Intro
Walt Disney World has so many amazing resorts, it can really feel overwhelming trying to decide where to stay! One of the main factors that I always use when deciding on a Disney resort is price. Disney has options from value resorts, all the way up to deluxe resorts, with every amenity you could imagine! Whether you are on a tight budget or wanting to splurge, Disney has tons of resort options to meet your needs.
Disney Resort Categories
First, let’s break down the different types of room categories offered by Disney World. The categories are divided mainly by cost, but that can also include differences in amenities, location, and other options. Disney offers Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resort options.
*Additionally, Disney World does have the Fort Wilderness CampGrounds that allow for tent and RV camping. These options fall outside of the typical “Disney Resort” options, but are often more affordable and definitely unique ways to experience Disney!
Value
These value resorts are going to give you the most bang for your buck and will be the most affordable option. Each value resort will have at least one pool, a main dining area, and many even have updated rooms!
Value resorts are a great option for anyone traveling on a budget. If you plan to spend most of your time at the parks, I typically suggest a value resort, since you won’t be there much anyway! However, even if you do plan to have a few resort days, the value resorts can definitely still serve that purpose with their pool area and fun theming.
Included in the list of value resorts are each of the All Star Resorts (Sports, Music, and Movies), as well as Pop Century and Art of Animation.
Moderate
The next level in Disney resorts are the moderate resorts. Moderate resorts are considered a step up from the value resorts and will provide a few additional amenities. Most moderate resorts will have a few restaurants (in addition to the main dining hall) and multiple pools.
These resorts are perfect for anyone wanting to spend some time at their resort and enjoy a few extra dining and recreation options!
Moderate resorts are going to include Port Orleans (Riverside and Port Orleans), Coronado, and Caribbean Beach. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort are also found in this category.
Deluxe
Finally, on to the deluxe Disney resorts! These are really the top tier Disney resorts and will include the highest level of amenities and service you can get at Disney World.
If you ever have the chance to splurge on a Disney trip, this is the way to go! Services such as club level options, five star dining, and even spas can be found at Disney’s deluxe resorts. As most of these resorts are also Disney Vacation Club resorts, there are so many different room options to explore. Bringing a larger group? Many of these resorts will have multiple bedroom suites and villas, so the whole family can stay together!
Deluxe resorts have some of the coolest and most ornate theming, making you truly feel like you are on a vacation from your vacation. The pools, restaurants, and even the lobbies at these resorts are some of my favorite places to spend my Disney days!
If splurging isn’t in the cards for your next vacation, you’re in luck! You can still “resort-hop” to simply visit for the day and live out all your deluxe resort dreams!
Favorite Resorts
Now, let’s talk about some of my favorites in each category. I have been lucky enough to stay at and visit just about every Disney resort, so I have a few that are near and dear to my heart!
Value
Overall, my favorite value resort is, without a doubt, Pop Century. Honestly, Pop Century is one of my favorite resorts of any category!
This resort has larger than life, exciting theming focused around different decades! The main pool, the Hippy Dippy Pool is where all the action is at Pop Century. Stop by the pool bar or grab a lounge chair, to take in all the fun!
What makes this resort top my list, is the access to the Skyliner. I absolutely love the Skyliner and think it is the best way to get around Disney World! It can get you quickly to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or any other Skyliner resort (such as the Riviera). When I am on a budget, I love to stay at Pop Century, but visit deluxe resorts like the Riviera Resort, so I can still experience what those resorts have to offer!
Moderate
On to the moderate resorts! My favorite moderate resort is Caribbean Beach. This resort is located close to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, with access to the Skyliner! Any resort on the Skyliner route really automatically makes it pretty high up on my list. It is the most convenient and my favorite way to get around Disney World!
The theming at Caribbean Beach is so fun and you really feel like you are on a beach vacation while you’re there! There are beaches you can enjoy, unique pools, and some amazing restaurants. Sebastian’s Bistro offers family style meals in a beachy restaurant with waterfront views!
This is a fairly large resort, but the internal bus system and Skyliner stops make it really easy to get around.
Deluxe
It’s probably no surprise to anyone who knows me, that my favorite deluxe resort is undoubtedly, Animal Kingdom Lodge. Animal Kingdom Lodge has always been a dream resort of mine and I think it will forever be my favorite place at Disney World. Check out my recap on the blog of my first stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge last summer!
This resort technically has two different buildings, Jambo House and Kidani Village. Jambo House is considered the main building and is a little larger, with a few more restaurant options. Kidani Village is the Disney Vacation Club side and is a bit smaller. Kidani is always my preferred building, because it is quieter and I favor their savanna views over Jambo House. It also features my favorite restaurant, Sanaa!
Sanaa, an African and Indian inspired signature restaurant at Kidani Village, is actually the only place you can dine while watching animals on the savanna! They are known for their bread service, which you really won’t want to miss. They also offer breakfast each morning in more of a quick service style, which is perfect to hit up before a park day!
The main draw to Animal Kingdom Lodge is definitely the savannas and ability to view the animals in a variety of different locations. The best way to experience this is with a Savanna View room. These rooms all have balconies that overlook one of the savannas and provide the most unique resort experience out there! However, even without a savanna view room, there are tons of viewing locations all around the resort. There is always a place to grab some Zebra Domes (a cult favorite snack found at the resort) and enjoy the views!
Overview
All in all, you can’t go wrong with any Disney World resort, but I definitely have some favorites! I always prefer to stay on property to take advantage of the proximity to the parks and other perks, such as Early Theme Park Entry. No matter what your budget, there is a Disney resort for you!
What are your favorite Disney resorts? Let me know in the comments!
