The Many Resorts of DISNEY: An Overview
So you’ve decided that you want to take a vacation and you are ready for the magic to extend throughout your entire stay! While we are extremely biased, we also know the incredible value that comes from staying at a Disney property and the added benefits that you get while on your trip.
Our crew will be compiling reviews and information on all Disney resort options in the United States, and we'll link them in here as we go along.
Not only does Disney have excellent properties at the 'World' and the 'Land', but they also have amazing resorts located on beaches! We love saying ALOHA to Mickey!! ;)
THIS WAY to your next "Vacation Sensation..."
Walt Disney World (Florida)
You probably knew there were multiple parks at WDW, and that it would take some planning ahead of time, but choosing where you’re going to stay is half the fun! Staying on-site at a Disney property means the magical Disney bubble helps encapsulate every part of your experience. At Walt Disney World alone, there are more than 20 resorts, ranging in size, cost, and location. There is truly something for everyone!
Additionally, each resort was created with its own designated theme. If you have tried one resort before, staying at a new hotel the next time makes your vacation feel fresh all over again. This is one of the reasons guests continue to go back. With so much to see and do (and so many places to stay!)... each getaway can be incredibly unique and feel like the first time.
So what do you look for when it comes to a resort property? If you want to be in the middle of the action and steps away from the parks, we can help guide you to the right option. Hoping to find the magic but need a more economical option this time? We know where to look! Prefer something a little more quiet and less themed? Maybe even a view of a golf course? Done! Want a full kitchen to help with food costs or have a family member with an allergy that needs to make food in the room? There are villas we can recommend. Did you know you can even stay in a tree house with views of river boats passing by?! The experiences seem endless at the Walt Disney World properties!
Staying on Walt Disney World property can offer many benefits, including early entry to the parks, free transportation throughout your stay, booking dining reservations for the entire length of stay 60 days in advance, and the chance to book Lightning Lanes 7 days before check-in (more on that here). Guests staying at Disney resorts also have the opportunity to book Lighting Lane Premier Passes, and those staying at deluxe resorts may receive additional benefits, including late night hours.
At Walt Disney World, the resorts fall into three categories:
Deluxe Resorts and and Deluxe Villas
Moderate Resorts
Value Resorts
DELUXE RESORTS AND DELUXE VILLAS
The finest category at Walt Disney World, and the best way to enhance the entirety of your stay. Deluxe resorts are known for their elegant theming, signature restaurants, and often their close proximity to the parks... some even walking distance! Deluxe resorts have more square footage in their rooms, and some even offer 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas to really spread out.
With some Deluxe Resorts, guests can opt for a “Theme Park” view, and even watch fireworks from their room or balcony as music is streamed through their TVs. Deluxe Resorts offer a gym and some have the option for spa services. These hotel options also have internal doorway entries to the rooms (with some exceptions-- Deluxe Villas). Club Level with additional amenities and services are also an option at Deluxe Resorts. The pools are incredible and some even include cabanas that you can reserve ahead of time to make your rest days exceptional.
Deluxe Villas have the amenities listed above but include studios, or one, two, or three-bedrooms (sleeping up to 12). Deluxe Villas come with an open space living room, fully equipped kitchen (unless in a studio), washing machine and dryer, and plenty of storage. These are great for larger families, groups, or extended stays.
In regards to transportation, these options are the best. While all still provide buses, many also offer close proximity to the parks so guests can walk to the parks. Additionally, the monorail. SkyLiner, and ferries are offered as well at select resorts
Deluxe Resorts and Villas at Walt Disney World include:
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
MODERATE RESORTS
Choosing to stay at a Moderate Resort within Walt Disney World is an excellent option. These properties contain both table service dining experiences (except at French Quarter) and quick service options. The pools are elevated as well as these include a water slide at the main swimming areas on each property. The rooms are a great size with many 5th sleeper options available. Many guests like these properties for the unique, yet more subtle, theming for each resort (versus the Value Resort options). These resorts feature external doors, with the exception of the tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
One thing to note is that most of these properties are spread out (with the exception of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter), and have multiple internal bus stops for transportation to and from the parks and Disney Springs. Both Port Orleans properties have ferry boat transportation to Disney Springs as well, while Caribbean Beach sits right on the SkyLiner. If staying at the cabins at Fort Wilderness, they also have ferry access to Magic Kingdom.
