When planning your next Walt Disney World Vacation, please take my advice and stay on property! There are so many benefits to staying on-property when you go to Walt Disney World. I know it can get pricey but, hear me out, it’s all worth it in the end.
Resort Options
First, let’s start by discussing the different Resort options Disney World offers. Walt Disney World currently has 25 different resorts you can stay at while on vacation. Those resorts are separated into different six categories; value, moderate, deluxe, deluxe villas, and campsites. The only major differences I see in the different categories is the amenities and dining experiences they offer.
I’ve been fortunate to be able to travel to Disney World quite a few times in my short life so far. On my vacations, I try to stay at a different Resort every time. Sure, I have my favorites and I’m not even close to staying at them all, but I have stayed at almost every level of Resorts Disney has to offer. And the ones I haven’t stayed at, I’ve Resort Hopped to at least once. So let’s break down the different categories:
Value Resorts: Disney offers five resorts at this level; Pop Century, All-Star Sports, All-Star Movie, All-Star Music, and The Art of Animation. These resorts are usually the most themed resorts. For example, at the Art of Animation Resort, the Resort is divided into four different sections that are represented by four different animated movies (The Lion King, Cars, The Little Mermaid, and Finding Nemo). These resort buildings are usually big, brightly colored, motel-styled. They offer only standard, four-person hotel rooms with the exception of The Art of Animation and All-Star Music that both offer limited “Family Suites” which sleep up to six people.
Value Resorts usually only offer minimal amenities such as a food court, pool bar, arcade, and gift shop. All resorts have at least one pool, some have more, but do not have water slides. Things NOT offered at these resorts would include; table service dining options, bars or lounges, room service (with the exception of pizza delivery), recreations, health clubs, spas, or valet parking.
If you are planning on spending all of your time in the parks and are just looking for somewhere to sleep at night you should look into these resorts. The rooms are small and there isn’t much to do here, but you’ll be able to grab food quick before heading out the parks or cool off in a pool on a hot day.
Moderate Resorts: Disney offers four resorts at this level; Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans - French Quarter, and Port Orleans - Riverside. Resorts at this level have more tasteful themes, while still reminding you at a Disney Resort. They still follow the motel-style buildings but they offer more detailed and combine the interiors and exteriors. These resorts offer standard rooms four- or five-person sleepers as well as junior, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites. Club level access is also available at the newly renovated Coronado Springs Resort.
At Moderate Resorts, you’ll find way more amenities than you would at a Value. They offer food courts, at least one moderately-priced table service restaurant, lounge bar, pool bar, arcade, gift shop, and some recreations. The :main pool” at each resort will have water slides and a hot tub or spa. Some even have a designated “quiet pool” without water slides that are typically more adult friendly. Moderate Resorts DO NOT offer fine dining and valet parking.
If you don’t plan on spending a lot of time at the Resort but still like the option to enjoy amenities such as dining and going to the pools, this is the category for you. These resorts tend to be pretty spread out, so you’ll either have to wait for shuttles or walk around a lot. For some people this is a deal breaker but if you don’t mind, you’ll be fine.
Deluxe Resorts: There are eight different resorts in this category; Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Loged, and Yacht Club. All of these resorts offer uniquely detailed, breathtaking themes that make each one amazing. All Deluxe resorts are absolutely stunning, they are very innovative while keeping their respective themes. These resorts will give you the feel of a five-star resorts. They have different room options; deluxe studio four- or five-person sleepers as well as junior, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites. They also all offer a concierge option to add on to any room type which includes access to a private lounge where you'll be offered continental breakfast and evening snacks and drinks.
Deluxe resorts have, by far, the most amenities offered to their guests. While staying at one of these resorts you’ll have access to “features” pools which are dramatically themed with waterslides and hot tubs. They also have secondary pools which tend to be a bit quieter. They all offer on-site recreation and other programs unique to their themes. They also offer a full slate of hotel services which include; moderately-priced and fine dining options, quick service, room service, lounges and bars. The also have upscale gift shops, arcades, valet parking as well as health clubs and salons.
Honestly, once you stay at a Deluxe it’ll be hard for you to go back to staying anywhere else. These resorts offer the most bang for your buck. You’ll be able to get the full Disney experience at these resorts while still enjoying an upscale resort fell. If you are looking for a more laid back, relaxing Disney vacation you should look into staying at one of these resorts.
Deluxe Villa Resorts: Also known as Disney Vacation Club Resorts, this is the biggest category of Resorts at Disney World. These resorts are Animal Kingdom Villas, Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Villas at Grand Floridian, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Riviera Resort and Saratoga Springs. Although all of these resorts are classified as DVC you can still reserve them through Disney. The room types are all the same as at the Deluxe level, but they tend to be more “homey” with a more condo-like feel.
