Walt Disney World

Selecting a Resort on Walt Disney World Property:

Staying on Disney property is certainly our recommendation. At the end
of the day Disney is about telling a story, painting a picture, and creating
a complete experience, right? Well, the resorts on property certainly
aren’t an exception. Each has been carefully crafted and immerses you in
a story – and we LOVE that. Plus, staying on property comes with perks
that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! However, there are SO
many resorts (more than 25!). So, how do you select the one that is best
for your family? Well, we’re here to break it down for you, and as we go,
remember the story! A hint or indicator of it is usually in the name.
Disney separates its resorts into four categories – value, moderate,
deluxe and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club but can be
booked for cash). Pricing usually follows this model as it sounds – value is
a better price per night as compared to deluxe. Same goes for features
onsite and availability of certain amenities. Let’s do a quick breakdown!

VALUE

The bulk of rooms in this category are standard and approximately
260 square feet. There is a basic bath setup (sink often in the open and
toilet and shower/tub in a separate room) and bedding could be two
doubles or a king. Some rooms in this category are family suites
coming in at approximately 520 square feet. They have a similar set up
as a standard but double the baths and add in some convertible
sleeping options. From here things at both are about the same. Views
can differ from parking areas and wooded areas to swimming pools –
and naturally the better the view the higher the price. Speaking of
swimming pools, the pools here are typically themed and could be
interactive, but here’s your warning – no slides! Other forms of
recreation can be limited – think poolside games, a playground, and
an occasional movie outside at night. Dining options are slim too with
your only options being a foot court or pool bar. Finally, transportation
provided by Disney (a perk of staying onsite!) will usually be via bus.

The only exceptions to this are the Art of Animation Resort and Pop
Century, which recently were added to the new-ish Skyliner route.

Includes: All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of
Animation, Pop Century, and Campsites at Fort Wilderness.

MODERATE

Standard rooms in this category are in the 300 square foot range with
a similar bath set up as a value resort, but maybe an additional sink.
Two queen beds or one king is the standard, but there might be a
spot for a potential fifth person (otherwise four is max). Views are
similar as well but throw in the possibility of a room facing/near a
natural body of water. Pools, other recreation and dining options are a
little more robust with the addition of “quiet pools,” water recreation,
bikes, a health club (Coronado Springs), at least one table service
restaurant and a lounge. Transport here is typically bus as well, but
there might be a boat service from some resorts to Disney Springs.
Includes: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French
Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and Cabins at Fort Wilderness

DELUXE

There are a variety of rooms and sizes here. We’re talking anywhere
from 344 to 440 square feet. The bath situation can vary too and
includes what you’ll find in a moderate, but probably in a different
configuration for more privacy. If the room is larger, there might be
several baths. Bedding configuration is like a moderate property with
nothing smaller than a queen. However, it’s the views, recreation,
dining, and transportation that sets a deluxe apart. Pools will have
slides, hot tubs, or other water features. Spa services might even be
available. There are more table service restaurants, room service and

maybe even character dining onsite. Lastly, these resorts are typically
in close proximity to a park (very attractive to some), so transportation
options open up. Buses, skyliner and boats could still be available, but
add walking and monorails to the list.
Includes: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn,
Contemporary, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Village,
Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club.

VILLAS

We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation
Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some
deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to
Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa-style with more amenities and
can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed
configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a
deluxe property.
Includes: Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Boulder Ridge
Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at
Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House and
Kidani Village, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West,
Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs
Resort and Spa, Villas at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Evaluate each category as described and make your selection based
on the needs of your family. From there, think about the story of the
resort and what resonates with you most – maybe it’s animation, the
Caribbean, or the South Pacific, and so on. With the breakdown above
and these two tips, you’re on your way to selecting the resort that is
perfect for you!
Contact us at Unique Travel Experiences to help you with your next
Disney vacation