How to Choose the Right Walt Disney World® Resort for You and Your Family
- Nerissa Palomar
- Sep 1, 2025
- 5 min read
A First-Timer’s Guide to Understanding Walt Disney World Resort Categories and Finding Your Family’s Perfect Match.
Are you planning your first trip to Walt Disney World® Resort? One of the most exciting and, sometimes, most overwhelming decisions you’ll make is where to stay.
With more than 25 Walt Disney World Resort hotels, each with its own style, location, and perks, it can feel like there are too many choices. But don’t worry, by the end of this guide, you’ll understand the different types of resorts, what makes each special, and how to choose the one that fits your family’s budget, travel style, and priorities.
Table of Contents
Why Stay at a Disney Resort?
You could stay off-site, but if this is your first visit, being right in the middle of the magic has its advantages:
Complimentary transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs® by bus, boat, monorail, or Disney Skyliner®.
Early Theme Park Entry gives you a head start on the most popular rides.
Theming that never ends. Every resort is an extension of the Disney story.
Close to the fun: save on travel time and spend more of your day making memories.
Extra perks like earlier access to Lightning Lane entry selections for certain attractions.
When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, your vacation feels smoother, more immersive, and truly stress-free.
Resort Categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe
Disney Resort hotels are grouped into three main categories:
Value Resorts: Fun themes and the most budget-friendly pricing.
Moderate Resorts: A balance of comfort, space, and amenities.
Deluxe Resorts: Upscale accommodations, prime park locations, and the most perks.
Value Resorts: Budget-Friendly and Fun
Perfect for: Families watching their budget, first-time visitors, or those planning to spend most of their time in the parks.
What You’ll Find:
Bright, playful theming with oversized Disney details.
Smaller rooms (sleep 4–6 guests).
Basic but fun pools, quick-service dining, and easy transportation.
Lower nightly rates.
Popular Choices:
Disney’s Pop Century Resort: A colorful tribute to the decades from the 1950s to the 1990s, with Disney Skyliner access.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Family suites themed after Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King.
Disney’s All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, Sports): Fun, budget-friendly, and perfect for park-focused trips.
Why Families Love Them: They’re vibrant, energetic, and easy on the wallet, which means more budget for park snacks, souvenirs, or a special tour.
Moderate Resorts: A Balance of Comfort and Cost
Perfect for: Families who want more space, beautiful theming, and extra amenities without stepping up to Deluxe pricing.
What You’ll Find:
Larger rooms with enhanced décor.
Quick-service and table-service dining options.
Themed pools with water slides.
Relaxing landscapes and walking paths.
Popular Choices:
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Tropical island vibes, a sprawling pool, and Disney Skyliner access.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Riverside & French Quarter: Southern charm with boat transportation to Disney Springs.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: A Spanish-inspired design with a resort feel that blends leisure and business travel.
Why Families Love Them: They offer a quieter atmosphere than Value Resorts, with more amenities to enjoy during resort days.
Deluxe Resorts: Luxury, Location, and Extra Perks
Perfect for: Families celebrating a special occasion, traveling with little ones who need midday breaks, or wanting maximum comfort and convenience.
What You’ll Find:
Spacious, beautifully themed rooms.
Signature dining and unique character dining experiences.
Resort activities and recreational options.
Prime park access: some are just steps away.
Popular Choices:
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Walk to Magic Kingdom® Park, with the monorail gliding right through the lobby.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Tropical theming and dreamy views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Elegant Victorian design with luxurious touches.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A one-of-a-kind safari experience with animals roaming outside your balcony.
Why Families Love Them: They make everything easy, from getting to the parks quickly to enjoying downtime in style.
Other Options: Villas and Campgrounds
Disney Deluxe Villas: Perfect for larger families or longer stays, with options like kitchens, living rooms, and multiple bedrooms. Examples:
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Offers cozy cabins and campsites in a peaceful, wooded setting, ideal for families who love the outdoors.
How to Choose the Best Resort for Your Family
Here’s how I help families decide:
On a tight budget? Value Resorts are perfect.
Want resort time to relax and play? Go for a Moderate.
Need the ultimate convenience? Deluxe will give you the closest locations and the most perks.
Also consider:
Traveling with young kids? Magic Kingdom-area resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian) make naps and early nights much easier.
Which park matters most to you?
Magic Kingdom: Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary
EPCOT & Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk, Caribbean Beach
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Animal Kingdom Lodge
Final Thoughts
Choosing a Walt Disney World Resort doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you know your budget, travel style, and which perks matter most to you, the decision becomes part of the fun. And remember, there’s truly no wrong choice. Every Disney Resort offers magic in its own way.
Need Help?
At Visioneri Travels, we match your family to the perfect Walt Disney World Resort and help plan the rest of your vacation, so you can relax and enjoy the magic.
Schedule your complimentary consultation here, and let’s start planning your dream Disney vacation.
FAQ: First-Time Walt Disney World® Resort Tips
Q: Do Walt Disney World Resort hotels include park tickets?
A: Park tickets are sold separately, but you can bundle them into a vacation package for convenience.
Q: What’s the best Disney Resort for toddlers?
A: Many families choose Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for their playful theming and close proximity to Magic Kingdom Park.
Q: Can I bring food to my resort?
A: Yes! All rooms have a mini-refrigerator, and you can bring your own snacks or meals. Villas and suites may also have kitchens.
Q: Is transportation to the parks included?
A: Yes, Disney Resort guests enjoy complimentary transportation to all theme parks and Disney Springs.
Q: When should I book my stay?
A: As early as possible, especially if you have specific resorts or dates in mind. Popular resorts fill quickly during school breaks and holidays.
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