5 Key Differences Between the Disney World Resorts
If you’ve done any Disney World research you may have noticed Disney World has different tiers to their Resorts. If you’re looking to better understand the difference between Disney World Resorts and how they’re classified, this post can help!
If you want to know what the perks of staying on Disney World Property are, check out this post!
Value
Resorts
All-Star Sports, All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, Pop Century, and Art of Animation
Price
Value resorts are the cheapest on property. Most range from $200-$250/night. (Disney often runs deals, so it’s possible to get one of these rooms even cheaper than this. Find the latest deals on the Special Offers page.)
Location
These resorts are a little more removed from the parks, which means your primary transportation option is going to be a bus. However, Pop Century and Art of Animation are also connected to the Disney Skyliner, so you can use that to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
These hotel buildings are also much closer together, which I personally like. It makes it pretty easy to walk to the main building no matter where your room is.
Dining Options
These dining options are the most limited. There aren’t any table service restaurants. Instead, you’ll find counter service/cafeteria style dining.
Theming
These resorts tend to be the loudest and more in-your-face with the theming. These resorts are bright and colorful. If you’re looking to stay some place that’s very Disney, these are the resorts for you!
The pools here are plenty fun, though not as elaborate as the moderate and deluxe pools. The main pools at each resort often have a small water feature.
Moderate
Resorts
Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans – Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter
Price
Moderate resorts are, in fact, the most moderately priced. They typically range from $300-$400/night. (And just like the value resorts, you can often get these cheaper with a deal. Just check the Special Offers page before you book.)
Location
These resorts are typically closer to at least one of the parks than the value resorts, but not quite as close as the Deluxe resort. Basically, you can’t walk to a park, but your bus ride may be shorter.
While these resorts are typically closer to 1-2 parks, they’re more spread out. The value resorts typically have one stop for the Disney Transportation buses because all the buildings are close enough together.
But the moderate resorts have multiple stops before they even leave the resort. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth noting.
Caribbean Beach is also connected to the Skyliner, which will get you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Dining Options
These resorts also offer quick services dining, but you’re also more likely to find at least one table service restaurant, and a lounge and/or pool bar.
Theming
The theming at these resorts is typically more sophisticated than the value resorts. While there are definitely touches of Disney throughout, it’s much less overt (with the exception of some specialty rooms.)
The pools here are a step up from the value resorts with all of the moderate resorts having a slide in their main pool. They also often have some more elaborate water features.
If you’re not planning on spending too much time at your resort/the pool, this probably isn’t a big deal. But if you are, then it’s important to know that while you can visit other resorts and participate in many of their activities, you can’t use their pool.
So if a fun and interesting pool is important to you, you’ll likely want a moderate or deluxe resort.
Deluxe
Resorts
Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, The Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, Old Key West, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs, and Wilderness Lodge
Price
These are going to be the most expensive rooms on property. Rooms start at $500 and can go beyond $1,000. (But again, you can often get these rooms for less through Disney Special Offers. You can also rent Disney Vacation Club points for less.)
Location
These resorts are closest to the parks and many are walkable to at least one prime Disney World location.
They also offer the most diverse Disney Transportation options, which include the monorail, boat, Skyliner, and bus. Every Resort doesn’t all of the options, but most have more than one.
Dining Options
These resorts offer the most sophisticated dining options including at least one table service, but also lounges and quick serve spots. At least one of these restaurants has a Michelin Star, so if you’re looking for high quality food at your hotel, Deluxe resorts may be a good option.
Theming
The theming here is more ornate. You’ll see noticeably more luxury and culture at these locations, with some Disney touches sprinkled throughout.
The pools at deluxe resorts are even more over the top than the moderate ones. They also all have slides, but usually include more elaborate water features.
The most extreme example is the Beach and Yacht Club, which share Stormalong Bay. This is basically a water part in between the two resorts.
If you’re not planning on spending much time at your resort, this might not be worth the expense, but if you are thinking of spending a day or two hanging out at your resort and pool, this is definitely something to think about.
What’s most important for you when choosing a Disney World hotel?