Walt Disney World Resort Categories Explained
There are over 25 resorts on Walt Disney World property & while I haven’t stayed at every resort (yet- wink, wink), I have stayed at several different resorts. There are four resort categories; value, moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villa resorts. The basic differences in the categories are cost, amenities, and room size. Below, I have included a description of each category along with the resorts within that category.
Value Resorts
Value resorts are the least expensive of the four. Their standard rooms are around 260 square feet & sleep up to four guests plus a baby in a crib. You can choose between two double beds or one king bed. Two of the value resorts (Disney’s Art of Animation Resort & Disney’s All-Star Music Resort) do offer family suites that are around 520 square feet and sleep up to 6 plus a baby & have two bathrooms. The dining options at value resorts usually include a food court and poolside bar. Value resorts typically have bright colors and the themes are geared more towards kids. Rooms are accessed from the outside, except for the family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, they are accessed via an interior hallway.
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Moderate Resorts
Moderate resort rooms are a little larger, around 314 square feet. The standard rooms at most moderate resorts offer two queen size beds or one king bed and can sleep four guests plus a baby in a crib. Some rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans- Riverside can sleep up to 5 plus a baby, there are also some suite options at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort can sleep up to 6 plus a baby. Moderate resort dining options include a food court, pool bar, and at least one table service restaurant. They’re a little less themed towards children and have more neutral color schemes (they are still very kid-friendly; a couple of resorts actually offer princess & pirate-themed rooms!). Rooms are accessed from the outside.
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Image- Paul Hudson
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- RiversideImage- Nicolás Lope de Barrios
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe resorts have a variety of room types and sizes. The smallest rooms sleep 4 plus a baby and are around 344 square feet, but you can also find suites that are more than 1,000 square feet that sleep many more. The dining options at each deluxe resort include a food court, poolside bar & several table service restaurants. Room service is typically available and there is at least one indoor bar or lounge. Many deluxe resorts offer character dining experiences. Guest rooms are accessed via an interior hallway and many have a balcony or patio area. They are all beautifully themed, and in my opinion, are a little quieter than the value and moderate resorts.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge ResortImage- Jeffrey Zeldman
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Deluxe Villa Resorts
Deluxe Villa Resorts are the most expensive to stay in. They have studio villas, one-bedroom, two-bedroom & three-bedroom villas. The villas range in size from under 400 square feet to over 2,000 square feet, depending on the resort. The largest villa available is the three-bedroom grand villa at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. It can accommodate 12 guests plus a baby. The studio villas have one bathroom, but you can find up to four bathrooms in a three-bedroom villa. Dining options are similar to the options available at deluxe resorts. Depending on the resort, rooms can be accessed from the outside or from an interior hallway.
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Image- Loren Javier
Disney’s Beach Club VillasView of the Savannah
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong staying at any one of the Disney Resorts. It really just depends on your budget, your family needs & what amenities you’re looking for in a resort. No matter what Disney Resort you decide to stay in, you’ll get to take advantage of the added benefits of staying on Disney property. Check out some of the extra benefits Disney Resort guests are able to enjoy…
(Note: These are the benefits that were available before the COVID-19 changes were implemented. It’s still unclear what changes will be permanent).
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extra-magic-hours/
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/bands-cards/
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/resort-transportation/
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/fastpass-plus/
SPECIAL OFFERS!
Make 2022 Magical!
Who likes to save money? I know I do! Save money and make memories this year by taking advantage of one of the featured offers below. Contact me for a complete list of special offers available. Let me help you book your 2022 Disney Vacation today!
Florida Residents: Save Up to 20% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels in Spring and Early Summer 2022
Stay in the magic this spring or early summer with this special offer—and join in the fun during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration! Florida Residents can save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights March 11, 2022 through July 7, 2022.
Limited Time Offer: 50% Off Required Deposit on Select Disney Cruises
Book a magical Disney voyage by March 11, 2022 and pay only half of your required deposit on the day you make your reservation. This offer is valid on any new reservation for select Disney cruises departing between June 18, 2022 and May 31, 2023.
Save Up to 30% on Select Sailings
Embark on an unforgettable Disney cruise on select dates and take advantage of special savings of up to 30%—available for a limited time only!
Save Up to $500 on a 5-Night Stay at Select Disney Resort Hotels in Spring and Early Summer 2022
Stay in the magic with this special offer—and join in the fun during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration! There’s so much to celebrate when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel—especially during The World’s Most Magical Celebration! As a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you can enjoy early entry to the theme parks 30 minutes before opening to experience select attractions (with valid park admission and a park reservation). Plus, as a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you get early access to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for up to 2 attractions each day.
(For stays most nights March 6, 2022 through July 7, 2022).
Important Details
- There are a limited number of rooms allocated for these offers.
- To visit the theme parks, theme park reservations via the Disney Park Pass System AND the tickets included in these packages are required for the same park on the same date for each person in your party ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations are limited and subject to availability.
- Advance reservations required.
- Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
- Some restrictions apply. Contact your travel professional for complete details.
Contact me at [email protected] or you can text/call me at (615) 541-4211 for more information or for a complete list of offers, details, and restrictions. For a no-obligation quote visit www.hellomagictravel.com and click “Get a Free Quote”.
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