Deciding on a Disney World Resort

You’re planning on going to Walt Disney World. Now what? Where do you stay, what time do you go, how do you get there, which parks do you visit? Well, that’s a lot of questions to cover, so let’s just cover the starting one: where do you stay? Say, you want the entire immersive Disney World experience, so you’re determined to stay in a Disney resort. You’ve heard stories and seen all the ads about the resorts and are dying to stay in one. Cost may or may not be a factor. You may or may not be bringing small children or as an adult, be wanting to live out a childhood dream. Or you may just be Mickey’s biggest Fan! Location is crucial and their proximity to the parks is an incentive. Dining facilities and availability are important when planning a family vacation as well.  Are there other amenities at each hotel that may make it attractive to you and your family?  What kind of atmosphere and vibe are you searching for? Did you know that each resort was themed?  Is the resort even available for the times that you are available? What is your second choice or backup plan? Disney Resorts offer a wide multitude of options for all of these to make your choice more varied. With a wide array of restaurants, activities, rooms, friendly, trained staff, and pleasing accommodations, you are sure to find the perfect getaway for the vacation of your dreams. We’ll go over a few of the amenities of each one so you can make an informed decision about which one you want to stay in. First, here are the resorts at Walt Disney World:

  1. Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  2. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  4. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  5. Disney’s Port Orleans-Riverside
  6. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  7. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  8. Disney’s Port Orleans- French Quarter
  9. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  10. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  11. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  12. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  13. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  14. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  15. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  16. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  17. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
  18. Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  19. Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
  20. Bay Lake Towers at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  21. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  22. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village
  23. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wildnerness Resort
  24. Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
  25. Disney Beach Club Villas
  26. Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wildnerness Lodge
  27. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas- Jambo House
  28. The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wildnerness Resort
  29. Copper Creek Cabins & Villas at Disney’s Wildnerness Lodge
  30. Disney’s Riviera Resort
  31. Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  32. Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  33. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  • Also, consider checking out this article about how to do Disney more affordably: CLICK HERE
  • And this article for must-have items to pack for your next Disney vacation: CLICK HERE

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century is a value resort in the Wide World of Sports Area. It offers Skyliner and bus transportation to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.  In an atmosphere of fads from the decades of the 1950s-1990s, you can experience fashion, catchphrases, toys, dancing, and music from these eras. Shopping and dining are available, dining offering American fare quick service. A pool with water jets tops off the perfect stay.  Room accommodations are available in a variety of selections to fit your family’s needs.


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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

The Caribbean Beach Resort is a moderate-value resort in the EPCOT area.  It offers taxi/limo, Skyliner, and bus transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It surrounds you with the Calypso rhythms of Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba. Forts, markets, and beaches make this stay like an island getaway. Visit Old Port Royale or the pool with the waterslide. Dine at the Centertown Market or the Banana Cabana.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe value resort in the Animal Kingdom area. It offers taxi/limo and bus transportation. If a trip to Africa is in your dreams, this is the place for you. Exotic animals, African art, and a pool with a waterslide, all for your delight.  A variety of dining places such as Jiko, Boma, The Mara, Victoria Falls Lounge, Uzima Springs, Sanaa, and Maji. This resort offers rooms, suites, deluxe studios, and villas, some with club-level service. Villas contain separate bedrooms, kitchens, and washers/dryers.  Deluxe studios have kitchenettes and are larger than studios and also have a sleeper sofa.


Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

This spacious resort is inspired by the 1800s resort, Sarasota Springs, in New York, and is located between the golf course and Lake Buena Vista.  It is a deluxe value resort in the Disney Springs area.  Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, or bus. You can have access to the golf course or the pool with the waterslide or the health club.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside

Riverside is a moderate resort in the Disney Springs area. Stroll along the Sassagoula River to the resort, enjoying the southern Louisiana ambiance. Royal guest rooms, special touches by Tiana, pool with water slide, and fine dining including gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. The five stations of the Riverside Mill Food Court will be sure to fill your belly with local Louisiana fare. Port Orleans- Riverside is also dog friendly.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

The All-Star Music Resort is a value resort located in the Animal Kingdom area. Transportation options are taxi/limo or bus.  You can play in the guitar-shaped pool in this resort that celebrates all genres of music. Music, icons, and song and dance fill the area and liven up the area wherever you go. Intermission Food Court offers deli-styled food for all meals and music to set the mood.


Disney All-Star Movies Resort

The All-Star Movies Resort is also a value resort located in the Animal Kingdom area. Transportation options are taxi/limo or bus.  It has a Fantasia-themed pool and movies under the stars. A large movie theater set houses the World Premier Food Court.  A favorite here is the Mickey-shaped waffles!

