How to choose the right Disney Resort

How to Chose a Disney Resort: How in the world do you choose the right Disney resort? There are many factors to consider when deciding what resort to choose for your Disney vacation. I am going to walk you through so things to consider before you make your decision.

Of course for most of us, price is ultimately a factor. So lets set that aside for a minute and consider all the other things that we may want to think about in a resort.

How do you Disney?: How to Chose a Disney Resort

We are big fans of spending at least a bit of time at our resort. Lots or resorts both on and off property have wonderful amenities.  If you are not planning on spending much time in your resort room or at the resort property why spend too much money on your room. Perhaps an off property or value resort will be best for travelers that don’t plan to spend much time at the resort.

Traveling Party

How many people are in your traveling party? Do you need a room that sleeps 2, 3, 5 or more? The size of your party may determine the resort that is right for you. The value resorts are smaller than the other properties and sleep up to four people. Art of Animation resort does have the family suites that will hold more people. There are both moderate and deluxe resorts that offer rooms with a 5^th sleeper, this super cute pull down single bed can be found in a variety of resorts.  If you need a room that will house more people you may need to consider a deluxe resort with villa options or adjoining rooms at another resort.

There is a great opportunity to save on housing if you book an off property time share or vacation rental. The cost of an equivalent time share villa on Disney property can leave you with sticker shock.

Room Amenities

Do you want to be able to fix some meals in your rooms? Do you like to make a cup of coffee before you hit the parks? In our experience the fridges at all Disney resorts, value included, are superior ot in room fridges off property. This does make a difference as we are a family that always eats breakfast in our room. If you would like more kitchen  amenities you need to look at deluxe reports again. Again, Art of Animation suites have a “kitchenette” and the Cabins at Ft Wilderness Campground also have kitchens( minus the oven).

Location, Location, Location: How to Chose a Disney Resort

Do you want to be on the monorail loop? Is boat transportation a must? Walt Disney World is sprawling. What area you want to spend time in can help guide your resort decision. Do you want to be able to walk to Epcot or Hollywood studios? Then the Crescent Lake area may be right for you. Consider the Boardwalk or Beach club for your next trip.  If you plan of spending lots of time at Disney Springs a resort closer to the shopping center may be warranted. Consider Saratoga Springs or Old Key West.

Check out or decision tree below to help narrow down some of your options.

Pools

If you want a resort with a great pool I think its best to avoid the value resorts. Most of the moderate and all the of the Deluxe resorts have great pools with water slides. All of the resorts have pool side activities, some maybe more than others.

Theme

Sometimes you want a fun theme for your hotel. If a themed hotel is on your wish list Disney has you covered. Pick the location or idea that you find relaxing or energizing. South Pacific, Wilderness Retreat , old Florida vibes or just a nice hotel.. Disney really does have you covered with great options.

With so many resort options the choice can be overwhelming. However,  one of the things I love about the variety of hotel choices is the ability for Orlando to feel like many different destinations in one location. When we stay at different resorts the vibe of our tripe changes. Disney is so much more than theme parks. A Disney resort is also a magical place!

How to Chose a Disney Resort: Let us know your favorite resorts below!