So many options....so little time...That is how I feel about the Disney resort choices. There are over 20 resorts to choose from on Disney property and each one is intricately themed and has something special to offer. So, how do you choose which one is right for you?
The resort choice is where many dreams are made or broken. Your resort choice can have a great effect on your vacation package price, so if the number you get from your first choice makes your teeth almost fall out, don't worry...there are other options.
Who wouldn't want to stay club level at a deluxe resort for 2 weeks? I would! But in the grand scheme of things...the cost for that concierge level room could actually be downgraded to either a regular room at deluxe resort or a moderate and the savings could help you pay for another trip.
So where do you start when you're trying to figure out where to stay?
Disney offers three different resort categories: Deluxe (and Deluxe Villas) Moderate and Value
Let's take it from the top and see the highlights of each category:
Deluxe Resorts:
Have the largest square footage of all the accommodations
Have the most intricate theme throughout the resort, including the individual rooms
Have the greatest range of ammenities
Have a mix of quick service and table service options, most also offer a signature dining restaurant in the resort
Have all interior corridors
Have more than one pool and include water features (a kiddie water feature for the diaper brigaide and/or a water slide) Have the closest proximity to the parks (There are only three resorts that offer monorail service: The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, The Polynesian Resort and the Contemporary Resort)
Most offer spa services or health clubs
Have on-site recreation experiences such as boating
Have high-end gift shops, kids clubs/babysitting services, video game room and offer valet parking.
Most have more than one transportation method (for example a bus or water transportation)
Have suites available as well as concierge level services
Most sleep up to 5 (plus one baby under the age of 3 in a crib)
Moderate Resorts:
Have less square footage than deluxe rooms but more footage than value resorts
Have a theme throughout the resort and rooms but not as many ammennities (example: there are no closed closets in moderate resorts, instead there will be an open area clothes area with a rod and shelf)
Have a mix of quick service and table service options
Have exterior coridors so one window of your room will face outward onto an open walkway
Have more than one pool with themed water features as well as "quiet pools"
Have a reasonable proximity to the parks
Offer a gift shop, video game and limited room service
Moderate resorts have more spread out properties, so there is more walking from your building to the main buildings
Most offer on-site recreation such as boating
Some offer suites or upgraded "themed" rooms (for an additional fee)
Most offer Queen sized beds (as of 2011 the moderate resorts are being refurbished to make 2 Queen beds the standard in all the rooms)
Value Resorts:
Have the least amount of square footage per room of all the resort categories
Have large rectangular shaped buildings that are brightly colored or painted with a "theme"
Have only quick service dining options
Have motel style corridors (the door and window of your room face outward onto an open walkway)
Frequently host large youth groups (which may be a noise factor!)
Have slightly themed pools but no water features or water slides
Have very spread out property, so prepare for a lot of walking to get to your room and to common areas and bus stops
Have longer wait times for the bus system
So...those are the basics of what each category has to offer but each resort is an experience all in itself! If you want to see what each resort looks like, view room layouts or take a virtual tour you can play around online and find a wealth of information. At the time of this posting the website was down but here is the link for when it comes back up: Pixie Michele: Disney Web Content
The other major decision people have to make in regards to accommodations is the "on property" vs. "off property" decision.
For me, there is no decision...on property wins my vote every time. Here are the benefits of staying "on property" that ONLY Disney resort guests receive:
Extra Magical Hours: Enter the park an hour early or stay up to 3 hours late
Use of Disney's Magical Express Service (round-trip complimentary transportation from Orlando International Airport to your Disney resort)
Unlimited, free use of the Disney transportation system (buses, boats and monorails) that operate to the parks and Downtown Disney areas
Free parking at all Disney theme parks
Charging privileges via your Key to the World Card (this key is your room key, park tickets, dining plan and charging privileges)
Complimentary package delivery to your resort
Those are the basics of Disney resorts, each has it's own theme and feel...everything from Old Victorian, Hawaiian, a Caribbean Village to decade inspired buildings. Pick the one that "feels" right to you and has the amenities you are looking for and fits your budget. There are package and room discounts offered at various times of the year but I always advise booking a package you are comfortable with and upgrading your resort later if a promotion becomes available. Better safe than sorry and there is nothing more disappointing than having to cancel your dream vacation because you set your sights out of your budget.
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