Should You Stay at a Disney Resort?
When planning a Disneyworld vacation, the first big decision is where to stay. Although there are situations that may warrant staying off-property, staying at a Disney resort comes with a number of perks that will save you time and money. Guests at these hotels will receive complimentary transportation to and from the Orlando airport as well as within Disneyworld by bus, boat, monorail, or gondola, early entry into Disney parks, early FastPass reservation windows, the option of purchasing the Disney dining plan, complimentary magic bands, and much more.
There are so many amazing hotels at Disneyworld at every price point that choosing one is not easy. There are three categories of hotels: deluxe, moderate, and value. I’ve stayed at resorts in all three categories, and although I enjoyed all of them, today I’m recommending my favorites.
Deluxe Resorts
Top Choice: Guests won’t go wrong with any of the deluxe resorts, but my favorite is the Polynesian Village Resort. The theming will whisk you away to the South Pacific. The lush grounds and beautiful interior will make you feel like you’re on a Hawaiian vacation; but you’re actually only a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. With some of the most popular restaurants and an amazing Lava Pool with a waterslide and water play area, you’ll want to be sure to block off time to enjoy the resort. For even more magic, choose a room with a theme park view.
Honorable Mention: The Wilderness Lodge, inspired by the national parks, has a breathtaking lobby with an 82-foot stone fireplace. Although it’s not on the monorail, it’s only a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.
Moderate Resorts
Top Choice: Caribbean Beach Resort is a bright, colorful resort that has been recently refurbished. Although the villages that surround the Barefoot Bay Lake are very spread out, selecting a “preferred” room will guarantee guests a location close to food, shopping, and check-in. Caribbean Beach has just recently moved to the top of my list with the addition of the SkyLiner gondolas, which allow guests to travel quickly to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Honorable Mention: Coronado Springs Resort has some of the nicest moderate rooms, giving them the feel of a deluxe hotel.
Value Resorts
Top Choice: Art of Animation Resort is a highly-themed hotel that includes both standard rooms as well as family suites. These are a great option for a family or larger group, especially since the family suites include a kitchenette, two rooms, and two bathrooms. The pool and buildings are themed to either Cars, Lion King, Little Mermaid, or Finding Nemo. The fact that Art of Animation is within walking distance of the SkyLiner makes it an easy choice.
Honorable Mention: Pop Century has newly-renovated rooms and is also walking distance from the SkyLiner.
Whichever resort you choose, you’ll enjoy a vacation completely immersed in the magic of Disney. Disney currently has discounts on all their resort hotels most nights January 1 through April 25, 2020. Email me at shannon@vacationsbyshannon.com for free Disney vacation planning!
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