Choosing a Resort Category

There are many advantages to staying in a Walt Disney Resort including the extra magic hours, transportation to and from MCO International Airport and transportation between your resort and the parks. Disney themed resorts have pools and many activities for kids and adults. But how do you decide which resort is best for you and your family for a magical vacation? Here's a quick overview of the different resort categories at Walt Disney World:

Disney’s Value Resorts

Disney’s value resorts have kid friendly themes that are brightly colored with giant characters and props that make you feel like you are in the middle of Magic. A Value resort is budget friendly allowing everyone to enjoy a Disney themed resort. All resort rooms, except Art of Animation, open to outside corridors. The rooms are 260 sf and have 2 double beds or 1 king bed and can fit up to 4 adults (2 for king beds). Art of Animation and All- Star Music resorts have suites that are 565 sf and include one queen bed and two queen pull out beds, 2 full bathrooms and sleep up to 6 people. Value resorts also have a themed pool, bus transportation to the parks and Disney Springs, food court with quick service meals and also Pizza delivery. Art of Animation includes the Big Blue Pool, the largest Disney resort pool.

All Star Music Resort Photo Credit: WaltDisneyWorld.com

Disney’s Moderate Resorts

The moderate resorts have lush landscaping and make you feel like you are in a city or country depending on the theme. The rooms are larger than a value, open to an outside corridor, and select rooms have a pull down bed to accommodate 5 guests. The Caribbean Beach resort have Pirate themed rooms and the Port Orleans Riverside have Royal Guest rooms that all princesses and princes will love. The pools at a moderate resort are themed and include a waterslide and Jacuzzi. Pools also have a food and drink service. All The resorts have quick service and table service dining except for French Quarter (which has quick service only). All the moderate resorts include a lounge for some adult fun too. The Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter also have boat transportation between the resorts and Disney Springs.

Caribbean Beach Resort Pool Photo Credit: WaltDisneyWorld.com

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s deluxe resorts have beautifully-themed grand lobbies and decor continues throughout the whole resort. The deluxe resorts have breathtaking views from Magic Kingdom, an African Safari or the waterways that surround Epcot. The deluxe resorts have more than one table dining options including fine dining, lounges, and a quick service options. The pools have lush landscaping that include a waterslide, Jacuzzi, and service for food and drinks. The Grand Floridian, Contemporary and Polynesian resorts have monorail transportation. Many of the resorts also have boat transportation on top of the bus transportation. Most of the deluxe resorts rooms accommodate up 5 guests. All of Disney’s resorts have gift shops, but the deluxe also have a salon and valet.