Two of the biggest questions a first-timer has when looking to book Disney is when to go and where to stay. I gave my suggestions and views on different times of the year to visit in my previous blog, so I am going to offer the same for the question on where to stay.
Disney essentially has three different categories of resorts: value, moderate and deluxe. These categorical descriptions describe not only the cost, but also the amenities and even the layout and feel of the resort. I have stayed in all three categories, and each offer pros and cons.
VALUE RESORTS
The value category of resort is going to be the most economical. There are 5 resort offerings, although one of them I would consider to be more in the moderate price range. Value resorts are going to be some of the largest complexes with the most rooms, and all of them are accessible via outside entries. In my opinion, the value resorts also offer some of the best theming of Disney resorts. This has a lot to do with the guests they tend to attract. Young families, as well as novices to Disney, will stay at these resorts, both as a way to keep the budget in check and also because there are a lot of options for the kids to keep them busy.
The All-Star sister resorts of Music, Movies and Sports are themed exactly as they are named. These resorts are all within the same area, and in fact during certain “less busy” times of the year they will share Disney transportation buses. I stayed at one of the All-Star resorts during these so-called less busy times, and the sharing of the bus was definitely the least favorite part of the stay, especially since we were at the last resort on the bus line. These resorts are very popular with the school groups that frequent Disney for various reasons, as well as the national competitors such as cheerleading. This can make these resorts very crowded, and very noisy. Now that I’ve given the impression that I’m anti-All-Stars, let me say that when you have small children, and the priority is the enjoying the parks, then the All-Stars resorts are a great pick. There are several pools at each – usually a main themed pool and then a couple smaller pools throughout. There are generally good size arcades and activities offered for all of the littles throughout the day.
Pop Century is definitely my choice when it comes to value resorts. While still a large property, it is typically a bit quieter than the busy All-Stars resorts. It also now has access to the new gondola transportation system, which is something different and fun. The theming of Pop Century is focused on popular items of the past eras. It’s great to reminisce over all of the memorabilia and the HUGE icons strategically placed throughout the resort.
Last of the value resorts is Art of Animation. When it comes to A of A, I use the term value pretty loosely. There are a category of rooms that are closely priced to Pop Centry, but many of the rooms offered at A of A are more aligned with the moderate price range. Art of Animation does have the benefit of offering family suites, however, for those traveling with more than 4 people in their family. The pool at Art of Animation is very popular as well, as it plays music UNDER THE WATER. Here is a pro-tip though: Pop Century’s location is literally separated by a lake from Art of Animation. They share access to the gondolas, and pre-9/11 some of Art of Animation’s buildings were supposed to be the pre-1950’s era buildings of Pop Century, before they were turned into A of A’s Little Mermaid rooms. Anyone staying at Pop Century is allowed to use the pools at Art of Animation. So, enjoy the prices of Pop Century, and still get the benefit of using the underwater music pool of Art of Animation if that is important to you.
MODERATE RESORTS
Moderate resorts at Disney are a step above the value resorts. They can be smaller, although in a few cases not much. They also offer more room types, restaurants and bars/lounges on site, slightly larger rooms with Queen beds, and the ability for some room types to sleep 5.
My two favorite moderate resorts, and my go-to when I’m trying to conserve DVC points, is the Port Orleans sister resorts of Riverside and French Quarter. I do truly love these two resorts. They both give the sense of being in the laid back Louisiana bayou, with Riverside being the country and quaint side of it and French Quarter being the Bourbon Street setting of New Orleans. Whoever designed these two resorts definitely got the themes correct. Since they are sister resorts, the pools can be shared, and guests can walk between in about 5-10 minutes at a leisurely pace. POR Riverside also offers a great sit-down dining option of Boatwrights, as well as the hidden gem of watching Yeehaa Bob perform at the River Roost.
Disney also offers a convention resort, Coronado Springs, themed after the Southwest American and Spanish cultures. I have had the opportunity to stay at this resort for the Dream Builders Travel Group conference. This resort offers all of the amenities of a moderate resort, with some additions that are unique to convention centers, such as a business center and ballrooms for large group gatherings. Recently completed was a newly constructed convention tower with a new restaurant on the top level. You can bet that restaurant will have some amazing views of Disney property. I will have the luxury of staying in one of those rooms at our next travel agency conference next month, and am looking forward to checking out this beautiful new building!
