Tips to Help You Choose the Perfect Walt Disney World Resort For Your Family

I am asked quite often for recommendations on hotels, restaurants, whether the dining plan is worth it (IMHO, no), and various other questions.  For those who don't know, I spent one year working at the Disney Reservation Center followed by six years as a Disney specialized travel agent (Authorized Disney Vacation Planner) – booking thousands of hotel and dining reservations in that time. I was offered the travel agent job because the agency owner knew I'd been answering questions online about Disney since the mid-90's.

When I started Mousesteps, it really was mainly about photo walks around the resorts and parks. At some point, I'm hoping to settle into photo walks every couple of weeks or so – I especially enjoy any time I can spend at the resorts.

Since 1976, I've stayed on property well over 200 nights – at nearly all of the different Walt Disney World resorts (plus Vero Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Sequoia Lodge at Disneyland Paris). Growing up, vacations each year were almost always a week to 10 days at Disney's Polynesian Resort, so that is where my heart lies!  But as the Walt Disney World property has grown, many more wonderful resorts have opened – with my favorite Value resort being Disney's Art of Animation Resort, which just opened last year.

Disney's Polynesian Resort

In my opinion, choosing a resort is the single most important decision a guest can make before arrival – just as with any other vacation. But it doesn't have to be a daunting one. Here some questions that will help you narrow down your Walt Disney World resort choices!

What is Your Budget?

I tend to be a budget traveller whether money is tight or not – if I'm on vacation, I like to get the most bang for the buck. We do spurge for a night or two occasionally at a nicer resort (we stayed at Disney's Wilderness Lodge this year overnight in a concierge room). The wonderful thing about Walt Disney World is that there are accommodations to fit many budgets from the top-of-the-line Disney's Grand Floridian Resort to the Values – and if you are able to secure a room discount, it may allow for a resort upgrade, or more money for shopping and dining.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

What is the Size of Your Family?

Families of 4 or less (which can also include an infant under 3 for a 5th person) will have the most options for one room together.  Once a family includes 5, then the options for one room can include Disney's Art of Animation Resort in a family suite (with 2 bathrooms), Disney's Port Orleans Riverside in Alligator Bayou, and most – but not all  – Deluxe resorts. Disney Vacation Club resorts are also an option, as is a cabin at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort (not to be confused with Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort).

 

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Where Do You Plan to Visit Most? (Location, Location, Location!)

When I was a travel agent, many of the adult couples who booked did so for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, usually staying at either Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, or Disney's Boardwalk Resort. Epcot is a wonderful event park, and it's nice to be within walking distance! There are also wonderful entertainment and dining options along the Boardwalk. If you are spending more time at Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, then Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort are all on the monorail, with Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground a boat ride away.

Disney's Boardwalk Resort (on the Boardwalk)

From any other Moderate, Deluxe or Value resort, a bus will need to be taken to every Disney park. But I do like that Disney's Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter have a relaxing boat ride to Downtown Disney (soon to be re-themed, expanded and renamed to Disney Springs).

Don't overlook the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels. While they are not owned by Disney, they can offer great rates for such a deluxe location (AAA, AARP, Government, and Teacher rates are some that they offer). There are resort and parking fees, and no Magical Express – but the total cost of a vacation can be less for those who snag a great deal. These resorts get a lot of business from conventions, so big convention months are tougher to find rooms. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are near Disney's Boardwalk Resort.

The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

What Amenities are You Interested In?

Each level of resort – Value, Moderate, Deluxe – has a different level of amenities. If a jacuzzi is a must for you after a long day of hitting the pavement, then a Value resort isn't the way to go. Nor is Disney's Polynesian Resort, because there is no jacuzzi there either (maybe someday!) All of the other Moderate and Deluxe resorts have at least one jacuzzi. Pool slides are also reserved for Moderate resorts and above.

Disney's Polynesian Resort Nanea Volcano Pool and Slide

If a table service restaurant is important, than you'd want a Moderate or Deluxe resort. And even then, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter hasn't had a table service location in many years – but guests can dine at Boatwrights Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort or take a boat to Downtown Disney, which has a plethora of wonderful dining choices. Every Value and Moderate resort has a food court – except for Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, which was reclassified as a Moderate resort a few years back (Trails End Restaurant here is one of our favorites). Deluxe resorts usually have several table service dining options, as well as a counter service location.

