There are over 30 hotels at the Walt Disney World Florida resort. How on earth do you decide which one to choose??
The types of hotel are categorised as “Deluxe”, “Moderate” and “Value” – but no matter which you choose you’ll be guaranteed a stay filled with fun, magic and Pixie Dust!
Here’s a basic breakdown of the difference between types of Disney World hotels:
Want an idea of what to expect at each type of resort? Here are a few examples of the different Disney hotels you could be staying in:
Deluxe Resorts
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Where: Magic Kingdom area
Theme: Lavish, Victorian-style elegance
Rooms: Standard rooms sleep 3-5, suites up to 8. Club-level upgrades are also available
Room amenities: Rooms include a safe, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge, coffee maker
Restaurants & Dining:
- The award-winning Victoria and Albert’s – the most prestigious (and expensive) restaurant at Disney World!
- Table service restaurants: Narcoossee’s and Citricos
- Character buffet dining: 1900 Park Fare.
- For a more relaxed sit down meal: Grand Floridian Café
- Self-service at Gasparilla Island Grill
- 24-hour room service
Transport available to the parks: Bus, boat, monorail, valet parking
Facilities: 2 swimming pools, playground, beach, recreational activities, health club and spa
Stay here if: You’re looking for pure decadence
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Where: Magic Kingdom area
Theme: Inspired by the great outdoors – namely America’s National Parks
Rooms: Standard room sleeps 4, deluxe up to 6. Club-level upgrades are also available
Room amenities: Rooms include a safe, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge, coffee maker
Restaurants & Dining:
- Table service restaurants: Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Café
- Roaring Fork quick-service food court
- Territory Lounge
- Room service
Transport available to the parks: Bus, boat, valet parking
Facilities: 2 swimming pools, playground, beach, recreational activities
Stay here if: You love rustic elegance, roaring fireplaces and nature trails through mighty pine forests
Other deluxe category resorts include:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Moderate Resorts
Port Orleans Riverside
Where: Disney Springs area
Theme: Has a New Orleans feel, with nods to the Princess and the Frog
Rooms: Standard room sleeps up to 5
Room amenities: Rooms include a safe, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge, coffee maker
Restaurants & Dining:
- Riverside Mill quick-service food court
- Boatwright’s table service restaurant
- River Roost lounge serving snacks and drinks
- Pizza delivery to your room
Transport available to the parks: Bus, Boat (to Disney Springs). Free parking is available for guests
Facilities: 6 swimming pools, playground, recreational activities
Stay here if: You want to experience the rustic charm and genteel hospitality of the Deep South – at Disney World!
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Where: Animal Kingdom area
Theme: Spanish Colonial Mexico
Rooms: Standard room sleeps 4, suites up to 6. Business-level upgrades are also available
Room amenities: Rooms include a safe, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge, coffee maker
Restaurants & Dining:
- Pepper Market counter service food court
- Maya Grill and Las Ventanas table service restaurants
- Rix Lounge
- Room Service (breakfast & dinner)
Transport available to the parks: Buses. Free parking is available for guests
Facilities: 4 swimming pools, playground, recreational activities. There is also a full-service health club on-site.
Stay here if: You’re looking for a hotel with an on-site health club, spa and 24-hour fitness facilities
Other moderate resorts include:
- Port Orleans French Quarter
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Value Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Where: Disney’s World Wide of Sports area
Theme: The courtyards and the hotel rooms themselves have the themes of well-loved Disney and Disney•Pixar movies!
Rooms: Standard rooms sleep 4 and suites sleeping up to 6 (suites also have 2 bathrooms and kitchenette)
Room amenities: Rooms include a safe, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge, coffee maker
Restaurants & Dining:
- “Landscape of Flavours” self-service food court
- Pizza delivery to your room
- There are no table service restaurants at value resorts
Transport available to the parks: Buses. Free parking is available for guests
Facilities: 3 swimming pools, playground
Stay here if: You want to stay in a room that’s decorated just like your favourite Disney Movie (I really want to stay in the Little Mermaid room!)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Where: World Wide of Sports area
Theme: Pop Culture through the ages, themed on the unforgettable fads of the 1950s – 1990s!
Rooms: Standard room sleeps 4
Room amenities: Rooms include a safe, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge, coffee maker
Restaurants & Dining:
- “Everything Pop” self-service food court
- Pizza delivery to your room
- There are no table service restaurants at value resorts
Transport available to the parks: Buses. Free parking is available for guests
Facilities: 3 swimming pools, playground
Stay here if: You love everything Retro, from yo-yos to Play-Doh, Rubik’s Cubes to rollerblades!
Other Value Resorts include:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Whichever Disney Resort you choose, they all come with seriously exciting extras like Extra Magic Hours, transport to the parks, a “Magical Express” airport shuttle and the advantage of booking FastPasses 60 days before your visit.
Have a Magical time!
More Tips from the Disney Mum:
How to Make the Most of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours
The Beginner’s Guide to Disney Magic Bands
Is the Disney World Memory Maker worth it?
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