This is where all of the magic happens! I’m always a big proponent of staying on Disney’s property when you can as you’re able to become completely immersed in the “Disney bubble.”
When staying on property, you get to take advantage and experience many Disney perks that you just won’t get when staying at an off-sight hotel.
These privileges include, but are not limited to:
- the eligibility to purchase a Disney dining package
- the ability to make up to ten days worth of advance dining reservations, including 180-day advance booking for dining (These fill up fast!)
- 90-day advance bookings for FastPass+ (These fill up even faster!)
- free Magic Bands that link to your My Disney Experience account
- free transportation from the airport (Disney’s Magical Express)
- extra Magic Hours
- many other magical Disney perks
There are three levels (or three different cost points) of Disney resorts; Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.
Value Resorts
Value Resorts are the least expensive option and are very similar to a basic hotel room (think Motel 8) with standard amenities. Disney has five resorts that are considered in the value range:
- All-Star Movies Resort
- All-Star Music Resort
- All-Star Sports Resort
- Art of Animation Resort
- Pop Century Resort
Even though they can be short on amenities, they are a lot of fun. They are heavily themed and just scream, “I’M ON VACATION AT DISNEY!!” You can find larger than life Disney character statues among the grounds and in the pool areas.
Value Resorts offer at least two pool areas and Quick-Service dining options. Entry into all of the rooms is from the outside hallways. Keep in mind that external noise could be a factor and something to consider before booking your trip.
Art of Animation is a Value Plus Resort as most of the rooms are made up of family suites. This resort is also heavily themed offering beautifully decorated suites in either a Pixar Cars, Little Mermaid, Lion King, or Finding Nemo theme.
The family-style suites make it a roomier place to stay for families with young children. In comparison to the other Value Resorts, these suite-style rooms are accessed from interior hallways. This makes these rooms highly desirable, especially if you’re traveling with a larger party and are in need of more space and privacy.
Pop Century and Art of Animation now have access to Disney’s Skyliner system which gives you direct access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The other Value Resorts rely on bus transportation to and from the parks. Pop Century also has its own dedicated bus system, which is good to keep in the back of your mind when planning!
The average price for Disney’s Value Resorts is around $110 during the off-seasons to as high as $340 a night during peak times such as Christmas and spring break times.
All-Star Movies
Pro’s:
- Affordable
- Newly renovated
- Fun over-the-top Disney theming
Con’s:
- Transportation. The only transportation available is the Disney buses. This resort has to share the same buses with the other All-Star Resorts, making it difficult to get a seat exactly when you need it.
All-Star Music
Pro’s:
- Affordable
- Recently renovated
- A really great pool area
Con’s:
- The food court and food options are limited
All-Star Sports
Pro’s:
- Affordable
- Location! Even though it shares the same bus loop with the other Value Resorts, this resort is the first stop for both pickup and drop off. You’ll be the first to get both on and off the buses.
Con’s:
- Hasn’t been refurbished like the other Value Resorts
Pop-Century Resort
Pro’s:
- Affordable
- Direct access to Disney’s Skyliner system
- Three themed pool areas
Con’s:
- Basic food court with limited options
Disney’s Art of Animation
Pro’s:
- family-style suites that include a kitchenette
- Themed rooms in either The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Pixar Cars, or Finding Nemo decor
- Direct access to Disney’s Skyliner
Con’s:
- More expensive. These rooms are priced much like a Moderate Resort.
Moderate Resorts
Moderate Resorts are a great option if you’re looking for a beautiful and relaxing resort, with ample-sized rooms, but that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. These resorts do offer some rooms that are themed, however, it’s not the same over-the-top-Disney decor found at the Value Resorts.
There are five resorts that are considered to be in the Moderate range:
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Coronado Springs Resort
- Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Campgrounds and Cabins at Ft. Wilderness
Moderate resorts generally have multiple pool areas. There are small quiet pools situated around the different lodging buildings. They also have at least one or two larger community pools that are centrally located within the resort and themed with waterslides, pool bars, and splash areas.
Moderate Resorts have a wider selection than Value Resorts when it comes to dining. Each resort offers a food court, a table service restaurant (minus Port Orleans French Quarter), and a pool bar or two.
The average rate is about $230 per night during the regular season, putting these resorts right in the middle price point in relation to Disney lodging.