Boatwrights Dining Hall, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Room size can be a consideration – not all resorts are created equal. Disney's Polynesian Resort has among the biggest rooms on property because it was built in 1971 (I believe the Disney Inn, now Shades of Green, had rooms just a bit bigger). Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge both offer smaller rooms, but also start at a lower price point.

Disney's Polynesian Resort

If a fitness center is important, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is the only Moderate to offer one. All others are found at Deluxe resorts (and Disney Vacation Club resorts). Disney's Wilderness Lodge didn't have a fitness center until the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge opened, and Sturdy Branches with it. Disney's Polynesian Resort doesn't have one, but guests can use Disney's Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club.

La Vida Health Club, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Disney's Coronado Springs also offers other benefits that other Moderate resorts don't – including a hair salon and extra dining options. There is a large convention center attached to the resort, so it often has a bit more of an adult and upscale vibe than say, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. The pool area at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter is definitely geared more to kids, but guests of the French Quarter can also utilize the facilities at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

Do You Have a Specific Theme In Mind?

Each resort is themed differently. If just going on immersion, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is probably my favorite, with Disney saying that it is "inspired by turn-of-the-century National park lodges". There are so many incredible nooks and crannies – including public fireplace rooms and balconies – I really feel like I'm somewhere else when visiting there. Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter is designed after just that – the New Orleans French Quarter, with fun "street" names like Rue D'Baga and relaxing park settings. Disney's Art of Animation Resort celebrates animation, with 4 different sections that are highly detailed – guests can even see their favorite Cars characters here!

 

Rue d'Baga, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter

Ramone at Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Theme is important to me, but, for example…I like sports, but Disney's All Star Sports Resort is at the bottom of my list. On the flip side, I have never had a great desire to travel to Hawaii, but Disney's Polynesian Resort is my overall favorite. What I love about Walt Disney World is there are an array of choices and each stay can be a completely different experience!

A few things to note:

* Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a Value resort, but only the Little Mermaid section consists of standard rooms. All other sections – Cars, Finding Nemo and Lion King – are comprised of family suites. If you have a family of 4 or less who is considering a Value suite, definitely compare the pricing to somewhere like the Wilderness Lodge in a standard room. This is where amenities vs. room size comes in, you may find the price comparable. That said, Disney's Art of Animation Resort is extremely detailed and offers the biggest pool on Walt Disney World property, along with Cars characters, and even cone cabanas at the Cars pool!

Jeff with Mater, Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Cone Cabanas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort Cars Section

 

Big Blue Pool, Disney's Art of Animation Resort

* Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort refurbished all of their guest rooms last year. My favorite section is Alligator Bayou for the more subtle theming, but many guests love the new Royal Rooms, which do have a higher room rate.

Royal Room, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort

* Don't overlook Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is one of the most unique resorts I've ever been to, and Boma is one of our favorite restaurants on property.

* While Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort was the Moderate resort requested most during my years at the Disney Reservation Center and as a travel agent, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter was very popular with families due to it's intimate size. It is a small resort, with everything just a few minute walk from the rooms – and one bus stop. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is very spread out, and was most requested by couples.

Dragon Slide, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

* The most coveted pool area on property is Stormalong Bay shared by Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

Stormalong Bay, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

* Disney's Grand Floridian Resort has construction happening nearby on the Grand Floridian DVC Villas. It is not a top pick for me this year, but I expect it will be again for 2014.

Choosing the right resort for your family will start your Walt Disney World vacation off to a great start! I recommend Fairy Godmother Travel – I used to work with Teresa and she's very knowledgeable – if you choose a travel agent. They will even help you obtain a discount for your trip! Let them know that Denise from Mousesteps sent you!

Here are some of my Walt Disney World Resort top picks:

Value Resorts – Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort

Lady, Disney's Pop Century Resort

Moderate – Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground

Deluxe – Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Yacht & Beach Club resorts

DVC Resorts – Old Key West (especially for the size of anything above a studio).

This should give you a bit of a start in helping you decide where to stay. It can be challenging to help pick a resort, but the questions above will narrow your resort choices considerably.

I don't always have time to write lengthy articles – we spend quite a bit of time at the parks and resorts. But if you have a request, please let me know!