Walt Disney World has three tiers of resorts on property to choose for your next vacation: value, moderate, and deluxe or villa resorts. So how do you pick which one is best for your next vacation? Here we will look at each type of resort and their pros and cons to help you make the best decision!
The first thing to know is that any Disney World resort will give you certain amazing perks! Here are some of the things you can expect no matter where on property you stay:
- Pool
- Retail Location (including traveling essentials as well as Disney themed gifts)
- Quick Service Food Court
- Mini-Fridge in the room
-Access to Laundry Facilities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Free Transportation Options Around Walt Disney World Resort (including the 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and Disney Springs)
- Free baggage transfers between Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Early Access to Genie+ and Lightning Lane Bookings
- Early Access to Dining Reservations
- Extended theme park hours on select days
Value Resorts:
Value resorts are known for their relative affordability, compared to other Disney World resorts. These are great family and group friendly resorts! Value resorts tend to have bright, fun theming, and rooms that open to the outside. These resort rooms do tend to be a bit smaller than rooms at other resorts, with an exception being the family suites at the Art of Animation. These resorts have one large pool area and a food court, but no on-site high end or table service options.
In terms of proximity, value resorts also tend to be a bit further away from the parks but do include a bus stop for transfers to the parks. Pop Century Resort and Art of Animation Resort also have the added benefit of being on the Skyliner Route with access to both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
Overall, value resorts are my pick for a budget friendly stay where I plan to spend most of my time at the parks.
Moderate:
Moderate resorts are a step up from value and have some added perks. The theming at these resorts is a bit more adult and sophisticated. Moderate resorts have some lovely landscaping and often have extras such as bike or surrey rentals or specialty fun-runs and activities. Make sure to check in with the front desk to find out what is going on!
These resorts also have the benefit of at least one table service dining option available on-site. The main pool at a moderate resort has a waterslide and hot tub and there are multiple other small quiet pools found on property as well. Moderate resorts also have outfacing rooms, like value resorts, however there are usually multiple bus stops so you can find the one closest to your room.
Deluxe:
Deluxe Resorts are the premium experience that Disney World has to offer! The theming and extras in a deluxe resort are top-notch. Most of these resorts are within very close proximity to the theme parks and provide specialty experiences including premium dining, spas, and on site gyms. All Deluxe Resorts have access to valet parking.
All the rooms at a deluxe resort are inside facing and provide access to multiple premium shopping experiences, lounges and specialty experiences based on your resort, for example animal viewing at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or beachside seating at the Bay Lake Resorts.
I highly recommend deluxe resorts for
special vacations (i.e. honeymoons, anniversary, graduation and other milestones) or for the once-in-a-lifetime events and trips!
* Pro tip: No matter where you stay you are always welcome to visit any resort on property to walk around, eat, and explore activities! It is important to note that you can't use a pool at a resort that you are not staying at. I particularly love checking out lounges and holiday decorations at each resort throughout the year! I recommend using Disney transportation or even Uber to get to resorts you would like to explore as parking can be tricky especially if you do not have a dining reservation at the resort you would like to visit.