How to Choose the Best Disney Resort for You
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney has over 25 resort options to choose from. There is truly something for everyone! So how do you decide which one is right for you? There are several important questions to answer before deciding.
What makes a Disney Resort the Right Fit for you?
Answer these questions to help you decide.
What is your budget?
Do you prefer luxury and relaxation or immersive Disney theming?
Do you want to be close to the parks?
What type of dining options do you want at the resort (mostly quick service or table service too)?
Are you traveling with children, as a couple, or with a larger group?
Will you spend most of your time in the parks or at the resort?
These answers will help narrow down your resort category and the specific resort that will suit you best.
What Are the Disney Resort Categories?
Disney resorts are divided into four categories, each offering a different balance of price, amenities, and theming.
Value Resorts - Budget-Friendly and Fun
Moderate Resorts - Comfort Without the cost of a deluxe resort
Deluxe Resorts - Luxury, Location, and Amenities
Deluxe Villas - Space and Home-Like Comforts
Value Resorts
Value resorts are ideal if you want to stay on Disney property at the lowest possible price while still enjoying Disney theming as well as transportation to the parks.
Best for:
First-time visitors
Families on a budget
Guests who plan to spend most of their time in the parks
What to expect:
Bold Disney theming
Quick-service food courts
Bus transportation to all parks
Popular options include Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which also offer family suites.
Lots of dining options for all tastes.
Great for short getaways (3–4 nights) with high-value entertainment and activities.
Mix of high-energy activities and lounges for quiet time
Moderate Resorts
Moderate resorts offer larger rooms, better pools, and additional dining options while remaining more affordable than Deluxe resorts.
Best for:
Families who want more space
Guests who enjoy scenic surroundings and quieter environments
What to expect:
Themed pools with water slides
Table-service restaurants
Bus transportation, and in some cases, Skyliner access
Examples include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside.
Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe resorts provide the highest level of comfort, dining, and convenience. Many are located within walking distance of parks or offer monorail or boat access.
Best for:
Couples or families who prioritize convenience
Guests who enjoy fine dining and resort amenities
Repeat Disney visitors
What to expect:
Close proximity to parks
Signature restaurants and lounges
Spacious rooms and premium pools
Top choices include Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Deluxe Villas
Disney Deluxe Villas are ideal for longer stays or larger groups who want extra space and kitchen facilities.
Best for:
Larger families
Groups traveling together
Guests who prefer apartment-style accommodations
What to expect:
Studios to multi-bedroom villas
Kitchenettes or full kitchens
Access to Deluxe resort amenities
Examples include Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
Choosing a Resort Based on Your Priorities
Best for Convenience
Deluxe resorts near Magic Kingdom or EPCOT can save significant travel time. Resorts connected by monorail, Skyliner, or walking paths offer a major advantage for getting around easily.
Best for Families with Young Children
Moderate resorts offer quieter settings, larger rooms, and better pools, while Value resorts with strong theming, like Disney's Art of Animation Resort, are especially popular with kids.
Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers
Value resorts provide the lowest nightly rates while still offering the benefits of staying on Disney property.
Best for Resort Downtime
Guests who plan to spend time enjoying their resort may prefer Moderate or Deluxe resorts, which typically feature more elaborate pools, recreation, and relaxing outdoor spaces.
Best for Dining Enthusiasts
Deluxe resorts are ideal for travelers who prioritize dining, with access to signature restaurants, character dining, and popular lounges.
Transportation
All Disney resorts provide complimentary transportation to the parks, but the type of transportation can vary by resort category and individual resorts.
Disney Resorts Connected by Monorail
Magic Kingdom Resort Area (Resort Monorail Loop):
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
EPCOT Monorail Access (via Transportation and Ticket Center transfer):
Guests staying at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Contemporary can transfer to the EPCOT monorail.
Disney Resorts Connected by Skyliner
Disney's Riviera Resort
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
(Also convenient for access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.)
Disney Resorts Connected by Boat
Magic Kingdom Area Boats:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary also offer boat options in addition to monorail.
EPCOT / Hollywood Studios Friendship Boats:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Disney Springs Area Boats:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney's Old Key West Resort
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Final Tips Before Booking
Book as early as possible, especially during holidays and peak seasons. It is import to think about how much time you will actually spend at your resort, as paying more may not be necessary if you plan to be in the parks all day. Balance theme, comfort, and convenience, especially if you are traveling with children. Finally, review dining options at your resort, as some restaurants are destinations on their own.
Finding the Best Disney World Resort for You
There is no single best Disney World resort for everyone, but there is a best resort for your travel style, budget, and priorities. By understanding the differences between resort categories and focusing on what matters most to you, you can choose a home base that enhances your entire Disney vacation.
Working with a travel advisor takes the guesswork out of planning your trip. We’ve visited most of the resorts we recommend, and with more than 25 to choose from, we can help you find the one that’s just right for you, so you can focus on relaxing, making memories, and enjoying every moment.
As a Disney World travel advisor with celiac disease, I’ll help you plan your next trip and ensure the experience is smooth, safe, and completely stress-free.
Noreen
Let us turn your dream vacation into reality!
When you work with us, you’ll get the following:
Recommendations for destinations, resorts, and cruises based on your needs
A custom itinerary and assistance booking excursions and transportation
Gluten-free travel tips and restaurant recommendations for your destination
Custom document package mailed to you with your itinerary, confirmations, travel tips, and more!
Blog by: Noreen Wheeler
Travel Advisor
Noreen specializes in Disney vacations and cruises for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. She is also a gluten-free blogger who shares her and her daughter’s journey with celiac disease on Gluten Free Life & Travels, offering tips for living and traveling gluten-free.
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