Deciding on where to stay during your trip to Walt Disney World can be a huge decision.  Even just deciding what type of resort to stay in can be a huge choice to make!

While I have discussed resorts before, I haven’t gone into great detail about the types of resorts and what to expect.  In this next section, I will go into some detail about what to expect from each level, the resorts in each one, and some key features about each tier.

Value Resorts

Let’s jump in with our Value resorts first.  All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Pop Century, and Art of Animation are the five resorts in this category.  Here are some key features about this category of resort:

• Fun, bright, kid-friendly, whimsical theme with large icons
• Motel type rooms that open to outside corridors
• Food courts and pizza delivery available, but no Table Service restaurants
• Themed pools that do not include water slides
• Large, spread out layout, which can mean a lot of walking to rooms and dining
• Bus transportation only to all parks and Disney Springs (and only 1 internal bus stop)
• 260 sq. ft. rooms with 2 double beds or 1 king bed
• Most budget friendly of all of the categories
• Art of Animation has themed suites and rooms can be around 575 sq. ft.

Moderate Resorts

The Moderate resorts are Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside are the four resorts in this category.  Here are some key features about this category of resort:

• Beautifully themed with lush landscaping
• Rooms that open to outside corridors
• Table Service restaurants (except at Port Orleans French Quarter), food courts and pizza delivery available
• A main feature pool with a water slide and other quiet pools
• Large, spread out layout, can mean more walking to dining but not as far to buses
• Multiple options for on-site recreation
• Bus transportation to all parks and Disney Springs (and many internal bus stops, except at French Quarter).
• Boat transportation to Disney Springs is also available at Riverside and French Quarter.
• 314 sq. ft. rooms (340 sq. ft. at Caribbean Beach Resort) with 2 queen beds or 1 king bed
• Riverside and Caribbean Beach can accommodate families of up to 5
• Themed rooms available at Riverside ((Royal Guest rooms) and Caribbean Beach Resorts (Pirate rooms).
• Coronado Springs offers Junior, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites.
• Middle of the road as far as expense for a room budget

Deluxe Resorts

The Deluxe resorts are Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge and Yacht Club are the eight resorts in this category.  Here are some key features about this category of resort:

• Beautiful, unique, impeccable theming with elaborate lobbies and gift shops
• Rooms that open to inside corridors
• Table Service restaurants (including 1 upscale option) and Quick Service, but no food courts
• A main feature pool with a water slide and other quiet pools.  Some even Adults Only
• Non-bus access to at least 1 park (except Animal Kingdom Lodge which always uses buses)
• On-site gyms, salons, and valet parking available
• Amenities are similar to a nicer chain of hotels
• Each resort offers a full slate of hotel services
• Direct monorail access from the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary
• Direct boat access from Wilderness Lodge

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts/ Disney Vacation Club Resorts

The Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, sometimes referred to as the Disney Vacation Club Resorts, are:  Animal Kingdom Villas, Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Villas at Grand Floridian, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and Saratoga Springs. All ten resorts are sold as timeshares through Disney Vacation Club (DVC), but you can also rent the units directly through Disney’s reservation system, just like you would a hotel room

Theming is on par with the Deluxe resorts.  These resorts will also be located in the same area, just in different buildings.  So, if you are staying in the DVC at the Polynesian, you will still check in like you normally would for a vacation at the Poynesian.  Your building assignment will just be in a different area.

Rooms for DVC are as follows:

• Studios:  sleep up to five and include a mini fridge and a microwave, along with some disposable plates/utensils.
• 1 and 2 Bedroom Villa: 1 (sleep 4-5) and 2 (sleep 8-9) Bedroom Villas have full kitchens with pots and pans, including a living room.  Most have a whirlpool tub in the master bathroom
• Treehouses:  at Saratoga Springs, have 3 bedrooms and sleep 9
• Bungalows: at the Polynesian, have 2 bedrooms and sleep 8
• Cabins: at Wilderness Lodge, have 2 bedrooms and sleep 8
• 3 Bedroom Grand Villas: at Animal Kingdom Villas, Bay Lake Tower, BoardWalk Villas, Villas at Grand Floridian, Copper Creek Villas, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs can sleep up to 12.

Fort Wilderness Cabins/Campsites

The last of our categories are the cabins and campsites.  Here is a brief overview of how they work:

Campsites are divided into three categories:  Partial, Full, or Preferred.

• Partial Hookup (electricity and water provided),
• Full Hookup (electricity, water and sewer provided)
• Preferred (electricity, water, sewer and cable TV hookups, plus a more prime location). Each site has a picnic table and charcoal grill. Most sites feel secluded because there are trees and bushes between sites.

Cabins provide their own type of theming and offer boat transportation to Magic Kingdom.

• One bedroom with a double bed and bunk beds
• Murphy Bed in the living room
• Full Kitchen with all basic cooking utensils, pots, pans, and dishes

There you have it!  Here is your complete list of resort categories.  Let’s create some magic together for 2018!  Contact me today to plan your dream getaway!  debbie.lands@magical-vacations.com