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Coronado Springs Resort is a moderate-value resort in the Animal Kingdom area. Transportation options are taxi/limo or bus.  A blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures delight the senses here at the resort. Stay in a club access room and you can visit the exclusive Chronos Club. Also with a pool with a water slide, and also you can enjoy the fitness center provided as well.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter

Back at the Sassagoula River at the French Quarter, listen to jazz, walk among the cobblestones, check out the Mardi Gras decorations, and smell the magnolias. Immerse yourself in the southern Louisiana culture. Transportation options are taxi/limo, bus, or boat. Enjoy the pool with waterslides and horse-drawn carriage rides. Savor the cajun and creole dining. And in the evening slide down to Scat Cat’s Club for a little adult refreshment and music.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

A value sporty-themed resort near Animal Kingdom Park, you can swim in the surfboard-themed swimming pool or eat in the Endzone Food Court for American fare. Transportation options are taxi/limo or bus. It celebrates the world of competitive sports such as baseball, football, basketball, and tennis.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

This value resort near the Wide World of Sports area immerses you in the vivid and detailed world of landscapes and views in animation, such as in Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Cars. Transportation options are Skyliner, taxi/limo, and bus. They offer family-friendly suites, the park’s largest swimming pool, and dog-friendly accommodations. Then eat at Landscape of Flavors, featuring 5 different food shops.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian is a deluxe resort near the Magic Kingdom. Transportation options are taxi/limo, bus, boat, and monorail. Here you can experience the ambiance of the South Pacific islands, from the decor to the food. Fusion Asian South Pacific and American food are sure to delight all. Rooms, suites, and villas are available for all your accommodation needs.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Grand Floridian is a deluxe value resort near the Magic Kingdom area.  Transportation options are taxi/limo, bus, monorail, and boat. The Victorian decor provides a relaxing atmosphere for The Grand Floridian Spa or the health club. Enjoy the pool with a waterslide. Or dine to your delight at Gasparilla Island Grill, Narcoossee’s, The Grand Floridian Cafe, or the Enchanted Rose. The decor reflects the Palm Beach golden era and has rooms, suites, and villas, some with concierge service.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This deluxe villa resort is in the Magic Kingdom area.  Transportation options are taxi/limo, bus, boat, and monorail. This relaxing Victorian scenic resort overlooks Cinderella’s castle and has access to a pool with a waterslide, a health club, and The Grand Floridian Spa. dining can be had at Gasparillas, the Grand Floridian Cafe with a nightcap at The Enchanted Rose. Rooms, suites, and villas are your rooming options here.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

The decor at this resort is inspired by the National Park lodges of the American Southwest.  Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, and bus. It is a deluxe resort in the Magic Kingdom area. Experience the great outdoors, and view natural wonders, totem poles, stone hearths, and roaring fireplaces. Enjoy the Cooper Creek Springs Pool or the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool. Dining includes a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs-themed setting with visits by the characters. Rooms, suites, cabins, and villas are available to meet your vacation needs.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

This is a casual deluxe value resort in the EPCOT area.  Transportation options include taxi/limo, boat, bus, and Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. EPCOT is also within walking distance. It has an outdoor water recreation area with a life-sized shipwreck, pools, Crescent Lake, where you can rent a mini-powerboat, and more at Stormalong Bay. Snack time is ready at Beaches and Cream, a boardwalk-style ice cream shop. Rooms, suites, and villas are also available here.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This deluxe resort is in the Magic Kingdom area. Transportation options are taxi/limo, bus, boat, and monorail.  A pool with a waterslide is available for your pleasure. Enjoy a meal at the California Grill. This is an ultra-modern decor resort. It has a 90 ft tall mural of Mary Blair, the legend who is responsible for the “its a small world” attraction and feel. It celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

This New England-styled yacht club is the sister to the Beach Club Resort and is a deluxe value hotel near EPCOT.  Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, bus, and Skyliner. It has an outdoor water area, Ship Shape Health Club and is dog friendly.  Dine in at the Yachtsman Steakhouse for steaks, seafood, and more.  This resort not only offers villas but also offers deluxe villas, cabins, and bungalows.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

The Boardwalk Inn is a deluxe value resort in the EPCOT area.  Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, bus, and Skyliner.  It celebrates the turn of the century in Atlantic City and the Coney Island Boardwalk with its carnival games, dining, and atmosphere. Swim at Luna Park Pool with its waterslides or work out in the health center. Eat at Flying Fish, a sustainable seafood restaurant. It is within walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.


