Breaking Down Walt Disney World Resort Levels
9 February | Kenni Rich
Visiting Walt Disney World any time of year is magical, but trying to figure out where to stay can be overwhelming. With over 30 resorts to choose from, researching which resort is best for you and your family can feel like a chore. From budget conscious options to luxurious experiences, Walt Disney World offers a resort for every budget in mind. Walt Disney World offers four different resort levels Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts, and Deluxe Villas. This handy guide will help you choose the best place for your family.
Value Resorts
Value resorts are the most economical Walt Disney World resort option. If you are the type of guest who likes to enjoy the parks from open to close, a value resort might be the best option for you. These resorts are large and offer the smallest rooms on property; if you have the wiggle room in your budget, I highly recommend choosing a preferred room as it will put you closer to transportation and the main resort building. These resorts are also geared towards younger mouseketeers. Value Resorts offer quick-service dining only. I find dining at a quick-service restaurant is very helpful for my picky eaters, as they offer a wide range of food options.
Resorts in the Value category
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Start Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
My preferred resort is Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Moderate Resorts
Moderate Resorts are great for those guests who plan on exploring their resort or planning a down day during their vacation. Theses resorts sit on the largest amount of property which can mean some walking from where you are located to the resort pool or main building. These resorts do offer multiple bus stops, however, so there will always be one close by! The rooms are slightly larger than Value Resort rooms and feature enchanting theming, like the Royal Guest Room at Disney’s Port Orleans - Riverside. As far as dining options go, you will have a choice of quick-service dining or table service dining. A stay at a Moderate Resort will put you somewhat closer to one of the four parks.
Resorts in the Moderate Category
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
My preferred resort is Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas
These resorts are the most luxurious resorts on property. Think large rooms, impeccable pools, high theming, and a wide range of dining options. These resorts are as close as you can get to one of the four parks, some are walking distance while others are a short boat, bus, monorail, or Disney Skyliner ride away. The resort size is smaller, so less walking when returning from those long park days. As far as dining goes, you will find quick-service dining options, table service dining, and character dining. Deluxe Resorts offer more amenities such as movies on the lawn, s’mores, spa, gym, and business center. Needing more space? Disney Deluxe Villas will take care of that! These villas are offered in studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom options. Featuring a kitchen, living space, and washer and dryer in some.
Resorts in the Deluxe Category
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
My preferred resorts are Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Resorts in the Deluxe Villa Category
- 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 Lodge Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
My preferred villa is The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
I would love to help you plan your next Disney vacation! Email me at kenni@wishesfamilytravel.com for a complimentary quote.
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