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Choosing a Disney Resort

Ashley Lusk • Jun 07, 2018

Walt Disney World Resorts: A Guide to Best Plan Your Next Disney Vacation

Walt Disney World has no shortage of exciting places to stay during your vacation! Whether you're traveling as a family, a surprise anniversary trip, or with friends here's what you should know about the Disney resorts! To begin you may have already taken the time off from work and booked your tickets for a quick exit from the Minnesota tundra. If not, that's just fine! You do not need to have planned any dates at all to see what works best for you! To get started sign in or create an account on Disney's " My Disney Experience " website. This will come in handy when making your official plans.

Now that you're here on the My Disney Experiencewebsite there is so much to see! It's like a whole new world! I know, but keep those wondering eyes on the " Places to Stay" tab on your navigation bar! You scroll to the word with anticipation growing. Only to discover there are so many options! Welcome to the world of resorts! Disney's resorts can be broken down into three main categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. In this part I will explain what these terms mean for you, and give you a few examples of my favorites. The rest is up to you!

Value Resorts

Disney Value resorts are perfect for keeping to your travel budget! Aptly names, these resorts have the lowest rates on property. You can choose to drive down in your camper and set up shop at Disney's Fort Wilderness! If you're not brave like the Goof, don't fret! There are plenty of indoor options too! Want a nice hotel resort with a Mickey twist? Check out the All Star Resorts! Have a princess obsessed with mermaids? (...* whispers * Me too!...) Check out the Art of Animation ! Still trying to solve that Rubik's Cube? Check out the Pop Century for a walk down memory lane!

"Okay, but what's so special about these places? Aren't they just another hotel?" I can feel you asking. The short answer? No, they're Disney! When you come back it feels like home. The moment you step off your Magical Express and up to that concierge desk you've already fallen in love. The service is impeccable and the fun has already begun! My top three reasons to stay at a value resort can be summed to this:

Price:

There are a tons of discounts to take advantage of! Special dining, ticket, and resort bundles are perfect! Have an Annual Pass? Wait about 3-5 months before your trip and get a percentage off your room! Not certain if you qualify for a lower rate? Go during a slow season for reduced rates, or talk to a travel agent! Service Members get a discount as well!

Atmosphere:

As a huge Ariel Fan I could not wait to experience the Art of Animation with my mom on our Mother's Day getaway! It was my inner 3 year old squealing in joy! From the lobby with sketches, ink prints, and posters muraled all over the walls, to the statue of Prince Eric guarding the pool were Sebastian was conducting an orchestra, and all the way past a colossal King Triton to my mermaid-perfect room; This was a sure winner! Had I not known about the parks and what magic waited for me, I simply wouldn't have left the resort! Also, have I mentioned yet, these AMAZING Cast Members?! It's impeccable! The whole hotel resort is picture perfect. I never suffered so much as a mosquito bite!

The Parks:

Oh, you think you already knew this one? Yes, the parks are amazing; however that's not what I'm talking about. When staying at these resorts, or any Disney resort, you will be treated to a special V.I.P. experience everyday! It's called " Extra Magic Hours". Each day there will be one of the parks either opening an hour early or staying open for an additional hour just for their hotel guests. Your provided magicband (or card) is your key! Scan your band at the attractions for this V.I.P. experience.

Top Value Resort Picks:

  1. Art of Animation : Little Mermaid Room
  2. All Star Movies: Perfect for Toy Story lovers! Get ready to experience the Opening of Toy Story Land on June 30th, 2018!
  3. All Star Sports : Perfect for those who really need to save on their budget!

