Today, we’ll embark on a magical journey through the vast array of Disney World lodgings, comparing the deluxe grandeur to the budget-friendly charm. So, buckle up your Mickey ears; we’re about to dive into the ultimate Disney World Resort Hotels comparison!
For many, a trip to Disney World isn’t just about the parks – it’s also about immersing oneself in the captivating world of Disney through its resort hotels.
Overview of the blog post’s objective and structure.
- Discovering the Magic: Types of Disney World Hotels
- Overview of Disney World Hotel Categories
- Explaining the classifications: Deluxe, Moderate, Value, and Campgrounds & Cabins.
Discovering the Magic: Types of Disney World Hotels
Disney World isn’t just an amusement park; it’s a vast vacation kingdom with a wide array of hotels that cater to all tastes and budgets. Understanding the categories is crucial: Deluxe, Moderate, Value, and Campgrounds & Cabins. Each tier offers its own unique Disney magic, amenities, and experiences.
Disney World Resort Hotels Comparison Table
| Feature/Aspect | Deluxe Resorts | Moderate Resorts | Value Resorts | Campgrounds & Cabins |
| Theming & Ambiance | Opulent and immersive themes | Diverse and moderate theming | Bright, fun, and larger-than-life Disney themes | Rustic, outdoorsy charm |
| Room Quality | Luxurious rooms with high-end amenities | Comfortable rooms with good amenities | Basic, functional rooms | Cabins with home comforts; Campsites for tents/RVs |
| Dining Options | Multiple dining options including fine dining | Usually one table-service restaurant and quick-service options | Primarily quick-service dining | Limited dining options, mainly quick-service |
| Recreation | Extensive options: pools, spas, fitness centers, etc. | Good recreational options: themed pools, activities | Basic pools and playgrounds | Unique outdoor activities like horseback riding |
| Transportation | Best options: Monorail, boats, walking paths | Mainly bus transportation, some with boat service | Bus transportation to parks | Bus transportation and boat service to Magic Kingdom |
| Location | Closest to parks, often within walking distance | Relatively close to parks but with longer travel times | Furthest from parks, longer bus rides | Nestled in nature, away from the hustle and bustle |
| Price Range | Highest price range | Mid-range prices | Most affordable tier | Varied prices for cabins and campsites |
| Special Features | Club Level service, Signature Services | Unique pool slides and recreational activities | Themed pools and play areas | Campfire activities, nature trails |
Disney World Deluxe Resort Hotels Comparison
Defining Features of Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe Resorts are the crème de la crème of Disney accommodations. Picture this: lavish lobbies, sumptuous dining, intricate theming, and an array of services. These resorts go above and beyond with amenities such as full-service spas, fitness centers, fine dining, and sometimes even access to a monorail.
Monorail Resorts: Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian
Welcome to the crown jewels of Disney lodging! The Contemporary is a modernist marvel with its A-frame structure and the iconic monorail gliding through. The Polynesian, a South Seas oasis, offers lush landscapes and a laid-back vibe.
The Grand Floridian exudes Victorian elegance and sophistication. Each offers a unique experience: whether it’s watching the fireworks from the Contemporary’s rooftop, sipping a cocktail on the Polynesian’s beach, or stepping back in time at the Grand Floridian.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Situated adjacent to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a modern lakeside experience with unique features:
- Resort Monorail: Convenient monorail access through the resort’s lobby.
- Seven Seas Lagoon Location: Picturesque lakeside setting.
- Pool with Waterslide: Feature Pool, Bay Pool, and Bay Cove Pool.
- California Grill: Award-winning dining with scenic views.
- Recreational Activities: Including nightly campfires, movies, sports facilities, and beach activities.
- Exclusive Perks: Early Theme Park Entry, earlier dining reservations, Lightning Lane selections, and complimentary park transportation.
- Shopping and Dining: Various shopping outlets and diverse dining options including Chef Mickey’s and Steakhouse 71.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is renowned for its South Pacific theme, offering a unique Disney experience with its proximity to the Magic Kingdom. It provides a blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a great choice for families and Disney enthusiasts:
- Monorail Service: Direct monorail access to Magic Kingdom.
- Unique Room Views: Options include Theme Park, Water, Standard, and Special Suites.
- Diverse Dining Experiences: Includes Kona Island, Oasis Bar and Grill, ‘Ohana, and more.
- Recreational Activities: Nighttime movies over the pools, themed pools, volleyball, fishing, boating, jogging trails, and campfires.
