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  • Heading to Disney World and wondering where to stay? Let us help you make your trip as magical as possible! When it comes to accommodations, staying on Disney property is a choice you won’t regret.

    Each Disney Resort immerses you in a story, with detailed theming, whimsical touches, and all the perks that make your vacation seamless and unforgettable. From extra park hours to stress-free transportation and early access to dining, experiences, and Lightning Lane reservations, the benefits of staying on-site are unmatched.

    With over 25 Disney Resorts to choose from, finding the right fit for your family can feel overwhelming—but that’s where we come in! Let’s break it down so you can discover the perfect home base for your adventure.

    Disney Resorts are grouped into four categories based on budget, amenities, and features: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Ready to explore the magic? Let’s start with Value Resorts—perfect for families looking for fun themes and budget-friendly comfort!

    Disney’s Value Resorts are a fantastic choice for families who want an affordable stay without missing out on the Disney magic. Here’s what they offer:

    Room Size and Layout:

    • Most rooms are about 260 square feet, featuring a simple bed and bath setup.
    • The sink area offers plenty of storage and privacy, separated by a door or curtain.
    • Each room includes two queen beds, one of which is a Murphy bed that transforms into a table by day.

    Family Suites:

    • Ideal for larger families, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort offer suites that sleep six.
    • These suites feature two bathrooms, a kitchenette with a fridge, coffee maker, sink, and microwave, plus a mix of queen and double beds depending on the resort.

    Views:

    • Rooms may face parking lots, wooded areas, or pools. You can upgrade to a preferred room or better view for an additional cost.

    Pools and Recreation:

    • Enjoy themed pools (without slides), poolside games, playgrounds, and outdoor movie nights—a hit with kids and parents alike!
    • Options: Dining is straightforward, with food courts offering family-friendly meals and snacks. Each resort also features a poolside bar for quick refreshments.
    • Standouts: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort offer dining areas connected to the Disney Skyliner—ideal for grabbing a bite before heading to EPCOT® or Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
    • Disney Buses: Most Value Resorts rely on Disney’s efficient bus system for park transportation.
    • Skyliner Access: If you’re staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or Disney’s Pop Century Resort, you’ll enjoy the added perk of Skyliner access. This gondola system offers a scenic and convenient ride to EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
    • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

    Looking for a little more space, comfort, and amenities while staying immersed in Disney magic? Moderate Resorts offer the perfect balance between luxury and budget. Here’s what to expect:

    Room Size and Layout:

    • Rooms are slightly larger, about 300 square feet, with layouts similar to Value Resorts.
    • Many include two queen beds or one king bed, plus an additional sink for extra convenience.

    5th Sleeper Options:

    • Select rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside include a pull-down bed, perfect for kids.
    • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort take it up a notch with a full kitchen, outdoor space, and room for up to six guests.

    Views:

    • Options range from lush wooded areas to poolside or garden views.
    • For larger resorts like Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs, preferred rooms closer to the lobby are worth considering.

    Pools and Recreation:

    • Dive into elaborately themed pools complete with water slides.
    • Enjoy quieter pools for relaxation and activities like bike rentals, fishing, and health clubs, tailored to each resort’s unique theme.

    Dining:

    • Moderate Resorts provide diverse dining options, including quick-service and table-service restaurants.
    • The exception is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, which has no table-service restaurant but is near its sister resort, Port Orleans – Riverside, for dining options.

    Transportation:

    • Buses: Available at all Moderate Resorts.
    • Skyliner: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort serves as the Skyliner hub for quick access to EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
    • Boat Service: Port Orleans Resorts offer charming boat rides to Disney Springs, and Fort Wilderness provides boats to Magic Kingdom® Park.

    Moderate Resorts Include:

    • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
    • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
    • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
    • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

    For families looking to elevate their Disney vacation, Deluxe Resorts offer the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and immersive theming. Here’s what makes these resorts stand out:

    Room Sizes and Configurations:

    • Deluxe Resorts offer a variety of room sizes and layouts, accommodating families of all sizes.

    Views:

    • Standard views are available, but you can upgrade to breathtaking options, including theme park views with front-row seats to nighttime fireworks shows.

    Pools and Recreation:

    • Pools at Deluxe Resorts are a step above, featuring slides, hot tubs, and intricate theming.
    • Additional amenities often include spa services and curated recreational activities tied to the resort’s theme.

    Dining:

    • Dining options are abundant and varied, including quick-service locations, lounges, and table-service restaurants.
    • Many Deluxe Resorts feature character dining experiences and room service for added convenience.

    Transportation:

    • Staying at a Deluxe Resort means access to multiple transportation options, including Disney buses, Skyliner, Monorail, and boats.
    • Some Deluxe Resorts are within walking distance of the parks, making it even easier to maximize your time.

    Deluxe Resorts Include:

    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
    • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
    • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
    • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
    • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
    • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
    • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

    For families seeking extra space and the comforts of home, Deluxe Villa Resorts are an ideal option. These accommodations combine the luxury of Deluxe Resorts with spacious, apartment-style living perfect for larger groups.

    Room Types:

    • Villas range from studio units to expansive three-bedroom accommodations.
    • Except for studio options, villas include a full kitchen, living areas, laundry facilities, and multiple bathrooms for ultimate convenience.

    Views:

    • Enjoy serene landscapes, lush gardens, and tranquil water views.
    • Select villas offer premium views, including glimpses of theme parks or other iconic Disney landmarks.

    Guests staying at Deluxe Villas have access to the same exceptional amenities as the Deluxe Resorts. Enjoy elaborately themed pools with slides, hot tubs, and activities designed to match the resort’s unique atmosphere.

    Dining at Deluxe Villas is as flexible as it is delightful. Options include table-service restaurants, quick-service locations, and even character dining experiences. Plus, with fully equipped kitchens in many villas, you can whip up meals or snacks in the comfort of your room for a cozy, family-friendly option.

    Deluxe Villas offer extensive transportation options to make your Disney experience seamless. These include Disney buses, the Skyliner, the Monorail, and boats. For added convenience, some Deluxe Villas are within walking distance of select parks, giving you quick and easy access to the magic.

    • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
    • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
    • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
    • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
    • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
    • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
    • Disney’s Riviera Resort
    • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
    • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

    When you plan your Disney adventure with us, you’ll get insider tips and expert advice to make your trip as magical and stress-free as possible.

    Now that you’ve explored the unique features of each Disney Resort category, which one feels like the best fit for your family? Drop your thoughts or any questions in the comments—I’d love to help you design your next unforgettable Disney vacation!

    4 min read