Caribbean Beach Resort
Pro’s:
- Caribbean Beach Resort is the hub of Disney’s SkyLiner. You have direct access to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot without having to disembark
Con’s:
- This resort is very large. You may have to take internal buses to get to the Skyliner or to the main lobby and restaurant areas.
- Bus transportation is the only way to get to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom. Buses may fill up quickly as they have to travel to the different neighborhoods throughout the resort.
Coronado Springs Resort
Pro’s:
- There are lots of unique food options that include bars/grills and lounges.
Con’s:
- Transportation. Disney buses may fill up quickly as they travel through the different neighborhoods of the resort.
Port Orleans – French Quarter
Pro’s:
- A very small resort, which gives it a quaint feel
- Lots of exciting food options, including Mickey beignets
- Live Jazz music and entertainment
Con’s:
- Small and limited space, so discounts and specials aren’t always available
Port Orleans – Riverside
Pro’s:
- Boat transportation to Disney Springs
- Quiet grounds
- Live Entertainment each night – Yehaa Bob
Con’s:
- Food court is simple and there’s not a lot of exciting food options
Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds and Cabins
Pro’s:
- Lots of great entertainment options such as the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Review, horseback riding, campfire singalong, and more.
Con’s:
- This resort is huge! You’ll need to take internal buses to get around or rent a golf cart.
Deluxe Resorts, Disney Vacation Club, and Deluxe Villas
Deluxe Resorts & Deluxe Villas These resorts are luxurious, extremely detailed oriented, and have the highest price point of the three different resort levels. There are eight resorts that belong to the Deluxe Resort category.
- Boardwalk Inn
- Wilderness Lodge
- Contemporary Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Beach Club Resort
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Yacht Club Resort
- Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort
In comparison to the Value and Moderate Resorts, all of the rooms are accessed from interior hallways. The rooms are also much larger in terms of square footage. The theming in these resorts is absolutely posh and luxurious.
There are varying price points even in the Deluxe category, with Animal Kingdom Lodge being the least expensive, where the Grand Floridian is the most expensive.
All of these resorts have beautiful pool areas, pool bars, and lounges.
Some of the most sought after dining is also found within these resorts. You can find at least one food court, a Quick-Service location, Table Service, and Signature Dining options.
Besides the gorgeous amenities and theming, one aspect that sets these resorts apart is their proximity to the parks. The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary are located on the Monorail loop, making this super convenient to get to the Magic Kingdom. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has stellar views of the animal exhibits, while the Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk Inn are within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Boardwalk Inn
Pro’s:
- Within walking distance to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the Skyliner.
- Friendship boats are also available for transportation.
- There is a ton of entertainment options along the boardwalk.
Con’s:
- All of the activity on the boardwalk may be too noisy if you’re wanting a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Wilderness Lodge
Pro’s:
- Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom
- proximity to the Magic Kingdom
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Immersive theming
Con’s:
- Doesn’t have great views of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks like the other Magic Kingdom resorts.
Contemporary Resort
Pro’s:
- located on the monorail loop
- Walking distance to Magic Kingdom
- A lot of delicious dining experiences
- Chef Mickey’s
Con’s:
- Noise may also be a factor here. With the monorail station and Chef’s Mickey’s, the concourse stays busy for much of the day.
Grand Floridian
Pro’s:
- This is also a monorail resort with Magic Kingdom being the first stop
- Gorgeous grounds and atmosphere
- Lots of entertainment options such as the lobby pianist and band
Con’s:
- The layout of this resort is very spread out. This makes for a lot of walking, especially if you’re staying at one of the outer buildings.
Polynesian Resort
Pro’s:
- Located on the monorail resort
- Quick access to the Ticket and Transportation Center
- Amazing dining options
- Immersive theming
Con’s:
- The elevators are small and there’s not many of them, making for long lines and wait times
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Pro’s:
- A lot of opportunities to view the animals on the Savannah from the resort
- Amazing food!
- Beautiful pool and lounge areas
Con’s:
- Furthest away from any of the parks. Buses are the only mode of transportation
Beach Club Resort
Pro’s:
- Walking distance to Disney’s Skyliner, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios
- Beautiful pirate ship and pool areas
Con’s:
- The quick-service dining options are limited
Yacht Club Resort
Pro’s:
- Walking distance to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Skyliner
- The pool area is almost like a waterpark; pirate ship, waterslides, lazy river.
Con’s:
- Quick-service locations are limited
Questions?
We hope you found this information helpful in planning your next stay at Disney! Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. We’re always happy to help!
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