How to Choose the Best Disney World Resort (Without Regrets!)

Going to Walt Disney World is an exciting experience, and picking the right resort can make your trip even better. With over 20 different resorts, each with its own special features, finding the best one for your family can feel like a big task. The choice you make will determine not only where you sleep but also how much you enjoy the overall Disney experience. Each resort offers unique perks, theming, and proximity to attractions that can enhance your visit.

This guide will help you make the right choice by breaking down key factors like cost, dining options, location, amenities, and transportation. By understanding these elements, you can make an informed decision that best suits your family’s needs, preferences, and budget.

Understanding Disney Resort Types: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe

Disney resorts fall into three price categories, with increasing levels of luxury, amenities, and convenience.

1. Value Resorts

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable option, value resorts offer comfortable rooms at a lower cost. They are themed with larger-than-life Disney decorations, making them particularly appealing to families with younger children.

They have bright themes, big pools, and fast food-style dining, but rooms are smaller, and transportation is mainly by bus. These resorts are great for those who plan to spend most of their time in the parks and just need a place to rest at night.

Popular Value Resorts:

• Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resorts
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort

2. Moderate Resorts

Moderate resorts offer a balance of price and extra perks, like larger rooms, better dining, and unique themes. These resorts provide a more immersive experience, often featuring lush landscaping and detailed theming that transports guests to different locations like the Caribbean, New Orleans, or the American Southwest.

They also have more activities and some extra transportation options. Moderate resorts are ideal for families who want a bit more comfort without paying for deluxe-level luxury.

Popular Moderate Resorts:

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside & French Quarter
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

3. Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe resorts give you the most comfort, with bigger rooms, amazing restaurants, and the best locations near the parks. They feature more intricate theming, luxurious pools, signature dining options, and additional transportation methods like monorails and boats.

They also offer themed designs, character dining, and great views of fireworks. If you plan to spend a lot of time at your resort and want top-tier amenities, a deluxe resort is worth considering.

Popular Deluxe Resorts:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts

If your family needs more space, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas come with kitchens and extra rooms, helping save on dining costs.

For a cozy, budget-friendly option, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offer space for up to six guests in a rustic setting. They include outdoor grilling areas and a peaceful, wooded atmosphere.

Dining at Disney Resorts

Food is a big part of any Disney trip, and resorts have various dining choices. From casual quick-service meals to fine dining experiences, each resort provides different options to suit various tastes and budgets.

Some have many restaurant options, while others have just a few. If you plan to eat primarily at your resort, choosing one with diverse dining options can enhance your stay.

Dining at Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe resorts offer a mix of quick service, table service, and fancy dining. Many of these resorts also feature signature restaurants with highly rated chefs, unique dining experiences, and exquisite menus.

Some also have character dining, where you can meet Disney characters while eating, making it a great choice for families with kids.

Top Dining at Deluxe Resorts:

• Chef Mickey’s Family Feast (Contemporary Resort) – A buffet where Mickey and his friends stop by your table.
• ‘Ohana (Polynesian Village Resort) – A Hawaiian-style meal served family-style with delicious meats and tropical flavors.
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club Resort) – A high-end steakhouse known for premium cuts of meat and an elegant atmosphere.

Dining at Moderate & Value Resorts

Moderate and value resorts mostly have quick-service dining, with a few sit-down options at moderate resorts. These options are more budget-friendly but still offer delicious meals and themed environments.

• Sebastian’s Bistro (Caribbean Beach Resort) – A Caribbean-style sit-down restaurant with flavorful seafood and island-inspired dishes.
• Riverside Mill Food Court (Port Orleans – Riverside) – A quick-service spot with various choices, offering a mix of Southern comfort food and classic American dishes.
• Landscape of Flavors (Art of Animation Resort) – A food court with different cuisine options, including plant-based and allergy-friendly meals.

For a special experience, Wish Makers Enchanted Dining is a great option at select resorts, offering themed meals and exclusive character interactions.

Resort Amenities & Activities

Each Disney resort has fun activities and extras, like pools, playgrounds, and arcades. Some offer unique perks that can make your stay even more magical.

Pools & Recreation

• Deluxe resorts have pools with slides, hot tubs, pool bars, and organized activities.
• Moderate resorts have themed pools and moderate features, such as water play areas.
• Value resorts have large, colorful pools but without slides or hot tubs.

Exclusive Resort Activities

• Senses, A Disney Spa & Salon (Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) – A full-service spa for relaxation with massages and facials.
• Electrical Water Pageant (Bay Lake Resorts) – A nighttime lighted boat parade that can be viewed from select resort areas.
• Movies Under the Stars – Complimentary Disney movie nights at most resorts, perfect for a relaxing evening.
• Fishing & Boat Rentals – Available at places like Fort Wilderness and the Yacht Club for guests who want to enjoy outdoor recreation.

If you’re bringing a pet, the Waggin’ Trails Dog Park at Fort Wilderness is the only Disney resort where dogs are welcome.

Final Tips: Choosing the Best Resort for Your Family

When deciding on a resort, keep these factors in mind:

• Budget – Consider if you want a value, moderate, or deluxe resort based on pricing and amenities.
• Dining – Do you plan to eat at the resort or in the parks? Some resorts have better dining options than others.
• Amenities – If pools, spas, or entertainment matter, deluxe resorts may be the best choice.
• Location – Staying closer to your preferred park can save travel time.
• Transportation – Some resorts have monorail or boat access, while others rely on buses.

No matter which resort you pick, staying at a Disney hotel keeps you close to the magic and adds extra perks to your trip. Taking the time to research your options will help ensure that you and your family have the best possible Disney experience.

Have you stayed at a Disney resort before? Share your experience in the comments, and let us know your top pick!