There are a few things you need to look at so you can make a decision of the resort or resorts that fit what you want to enjoy while on a Disney vacation and fit within your budget.  First thing is to get familiar with the types of Disney resorts.

Resort Class

Walt Disney World resorts are grouped into four distinct resort class: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas.  There also is the Ft Wilderness campground and for those who like that setting but prefer accommodations there are the Ft Wilderness cabins which are in the moderate class.

Value Resorts: Amenities at value-priced resorts include food courts, pizza delivery, luggage service (hourly), themed swimming pools and bus transportation.

Moderate Resorts: Amenities at most moderate-priced resorts include full-service restaurants, food courts, limited room service, luggage service, themed swimming pools with a feature slide, additional pools close to resort rooms and hot tubs, on-site recreation, bus or boat transportation (depending on the resort)

Deluxe Resorts: Amenities include full-service restaurants, room service, luggage service, valet parking, themed swimming pools with a feature slide, additional pools close to resort rooms at some resorts and hot tubs,  Some with beach access, on-site recreation, on-site childcare, monorail, boat or bus transportation.

*Club Level Concierge accommodations are available at Disney Deluxe Resorts. Benefits for guests staying in these accommodations include personalized front desk services, turndown service, exclusive access to the Club  Level Concierge lounges, refreshments throughout the day and personalized itinerary planning for dining,  childcare arrangements, recreational activities, tours, transportation plus any other needs you may have.

Disney Deluxe Villas: Amenities at these resorts offer full-service restaurants, kitchen facilities, pizza delivery, luggage service, themed swimming pools with a feature slide and hot tubs, on-site recreation, front-door parking, flexible room arrangements, monorail, boat or bus transportation.

There are many considerations when choosing a resort.  What types of dining options and recreational activities are at each resort?  Where are they located and what types of transportation to the parks are available?   How big the rooms and what are they like?  While some of those things may not matter to some everyone will be sleeping at the resort.  First thing to look at is the types of bedding available.

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Resort Room Bedding

While most vacations are short and for some double beds may be fine.  Then for others they want beds similar to what they have at home.  There are some that would like to have separation from the kids so options may be getting two rooms at any resort, a two room suite at a Value resort or the separate bedroom offered by the villa resorts.  Deciding the type of bedding and room types will help narrow down some choices.

Value Resorts
The standard type rooms at Disney’s Value resorts have 2 double-size beds and can accommodate a party of four and a child under 3 in a crib or one king-size bed (party of 2), table and chairs, vanity area with sink and a bathroom so it is a basic hotel room.  The average room is about 260 square feet

Disney’s All Star Music and Art of Animation resorts are value class resorts but also offer a two room suite sleeping a party of six and a child under 3 in a crib with a queen bed in the master.  All Star Music living room has a double-size sleeper sofa, one twin-size sleeper chair, and one single sleeper ottoman. Art of Animation living room has one double-size Inova TableBed and one double-size sleeper sofa.  Both of these resort’s suites also offer 2 bathrooms, a mini-kitchen and table and chairs. The average room is about 520 square feet. These suites are a little more than the cost of two standard rooms

Moderate Resorts
Most standard rooms at Disney’s Moderate resorts have 2 queen-size beds or one king-size bed (party of 2), hardwood furniture, desk and chair, vanity area with sink, a ceiling fan and a bathroom.   All moderate resorts accommodate a party of four and a child under 3 in a crib.

Both Disney’s Riverside and Caribbean resorts also offers bunk-size pull down bed (about 35″ X 65″) sleeping a party of five and a child under 3 in a crib. The average room is about 314 square feet.

Currently two moderate resorts offer heavily themed room options for an additional price.  Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort Royal rooms features ornate decorations and special effects, custom princess-themed linens and drapes.  Disney’s Caribbean Resort Pirate rooms boasts spirit of the Pirates of the Caribbean with these rooms featuring pirate-ship beds, buccaneer accessories and swashbuckling décor. Note: Disney’s Caribbean Resort Pirate room are double beds

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort does offer suite options but they are more than twice the cost of the standard room. This suite has one bedroom with two double beds and the parlor has a queen-size sleeper sofa. The suite also has a comfortable sitting area for entertaining and has two full bathrooms sleeping 6.

In this category also is the Ft Wilderness Cabins which sleep a party of six plus one child under three in a crib.  Each cabin has a double bed, a bunk bed and a double Murphy bed. They feature a full kitchen and one bathroom and are about 504 square feet.

