WDW Resort Categories

With over 25 different Resort owned by Disney at Walt Disney World, it’s hard to narrow down where to stay!

Three categories

There are three different category of rooms on Disney Property. They will vary in price, proximity, and amenities.

Value- $
Moderate-$$
Deluxe- $$$

Value Resorts

Value resorts look similar to a motel room with the room door located on the outside. They have a simple pool (no slide, splash pad, etc) and basic amenities. The rooms are the smallest (once again think a motel size). They are great for those on a budget or who don’t spend much time at the hotel. There will be a cafeteria type place to eat but no restaurants or bars. The theming is usually big statues of characters or with the theme! Littles love them.

All star music
All star movies
All star sports
Pop Century- Our top choice **
Art of Animation
Fort Wilderness Campground

Moderates

Moderates are honestly a big step up! They have great pools and restaurants on site. Drawback is they are usually quite large! It can take you forever to walk from one end to the other. The rooms are a lot bigger and the beds we have found more comfortable.

Port Orleans Riverside
Port Orleans French Quarter- Our top choice**
Coronado Springs
Caribbean Beach- close second with the skyliner
Cabins at Fort Wilderness

Deluxe

Deluxe are the nicest resorts you can stay at. They generally are the closest to the parks. All of the resorts on the monorail or walking distance to Epcot fall into this category as an example. They also have bigger rooms and the amenities are even nicer than moderate.

Animal Kingdom Lodge- great for resort stays
Boardwalk- great for festivals and walking to Epcot and HS
Contemporary- great location with a short walk to Magic Kingdom
Grand Floridian- has monorail and walkway to Magic Kingdom
Polynesian- great pool and short monorail or boat to Magic Kingdom
Wilderness Lodge- wonderful theming and short boat to Magic Kingdom
Yacht Club and Beach Club- Top choices for pool**
Riviera Resort- Brand new, right on the Skyliner

Villas also considered a Deluxe

Bay Lake ( DVC tower of the Contemporary)
Polynesian
Grand Floridian
Beach Club
Boardwalk
Riviera
Animal Kingdom- Kidani
Animal Kingdom-Jambo
Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek (at Wilderness Lodge)
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs

One of the biggest on site perks for deluxe guest is that they get extended hours in the evenings and are the only people in the parks. Below are detailed posts on extended hours at:

Epcot

Magic Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Other Hotels considered Deluxe:

These resorts are owned by Marriott on Disney property. They get some but not all of the perks of those staying in a Disney owned hotel! Great for those with Marriott status or free night certificates.