Moderate Resorts

Value resorts are great! But if you're looking for a resort that feels like a small laid back community, check out the moderate resorts. These are perfect for a romantic getaway, older families, and have some hidden gems for your child's surprise vacation! These resorts will have you longing to take the path less traveled, or stop to enjoy the roses. You've just left the Magic Kingdom after the Kiss Goodnight. You're done with the loud noises, big crowds, and just need a moment to breathe. Welcome home to Disney's Port Orleans ! With gardens all around, their vintage light posts glow softly, the cool night air evaporating the sun's work on the hot pavement as the crickets sing; this is the perfect spot to relax. You make your way to the hotel door. As you scan that magicband and open the door, you are welcomed in by Princess Tiana and her friends to receive the royal treatment! That's right! Hidden at the Riversideare Disney's "Royal Guest Rooms" complete with a magic lamp and flying carpet!

Why would I choose a moderate resort? Simple; I still get all the great amenities of a value resort at a more intimate hotel, and never feel like I'm fighting a crowd. Even when the place is packed, I always feel like I've found my own private eden. Also, among your quick service options, more sit down restaurants can be found. My top three reasons to stay at a moderate resort?

Hot Tubs:

At moderate resorts the pools will begin to include hot tub options. I don't know about you, but after that calf workout I just got from spending 8 hours at the parks I could really use a good soak. Not all moderate resorts will have this special feature, but if they do you are most likely to find it at your main community pool yard. Known moderate resorts with hot tubs include:

Family Apartments:

Art of Animation and Fort Wildernessmade it onto this moderate list as well! Although they have value options they also feature some of the largest rooms on property that can sleep up to 6 adults! These small apartments have a private sleeping room, community bathroom, kitchenette, and living space with convertible sleeping quarters. Perfect for large groups or families!

At the Art of Animationyou will experience the movies come to life! Not only do you have the fantastic Little Mermaid value option at this resort, but other Pixar and Disney favorites will come to life! With these special family size apartments you can swim the seas with Nemo and friends, sit back and relax with Simba, and gather around for some good ol' fun at Radiator Spring's Cozy Cone! Each apartment is exquisitely decorated to have your family feeling like they are a part of the story!

Character Rooms:

Every Disney hotel resort features at least one of our favorite characters; However moderate resorts take it to the next level at the Art of Animation ! Larger than life replicas of your favorite characters from The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars really make you feel like you have become a part of the story! Yet if you're looking for a resort that isn't full of colossal Disney characters guarding your adventures, try Port Orleans Riverside or Caribbean Beach. These two resorts play host to Disney's coveted "Royal Guest" and "Pirate" rooms! Ever dreamed of sailing a ship with Peter Pan or the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow?! Try not to now that your bed is a Captain's Ship at the Carribean Beach ! Want to experience the night's fireworks on replay? Slumber off to dreamland with your special bayou fireworks, princess bed!

Top Moderate Resort Picks:

  1. Port Orleans Riverside : A boat ride away from Disney Springs AND special Royal Guest Rooms!
  2. Caribbean Beach : Hosts one of the largest hot tubs AND special Pirate Themed Rooms!
  3. Art of Animation: Best for those who need to keep to a budget, or looking for large family rooms.

Deluxe Resorts

Looking for the ultimate Disney experience? Splurge on a deluxe resort or villa! These are the crem-de-la-crem of Walt Disney World resorts! Their main curb appeal? These are some of the closest resorts to the Magic Kingdom! They feature some of Disney's finest experiences from apartment-like rooms complete with wet bar, concierge services, and exclusive hotel dining experiences. The three best deluxe resorts include:

You can walk, cruise, or catch a tram over to the Magic Kingdom in no time! Added bonus? Each resort features their own bag and security checkpoints which allows guests to easily walk into the park when they arrive. They each boast some of the most coveted character dining experiences, and play host to special water pageant and firework parties! Another reason you may be so familiar with these opulent resorts is thanks to Disney's Fairytale Wedding series which airs on Free From (previously ABC Family)!

