Ready to dive into the magical world of Walt Disney World resorts? Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but planning a Disney family vacation can be as thrilling as a storybook adventure! With so many resort options, it can feel more like being a frog than a princess. But fear not!
We're here to break down the three tiers of Disney World resort categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. We'll decode each level and reveal the differences beyond just the price, share what makes Disney World resorts special and help you find the perfect fit for your next unforgettable Disney vacation!
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DISNEY WORLD RESORT CATEGORIES: VALUE RESORT HOTELS
The Disney World Value Resorts Are:
Disney's All-Star Movies
Disney's All-Star Music
Disney's All-Star Sports
Disney's Art of Animation
Disney's Pop Century
Picture this: you and your little ones surrounded by larger-than-life icons, vibrant colors, and a never-ending sense of wonder. That's what you'll find at Disney's Value Resorts! It's easy to think "Value resorts are just the cheap resorts" when really they have so much to offer and can be a better choice for vacations with lots of activities planned. And it doesn't hurt that they are easy on the wallet saving you money for an extra Dole Whip or two!
The room sizes are on the smaller side, starting at around 260 square feet, but fear not! Most of the value resorts have been updated with streamlined furniture and extra storage, making the rooms feel more spacious than you'd expect. You can choose between one king bed or one queen bed with a murphy bed that folds away into a table during the day. The rooms also feature a single sink vanity with a curtain or sliding wall divider, a separate shower and toilet room, and plenty of storage. With USB chargers, a safe, tea and coffee, and a beverage mini fridge, these rooms have everything you need. They can accommodate up to 4 adults plus a baby in a crib, though they are best suited for two adults with children.
If you're in need of more space, some value resorts offer suites that provide extra room for your family. However, it's worth noting that the price of these suites make them comparable to the moderate resort category cost in my opinion.
When it comes to dining, you'll have access to a convenient food court and a delightful poolside bar. As for activities, value resorts offer a range of options. You can enjoy a refreshing dip in a large family-style pool or relax at one of the quiet pools. The resorts also feature arcades, themed merchandise stores, playgrounds, and movie nights under the stars.
You will have access to complimentary Disney bus transportation to get you to the theme parks and Disney Springs. But guess what? Pop Century and Art of Animation have an extra treat — access to the Disney Skyliner! This convenient transportation option adds an extra touch of magic to your stay and is one of our favorite ways to get to the theme parks. It's so relaxing! While value resorts may be a bit farther away from the parks, their great prices and larger-than-life theming make them an excellent choice for families seeking an unforgettable Disney experience that won't break the bank.
DISNEY WORLD RESORT CATEGORIES: MODERATE RESORT HOTELS
The Disney World Moderate Resorts Are:
Craving a little more pampering and relaxation while staying within a
reasonable budget? Look no further than Disney's Moderate
Resorts! Here, you'll find yourself transported to a world of elegance and charm, surrounded by lush landscapes and captivating themes inspired by the Caribbean, bayous, and the Southwest. The spacious rooms provide a much-needed haven after a long day of park-hopping. With about 50 extra square feet compared to the value resorts, the rooms here measure around 314 square feet. You'll have your choice of two queen beds or one king bed, comfortably accommodating up to four adults. And guess what? Some rooms even offer a 5th sleeper pull-out bed option, providing even more space for larger families.
When it comes to the bathrooms, the moderate rooms take it up a notch with a two-sink vanity and increased storage throughout the room. These upgrades make your stay even more convenient and comfortable. But that's not all—let's talk about the fantastic resort amenities you'll discover at the moderate resorts!
In addition to the food court and pool bar, you'll have the pleasure of enjoying a casual sit-down restaurant and usually an evening lounge right on the property. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in delicious meals and delightful treats right at your resort. The pools in this category also receive an upgrade, featuring a medium pool slide, additional quiet pools dotted around the property, and a splash pad or water playground for the little ones. But the fun doesn't stop there! These resorts offer a wide range of activities, including watercraft activities, bike rentals, and more. It's all about creating those extra special moments that will leave your family with unforgettable memories.
At Disney's Moderate Resorts, the perfect balance between comfort and Disney magic is struck, offering you that extra touch of pampering and enchantment. So go ahead and treat yourself to a little more luxury without making a huge dent in your budget. Your family deserves it!
