In 2022, we were on a mission to stay in all 18 Walt Disney World resorts. After staying in 11 resorts on our challenge and even more over the last 12 years, we have learned a few things. These things have helped shape how we take Walt Disney World vacations and brought us more enjoyment on our trips. I’ve narrowed down all of our little gems to give you the big three! These three things I’ve learned in 2022, Disney Resort edition, will help you make your next Disney trip more relaxing!
Booking A Deluxe Disney Resort Isn’t Better
If you are like me, you see these big, beautiful deluxe resorts and think, “Wow, it must be so nice to stay there.” And for some resorts, it really is. But for others, it’s really not worth the hype or the price tag. Naturally, we hear the word “deluxe,” see the associated cost, and think this must be the premiere spot. For me, a “premiere spot” will check all of my Resort boxes.
Clean and updated rooms
Nice resort amenities like pools, playgrounds, and relaxing spots for downtime.
Easy transportation to the theme parks
Delicious food with good options and easy reservations
Fun and immersive theming
Now, if we are being honest, it’s hard to find any resort that checks off ALL of those boxes. The few that do are in my top 3 Disney Resorts! And for the rest, we prioritize what we want for that trip. However, prior to this challenge, I assumed that if I paid the price for the deluxe resort, all of my boxes would be checked off. And that’s not true. Boardwalk Inn and the Grand Floridian (standard rooms) are not updated, the amenities and pools at the Contemporary are lacking, and the food at Beach and Yacht Club (in my opinion) leaves a lot to be desired. I personally love the updated rooms at Coronado Springs and Pop Century better; the food options at French Quarter are some of my favorites, and the Art of Animation and Caribbean Beach pools are fantastic. So instead of stretching my budget to stay in deluxe because of the name or the flawed logic “, it must be better,” I now look at booking the Disney Resort that best fits how we want to spend our vacation.
Disney Resort Restaurants Are Superior To Theme Park Restaurants
Before you stop reading, let me at least state my case. I admit that Disney theme park food has come a long way! There are numerous restaurants and snack options that I really love inside the theme parks, and I’m not going to say we never eat in the theme parks. But before our challenge, I didn’t really spend time eating at the resorts because I assumed the theme park food was better. And wow, was I missing out on some amazing meals!
The Disney resort restaurant game is totally winning with the variety of food and styles, ease of reservations, multiple price points, and FLAVOR! So much flavor. If you ask me to pick dinner in Magic Kingdom or at a Disney Resort (any really), I’ll pick a Resort every time! And the great thing is that you can eat at a resort even if you aren’t staying there. We love spending the day at Epcot, leaving through the international gateway for a dinner at Trattoria Al Forna (which is amazing), and then heading back in for Epcot fireworks. You get a fabulous dinner and a small relaxing break from the theme park crowds! Before booking your next theme park dining reservation, I highly recommend exploring the resort dining options. You won’t be disappointed.
Full Disney Resort Days Are A Must
If you have been watching our Disney resort videos, then you know I love a FULL Resort day and honestly think it’s a must if you are looking to go on a “Disney vacation.” Now, if you are looking to go on a “Disney expedition,” then theme park sun up to sun down might be more your style, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart, and I would never recommend it for those with young children. Theme parks are magical places that can be overstimulating, crowded, hot, and just plain exhausting. On average, you will take 25,000+ steps daily in a theme park and not even come close to seeing everything (equivalent to a half marathon each day). In order to give your body, mind, and budget a break, I 100% endorse a full Resort day to actually have a vacation on your trip.
This in no way means you will just be sitting in your room. The Disney resorts are full of fun activities, most of which are free for guests. We all know that Disney resort pools are amazing, but did you know they are heated in the colder months? And if you don’t want to swim all day, be sure to check out all of the extra offerings at your resort. You will find playgrounds, walking paths, cast member-led games and crafts, shopping, arcades, scavenger hunts, community halls (at select deluxe resorts), bike and boat rentals, campfire and s’mores, horse carriage rentals, movie under the stars, and much more!
These activities help you relax on your vacation. If you take your resort day in the middle of your stay, you will feel recharged and actually enjoy the theme parks at the end of your trip instead of just surviving them.
As you plan your next Disney vacation, I hope these three things I learned in 2022 will help you have a magical Disney vacation. If you are planning a trip soon, be sure to share it with us in the comments and check out our Must Pack Items For The Disney Theme Parks.
If you are having trouble deciding which resort would be best for your next vacation, be sure to grab our FREE Disney Resort Decision Quiz. We put together this fun quiz to help you narrow down your choices and pick a resort that matches your vacation style.
Want To See More Disney Resorts? Check out everywhere we have been on our Disney Resort Challenge Right Here.
Comentários