You will be able to enjoy all the same amenities that you would at the deluxe resorts, but if you are staying at the DVC level you will be able to enjoy some added perks. For instance, DVC members get free access to wash machines and dryers. They also have a secondary concierge just for DVC members only.
Campsite: The Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campsite hold this division all to themselves, for now. This is a very interesting category because it offers a whole new experience for many of its guests. They offer a lot of on-site recreation such as biking, pony rides, hay rides, campfires and more. You also have access to an inexpensive all-you-care-to-eat buffet restaurant and dinner show. Fort Wilderness also has a marina where you can rent various types of boats.
Disney Springs Resorts: There are some off-property hotels that partner with Disney. When you stay at these select hotels you will have access to some of the benefits you would if you were staying on-property. Check out Disney's website for more information on these hotels.
Transportation Options
The second thing to consider when planning your Disney vacation is how you are going to get from point A to point B. If you’re driving, you’ll have your own car to get places but you’ll also be paying a lot for parking at the resorts and in the parks. There is always the option to rent a car, but that too will have you spending more money. When you are staying at any of the Disney World Resort, you will have access to all the transportation options they have to offer.
Airport Transportation: Disney will literally pick your party up from the airport and take you right to the front door of your resort. If you do it right, they will even hold and deliver your luggage when your room is ready. Then, of course, you’ll have the option to take the shuttle back to the airport. This only works when you fly into Orlando International.
Park Transportation: There are now four different ways you can get to and from the parks (and Disney Springs) from your resort.
The Disney Bus system is the only transportation option available from every resort to every park. It is the most common means of transportation, which means it’s also the busiest. Most of the time you will end up waiting up to 15-20 minutes for the next bus.
The next best option for transport is the Monorail. The monorail only goes to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. You’ll be able to take it from the parking lot to both locations. But you can also take them from select deluxe resorts; Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. If you have the option to take the monorail, I alway do. It is much faster than the buses because they can move more than triple the amount of people at once.
My new favorite way of transport is the skyliners. The skyliners are only available from three resorts to two parks. As long as you are staying at one of the resorts on the skyliner line, I highly recommend taking them. They are constantly moving and can fit up to 10 people in each cab. They also give you a new perspective above Disney’s property.
They final transportation option is boats. This is the slowest way to get places at Disney. You can take boats everywhere except Animal Kingdom, but if you are in a hurry to get somewhere, it’s not a good option. There are far less boats than there are buses, monorail, and skyliner. But if you are looking for a nice relaxing way to get around, take a boat.
Other Benefits
Magic Bands: When you stay on property at a Disney World Resort you will be provided with a Magic Band. Your magic band is your life line on your vacation. It services as your room key, park ticket, fastpass+ reservation, and credit card. This is something that you DO NOT want to lose or forget at home. But you can be issued a replacement if that does happen.
Package Delivery: When you stay on property at Disney World, you have the option to have packages delivered to your hotel. Anything and everything that you purchase in the parks or at Disney Springs can be delivered to your resorts’ gift shop so you don’t have to carry it around with you all day. The only rule is that you have to be staying at the resort for at least 24 hours after your having the items delivered.
Dining Plan/Refillable Mugs: I have never been on the dining plan at Walt Disney World, but I have talked to people and read articles about it. From my understanding, it really depends on how much you and you party eat. There are three different dining plan options but they all have one thing in common, you’ll be very well fed. When on any of the plans, you’ll be able to each at least two means a day plus snacks. If you are they types of people who like to eat at table service restaurants than you might want to look into one of the dining plans.
The second thing the dining plans have in common is that you’ll get a refillable for everyone on the dining plan. Even if you’re not on the dining plan, any guest has the option to buy a refillable cup that is good for the duration of your vacation. The cups, while only good at Disney Resorts and NOT in the parks, are a great deal. You’ll spend $12 once for all you can drink soft drinks 24/7.
Fastpass+ Reservation: As a guest at Walt Disney World, you’ll have early access to Fastpass+ reservations. Everyone has a 30-day window to make their reservations, but you get the upper-hand when staying on-property. With an extra 30 days, you’ll most likely get on the more popular rides and attractions.
Extra Magic Hours: Disney extends park hours, either before or after, normal park hours for guests that stay at their resorts. This is a super cool thing to take advantage of because many times, you’ll be able to get onto popular rides and attractions with little to no line. The later magic hours mostly go on the honor system, so you could stay even if you aren’t staying on property but you shouldn’t. Cast Members will check your magic bands for more popular rides.
No matter where you stay when you vacation at Disney World you will have a great time and a unique experience. I say, if you have the means to stay on property you 100% should. You will be able to get the full Disney experience and it’s very convenient for guests of all ages. They are very accommodating for people with special needs and requests so it’s great for everyone.
DISCLAIMER: Like every blog post, I suggest doing your research. All of the points that I have outlined in this blog post are my opinions.