Deluxe Resorts
Most rooms have 2 queen-size beds and room for a crib or one king-size bed (party of 2), table and chairs, writing table and a vanity area with 2 sinks and bath and can accommodate a party of four and a child under 3 in a crib. Some deluxe resorts also have an additional day bed sleeping a party of five and a child under 3 in a crib.  

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge offer rooms with one queen and a set of bunk beds which is ideal for families with older children of the opposite sex.  These rooms run a little bit more. The average room range from 340 to about 448 square feet.  Most deluxe resorts do offer suites sleeping up to 6 and some sleep 7.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Boardwalk Inn features deluxe rooms that have 2 queen-size beds and one queen-size sleeper sofa, table and chairs and vanity area with 2 sinks and bath sleeping 6. The Deluxe Rooms have a sitting area separated from the bedroom by French doors, mini refrigerator, coffeemaker and additional television

Deluxe Villa Resorts
Disney’s Deluxe Villa Resorts offer the most flexibility starting with studios up to of three-Bedroom Grand Villa.  Most studios have one queen-size bed with a queen-size sleeper sofa, mini-kitchen with sink, table and chairs, vanity area with 2 sinks, bathroom sleeping a party of four and a child under 3 in a crib.  The following three studios that can sleep five and a child under 3 in a crib.

The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and The Polynesian Village Bungalows offer a studio with 1 queen-size bed, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, 1 pull-down bunk size bed sleeping 5.  Studios range from 316 to 412 square feet

The One-Bedroom Villas have a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area with table and chairs, living room, laundry area with stacked washer and dryer. The master bedroom includes a king-size bed and bathroom with whirlpool tub. The living room area has a queen-size sleeper sofa sleeping 4 and an additional bathroom. .  Some one bedroom villas do offer a living room with one queen-size sleeper sofa, one sleeper chair which sleeps 5.  One-Bedroom Villas range from 710 to 942 square feet

The Two-Bedroom Villas master bedroom suite includes a king-size bed and bathroom with whirlpool tub. The second bedroom area has either 2 queen-size beds or 1 queen-size bed and 1 double sleeper sofa. The living area has a queen-size sleeper sofa and sleep up to 8 guests.  Also two additional bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen, stacked washer and dryer, table and chairs.  Some 2 bedroom villas do offer a living room with one queen-size sleeper sofa, one sleeper chair which sleeps 9.  Two-Bedroom Villas range from 1075 to1335 square feet

There are a limited number of three-Bedroom Grand Villa which offer 1 king-size bed, 4 queen-size beds, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa which sleep a party of 12 and a child under 3 in a crib and 4 bathrooms, including master with whirlpool tub.  All 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas have daily made service and you can leave dirty dishes in the sink and they will magically be washed and put away.

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Resort Recreation & Amenities

The next question you need to ask yourself is will I spend much time at the resort other than sleeping? Many vacations, like a beach destination or sightseeing at a vacation destination, you look for amenities that are at your hotel to enjoy.  A Disney vacation is the same and for some when they are not hitting the parks they want some options where they are staying.  Coming back for a midday break many will enjoy the pool but for some they want something more to do.  Having these types of amenities adds to the vacation experience.

One thing to remember as a Disney resort Guest you can visit any Disney resort and enjoy recreational activities.  The one thing you can’t do is swim at that resort’s pool. The two exceptions are guest staying at the All Star Resorts can use any All Star pool.  Guest at Port Orleans resorts can use either pool at Riverside or French Quarter

Value Resorts
These resorts offer themed pools such as the guitar-shaped Calypso Pool at the All Star Music and the Grand Slam Pool shaped like a baseball diamond at the All Star Sports.  However there are no slides at these pools.  Surrounding the pools you have play areas and there are playgrounds located through the resort. There are scheduled activities at the pool and they show Disney films in the evening.  In the main building there is an arcade.  Value resorts offer no onsite recreation such as boating or biking.

Moderate Resorts
Similar to the Value resorts the moderate resorts have themed pools but they also have featured slides.  There are scheduled activities at the pool and they show Disney films in the evening and an arcade is located at the main building.  Closer to the Guests rooms at various locations there are quiet pools for those who want a less crowded pool.  There are also hot tubs at moderate resorts and there are playgrounds.  At most moderate resorts you will find boating and biking available.  Disney’s Coronado Springs is the only moderate resort that offers a health club

Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe resorts have the most elaborate themed pools and featured slide as well as hot tubs. There are scheduled activities at the pool and they show Disney films in the evening.  Closer to the Guests rooms at various locations there are quiet pools for those who want a less crowded pool.  There are playgrounds and the main building you will find the arcade.