- Exclusive Amenities: Complimentary WiFi, various transportation options (bus, monorail, water ferry), spa and fitness center, merchandise delivery and pickup service, mail service, laundry and dry cleaning.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Grand Floridian Resort, situated on the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom, is a Victorian-themed Deluxe Resort known for its elegance and premium amenities:
- Prime Location: On the Seven Seas Lagoon, adjacent to the Magic Kingdom.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Offers standard rooms, suites, and Disney Vacation Club Villas, with various views including gardens, marina, and Magic Kingdom.
- Diverse Dining Options: Features fine dining at Citricos, character dining at 1900 Park Fare, and several other dining venues including Beaches Pool Bar and Grill, and Victoria and Albert’s.
- Recreational Activities: Includes two swimming pools (Beach Pool and Courtyard Pool), Movies Under the Stars, and the Electrical Water Pageant.
- Spa and Fitness: Offers a full-service spa, salon, and a health club with modern exercise equipment and basketball courts.
- Water Activities: Opportunities for boat rentals, fishing trips, and specialty charters on the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Shopping: Various shopping options available, including souvenirs, clothes, and home goods
Boardwalk Area Resorts: Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn
These resorts whisk you away to the charming Atlantic seaside. The Yacht Club’s nautical theme and the Beach Club’s breezy Cape May vibes offer a serene escape. The BoardWalk Inn, with its carnival-like atmosphere and promenade full of entertainment, provides a livelier scene. Location-wise, they’re a stone’s throw from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
These sister resorts, inspired by New England yacht clubs, offer a blend of luxury and leisure near Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT:
- Distinctive Themes: The Yacht Club features a nautical decor with pastel blue shades, while the Beach Club captures a breezy, seaside atmosphere.
- Accommodation Options: Various room types including standard, garden view, water view, and various suites.
- Diverse Dining: Restaurants include Ale & Compass, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Cape May Cafe, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
- Water Recreation: Shared spaces like Stormalong Bay with pools, slides, sandy shores, and the Shipwreck Pool for younger guests.
- Recreational Activities: Movie Under the Stars, motorized boat rentals around Crescent Lake, volleyball and tennis courts, and a spa and fitness center.
- Transportation Options: Bus service, Skyliner aerial gondolas, and ferry boats to and from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, located on Crescent Lake near Epcot, is a deluxe resort offering a blend of nostalgia and luxury:
- Strategic Location: Within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
- Room Options: Offers standard rooms and villas, each equipped with queen-sized beds, spacious bathrooms, and other essential amenities.
- Vibrant Boardwalk: Close to Disney’s Boardwalk, featuring food, music, street performers, and other classic entertainments.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Includes three pools, water slides, playground, and campfire activities.
- Adult Entertainment: Offers a peaceful environment with well-cared-for grounds.
- Dining Options: No on-site restaurants, but the Inn is adjacent to Disney’s Boardwalk with various dining options like The Flying Fish, and Trattoria Al Forno.
Other Deluxe Resorts: Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge is an African safari lodge in the heart of Florida. Imagine waking up to giraffes outside your window! Meanwhile, the Wilderness Lodge is a Pacific Northwest escape, complete with a geyser and towering totem poles. Both provide immersive experiences that transport you to far-off lands.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers an immersive African wildlife experience with comfortable amenities and convenient services:
- Rooms and Amenities: Beautifully themed rooms featuring African artwork, free WiFi, coffee maker, telephone, iron, and in-room safe.
- Different room views available: Standard, Pool, and Savannah.
- Uzima Pool: A large and scenic pool complex surrounded by palm trees, featuring a zero-depth entry point, a waterslide, a wading pool for children, and whirlpool spas.
- Spa and Fitness: The Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center includes a gym, locker rooms, and spa offering various massages and facials.
- Location: Situated close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, offering a direct route and ease of access.
- Disney Vacation Club: Kidani Village: Offers villas with Standard and Savanna View options, along with home-like amenities including full kitchens, living areas, and private bedrooms.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a Deluxe Resort and Disney Vacation Club Resort, offers a rustic retreat inspired by American wilderness:
- Accommodations: Standard rooms with two queen beds or one king bed, and Disney Vacation Club Villas in studio, one, two, and three-bedroom configurations with kitchenettes or full kitchens.
- Pools: Copper Creek Springs Pool with waterfalls and a 67-foot slide, and Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, a quieter option.
- Health and Beauty: Salon by the Springs for hair and nail treatments, Sturdy Branches Health Club, and nearby jogging trails.
- Dining Options: Artist Point for character dining, Geyser Point Bar and Grill, Roaring Fork cafeteria, Territory Lounge for drinks, Whispering Canyon Cafe, and in-room dining service.
- Transportation: Bus service to Disney parks and Disney Springs, boat transportation to Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, and parking available for guests driving their own vehicle
Disney World Moderate Resort Hotels Comparison: Balancing Comfort and Budget
What to Expect from Moderate Resorts
Moderate Resorts are the happy medium in the Disney World Resort spectrum. They offer a blend of thematic flair and comfort without the deluxe price tag. You can expect themed pools, table-service restaurants, and more sprawling grounds than the Value resorts.
