What to Contemplate When Booking the Best Resort at The Walt Disney World Resort: Pros and Cons

Walt Disney World boasts more than 20 resort hotels, each catering to different budgets, themes, and experiences. Choosing the right one can elevate your trip to a magical experience—or leave you wishing you'd booked differently. Here’s what to consider before making your selection, along with the pros and cons of each resort category.

1. Budget vs. Experience

Disney resorts fall into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Each offers distinct perks and trade-offs.

• Value Resorts (e.g., Pop Century, Art of Animation)
  Top Pick: Pop Century Resort – Offers nostalgic theming, access to the Skyliner, and a great balance of price and convenience.
  Not Recommended: All-Star Sports Resort – Frequently hosts large groups and cheer competitions, leading to noise and crowded common areas.
  Pros: Budget-friendly, fun Disney theming, access to Disney transportation.
  Cons: Smaller rooms, fewer amenities, limited dining options.
  Dining Options: Food courts and quick-service options, with limited variety.

• Moderate Resorts (e.g., Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs)
  Top Pick: Port Orleans French Quarter – Smaller, charming resort with beautiful theming and easy boat access to Disney Springs.
  Not Recommended: Caribbean Beach Resort – While it has Skyliner access, the resort is sprawling, making internal transportation inconvenient.
  Pros: More dining options, better pools, larger rooms.
  Cons: Higher cost than Value, can be spread out and require more walking.
  Dining Options: A mix of quick-service and table-service restaurants, with some resorts featuring unique themed dining experiences.

• Deluxe Resorts (e.g., Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Yacht Club)
  Top Pick: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Incredible theming, great dining options, and direct monorail access to Magic Kingdom.
  Not Recommended: Disney’s Contemporary Resort – While convenient for Magic Kingdom access, it lacks the immersive theming that makes Disney resorts special.
  Pros: Prime locations, luxury accommodations, top-tier dining and pools.
  Cons: High price tag, can be less “Disney” in theming.
  Dining Options: Multiple signature dining options, character meals, lounges, and high-end restaurants offering gourmet cuisine.

2. Location. Location. Location. also Transportation

Resorts closer to the parks offer convenience but often come at a premium.

• Monorail Resorts (Magic Kingdom Area):

  • Pros: Quick access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, stunning views.

  • Cons: Most expensive resort options.

  • Dining Options: Some of the best dining in Walt Disney World, including California Grill (Contemporary), ‘Ohana (Polynesian), and Victoria & Albert’s (Grand Floridian).

• Skyliner Resorts (EPCOT/Hollywood Studios Area):

  • Pros: Scenic and efficient transportation.

  • Cons: Can close in bad weather.

  • Dining Options: A mix of quick-service, moderate, and signature dining, including Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort.

• Bus-Only Resorts:

  • Pros: Available at all resorts.

  • Cons: Can be slower and more crowded.

  • Dining Options: Varies by category, but generally includes at least one sit-down restaurant at Moderate and Deluxe resorts.

3. Dining Options

Do you want quick bites, character meals, or fine dining steps away from your room?

• Value Resorts: Limited to food courts and grab-and-go.

• Moderate Resorts: Quick service plus a sit-down option.

• Deluxe Resorts: Signature dining, lounges, and character meals.

4. Theming and Atmosphere

Each Disney resort has a unique feel, from the over-the-top Disney characters at Value Resorts to the immersive storytelling of places like Animal Kingdom Lodge.

• Lively & Fun: Art of Animation, All-Star Resorts.

• Relaxing & Serene: Wilderness Lodge, Saratoga Springs.

• Classic Disney Elegance: Grand Floridian, Riviera Resort.

5. Resort Perks and Extras

• Early Entry: All Disney resort guests get early access to the parks.

• Extended Evening Hours: Deluxe resort guests get additional park time on select nights.

• Pools & Recreation: Deluxe resorts have the most elaborate pools and amenities.

Final Thoughts

The “best” Disney resort depends on your priorities—budget, convenience, dining, or theme. Weighing these pros and cons will ensure that your stay is as magical as the parks themselves. We are highly educated and trained to help you make the best selection for your needs based on all parameters. Add in to the mix, my personal knowledge of Parks & Resorts, and you’ll be set for a perfect visit.