Two other moderate resorts in which I haven’t had the personal experience of staying at, are Caribbean Beach and Fort Wilderness. While Caribbean Beach is themed around the islands of the Caribbean, with pastel colors and laid back atmosphere, Fort Wilderness is themed for camping and the great outdoors. In fact, Fort Wilderness is especially for those who love to camp and what to do so at Walt Disney World. They offer both campsites as well as cabins. I find Fort Wilderness to be one of the more unique properties and one of the most fun to visit, because the campers that stay there love to decorate and there is so much to do. Disney’s Circle D Ranch is where they keep the horses of Disney used in parades and carriage rides, and they offer a lot of activities around horseback riding and campfires. Fort Wilderness is also home of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, which I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a great dining experience and good fried chicken.
DELUXE RESORTS
Since becoming DVC, I have had the opportunity to stay at many of the deluxe resorts. I guarantee that they would not be in my price range otherwise. Deluxe resorts are going to put you closest to the magic with transportation that includes the monorail and ferries. They will offer spas and fitness centers, internal hallway room entry, and an overall sense of grand and elegant.
My favorite, and my home resort through DVC, is Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort allows you to experience the culture of Africa and watch the animals of the Serengeti. Real animals. The resort offers deluxe table service dining, and also a great buffet. Some of the food may be a little adventurous, since Disney does a spectacular job keeping things authentic, but I love the flavors and tastes.
Along the monorail line, guests have the choice of the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts. Each are uniquely themed, as the Contemporary is very modern, while the Polynesian is themed after the Polynesian islands and Grand Floridian is Victorian elegance. Each offers high end table service restaurants, including the Five Diamond Award winning Victoria & Albert’s, along with fireworks views and concierge services.
Just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom is the Wilderness Lodge, which I would consider by 2nd favorite resort in the Deluxe category. The theming transports guests to the woods of the Northwest, but there are also some hidden attractions here such as the train museum that includes Walt’s own personal collection and the fun and entertaining Whispering Canyon Cafe. Not much can also compare to the grand lobby of the Wilderness Lodge with its floor to ceiling stone fireplace and running creek that originates inside.
Within walking distance of Epcot are the Boardwalk and Beach/Yacht Club resorts. The Boardwalk resort has nighttime entertainment in the form of dance clubs, dueling pianos and actors. It is designed to bring the ambience of strolling along the Jersey boardwalk after dark. Across the lake, the Beach and Yacht Clubs give a more country club feel, with the Yacht Club definitely being more high end than the more relaxed Beach Club. The biggest attraction for these resorts, besides the close proximity to one of the Disney parks, is the pool. The Beach/Yacht Club pool is much more than a place to swim. It has a sand bottom and a lazy river, as well as water slides. Experiencing this pool is on my to-try list for the future.
The remaining deluxe resorts of Old Key West and Saratoga Springs, while solely Disney Vacation Club resorts, can also be booked by non-members as well. Both of these resorts are located on the Sassagoula River and just a boat ride away from Disney Springs. Depending on where your room is located at Saratoga Springs, you can actually walk to Disney Springs in a short amount of time. Both of these resorts offer only villa style rooms with kitchenettes and/or full kitchens, so are designed to be your home away from home. Since these resorts are so spread out and intended to be communities within themselves, if a room is assigned in the farthest areas of the resort you will wish for your own car to alleviate transportation waits. However, despite this, I have found both of these resorts to be quiet places to stay when looking for a less planned out vacation at Disney.
Its apparent that Disney has a lot of options for guests to choose from for a Disney experience. There is a resort to fit all budgets. The value resorts will provide an immersive stay and fun activities for anyone with children. I would personally choose a deluxe resort for those less chaotic trips in which you want to spend more time experiencing the resort amenities. When we are needing those couple of extra Disney nights, I will often choose the moderates, but this is mainly because I am not traveling with children, so don’t need to be cognizant about keeping them entertained. It’s also because, as I stated earlier, I love the Port Orleans themes. Please know that whichever way you go, there isn’t a wrong answer. Disney offers all resort guests the same chance to book fast passes 60 days in advance, dining 180 days in advance, and transportation in some form to all of the parks.