Besides boating and biking, some resorts offer a wider range of activities such tennis, volleyball, parasailing and water skiing to name a few.  Some deluxe resorts offer child activity centers.  While any Disney resort Guest can make reservations at any child activity center having one at your hotel for some is a bonus.

 Deluxe Villa Resorts
Most Disney’s deluxe resorts share the same amenities as the deluxe resorts with the same name.  There are two standalone Villa resorts which are Disney’s Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.  Both of these resorts have similar amenities offered by deluxe resorts.

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Resort Dining Options

I remember one mother saying everyday she serves the family dinner, gets ups to give them seconds or refill their drinks.  I’m on vacation and I want someone to serve ME!  All the resorts have some sort of quick, inexpensive dining options.  Deluxe resorts also offer a sit down table service dining and some resorts also offer multiple options.  A few resorts do have character dining opportunities.

Value Resorts
These resorts offer a food court area which is located in the main building.  The food court offers a variety of items and not just the typical hamburger, hot dogs and pizza.  Meals served are breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. There is a pool bar and a small selection of items for sale in the store.  While there is no room service there is pizza delivery to the room. Beer and wine are also available for delivery.

Moderate Resorts
Moderate resorts have a food court with a bit more theming involved.  Moderate resorts also have a sit-down, full service restaurant.  They offer a full bar and light snacks are available while the kitchen is open. There is a pool bar and a small selection of items for sale in the store. No room service but there is pizza delivery to the room. Beer and wine are also available for delivery.

Deluxe Resorts
At some deluxe resorts there is fine/signature dining options.  Some restaurants offer unique/themed dining and some resorts are home to character dining experience.  Most deluxe resorts have a sit-down, full service restaurant and some buffet dining as well

Lounges offer full bar and light snacks are available while the kitchen is open. There is a pool bar that offers light meals and snacks. There are quick-service dining options available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.   In-room dining is available with a full menu.

Deluxe Villa Resorts
Most of the deluxe villa resorts utilize the same dining options as deluxe resorts as an example the Beach Club Villas and the Beach Club Resort.  There are two standalone Villa resorts which are Disney’s Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.  Both of these resorts have similar dining options offered by Deluxe resorts.

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Room Categories

Once you narrow down your choice of resort the next decision is to look at the room category.  Room categories are usually based on the view and others the location of the room.  Also there are different pricing for the type of category.

The larger value and moderate resorts offer preferred views which are located close to the main building and transportation to the parks.  Deluxe resorts usually offer categories based on the view.  Most Deluxe Villas do not have room categories with the exception of three resorts discussed below.

Value Resorts
Disney’s All Star resorts offer a standard and preferred room.   Disney’s Pop Century offers a standard view and a pool view as well as a preferred standard and a preferred pool view.  The All Star Resorts and Pop Century resort all have external hallways when you step out of your room you are outside. Art of Animation only offers a standard view for the Mermaid room and when selecting a suite you can choose from the different themes. Art of Animation resort suite buildings have internal hallways

Moderate Resorts
These resorts offer a wider range of room categories and are all external hallways.  Keep in mind when paying the additional rate for a water view you could face a pool or a river or a lake depending on each resort.  You can make a request when booking on what the water view is but it will not be guaranteed.

Both of the Disney’s Port Orleans resorts offer a standard, Garden View, River View and Pool View with the standard being the least expensive and the pool view being the most expensive.  Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside also offers a preferred view as well as the heavily themed Royal rooms with the 4 view options.  These rooms are almost twice as much as the standard room.

Disney’s Coronado Springs resort offers a standard view, water view and a preferred view.  Being a convention resort there is also the standard view business class which is located closer to the convention center and main building.

Disney Caribbean Beach offers a standard, water view or pool view and a preferred view. Disney Caribbean Beach also has the heavily themed pirate rooms in both a standard and water view.  These rooms are almost twice as much as the standard room.

Deluxe Resorts
Depending on which deluxe resort there are many room category options.  Usually it is based on the view of what you see from your window or balcony if you have one.  While most Disney deluxe resorts have rooms with balconies at no additional cost there is no guarantee that you will get one as it is only a request.  Some deluxe resorts have lots of balconies and some not as many due to the architectural design.

Standard views are normally of resort grounds or parking area.  Garden views are of the resort’s gardens or wooded areas. Lagoon or pool view is self-explanatory but some resorts also offer a water view.  A water view can be of the body of water the resort is located on or the main pool or quiet pool.  While you can request specific water view like a lake view Disney will only guarantee is you will see water.