Resort Comparisons: Port Orleans, Caribbean Beach, and Coronado Springs
Port Orleans has two distinct areas: the French Quarter and Riverside. Both capture the essence of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. Caribbean Beach is a tropical paradise with an island vibe and vibrant colors. Coronado Springs blends Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures and is unique with its convention center, attracting both leisure and business travelers.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is part of this area
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside combines the charm of the South with the magic of Disney, offering a range of accommodation options, dining experiences, and recreational activities for a memorable stay.
- Accommodations: Standard, preferred, and royal rooms. Standard rooms accommodate up to four guests, with options for two double beds or one king-size bed, and some rooms include a pull-down Murphy bed for a fifth guest.
- Preferred rooms: located near the main building and pool area.
- Royal rooms: provide a luxurious experience with princess-themed decor, including characters like Sleeping Beauty, Princess Tiana, Princess Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Snow White.
- Quick Service: Riverside Mill Food Court offers various meal options, including classic southern dishes and healthier alternatives.
- Table Service: Boatwright’s Dining Hall serves southern cuisine like shrimp and grits, jambalaya, and blackened catfish.
- Bars and Lounges: River Roost Lounge for drinks and appetizers, Muddy Rivers Pool Bar for cocktails and snacks, and in-room pizza delivery service.
- Pools: Features Ol’ Man Island, a family-friendly pool with a water slide, play area, hot tub, and outdoor shower, along with three quiet resort pools in Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou.
- Recreational Activities: Guests can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers a vibrant Caribbean theme with a variety of accommodations, dining options, and recreational activities, making it a great choice for a family vacation.
- Epcot Resort Area: Caribbean Beach Resort is located in this area, close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park.
- Accommodations: The resort includes five different themed villages: Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba, offering a unique island-hopping experience.
- Guest rooms: Decorated in Caribbean style with pastel tones and different themes per village, such as Finding Nemo and pirate themes.
- Amenities and Services: The resort also features beaches, hammocks, and volleyball courts along the shores of Barefoot Bay.
- Pools: Six heated pools and the feature pool at Old Port Royale with waterfalls, water slides, and shooting cannons.
- Dining Options:
- Sebastian’s Bistro: Full-service restaurant serving American cuisine with Caribbean influences.
- Centertown Market: Quick service restaurant located at Old Port Royale.
- Banana Cabana: Pool bar serving snacks and drinks poolside.
- Spyglass Grill: American food with a Caribbean twist, located by Trinidad’s pool.
- Transportation: Offers Skyliner access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Recreational Activities: Includes catch-and-release fishing, volleyball, jogging trails, playgrounds, and an interactive water play area for children.
- Caribbean Cay: A children’s playground, is located in the middle of Barefoot Bay.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, located in the Disney World Resort area, blends Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures in its theme and design:
- Accommodations: A range of rooms from standard with two queen beds or one king bed, to suites.
- Pools: The Lost City of Cibola Pool, featuring a 50-foot replica of a Mayan pyramid, water slides, and a large hot tub. Smaller “quiet pools” are located in each of the three other areas of the resort.
- Recreation and Activities: A fitness center, jogging trail, playground for children, and movies under the stars.
- Dining Options: Various dining experiences, including the Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood rooftop restaurant, Three Bridges Bar & Grill, Maya Grill, and quick-service options like Café Rix and El Mercado de Coronado.
- Location: The resort is also centrally located, making it a convenient spot for accessing different parts of Walt Disney World.
- Unique Features: The Gran Destino Tower offers a sophisticated experience with a rooftop lounge providing panoramic views.
Disney World Value Resort Hotels Comparison: Affordable Magic and Fun
Understanding Value Resorts
Disney’s Value Resorts are the most budget-friendly options, offering basic accommodations with a dose of Disney magic. Think of larger-than-life Disney icons, colorful themes, and family-friendly atmospheres.
Exploring the All-Star Resorts and Pop Century
The All-Star Resorts – Movies, Music, and Sports – are like stepping into vibrant, larger-than-life Disney and Pixar movies. Pop Century celebrates American pop culture from the 1950s to the 1990s, each area highlighting different decades with iconic memorabilia.
Disney’s All Star Resort – All Star Movies, All Star Sports and All Star Music Resorts
The Disney All Star Value Resorts offers a fun and affordable stay with a celebration of sports, movies, and music:
- Accommodations: Rooms with either two double beds or one king bed, featuring colorful Disney-themed decor.
- Pools: Three themed pools – Surfboard Bay Pool, Grand Slam Pool, and the Guitar Pool, each reflecting the sports, music, or movie themes of the resort.
