Hi everyone! My name is Amanda Harris, owner of Magically Ever After Travel. Today I am guest posting about the resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort. WDW has over 20 resort hotels to choose from, in a huge variety of price ranges. As not only a travel agent who specializes in Disney destinations, but also as a former Cast Member, annual pass-holder, and crazy Disney person with more trips under my belt than I can count, I get asked A LOT what my favorite resort is. It’s impossible for me to pick just one, but I did manage to narrow it down to my favorite in each category. Here are my top picks (for my family) in each price category:
Value: Art of Animation
In the value category, we love Art of Animation. We especially like the family suites for the separate bedroom and second bathroom. The standard rooms are adorable too, but they only come in Little Mermaid theme, which wasn’t high on my son’s list. If you have an anti-princess member of your crew, try Pop Century as a plan B.
Why we like it: Price, awesome theming, fantastic pool, best food court on property, doesn’t share a bus with any other resort.
What’s not to love: Standard rooms are SMALL, double beds instead of queens.
Moderate: Port Orleans French Quarter
Our moderate pick is Port Orleans French Quarter. I think it may be one of the most charming resorts on property! Kids love the G-rated Mardi Gras theme and the beignets in the food court are delicious. (It’s no Café du Monde, but it will do.)
Why we like it: Size—it’s the smallest resort, everything is easy get to no matter where your room is, boat to Disney Springs, fun theme.
What’s not to love: No sit down restaurant, shares a bus with Port Orleans Riverside.
Deluxe: Wilderness Lodge
We are hotel people, so the amenities in our resort matter quite a bit to us. We don’t shut down the parks at night, and spend more time than most people in our room. (A consequence of being there as often as we are.) Because of that, we tend to stay deluxe and villa most often. Wilderness Lodge gets our vote as best deluxe resort in the non-villa category. Both boys and girls seem to love this resort equally. It’s luxury but not stuffy. From the welcoming grand fireplace to the quirky Disney-style totem pole that greets you at the sundries shop, this resort doesn’t take itself too seriously. We feel at home when we are there.
Why we like it: Bunk bed rooms!, easy transportation options, great pool, laid back feeling.
What’s not to love: Not on the monorail, can’t sleep five people like most deluxe resorts can
Villas: Bay Lake Tower
Location, location, location. It doesn’t get any more convenient that Bay Lake Tower, the villa side of Contemporary Resort. Bay Lake is the tall round building located closest to Magic Kingdom if you are looking at the front of Contemporary. It houses studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom villas. These units are more like condos than hotel rooms. All except the studios have full kitchens, living/dining rooms, and even a washer/dryer in the unit. If you need space to spread out, and you spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom, it doesn’t get any better than this. We love the sleek décor, amazing views, and easy access to so many things!
Why we like it: Walk to Magic Kingdom, monorail to Epcot, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, tons of restaurants close by, watch fireworks in our jammies.
What’s not to love: Price-they are expensive!, can be hard to find available if you aren’t planning way in advance.
While these are our family favorites, Disney really does have something for everyone! What’s YOUR family favorite?
Mouse Guide To Walt 