As you begin to think about a Walt Disney World vacation there will be a number of questions to be answered. One of the first things to be considered is what resort is best for your family’s Disney vacation. With over 30 resorts on property, this question can seem a little overwhelming. Push aside all the confusion and focus on these three tips to help you select the perfect resort for your family.
Convenience
Although I don’t think you can go wrong with any Disney resort, there is definitely a difference in each of the Disney properties. While all resorts offer the convenience of transportation to the parks and Disney Springs, some transportation options are more convenient than others.
If you are looking for quick access to Magic Kingdom via the monorail then you will want to know that only the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Polynesian Resort, and The Contemporary Resort (and nearby Bay Lake Tower) offer monorail transportation. All of these resorts also offer access to EPCOT via the monorail with a quick change of monorail tracks at the Transportation Center.
The Disney Skyliner is a huge game-changer for transportation to Hollywood Studios and to EPCOT (drop off and pick up location is in World Showcase by France). If you want to take advantage of this quick and easy form of transportation you should know that only four resorts are serviced by this mode of transportation – Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the new Riviera Resort.
Price
As you consider your family’s Walt Disney World vacation chances are pricing is one of the primary considerations. Disney divides the resorts into the following categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas (these are primarily Disney Vacation Club properties but can be reserved by non-club members). Listed below are some price ranges for each category. Pricing is dependent on the time of the year and available special offers.
- Value Resorts: $115 – $275 per night
- Moderate Resorts: $180 – $450 per night
- Deluxe Resorts: $350 – $750 per night
- Deluxe Villas: $360 and up per night
(ProTip: Did you know if you book with Castle and Cruise Adventures we will continue to monitor pricing even after you have booked your vacation with us? If a special offer is released we will work hard to quickly apply that discount to your already booked vacation.)
Amenities
When it comes to offered amenities, all Disney resorts are definitely not created equal. Two main differences in the resort categories are dining offerings and recreational & pool opportunities.
All Disney resorts offer quick-service dining options. The Value Resorts each have food court-style quick service options and some offer a pool bar and pizza delivery but that is the extent of dining availability at these resorts. If you would like a table-service dining option at your resort you will need to look to Moderate or Deluxe resorts. These resorts offer both quick service dining as well as table service dining that accepts reservations. If you would like to enjoy a character dining experience at your resort you will want to book a stay at one of the Deluxe Resorts.
When it comes to pools this is where you will see a noticeable difference in the different resort categories. All Disney resorts offer fun, great-themed pools however the Moderate and Deluxe categories take swimming to another level. At these locations, you will find slides and fun water play structures for little ones added to the aquatic offerings. The shared pool, Stormalong Bay, at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club is an award-winning facility that includes a life-sized shipwreck replica with a 230-foot-long water slide, a lazy river, and a sandy bottom pool area great for building sandcastles. When you stay at one of these two resorts you definitely want to plan a resort day during your trip to enjoy this great facility.
Check out this ebrochure that provides some great pictures and details on all the Disney resorts.
As you consider these tips for selecting the best resort for your family’s Disney vacation, remember you don’t have to feel overwhelmed by the planning process. We are here to help! Reach out to us to help guide you to the right Disney resort for your family. Contact us today to get started!