Resort Categories at Walt Disney World... What do they all mean?

When you start planning your Disney World vacation, the hardest part might be figuring out where to stay! There are literally hundreds of hotels in and around Disney World but in this post we are only going to chat about the ones that are directly on Disney property.

When you start checking out resorts for your upcoming trip, it’s helpful to know the way Disney classifies their resorts. This will make it easier for you to focus on the hotels that offer the options and amenities that are most important to you. Let’s break it down:

Value Resorts (there are 5 in total)

The Good: These resorts are the least expensive on Disney property and have some of the most Disney-ish theming. A lot of them have been recently refurbished and 2 of the 5 are on the Skyliner.
The Not So Good: They usually have more basic pools (no slides or splash pads) and smaller, standard rooms. They only have a food court and not any type of table service restaurant. The ones that are not on the Skyliner (the All Star resorts) sometimes share a bus and are farther away from most of the parks.
My recommendations for this category: If you have a family of four, Pop Century is by far the best bang for your buck. If you have a family of 5 or 6, I recommend Art of Animation family suites (say hello to two full bathrooms!)

Moderate Resorts (there are 5 in total)

The Good: Moderate resorts can still be budget friendly and they have fun, but more subtle, theming. The pools at these resorts are really neat and usually have slides and a splash pad area for the littles. Some also have playgrounds and other recreational activities. The food at moderate resorts is significantly better than the value resorts and there is a wider selection of quick service and/or table service. One of the moderates (Caribbean Beach Resort) is also on the Skyliner.
The Not So Good: These resorts are HUGE so if you don’t want to end up far away from the main hub of the resort, you need to pay a little bit more to book a preferred room. Besides Caribbean Beach, all of the moderates are pretty far from the parks and bus transportation will take you some extra time. Only 1 of the 5 moderate resorts (Coronado Springs) is on the newer side. All of the others could probably use some refurbishment in my opinion.
My recommendations for this category: If you have a princess loving little one, the Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are a must do! If you’re wanting a hotel that feels a little more upscale and has the option to book Club Level, Coronado Springs is for you! If all you care about is a cool pool and getting to the parks quickly and easily, Caribbean Beach is most definitely your jam.

Deluxe Resorts (there are too many to count; just kidding there are 11)

The Good: Deluxe resorts are going to give you the best service, the best food, the best activities, and the best locations. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, the pools are large and have lots of extras, and the restaurants are delicious! The absolute best part about deluxe resorts though in my opinion is their location to the parks. Many of the deluxe resorts have access to boats, the monorail, or the Skyliner to get you to and from your room quickly and easily. This is especially nice when you have babies and toddlers that are going to need those midday breaks. The deluxe resorts also have the option for bigger “villa” rooms that have full kitchens and separate bedrooms. Lastly, guests at deluxe resorts get extended hours at the parks after the regular closing time… If you’re a night owl, this category might be a good option for you!
The Not So Good: These resorts are gonna cost you. Especially if you are looking at the resorts around Magic Kingdom, the price tag can get hefty very quickly. Additionally, these resorts (with some exceptions) aren’t as Disney/kiddie themed as the others so if that is important to you, make sure you research which ones have more characters integrated into their decor.
My recommendations for this category: Think about which park or parks you are going to be spending the most time at. If it’s Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge is going to be the best bang for your buck. If it’s Epcot, Beach Club or Yacht Club will be your fave! If you will be spending time at both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, I recommend Disney’s Riviera Resort. If you just really love animals and don’t necessarily want to feel like you’re at Disney, Animal Kingdom Lodge is the place for you! Does this make your decision clear as mud?

I hope this breakdown at least gave you a little insight into where you might want to stay on your upcoming Disney World trip. As always, the best thing to do is chat with your certified Disney travel planner about which resort will fit your family’s needs the best. If you don’t have a travel planner already, I would absolutely LOVE to help you! !