Accommodations at Walt Disney World® Resort
With over 25,000 guestrooms, the Walt Disney World® Resort is rich in choices for the deluxe traveler. But what resort is best for you? Let’s try to narrow down the field of possibilities by pinpointing your party’s personality and preferences. Only then should you begin to book your Walt Disney World® vacation.
Those traveling with small children will find themselves spending quite a bit of time at Magic Kingdom® Park. Strongly consider choosing one of the Magic Kingdom Area Resorts where the park is just a short monorail hop away, easily accessible for a quick afternoon nap or a dip in the pool.
Adults traveling without children will probably enjoy being closer to Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. From any of the excellent Epcot Area Resorts, it’s just a short walk or boat ride away from both parks. You’ll also find a world of possibilities in nearby dining and entertainment. Those who enjoy nature and would like to be in a quiet, more isolated hotel should opt for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where hundreds of animals roam just 30 feet from your room balcony, or perhaps Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, surrounded by a pine forest fronting Bay Lake. If the convenience and comfort of a living area and kitchen is appealing, think about one of the Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts located throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort. If you plan on spending several days at Universal Orlando® Resort with perhaps a visit to SeaWorld® or Discovery Cove®, book three or four nights at one of the hotels near Universal and then afterward move to a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel.
Also consider room type preferences. Is a view of the water or pool important? Or would you rather pay less and have a view of the resort’s gardens? Will a standard room be all that you need or should you consider one on the concierge level or maybe even a suite? Of course, budget, together with how much time will be spent in your room, are major considerations and will play a large part in your decision. If hanging out at your resort sounds appealing, the concierge rooms are a smart idea at about $125-150 more per day, per room. These accommodations, located on a keyed-access floor, come with the use of a private lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, snacks throughout the day, before-dinner hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and late evening cordials and desserts. This in addition to private registration and check-out and the assistance of a concierge staff ready to assist you with dinner reservations, special dinner shows, or anything else within their power. Definitely a nice plus to your vacation. Suites in each of the deluxe resorts come in virtually all shapes and sizes, some as large as 2,000 or more square feet, certainly the most luxurious option if your pocketbook allows.
Would you rather stay within the Walt Disney World® Resort or do you prefer an off-property location? Staying on property certainly has its pluses. In addition to the many benefits, consider the ease of transportation. Parents of teens can allow them time on their own without worrying about their every move. And teens will love the freedom of hopping aboard the monorail or a Disney motor coach to tour the parks without parents. Those with small children will be close enough to head back from the parks for an afternoon nap.
Although 22 resorts are owned and operated by Disney, only those meeting the standard of superior first class or deluxe have been considered for review in The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World® Resort. All have attractive guestrooms, landscaped grounds of sheer artistry, exceptional service, top-notch recreational facilities and services, and, with the exclusion of some of Disney’s Deluxe Villa Resorts, at least one excellent restaurant if not two or three. And all offer Disney’s special touch.
Benefits of staying on property at the Walt Disney World® Resort
- Complimentary and convenient Disney transportation by monorail, motor coach, ferryboat, and water taxi.
- Complimentary parking at Disney theme parks.
- Easy access to the parks, making midday breaks and naps possible, plus allowing parties to effortlessly split up midday to go their independent ways.
- Charge privileges utilizing your resort identification cards (a credit card imprint must be left at the registration desk) for purchases throughout Disney.*
- Guaranteed park admission to Disney’s theme parks, particularly important during busy holiday periods when filled to capacity parks often close to non-Disney resort guests.
- Disney’s Magical Express Transportation, a complimentary roundtrip airport transportation and baggage delivery service.*
- Extra Magic Hours Benefit whereby one of Disney’s theme parks opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours later after regular park hours with many but not all attractions open. This is exclusively for Disney resort guests.
- Package delivery from anywhere on property directly to your hotel.
- Access to Disney’s childcare facilities. This is exclusively available to Disney resort guests.
- The magic of Disney 24 hours a day.
* This benefit is not available to guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.
