Disney Resorts are pure magic, from the intricate theming to the world-class customer service, they’re always ahead of the curve. There is no bad choice to be made here. The decision is really about what best fits your upcoming vacation. With so many ways to “do Disney” we’ve put together different vacation categories with our thoughts around resorts that would best fit the category.
Walt Disney World breaks up their hotels into multiple categories based on pricing. The Disney Resort terminology is Deluxe, Moderate, and Value. Within each of our vacation categories, we’ll include our opinions for options within each group.
First One In, Last One Out
Looking to hang out with Mickey and friends from sunup to sundown? There’s nothing better than high-fiving Goofy to start your day! If you’re looking to spend the majority of your time in the parks then resort extras may not matter. More than likely you’re just looking for a clean place to lay your head. Disney Resorts definitely have some great options that are also well themed. Here are the DVC Duo recommended Disney Resorts for “First One In, Last One Out”.
Value: All-Star Sports, All-Star Movies, or All Star-Music
Moderate: Caribbean Beach Resort
Deluxe: None (or any)
Passholder Insight: The Caribbean Beach Resort is currently being remodeled. Many of the rooms have been updated. New restaurants should be opening soon. If you’re staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort we would recommend requesting the Trinidad section, as it is the furthest from the construction.
Find Me At The Pool
Florida is hot, there’s no doubt about it. Does a mid-day dip in the pool sound refreshing? Grab the goggles and floaties, and we’ll meet you there! Every vacation needs a little downtime to rest and recharge before going back to fly on a banshee. If a well-themed pool with slides and activities is your speed, then Disney Resorts has some fantastic choices. Here are the DVC Duo recommend Disney Resorts for “Find Me At The Pool”
Value: Art of Animation
Moderate: Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter
Deluxe: Yacht Club, Beach Club, Polynesian Village
Passholder Insight: The Polynesian Village just received a major update to the pool area with a brand new waterslide and the Oasis Patio (private shaded area). The Yacht and Beach Clubs share a pool and have features such as the sunken ship water slide and a sand bottom pool.
It’s All About Location
Spend less time on Disney Transportation and more time in the parks. Do you like to be minutes away from the action? We definitely do. Grab your best walking shoes and we’ll race you to the Tower of Terror! The Walt Disney World theme parks are spread out over a very large area, and from certain Disney Resorts, it could be a long ride (~15 to 20 mins) to certain parks. We’re looking at you Animal Kingdom Lodge! If you’re like us and looking for short commutes to the parks, Disney Resorts has some convenient locations. Here are the DVC Duo recommended Disney Resorts for “It’s All About Location”
Value: Pop Century, Art of Animation
Moderate: Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach Resort
Deluxe: Boardwalk Inn, Contemporary, Yacht Club, Beach Club,
Passholder Insight: At the Deluxe options you are able to walk to certain theme parks. From Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach Club, you could walk to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios. From the Contemporary you could walk to the Magic Kingdom.
Passholder Insight: Coronado Springs is going through a refurbishment as well. If you’re staying at Coronado Springs we recommend requesting to stay in the Casitas (Building 4) area, as it is the furthest from the construction.
Peaceful Tranquility
A little peace is just what you need after an exciting day in the parks. Do you enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee in the morning before Soarin’ Around the World? If you find the Adirondack chairs, we’ll grab the French press and croissants! Disney Resorts has a couple of options that deliver on the Disney experience while making you feel like you’re in a different world. Here are the DVC Duo recommend Disney Resorts for “Peaceful Tranquility”.
Value: None
Moderate: Port Orleans – Riverside
Deluxe: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge
Passholder Insight: Coming this winter to the Wilderness Lodge is the new Storybook Character Dining Experience. Check it out here.
This Is A Family Affair
Disney is family time. Is your family or group looking to all stay in the same room/accommodation? We call dibs on the master suite! Disney Resorts has a variety of options where families can stay in a room/villa. Best part is some of the rooms include kitchens and laundry in the room. No need to pack all 1000 dry-fits for the summer heat when you could wash them! Here are the DVC Duo recommend Disney Resorts for “This Is A Family Affair”.
Value: Art of Animation – Family Suites
Moderate: None
Deluxe: Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, Saratoga Springs Resort, Bay Lake Tower, Kidani Village, Polynesian Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas, Grand Floridian Villas
Passholder Insight: Compare the cost between booking multiple rooms and the villas. Sometimes the villas could be cheaper, especially at Saratoga Springs Resort.
Feel Like Royalty
Every now and then it feels good to be pampered. Do the sounds of 5 piece string band as you walk into the lobby sound magical to you? Pull out your most dapper outfit and let’s meet in the Garden View Tea Room! Disney Resorts most elegant hotel is the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. You can step back into the timeless elegance of yesteryear and still be within minutes of the Magic Kingdom.
Passholder Insight: If you’re at Walt Disney World either for Christmas or Easter we highly recommend you stop by the Grand Floridian Resort. We don’t want to spoil the surprise, let’s just say they know how to celebrate for the holidays!
Every trip Disney is different and depending on what you’re looking to do and the Disney Resorts have an option for you. We hope this article makes it a little easier to sift through so many options. We’ll see you in the lobby for morning coffee!
