The Different Walt Disney World Resort Categories
A Guide to Disney Resort Categories: Finding the Perfect Stay for Your Magical Vacation
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, one of the most important decisions is choosing where to stay. Disney offers a wide variety of resort options, each tailored to different budgets, preferences, and needs. To help you decide, here's a breakdown of the main categories of Disney resorts: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, Deluxe Villas, Good Neighbor Hotels, and staying off property.
Value Resorts: Affordable Fun for Families
Who it’s for: Families and groups looking for a budget-friendly option while still enjoying the perks of staying at a Disney property.
Key Features:
- Bright, fun themes based on Disney movies, characters, and stories.
- Rooms are smaller (typically around 260 square feet) but comfortable.
- Basic amenities like pools, food courts, and transportation to the parks.
- Large resort grounds, often requiring more walking between buildings.
Examples:
- Disney’s All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, and Sports)
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Why choose Value Resorts: They’re the most affordable way to stay on Disney property, offering access to complimentary Disney transportation, early theme park entry, and the convenience of being close to the parks.
Moderate Resorts: A Balance of Comfort and Price
Who it’s for: Guests seeking a bit more comfort and enhanced amenities without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Themed décor with a more refined atmosphere (e.g., Caribbean, New Orleans).
- Larger rooms compared to Value Resorts (around 314–340 square feet).
- More dining options, including quick-service and table-service restaurants.
- Pools with waterslides and additional recreation like bike rentals or boat rides.
Examples:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (Riverside and French Quarter)
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Why choose Moderate Resorts: These resorts provide a great middle ground between budget and comfort, with immersive theming, nicer amenities, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Deluxe Resorts: Luxury and Proximity to the Parks
Who it’s for: Guests looking for a more luxurious experience, prime locations, and top-tier services.
Key Features:
- High-end accommodations with spacious rooms (starting at around 340–440 square feet).
- Themed environments, often with views of the parks or nearby lakes.
- Fine dining restaurants, signature pools, spas, and extensive recreational offerings.
- The closest proximity to Disney theme parks, including convenient transportation like monorails or walking paths.
Examples:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Why choose Deluxe Resorts: Perfect for guests who want to be close to the magic, enjoy luxury accommodations, and experience top-notch amenities and services.
Deluxe Villas: Home-Away-From-Home Comfort
Who it’s for: Larger families or groups who need more space and prefer the convenience of kitchen amenities during their stay.
Key Features:
- Studio to multi-bedroom units, with kitchenettes or full kitchens and living areas.
- Access to all the amenities of Deluxe Resorts, since the villas are often connected to those properties.
- Ideal for longer stays or for guests who prefer the option to prepare meals.
Examples:
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Why choose Deluxe Villas: If you need extra space and the comforts of home, Deluxe Villas provide the perfect solution without sacrificing any of the Disney Resort perks.
Good Neighbor Hotels: Trusted Partners Near Disney
Who it’s for: Visitors who want to stay close to the magic but are looking for more affordable or alternative options outside Disney-owned properties.
Key Features:
- Official Disney partners located near Walt Disney World.
- Offer transportation to the parks, ticket packages, and concierge services similar to Disney resorts.
- Varying price points and amenities depending on the hotel.
Examples:
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort
- Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Why choose Good Neighbor Hotels: These hotels are ideal for guests who want a reliable, budget-friendly option close to the parks while still benefiting from Disney’s partnership perks.
Staying Off Property: A Cost-Saving Alternative
Who it’s for: Guests looking for the lowest price or those who prefer vacation homes, rentals, or hotels outside of the Disney bubble.
Key Features:
- Significantly more budget-friendly, especially for large groups.
- Often offer more space or additional amenities like kitchens, pools, and multiple bedrooms.
- May require renting a car or using ride-sharing services for transportation to the parks.
Examples:
- Nearby hotels in the Kissimmee or Lake Buena Vista areas.
- Vacation rentals through services like Airbnb or VRBO.
Why choose to stay off property: For those on a tight budget or who prefer more autonomy in accommodations, staying off-property offers flexibility and savings, though it comes with a trade-off of losing some Disney perks.
Choosing the Right Disney Resort Category for You
Your choice of resort depends on your budget, travel style, and what you value most in your vacation experience. Whether you’re looking for the most magical experience on Disney property or prefer to stretch your budget with nearby hotels, each option offers unique benefits. Regardless of where you stay, the magic of Disney is never far away!