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Disney’s Old Key West Resort

This community of Conch Flats is a deluxe resort near the Disney Springs area. It lets you experience the atmosphere of the Florida Keys. Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, and bus. Waterways, pools with waterslides, and golf fairways make this a relaxing venue for your vacation. Dine at Olivia’s Cafe for American fare with a Caribbean twist or go workout in the health spa at R.E.S.T. Beach. Spacious villas are also available here.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

This is a deluxe villa resort near the Magic Kingdom area. Transportation options are taxi/limo, bus, boat, and monorail. It features swaying palm trees of a South Pacific decor and Disney’s Original Island Escape, inspired by Walt Disney itself. It has villas and bungalows to offer.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This resort is a deluxe villa resort in the Magic Kingdom area. Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, monorail, and bus. This luxurious and modern resort is connected to Disney’s Contemporary Resort through the Sky Way Bridge and may overlook cypress trees, the courtyard, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, or Bay Lake. Rooms, suites, and villas are available for your accommodation needs at this resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village

Inspired by the African kraal, this deluxe villa resort is located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Transportation options are taxi/limo and bus. Enjoy the pool with a slide and over 200 animal and bird varieties on-site, like zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudus, and flamingos. Dine at Sanaa for slow-cooked meats and vegetarian specialties.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

This moderate-value resort sits on 750 acres near the Magic Kingdom area. It is reminiscent of the American frontier and you can see wildlife such as deer, ducks, rabbits, and armadillos. You can preorder groceries and have your pantry filled. Visit the Hoop-dee-doo Musical Review or the pool with a water slide. At this dog-friendly resort, you can rent a golf cart to visit Fort Wilderness or the Campground. Transportation options are by boat, taxi/limo, and bus.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

These villas are a deluxe villa resort in the EPCOT area. Salt-water taffy-colored cottages, a pool with a water slide, and dinner at Flying Fish round out a fun-filled stay. Transportation options include taxi/limo, boat, bus, and Skyliner. Rooms, villas, and suites, some with concierge service may be available.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

This deluxe value villa resort is located near EPCOT. Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, Skyliner, and bus. It shares amenities along Stormalong Bay with Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Resembling the railroads of 1860, the villas of Boulder Ridge mirror Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. These deluxe villas are located near the Magic Kingdom area. Pacific Northwest cuisine is offered and storybook character dining in Artist Point with Snow White. Villas, cabins, rooms, and suites are the accommodations offered here. Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, and bus.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas- Jambo House

This horseshoe-shaped deluxe value villa resort is located near Animal Kingdom.  Live the safari experience with over 30 species of wildlife and birds, enjoy dining with African or American cuisine, and play in the pool with a water slide. Studios, villas, rooms, and suites are your accommodation options here.

The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

This campground resort is located near Magic Kingdom Area and houses four types of campsites: premium/premium meadow, full hookup, tent/popup, and preferred (max 10 people per location).  Premium is large enough for a large RV, full hookup has sewage hookup, tent/popup has room for a popup camper plus two tents, and preferred is large enough for a large RV and a tent. Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, and bus. Archery, horseback riding, and canoeing are available for your enjoyment as well as a pool with a water slide.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

This rustic elegant deluxe villa resort is in the Magic Kingdom area. Transportation options are taxi/limo, boat, and bus. 2 pools to swim in and trails to hike in along Bay Lake are sure to keep you entertained. Cabins, villas, rooms, and suites are available often here.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

This deluxe value resort is located near EPCOT and features a European flair of sophistication and luxury. Stay in the Tower Studios or in the spacious villas for your vacation. Transportation options are taxi/limo, bus, and Skyliner. Eat at Topolino’s Terrace, inspired by European cliffside restaurants.

Walt Disney World’s Dolphin Hotel

This deluxe value hotel is located near EPCOT and offers transportation options by boat nearby. Relax in Mandara Spa or by the pool with a water slide and hot tubs. Or eat at Shula’s Steakhouse for dinner by Miami Dolphin’s coach Don Shula. Leave the kids at Camp Dolphin (ages 4-12) and enjoy an adults-only night out.

Walt Disney World’s Swan Hotel

This sister to the Dolphin Hotel is also a deluxe value hotel near EPCOT. The transportation option is by boat. Mandara Spa is available here as well. Dine in at Il Mulino New York Trattoria with flavors of central and southern Italy. Camp Dolphin is also available here as well as a pool with waterslide and rock caves.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

This Autograph Collection Hotel is a deluxe value hotel near EPCOT. The transportation option is by bus, taxi/limo. Mandara Spa and Camp Dolphin are also available here. It is within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Conclusion

A Walt Disney World vacation can be the trip of a lifetime, the trip of dreams. But if you have no idea if you want to stay in a WDW resort, or which one, you may be at a loss. Hopefully, this article will give you a brief introduction to the resorts of Disney World and aid you in deciding which one appeals to you most and fills your family’s needs. Have a great vacation!

  • Also, consider checking out this article about how to do Disney more affordably: CLICK HERE
  • And this article for must-have items to pack for your next Disney vacation: CLICK HERE

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Linda Aiken

Retired soccer mom; Mom of "the boy" (Gabriel); SAHM; and mom to one furbaby, Leo, who rules the house!

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