A vacation to Walt Disney World is meant to be magical, but choosing the wrong resort can lead to frustration instead of fun. With over 20 resorts offering various price points, themes, and amenities, selecting the perfect one for your family is crucial for a seamless Disney experience.
Here’s a guide to help you avoid common mistakes when booking your Disney resort stay.
Disney Resorts Overview
Walt Disney World resorts fall into three main categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Understanding these tiers will help you determine the best fit for your family and budget.
Value Resorts
- Examples: All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, Art of Animation Resort.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers.
- Key Features: Basic accommodations with whimsical themes and fewer amenities.
- Tip: Great for families who spend most of their time in the parks and need simple lodging.
Moderate Resorts
- Examples: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter.
- Best For: Guests seeking a balance of cost and comfort.
- Key Features: More spacious rooms, enhanced dining options, and themed pools.
Deluxe Resorts
- Examples: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and EPCOT-area resorts like Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club.
- Best For: Guests prioritizing convenience and luxury.
- Key Features: Prime locations near parks, upscale dining, and exceptional amenities.
Resorts to Avoid During Construction
Disney continuously renovates its resorts to improve guest experiences. However, construction can detract from the magic.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Reason to Avoid: Construction for the new Disney Vacation Club Tower has closed parts of the beach and pathways, impacting the resort’s ambiance.
- Recommendation: Consider waiting until construction wraps up, especially if uninterrupted views and full amenities are essential.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Reason to Avoid: Ongoing refurbishment, including updates to rooms and the lobby, may result in scaffolding and construction noise.
- Recommendation: Skip this resort if you’re seeking an elegant and tranquil stay.
Resorts with Limited Transportation Options
Transportation is critical for a stress-free Disney vacation. Choose a resort that aligns with your park plans.
Skyliner Resorts
- Affected Resorts: Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Riviera Resort.
- Issue: Maintenance periods can leave bus service as the primary alternative.
- Recommendation: If Skyliner convenience is a priority, confirm availability before booking.
Monorail Resorts
- Examples: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
- Best For: Guests spending most of their time at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
- Issue: Limited convenience for those visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as buses are required for those parks.
Bus-Only Resorts
- Examples: All-Star Resorts, Coronado Springs Resort.
- Issue: Bus-only transportation can be inconvenient, especially for families with strollers.
- Recommendation: Consider resorts with multiple transportation options, like the Skyliner or monorail, for easier park access.
Closed Pools: A Vacation Dealbreaker
Swimming pools are a highlight of many Disney vacations, and a pool closure can be a significant disappointment.
Upcoming Pool Closures
- Stormalong Bay (Yacht and Beach Club): Scheduled for refurbishment, leaving only smaller leisure pools available.
- Fuentes del Morro (Caribbean Beach Resort): Themed feature pool closed temporarily; quiet pools remain open.
- Fantasia Pool (All-Star Movies): Routine maintenance limits access to the main pool, but alternative pools are available.
- Doubloon Lagoon (Port Orleans French Quarter): Guests can use the main pool at Port Orleans Riverside during this period.
Tip: Check Disney’s refurbishment schedule before booking to avoid disappointment.
Resort Size Matters
The size of a resort can significantly impact your experience, especially after a long day at the parks.
Larger Resorts
- Examples: Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs.
- Issue: Long walks to amenities like dining, pools, or transportation hubs.
- Recommendation: Request a room close to the main building, or choose a smaller resort.
Smaller Resorts
- Examples: Port Orleans French Quarter, Riviera Resort.
- Benefits: Compact layouts make navigating the resort quick and easy, ideal for families with young children.
Avoiding Disappointment
Plan Ahead
- Research the amenities, transportation options, and dining availability of each resort to ensure it meets your needs.
- Consider what matters most to your group: proximity to parks, pool access, or budget-friendly rates.
Check for Updates
- Disney frequently updates its resorts. Verify potential construction or closures on Disney’s official website before booking.
Match the Resort to Your Plans
- If you plan to spend most of your time at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, choose a Skyliner resort for convenience.
- For frequent Magic Kingdom visits, prioritize monorail resorts.
Make the Most of Disney Resorts
While construction, transportation, and pool closures can disrupt plans, these issues are manageable with proper planning. Disney’s resorts offer unique experiences, exceptional theming, and a touch of magic that enhances every vacation.
By avoiding resorts undergoing major updates or closures, you can ensure a magical stay that complements your Walt Disney World adventures. Always research thoroughly and choose a resort that aligns with your family’s needs for a truly unforgettable Disney experience.