Some resorts also offer a theme park view such as Disney’s Polynesian, Contemporary and Grand Floridian resorts. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a standard view but also offers views of one of the savannas.

Deluxe Villa Resorts
Most of the Deluxe Villa Resorts don’t have specific views.  However some rooms do view different areas but since all rooms cost the same you can’t “buy” a view.  You are welcome to ask for a specific view as a request only.  There are three Deluxe Villa Resorts that do have different view categories for an additional cost.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas has a standard view but also offers views of one of the savannas. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Villas has a standard view of parking area or obstructed view, a lake view of Bay Lake or views of Magic Kingdom Park.  The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa standard view and a lake view.

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Transportation

Walt Disney World (WDW) is approximately 43 square miles. To give you an idea of exactly how large that is the city of Miami, FL is a little smaller at 35.7 square miles and the city of San Francisco, CA is a little larger at 46.7 square miles.

Getting around the WDW takes time to get anywhere and you should always allow yourself plenty of time.  A good rule of thumb is anywhere from 30-60 minutes depending on where your starting point is and where you are heading.  Disney has put together a large system of buses, boats, monorails and roadways to move guests around outside the parks.

Let’s first look at resort locations versus park locations.  For some of you transportation may be of importance in deciding where to stay.  Disney has broken it down based on what is the closest main location which can be a theme park or other point such as Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney).  Click here for an overview roadway transportation map

You will see signs on the Interstate for different Resort Areas. Here are the resort hotels in each area:

There are many modes of transportation within the Walt Disney World Resort, including Bus, Boat and Monorail. A rundown of each mode of transportation within the Walt Disney World Resort:

By Bus:

Most areas of the Walt Disney World Resort are accessible by bus from other areas within the Resort, including Theme Parks, Water Parks, the Disney Resorts and the Downtown Disney area. Buses travel on routes throughout the Resort and do not provide direct service between all destinations.

Magic Kingdom Area Resorts
Buses to certain destinations do stop at each of the following resorts along the way so depending on your location it could take a little time so please plan accordingly.  Buses are available from staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

NOTE: Magic Kingdom Park is not accessible by bus from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Epcot Area Resorts
Buses to certain destinations do stop at each of the resorts along the way so depending on your location it could take a little time so please plan accordingly.  Buses are available from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts and the Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotels

All Other Area Resorts
Buses provide service to all Guests areas.  Large resorts such as Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Disney Coronado Springs, Disney Port Orleans Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort, Disney Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort has multiple stops within the resort. This provides Guests at these resorts access a bus stop close to their room and also to get to the main areas and facilities.  Disney’s All S tar Resorts, Disney’s Pop Century and  Disney’s Art of Animation has one bus stop.

By Boat:

The Magic Kingdom Park is accessible by water launch from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Each resort has a designated boat that only stops at the park and your resort.

NOTE: There are two boats running on each line simultaneously as one boat leaves the park another boat is heading to the park

The Disney ferryboats connect the Magic Kingdom Park to the Transportation and Ticket Center (adjacent to Magic Kingdom parking).

Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are accessible by boat known as Friendship Boats that run between these theme parks along Crescent Lake.  Friendship Boats are available from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas , Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts and the Walt Disney World Swan and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotels.

NOTE: The Friendship boats do stop at each of the resorts along the way so depending on your location it could take a little time so please plan accordingly.  There are two separate boats runs, one that service Epcot and one services Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are two boats running on each line simultaneously as one boat leaves the park another boat is heading to the park

Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) is accessible by boat from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

***Do keep in mind that watercraft transportation is dependent on weather conditions. If conditions are poor, watercraft transportation may be suspended.

By Monorail:

Disney’s monorail runs between the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center (adjacent to the Magic Kingdom parking lot). A connecting monorail takes Guests from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Epcot.  There are three monorail loops

The Resort Monorail Loop makes stops at the following locations:

Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Transportation and Ticket Center
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

The Resort Monorail Loop typically runs from 6:30 a.m. until one hour after park close (excluding Extra Magic Hours) For operating hours during your stay please check with Guest Services at your resort for updated schedules and information

NOTE: Guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa need to transfer to the The Epcot Monorail Loop at the Transportation and Ticket Center to reach Epcot

The Express Monorail Loop makes stops at the following locations:

Transportation and Ticket Center
Magic Kingdom

Transportation typically runs one hour prior to park open to one hour prior to park close (excluding Extra Magic Hours.) For operating hours during your stay please check with Guest Services at your resort for updated schedules and information

The Epcot Monorail Loop makes stops at the following locations:

Transportation and Ticket Center
Epcot