Each Walt Disney World resort offers great amenities and a fun atmosphere! It can be overwhelming to try and figure out which resort to choose for your vacation, but having a list of items to consider when picking a resort can help narrow down your choices.
Budget
The very first thing to consider is your budget, because you have to be able to afford the resort you select. Fortunately, Walt Disney World Resorts have three budget categories that include value resorts, moderate resorts, and deluxe resorts. There are also the option to stay at the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas. Check out the costs of the resorts and pick the tier of resort (value, moderate, deluxe, DVC) that best matches your vacation budget.
Family Size and Room Capacity
If you have a family of four or less, you can stay anywhere. If you have a family of five or more, room capacity is something to consider when choosing a resort. One option is to get two (or more) rooms, but another option is to stay at a resort or suite that sleeps five or more people.
Location and Transportation
There is no one resort with a perfect location. Some resorts are near the Magic Kingdom. Some are near the other parks or Downtown Disney. That said, some people prefer to be closest to the park where they spend the most time or they like to be within walking distance to a specific park. If you want to be close to a particular park, location is something to consider. My family is happy at any location, knowing that sometimes a bus ride may be short or long depending upon where we are heading for the day.
Speaking of bus rides, transportation is a consideration too. If you’re staying at a deluxe resort, is monorail or boat transportation important to your family? If you’re staying at a moderate resort, would taking a boat to Downtown Disney be a priority? If you’re relying solely upon bus transportation, would you prefer a resort with just a few, or one, bus stop(s)?
Atmosphere
Each resort offers a unique atmosphere! All resorts share the amenities of using free Disney Transportation, including Magical Express to and from Orlando International Airport, and have pool activities, games, and nightly movies. Whether you stay at a value resort or a deluxe resort, you will be surrounded by Disney fun!
The value resorts have larger than life icons that are fantastic for photo opportunities. The All Star Resorts have themes of sports, music, and movies. Pick your favorite! Staying at Pop Century brings back nostalgic memories, and the Art of Animation Resort is loaded with wonderful Disney details.
The moderate resorts each have a specific atmosphere. Port Orleans Riverside has the rustic Alligator Bayou and the stately Antebellum mansions, including the Royal Princess rooms! Port Orleans French Quarter feels as if it’s really the French Quarter in New Orleans. The Caribbean Beach Resort has a tropical vibe to it, including hammocks and a fun Pirate play area near the pool. Plus, for those who are fans of swashbuckling fun, Caribbean Beach offers the Pirate rooms. The Coronado Springs Resort offers the atmosphere of American Colonial Spanish and Southwest America with an awesome themed pool and playground area. The Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort offers sites for camping and cabins that sleep up to six people.
The deluxe resorts have a variety of themes, from the African inspired Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Victorian inspired Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!
Where do you want to stay on your next Walt Disney World vacation? Leave a comment to share your family’s resort choice! Also, visit the MFL Boards to ask questions you may have about resort choices and to share your resort tips with others.