breathtaking savanna views and the chance to see exotic animals from your balcony. Enjoy a unique dining experience at Sanaa, where giraffes might wander by your window, and hop on a bus for convenient park access.
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort (Average Price: $420 per night): Step onto the shores of a charming New England seaside escape. Relax by the expansive pool complex with a sandy beach, rent a surrey bike for a family adventure around the lake, and enjoy delicious seafood specialties at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (Average Price: $420 per night): Neighbor to the Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club offers a similar nautical theme with a slightly more upscale and sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoy the stunning pool complex featuring a shipwreck slide, rent a sailboat for a leisurely cruise on Crescent Lake, and indulge in award-winning steaks at Yachtsman Steakhouse.
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn (Average Price: $430 per night): Immerse yourselves in the nostalgic charm of a Coney Island boardwalk with a Disney twist. Enjoy carnival games, live entertainment, delicious treats at Ample Hills Creamery, and rent a Surrey bike to explore the surrounding Disney BoardWalk area.
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (Average Price: $400 per night): Embrace the elegance of a Victorian-era Saratoga Springs with charming horse-drawn carriage rides, a peaceful spa experience, and multiple pool complexes. Enjoy delicious dishes with a New York flair at Turf Club Bar & Grill, and take a short walk or boat ride to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort (Average Price: $410 per night): Transport yourselves to a charming Conch Republic-style island paradise with colorful Victorian houses and a relaxed atmosphere. Rent a Disney Vacation Club villa with a full kitchen and multiple bedrooms, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Doubloon Bluff Pool with a shipwreck slide, and take a boat ride to Disney Springs for a night out.
- The Deluxe Villa Vacationers (Spacious Suites for the Whole Crew):
- Traveling with a larger crew or a multi The Deluxe Villa Vacationers (Spacious Suites for the Whole Crew):
Traveling with a larger crew or a multi-generational family? Then the Deluxe Villa Resorts are your happily ever after come true! Think spacious villas with multiple bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens for whipping up Mickey-shaped pancakes, and private balconies for morning coffee with a view of the magic. These resorts offer all the luxurious amenities of the Deluxe Resorts, plus the added bonus of extra space and the convenience of in-villa dining options. Perfect for families or groups who desire the ultimate in flexibility and home-away-from-home comfort during their Disney adventure.
The Deluxe Villa Resorts:
- Disney’s Bay Lake Tower (Average Price: $480 per night): Enjoy stunning views of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom from your luxurious villa. Relax by the rooftop pool with a waterslide, enjoy convenient monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and order delicious meals straight to your villa from a variety of restaurants.
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (Average Price: $400 per night) (Previously listed under Deluxe Resorts): This resort also offers spacious villas in addition to its hotel rooms, allowing for a luxurious stay with the flexibility of a kitchen and multiple bedrooms.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas & Spa (Average Price: $500 per night): Embrace Victorian elegance with a touch of Disney magic in your spacious villa. Enjoy the resort’s grand pool with a cascading waterfall, indulge in an afternoon tea at Victoria & Albert’s (if the budget allows!), and enjoy a monorail ride to Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (Average Price: $450 per night): Immerse yourselves in the spirit of the South Pacific with lush tropical landscaping and a Polynesian paradise theme in your spacious villa. Relax by the Lava Pool, enjoy a Dole Whip treat, and take a monorail ride directly to Magic Kingdom.
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas (Average Price: $450 per night): Step onto the shores of a charming New England seaside escape in your spacious villa. Relax by the expansive pool complex with a sandy beach, rent a surrey bike for a family adventure around the lake, and enjoy delicious seafood specialties at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas (Average Price: $460 per night): Immerse yourselves in the nostalgic charm of a Coney Island boardwalk with a Disney twist in your spacious villa. Enjoy carnival games, live entertainment, delicious treats at Ample Hills Creamery, and rent a Surrey bike to explore the surrounding Disney BoardWalk area.
- Disney’s Riviera Resort (Average Price: $470 per night): Embrace the elegance of the Italian Riviera with stunning views of Disney Skyliner gondolas and Epcot. Enjoy a rooftop bar with breathtaking vistas, character dining experiences, and convenient Skyliner access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. (Note: Disney’s Riviera Resort is not a Deluxe Villa Resort exclusively, but it does offer spacious villa options alongside hotel rooms.)
Choosing the Right Resort: A Guide for You
Now that you’ve explored the incredible world of Disney World resorts, it’s time to pick your perfect fit! Here are some key factors to consider:
- Budget: Disney World resorts cater to a range of budgets, from value-conscious options to luxurious escapes. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending per night and choose a resort that aligns with your financial goals.
- Travel Style: Are you a thrill-seeker who wants to be in the heart of the action? Or do you prefer a relaxing oasis to unwind after park adventures? Consider your travel style and choose a resort that complements it.
- Desired Amenities: Do you crave a luxurious spa experience? Or is a character breakfast high on your priority list? Think about the amenities that are important to you and choose a resort that offers them.
- Family Age Groups: Traveling with young children? Some resorts offer fantastic amenities like splash pads and character experiences specifically designed for little ones. Consider the needs of all age groups in your party when making your choice.
- Preferred Location: Do you dream of waking up to Magic Kingdom views? Or is easy access to Disney Springs a must-have? Consider your preferred location and choose a resort that offers convenient transportation options.
Remember, there’s no single “best” Disney World Resort. The perfect resort is the one that perfectly complements your unique Disney dreams! So, grab your Mickey ears, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic!
P.S. (For families with young children and a focus on safety) Don’t forget to consider the importance of keeping your little ones safe and connected during your Disney World adventure.
So, there you have it, adventurers! You’re now armed with the knowledge to conquer the incredible world of Disney World resorts. Remember, choosing your resort is the first step to crafting your unforgettable Disney story.
Here’s a sprinkle of pixie dust to help you decide: Did you know Disney World is home to a whopping 27 resorts, offering over 120,000 rooms – that’s more hotel rooms than in all of Las Vegas! With so many options, there’s a perfect fit for every budget and travel style.
Here’s a fun fact for the trivia buff in your crew: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort boasts the most coveted room on Disney property – a luxurious bungalow perched over the water with a private plunge pool, offering a truly magical (and exclusive) Disney experience.
Ultimately, the best Disney World resort is the one that sparks your imagination and ignites your Disney dreams. Whether you crave a budget-friendly adventure bursting with Disney spirit or a luxurious escape with unparalleled amenities, there’s a Disney World resort waiting to welcome you with open arms (and maybe even a hidden Mickey!). So, pack your bags, grab your Mickey ears, and get ready to conquer Disney World with the perfect resort as your magical home base!