At the time of writing this, there are over 25 Disney properties. There is a theme for almost any taste ranging from lavish luxury to more economical options.
Disney categorizes their resorts into four categories: value, moderate, deluxe and deluxe villas. While we have stayed at or visited many of the resorts, I can't speak on all of them but we definitely have our family favorites!
DELUXE & DELUXE VILLA FAVORITES
1: Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows & Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Theme: South Pacific, tropical; think Hawaii
Location: On the monorail near Magic Kingdom
Transportation Options: Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, Boat, Bus
What We Love: This resort has a very laid back feel and is in a great location if you plan to spend a lot of time at Magic Kingdom. We love the Poly so much that we bought DVC (Disney Vacation Club) here! The resort also features a great view of the castle and an awesome onsite water park.
Theme: New England, Cape Cod-esque
Location: Epcot/Boardwalk
Transportation Options: Boat, Bus and easy walking path to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
What We Love: Beach Club (and its sister resort The Yacht Club) boasts the absolute best pool/outdoor water area with a shipwreck slide and sand bottom pool. We also love the location of this resort with the option to walk to two parks. Personally, I would pick this resort for evert trip if the fam would go for it!
Theme: Log Cabin, National Park Lodge
Location: Near Magic Kingdom
Transportation Options: Direct Boat to Magic Kingdom and Bus
What We Love: If you are planning your stay between November and January, the Wilderness Lodge is a must! There Christmas trees and decorations are unmatched and are a must see! The direct boat to Magic Kingdom is also a nice feature and the kids love it! The resort also offers storybook dining with Snow White at Artist Point. Don't miss this dining experience!
Theme: African Safari
Location: Near Animal Kingdom
Transportation Options: Bus
What We Love: This is the one for animal lovers and is just plain awesome. The resort is designed around a savanna that is home to over 30 species of exotic animals. Spring for the savanna view room and experience the animal walking straight up to your room balcony. It was hard to leave this resort after our stay! If you like to eat, you can also find delicious options here!
MODERATE FAVORITE
5: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Theme: Blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures
Location: Near Animal Kingdom
Transportation Options: Bus
What We Love: We have never stayed here but other Disney aficionados rave about this newly renovated resort. This resort also include the new Gran Destino Tower (where we will be staying for a few days over Thanksgiving) styled in a surrealism fashion inspired by Salvador Dali. Rumor is this resort has accommodations more similar to a deluxe resort so it may provide a good value for those who do not want to pay a premium for the deluxes.
VALUE FAVORITE
6: Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Theme: Features the Disney and Disney Pixar films The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King
Location: Near Epcot/Hollywood Studios
Transportation Options: The NEW Disney Skyliner and Bus
What We Love: When you stay here, you are literally transported onto the set of some of the most beloved Disney animated films. Our kids (and Jeremiah and I to be honest) were blown away by the storybook landscapes and room thumbing. We stayed in a Finding Nemo one-bedroom family suite and it was perfect for our family. If you need the space, this is the most affordable way to get a family suite. Depending on the time of year, you can find a family suite for $300-$500 at this resort versus upwards of $700+ for a one-bedroom at the deluxe resorts. The only downside to this resort are the limited dining options (they only offer quick service meals) and the bed. While our kids could have cared less, Jeremiah and I found that the beds were significantly less comfortable that other beds we have slept in at Disney.
HONORABLE MENTION
*The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Theme: Victorian Style, aka Fancy
Location: Magic Kingdom
Transportation Options: Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, Boat, Bus
What We Love: We have never stayed here but have dined and visited on nearly every trip. This resort is elegant and sumptuous with nightly room rates to match. When you enter the lobby, you are greeted by a live orchestra and unmatched ambiance. We have never stayed here but it is on my wish list when I can stomach the $700+ room rate for a standard room.
In all honestly, Disney if magical wherever you stay so you probably can't go wrong! For more information on all of the Disney resorts visit this complete hotel list.
Post a Comment