Moderate resorts at Walt Disney World include:
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
VALUE RESORTS
The most economical in price point and the larger than life theming make this category popular for smaller families or those with younger children. These rooms will have the smallest footprint of all the offered resorts and most can only sleep up to 4 adults. The exception to this is the family themed suite options at Art of Animation and the family suite at All-Star Music. All of which which can sleep up to 6 adults.
Value resorts offer quick service dining options. These resorts also have a designated bus pickup area near the lobby in the front of each resort. Choosing a preferred room when booking one of these resorts is recommended as that will ensure you are closer to the lobby, dining, main pool area, and bus stop. With the exception of Art of Animation Family Suites, entrances to all rooms are external. The theming for Value resorts are colorful, oversized, and generally appealing for small children.
Both Art of Animation and Pop Century are located along the SkyLiner, which is a great way to get to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Families with strollers will prefer this option as you can leave your stroller open and not have to break it down on the bus.
Value resorts at Walt Disney World include:
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disneyland (California)
The ORIGINAL Disney can also be enjoyed over on the West Coast in Disneyland located specifically in Anaheim, California. The Happiest Place on Earth has recently reimagined a couple of their properties and have lots of room types available for all sorts of guests.
Disneyland Resorts
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa Disneyland Hotel
Pixar Place Hotel
The Grand Californian is typically seen as the most luxurious of the three and is the flagship due to its fine dining options and spa services. It is considered a Deluxe Resort and has Deluxe Villa options. The bonus of this property is that it offers a private entrance to California Adventure Park in addition to having large rooms that have a 5th sleeper option.
The Disneyland Hotel is another excellent Deluxe Resort option with classic Disney decor, and provides easy access to the monorail and Downtown Disney. Deluxe Villas were recently added to this hotel making it perfect for families of all sizes.
Pixar Place Hotel (formerly known as Paradise Pier Hotel) has recently been renovated, and is themed in - you guessed it - Pixar movies! This resort is a Moderate Resort option and is the most cost-effective on-site property. Many rooms overlook Disney California Adventure!
All the above are within walking distance to the parks and Downtown Disney. Additionally, there are Club Levels for each property for those looking to elevate their magical vacation further.
Additional Resorts - Beach Side!
What could make a Disney resort even more magical?! Including incredible views and access to the beach!! There are three additional Disney properties across the U.S. that fall into this category:
Disney Beach Resorts
Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa
On Florida’s East Coast, just two hours southeast of Walt Disney World, is Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Located footsteps from the beach, guests can enjoy plenty of water and beach activities, spa services, and a variety of dining options. This is a great addition to a WDW stay and helps provide much needed relaxation after the park visits.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, located in South Carolina, is fashioned after a 1940’s hunting and fishing lodge, making this a paradise for any outdoor lover. The slow rhythm, nature preserve, marina location, and biking options make this a wonderful beach vacation for all.
Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa is located in Ko Olina, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. It is an absolute must see! From themed pools and lazy rivers to an on-site snorkeling experience... this hotel is created with the celebration of the the Hawaiian culture in mind. With many varieties of luxurious accommodation types, this family resort truly has something for everyone and is an excellent vacation option.
So which resort are you ready to try?!
We hope that this brief overview of Disney properties will help to create a better understanding of what Disney has to offer you and your family. Our crew will help you discover which resort is ideal for you based on the needs and wants of your traveling party. Check back as we continue to add our blogs over each resort in the coming weeks! We will link them up top.
In the meantime, if you have additional questions, we would love to connect you with one of our AMAAB advisors. Let's create some MAGIC together!
-The AMAAB Crew
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