It’s always hard to pick a favorite - especially for me when it comes to Disney - but here I’ll do just that. Well, maybe not just one, but one in each Resort category.
Disney has 4 types of resorts: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Villa. In today’s post, I’ll explain the categories and tell you my favorite in each one along with the pros and cons for them.
Value - This category is typically the least expensive (except in the case of a family suite which can be more expensive than a standard room in the moderate category). This is a great option for a family on a budget or one that truly only wants a bed to sleep in without caring about the resort amenities.
Keep in mind that while you may not care about the room, the value resorts are typically the furthest from the parks. So if you plan to go back to your room at all during the day or just want to avoid a longer commute each morning and evening, the value may be further away than you like.
The value resorts all have pools with themed elements but don’t have slides.
All transportation within Disney is via bus.
Most rooms are accessed by an external doorway instead of opening to an interior hallway.
These resorts are very family friendly and offer the same cleanliness and safety as all Disney resorts. You’ll just be giving up a few amenities, luxuries and transportation options. However, you can get a great deal and save some money for Dole Whip!
My favorite value resort is the Art of Animation. It has standard rooms and family suites. This is the newest of the Disney resorts and is at capacity most of the time, so don’t expect a large discount here. The food court is great and the Big Blue Pool is wonderful - the biggest at Disney. And I love that music is pumped under water. Once in a while you can even hear your favorite characters from Nemo while you’re submerged.
The main con to this resort is that it is quite large and spread out. You could have a long walk back to your room from the bus stop after a tiring day at the park. It’s also the furthest from Magic Kingdom. The good news is that the Art of Animation buses are dedicated to the resort so you won’t be making multiple resort stops on your way to and from the parks.
Moderate - This category is the middle of the road price-wise. The standard rooms are slightly larger than the value standards. Some rooms can sleep 5 guests plus a baby where most values are 4 plus a baby.
Most have 2 sinks which are separated from the main room with a curtain or other partition. For dining, they have at least one table service option which is missing in the values. Transportation to the parks is by bus but some have boat service to Disney Springs.
Most have themed pools and “quiet” pools and also medium-sized water slides. Guest rooms open to external area like the values.
I find the location of the moderates to be much more convenient than the values.
My favorite moderate resort is Port Orleans Riverside. The theming in this one is wonderful if you choose the Royal rooms. The great thing about them is that even though they’re “princess” they aren’t too girly for boys to enjoy also. It’s a beautiful and relaxing resort in a great location also.
Deluxe & Villas - I lump these 2 together because the villas are just another room type but not their own resort. For example, Grand Floridian has standard rooms and villas but the resort itself (pool, dining…) is shared among both. There are tons of options of room types so if you need more than just a 4 person room, this may be the way to go. Prices are higher typically, but if you travel when discounts are offered, you just may be able to go to these resorts for the same price as non-discounted moderates!
Deluxe resorts also offer unique views like theme park/fireworks views or animal views (in the case of Animal Kingdom Lodge).
Spa services are available at some of the villas.
Deluxe resorts have more dining options than the other types - and some include character dining! The larger villas may have a kitchenette.
They offer multiple transportation options to the parks - bus, boat, monorail and some are within walking distance.
The pools are amazing at deluxe resorts - all have large slides and some have sand play areas and waterfalls. All of these have hot tubs.
My current favorite deluxe is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I say current because I’m heading in January to stay at the Contemporary and since it’s walking distance to Magic Kingdom, I just might change my mind!
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is wonderful - it’s like you’ve stepped into a whole other world when you stay there. Super relaxing and the animals are right there! We had a family of deer that slept under our balcony each night.
There are a lot of reasons to pick each of these categories. Some depend on budget, some on circumstances. I’d love to chat with you and help you figure out which one would fit your family and your vacation the best - give me a call!!
