Disney World 101: Resorts

December 8, 2019

Disney World Resorts

With over 30,000 rooms at over 25 resorts, there are a LOT of choices where to stay on Disney Property!

This is where your Fairytale Journeys Travel Advisor will be indispensable. With so many options to choose from, we can help you find the right kind of room at a Disney World Resort that fits both your budget and vacation style.

Should I stay on Walt Disney World Property?

Absolutely. 100% yes. There are too many benefits to staying on property!

Whether you are driving or flying, there are major perks for both. The complimentary Disney’s Magical Express offering roundtrip transfers from Orlando International Airport (MCO), onsite hotel parking, and even complimentary standard theme park parking. Staying on property puts you close to all the magic!

You can even save money with the option to add one of the three Dining Plans to your package. Complementary standard Magic Bands or discounted premium Magic Bands. The ability to book your package with just $200 down with remainder due 30 days before travel.

Your booking windows open for your whole trip 180 days from check in meaning you will get the best chance at getting highly coveted dining reservations. Fast Pass windows also open for your entire trip 60 days from the date of check in meaning you get the best chance at getting high demand Fast Passes. (More on both of these over the next couple of weeks!)

Oh, and don’t forget even more perks like Extra Magic Hours and complimentary Disney Transportation around property! Just trust me on this one, if you can, stay on property.

How do you decide which Disney World Resort?

There are several different factors when deciding what Disney World Resort to stay, there are options available for every budget and every vacation style!

The 3 different categories of resorts on property:

Value Resorts (most budget conscious)
Moderate Resorts
Deluxe Resorts & Deluxe Villa Resorts (most space and amenities)

Each category offers slightly different options regarding amenities and room configurations based on your travel party and vacation wants.

Disney World Value Resorts

If you are looking for larger than life Disney themes, look no further than the value resorts!

You have great options like:

These are going to be your most budget friendly options. Many of these rooms have been refurbished recently and are truly fantastic! The rooms at these resorts can accommodate between 4-6 adults.

Value resorts will have a big cafeteria style quick-service dining restaurant on property and a small shop for forgotten essentials and fun souvenirs. All the value resorts offer bus transportation, with a few offering additional transportation options like boat and Skyliner.

If you are looking for a budget friendly option or plan on spending all day at the parks, you may want to consider a value resort!

Disney World Moderate Resorts

Looking for something with a little more space and fancier accommodations, then moderate resorts are the right ones for you!

You will have options such as:

Rooms at a moderate resort are going to give you more space per room than value resort rooms. All of the moderate resorts have a dedicated quick service restaurant, many also have various options for drinks or even a table service restaurant. Some moderate resorts even have rooms with child-sized pull-down sleepers for families of 5.

Moderate resorts have a more subtle theme, but you can still see touches of beloved Disney characters around the resort! Each resort has the theme of its namesake. Plus, you can find food inspired by each area too. (You can’t miss the Mickey beignets and Shrimp and Grits at Port Orleans French Quarter!)

If you are looking for a resort with a little more room to spread out or if you want to have some nicer amenities at your resort without the Deluxe price tag, this is the category for you!

Disney World Deluxe Resorts

So what do you do if you have a multi-generational family traveling together and you all want to stay together in the same space? What if you want luxury accommodations near the theme parks? Then Disney World Deluxe Resorts are for you!

Disney World Deluxe Resort options are:

Disney Deluxe Villa options:

The themes at these resorts truly shine! Not only do they completely immerse you in the theme and culture of each resort, but you are also immersed in the Disney atmosphere. From the subtle details of favorite characters to the characteristic top-notch Disney guest experience.

If you are traveling with a large party and want to stay in the same space, you have so many options with this category of resort! You have options of standard hotel rooms or 1 to 2-bedroom villas with full kitchens, living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, and in-room washer and dryer. You also have the option for deluxe studios with a kitchenette and sleeper sofas.

Disney World Resort Club Level

This is also the category with the most Club Level access rooms. Why stay at Club Level? Concierge service, complimentary drinks, and snacks, plus other perks, including the option to purchase extra fast passes. Club Level is the best of the best!

The best reason for staying at Deluxe, in my opinion, is the proximity to the theme parks. Being close to the theme parks allows you quick transport to the park entrance (by bus, boat, monorail, and Skyliner) and even allows you the option to pop back to the room for a nap or pool time.

If you want an all-around Disney vacation with both fun at the parks and relaxation at your resort with the best amenities, Deluxe may be the right category for you!

Need help deciding?

Feeling overwhelmed with all the options, let a Fairytale Journeys Travel Advisor get to know you and your family’s vacation style and make some suggestions. Our services are always complimentary to you and we can help with every aspect of planning your magical Disney journey.