DISNEY WORLD RESORT CATEGORIES: DELUXE RESORT HOTELS
The Disney World Deluxe Resorts Are:
Disney's Grand Floridian
Disney's Contemporary
Disney's Polynesian
Disney's Beach Club
Disney's Yacht Club
Disney's Boardwalk
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Ready to unleash the full power of enchantment? Get ready to be swept off your feet by Disney's Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas! During our stay at a Deluxe Resort, we felt like we had stepped into a fairytale. The unique and breathtaking theming immersed us in the captivating stories the
Imagineers created for each resort. From the wonders of the great American National Parks to an unforgettable African Safari, these resorts transport you to another world, where Disney touches are more subtle but still create a magical atmosphere.
Let's talk about the rooms in the Disney Deluxe category. Get ready for some serious space! Ranging between 344 and 420 square feet, these rooms provide ample room to relax and rejuvenate. You'll have the choice of two queen beds or one king bed, comfortably accommodating between 4 to 5 adults. The bathrooms resemble those of the moderate resorts, but with a little extra space for added comfort.
What sets these rooms apart is the additional lounging area, often featuring a balcony or patio. And guess what? These rooms open to the inside of the building, adding an extra layer of convenience and elegance to your stay, especially on those rainy Florida days.
So, what makes a Deluxe Resort worth it? Let me tell you, it's a combination of factors that will
make your Disney vacation truly extraordinary. First off, the properties themselves offer so much more, from multiple view options like theme park views or fireworks view, to club-level bookings and the presence of Disney Vacation Club (where you can get a villa with a FULL kitchen!).
But one of the biggest advantages is the proximity to the theme parks. Deluxe resorts have the best locations, making it incredibly easy to hop back and forth between the parks and your room. The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge are super close to the Magic Kingdom, while Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk Inn are right behind Epcot. Animal Kingdom Lodge is conveniently close to Animal Kingdom. With transportation times of less than 10 minutes, you'll save tons of time and maximize your magical moments in the parks.
But wait, there's more! Dining at Deluxe Resorts is a Culinary delight. You'll have access to a food court, multiple pool bars, casual and signature sit-down dining options, and evening lounges. The pools at these resorts are an experience in themselves. Get ready to dive into a world of themed bliss, with multiple slide options, waterfalls, sand bottoms, adult hot tubs, and incredible water playgrounds that will make your little ones squeal with joy.
And if you haven't seen our video on Stormalong Bay, you're in for a treat—it's absolutely amazing! On top of that, you'll find a plethora of additional recreational activities planned around the property, along with fantastic shopping and entertainment options.
Now, I won't sugarcoat it—staying at a Deluxe Resort is a HUGE splurge that hits your wallet pretty hard. If you're traveling with a larger family or seeking a more spacious retreat, the Deluxe Villas are an absolute game-changer. We had plenty of room to spread out, and really felt that relaxing vibe. If you plan to spend extra time at your resort (not all day at a theme park) or you are traveling for a special occasion in your life, then this just might be the way to go. Trust me, when you stay at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa, you'll experience a level of luxury and exclusivity that will leave you feeling like Disney royalty.
CHOOSING FROM THE DISNEY WORLD RESORT CATEGORIES
Now that we've explored the three tiers of Disney hotels—Value, Moderate, and Deluxe—it's time to choose your adventure! Whether you go for the budget-friendly whimsy of a Value Resort, the perfect balance at a Moderate Resort, or the luxury and magic of a Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa, you're in for a magical journey. Consider your budget, preferences, and desired experience to create the perfect Disney family vacation. Start planning today and get ready to ignite the spark of enchantment and create lifelong memories!
If you are having a hard time choosing a Disney World Resort, be sure to download our FREE Disney Resort Decision Quiz to help you find the best resort for your family. We put together this fun quiz to help you narrow your choices and pick a resort matching your vacation style.
Planning A Disney World Trip? Check out these additional Magical Resorts Guide resources you will love:
There are so many resorts to choose from, hard to figure out which one is the best fit. Been to a few, I'm glad for the information here so I can choose another resort to try for my family! Thanks
We always stay at the value Disney Resorts bc you can't beat the price and the access. May try a moderate in the future.
I’m so glad it was helpful!
I always just thought it was price and "how fancy" they were. This makes so much sense. Love the info!