- Recreational Activities: Playground areas, jogging trails, and a 1.5-mile running trail around the resort.
- Dining Options: Quick-service dining in each section: Intermission Food Court, World Premiere Food Court, and End Zone Food Court, offering a variety of American cuisine.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort, a Value Resort, celebrates 20th-century pop culture with iconic memorabilia:
- Accommodations: Standard rooms with either two queen beds or one king bed, designed with pop culture theming.
- Pools: Three themed pools – the Hippy Dippy Pool, the Bowling Pool, and the Computer Pool, each reflecting unique decades of pop culture.
- Recreational Activities: Play-Doh play area for children, jogging trail around Hourglass Lake, and Goofy’s Pop Jet playground.
- Dining Options: Everything Pop Shopping and Dining, offering a variety of quick-service meals, snacks, and drinks.
- Shopping: The resort’s gift shop features Disney merchandise, themed apparel, and souvenirs.
These resorts provide a magical Disney experience with unique themes and amenities tailored for family fun and convenience.
A Closer Look at Art of Animation
Art of Animation is a step above the other Value resorts in terms of theming. It’s like walking into your favorite Disney and Pixar films, with sections dedicated to “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.” The immersive experience and family suites make it a top choice for larger groups.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a Value Resort, immerses guests in the magic of Disney and Pixar classics through its unique design and theming:
- Accommodations: Standard rooms themed after “The Little Mermaid” and family suites themed after “Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” and “The Lion King,” with separate sleeping and living areas in the suites.
- Pools: The Big Blue Pool, the largest at Walt Disney World Resort, inspired by “Finding Nemo,” Flippin’ Fins Pool, and Cozy Cone Pool, each with their own unique theming.
- Recreation: Playground areas, an arcade, and movies under the stars.
- Dining Options: Landscape of Flavors offering a variety of cuisine, The Drop Off pool bar for refreshments, and in-room pizza delivery.
- Art and Design: The resort features larger-than-life icons and sculptures from the featured movies, and the Animation Hall showcases concept art, storyboards, and sketches.
- Transportation: Access to the Disney Skyliner for aerial transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Beyond the Traditional Hotels: Campgrounds and Cabins
Embracing Nature at Fort Wilderness Resort
The Cabins and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offer a unique experience. Here, you can enjoy the great outdoors with the comforts of home or the rustic appeal of camping. It’s a serene retreat with horseback riding, archery, and even campfire sing-a-longs.
Specialty Lodging: DVC Properties and Beyond
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Properties: A Primer
DVC properties are Disney’s take on timeshare. They offer home-like accommodations, such as multi-bedroom villas with kitchens. Members can stay at deluxe-level accommodations for a fraction of the cost over time, and non-members can also book these rooms, subject to availability.
Exploring Other Select Hotels and Good Neighbor Hotels
Beyond the traditional categories, Disney has select hotels like the Swan and Dolphin, which offer unique perks like Extra Magic Hours. Good Neighbor Hotels are Disney-approved hotels that meet certain standards and often provide some Disney hotel benefits.
Venturing Off-Site: Airbnb Near Disney World
For those seeking a home-away-from-home experience or traveling with a large group, Airbnbs can be a cost-effective alternative. You can find everything from condos to full houses, often with amenities like private pools.
Making Your Choice: Which Disney World Resort is Right for You?
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Resort
Choosing the right resort comes down to balancing your desires and needs. Consider the theming, proximity to parks, budget, and amenities. Whether it’s the allure of waking up in an African safari or the appeal of budget-friendly accommodations with a dash of Disney magic, there’s something for everyone.
Transportation Options and Accessibility
Transportation is a key consideration. Deluxe Resorts often have the best options like monorail or boat access. Moderate and Value resorts typically rely on bus transportation. Off-site accommodations will require a car rental or reliance on rideshare services.
Related Posts:
- The Drury Plaza Hotel Near Disney Springs
- Staying at a Hotel Outside of Disney World
- Benefits of Staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel
- Choosing the Best Disney World Hotel
- Disney World Value Resorts
- Animal Kingdom Lodge Review
- Arcades at Disney Resorts
Wrapping Up My Disney World Resort Hotels Comparison
Embarking on a Disney World vacation is a dream for many, and the resort hotel is a pivotal part of the experience. From the luxurious indulgences of the Deluxe Resorts to the playful charm of the Value options, there’s a perfect fit for every fairy tale.
Consider your priorities, and let your heart (and perhaps your budget) guide you to your ideal Disney World Resort Hotel. After all, no matter where you choose to lay your head after a day of magic and adventure, you’re still wrapped up in the enchanting world of Disney. Here’s to dreamy stays and memories that will last a lifetime!
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