Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort is a magical experience, but choosing the right one for your family requires some thoughtful planning. With so many options across Disney property, each with unique features and benefits, it can feel overwhelming. By asking yourself the right questions before booking, you can ensure your resort perfectly suits your family’s needs and enhances your Disney vacation.
Here’s what to consider when selecting a Walt Disney World Resort.
Where Is the Resort Located?
Walt Disney World spans over 40 square miles, with four theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs, and numerous resorts. The location of your resort can make a big difference in convenience and travel time.
If you plan to spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom, consider one of the monorail resorts:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
These resorts provide quick monorail access to Magic Kingdom and offer stunning views of the nightly Happily Ever After fireworks.
For frequent visits to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the resorts along the Skyliner route are excellent options:
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
Being able to glide to these parks via Skyliner is a huge perk, especially during busy mornings or late evenings.
Take some time to map out your planned park days and choose a resort that minimizes travel time to your favorite destinations.
What Transportation Options Are Available?
One of the biggest perks of staying on Disney property is the free transportation offered to all guests. Depending on the resort, you might have access to monorails, Skyliners, boats, buses, or even walking paths.
- Monorail Access: The three resorts around Magic Kingdom offer seamless monorail access.
- Boat Transportation: Resorts like Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offer scenic boat rides to Magic Kingdom.
- Walking Paths: For guests staying at resorts near Crescent Lake, such as Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, you can walk to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Understanding the transportation options available at your resort ensures your travel around Disney property is both convenient and enjoyable.
How Large Is the Resort?
The size of a resort can significantly impact your experience. Larger resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa often require longer walks to reach bus stops, dining areas, or amenities. After a long day at the parks, this extra trek might feel less than magical.
If convenience and proximity are priorities, consider smaller resorts such as:
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Review the layout of potential resorts to determine what works best for your family’s needs and energy levels.
What Are the Rooms Like?
The size and layout of your room can make or break your vacation comfort. Here’s what to consider:
- Value Resorts: Rooms at value resorts like Disney’s Pop Century Resort are cozy, around 260 square feet. These are great for budget-conscious travelers but may feel cramped for families with older kids or multiple adults.
- Moderate Resorts: Offering more space and amenities, moderate resorts such as Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort or Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside provide a balance between affordability and comfort.
- Deluxe and Deluxe Villas: For larger families or those seeking luxury, deluxe resorts like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and deluxe villas with kitchenettes or multiple bedrooms are excellent options.
Even if you plan to spend most of your time in the parks, having a comfortable space to relax after a long day is crucial. Take time to evaluate the room layouts and amenities offered at each resort level.
What Amenities Does the Resort Offer?
Amenities can vary widely depending on the resort category. Before booking, think about how much time you’ll spend at your resort and what features are most important to your family.
- Value Resorts: These provide basic amenities, including a food court, themed pools, and pool bars.
- Moderate Resorts: In addition to the amenities offered at value resorts, moderate options include table-service restaurants, pools with slides, and tranquil quiet pools.
- Deluxe Resorts: These resorts offer luxurious amenities, such as spa services, fine dining, themed pools, and immersive theming.
If you plan to spend significant time at your resort, investing in one with premium amenities may enhance your experience. For families who will primarily use the resort for sleeping, value and moderate resorts offer great options at a lower price point.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Walt Disney World Resort for your family is a key part of planning a magical vacation. By asking questions about location, transportation, size, room layout, and amenities, you can ensure your resort matches your family’s unique needs and preferences.
Whether you’re relaxing at a luxurious deluxe resort or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a value property, staying on Disney property adds an extra layer of magic to your vacation.
Take the time to research your options, and you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.