Exclusive Character Dining:

Navigating your way around Charcater Dining isn't always an easy experience. Worse yet, some of them require a park admission to even enjoy reservations! Not at the deluxe resorts! These dining experiences are open to everyone, and it doesn't cost you anything extra to enjoy the magic. These are some of the best character dining experiences you can have at one of Disney's deluxe resorts:

  • 1900 Park Fare : Enjoy a character themed breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner at the Grand Floridian's 1900 Park Fare!
    • Begin your day with a Supercalifragilistic Breakfast buffet with characters such as Mary Poppins, Alice, The Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh, and Tiger who will join guests around the room in special table side meet and greets.
    • Stop on by for the Wonderland Tea Party where you could meet some of your favorite wonderland characters as you make your own cupcake creations and special take home craft!
    • Complete your day of magic at Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner buffet where you will have the pleasure of meeting Prince Charming, Cinderella, Lady Tremaine, and the Step Sisters! Characters will greet you by your tables and ask you to join them in a special dance! My personal #1 Charcater Dining Choice!


  • Trattoria al Forno : Take a trip over to Disney's BoardWalk Inn for the exclusive Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast with Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn! This sit down restaurant features a special breakfast only character dining option with some of your favorite characters! The dining options include character themed meals such as a "Tower of Pancakes" and "King Triton's Shipwreck al Forno". Child meals also include character shaped waffle options!

  • Chef Mickey's : Enjoy a perfect buffet for any time of the day at Contemporary 's Chef Mickey's! Enjoy a breakfast, brunch, or dinner with Mickey and Pals as they greet families at their tables for special photo opportunities! Keep your ear open for your chance to join special sing-a-longs with all your club house friends! This buffet is located on the 3rd floor of the Contemporary and has an excellent view of the tram as it stops by to pick up and drop off guests from the Magic Kingdom!

  • 'Ohana : Surf on over for a taste of the islands at Disney's Polynesian Resort for a special Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch! This buffet style breakfast features an island twist and allows you to meet Lilo and Stitch as they stop by to say "Aloha"! 'Ohana's also features a fun island themed diner perfect for the whole family! Just note that characters will only attend for breakfast.

Travel:

One of the best things about staying at the Walt Disney World resorts is all the included transportation! Beginning at the Orlando International Airport you will be greeted by the Disney Cast Members to who will direct you to your Magical Express which will bring you to your resort at the beginning of your stay, and back to the airport at the end. At all Disney Resorts there are Disney Transportation Buses which will cruise between the parks and your resort throughout the day. For guests enjoying a stay at the deluxe resorts the transportation magic continues from special skippers that charter across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Fort Wilderness, to the Disney Tram that will make stops at the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian! If you make a stop at theTicket and Transportation Station you can also switch trams to voyage on to EPCOT! When staying at Disney's Contemporary resort you can also take a short walk from your resort to the gates of the Magic Kingdom! It's never been easier to navigate the Disney Parks!

For the Adults:

Disney's deluxe resorts also cater to those who are young at heart! Not in the mood for a character meal? Try one of the many other restaurant options at your resort! Looking to have someone watch the kids while you take some time for yourself? Disney has special in-room babysitting and child activity center options! Take some time to pamper yourself at the Senses Spa found at the Grand Floridianor Saratoga Springs! Enjoy special cocktail lounges at the BoardWalk, Disney Springs, the Contemporary, and the Polynesian! Visit the Top of the World Lounge for a refreshing view of the Happily Ever After Fireworks! There are plenty of things to do weather it's a small getaway for mom and dad, a special anniversary, or saying, "I do"!

Top Hotel Picks:

  1. The Grand Floridian : Experience your dreams come true as your vacation becomes a Fairytale!
  2. The Contemporary : Your closest resort to the Magic Kingdom; just a walk away!
  3. The Polynesian : A great island resort that boast some of the best villa options!

Planning your next Walt Disney World trip can be a bit daunting, but with this Magical Guide to the Disney Resorts you are now one step closer!
I encourage you to take your time and explore what all the different Disney resorts have to offer. There are plenty more options with GREAT reviews to choose from beside those listed here for you today. Just remember no matter where your head will rest at the end of your long day in the parks, you will always be welcomed home!

Stay tuned for more ways for how you can best plan your next Disney vacation!

Written: January 15th, 2018 Published: June 6th, 2018

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