It pays to really work this one out. Value resorts are cheaper but would a moderate give you more of what you're looking for, or are those deluxe perks really worth it?

Does Yacht Club float your boat or does a giant Dalmatian take the biscuit? So many choices for every taste and budget, it be hard to decide between each hotel level and location. There’s always some trade off but let’s see if you can make sense of it for you and give you food for thought.

Kidani Village hotel lobby at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — **Kidani Village lobby at Animal Kingdom Lodge (Deluxe)**

Value

These are big bright resorts with lots of Disney theming. Huge food courts - like a big canteen in style. Here you can pick food, collect it, then pay - find a table and eat!

Choices are better than before and Disney have got options for healthier foods - If you really love to eat as healthily as possible, find our quick guide to health eating at Walt Disney World HERE.

The cheapest places to eat on site are at value resorts - if you’re on a strict budget (as most of us are) then Value resorts offer the best value vs convenience balance that you’re going to get by staying on-site (on Disney property). They tend to be large and busy, going heavy on the theming and full on Disney.

During our resort hoping we ate at the quick service in Art of Animation - the theming of the hotel itself was fantastic, just look at the art work below all across the hotel lobby - it really is where Disney excels. However, the quick service was extremely busy and very, very noisy - to be expected really, it’s Disney and everyone is having fun. However, this is not for everyone and if you prefer to have a quieter meal and an escape from the in your face Disney theming after a long day in the parks, Value resorts may not be for you.

In the Value range you have Art of Animation (A of A), a Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King and Little Mermaid themed resort with Skyliner access (click here for our Disney Transport blog), the largest pool on property and the option of family suites that sleep up to 6.

Then you have Pop Century - sits across hourglass lake from A of A and shares access to the Skyliner. This is a trip through the decades of pop from the 50s to the 90s with Ribik’s Cube, Play-Doh and giant version of table football.

Next is All-Star resorts - Movies gives you larger than life decor with 101 Dalmatians and Toy Story (Andy’s Room) themes and a fantasia themed pool. Some of this hotel including pool have planned renovations in 2024 and 2025 so you should check whether this would impact your holiday.

On the other hand All-Star Sports with sporty decor and football, tennis baseball themes, pool and food court.

These resorts are similar in design and layout the only thing that really changes is the theme / decor and location. They’re a great budget friendly option for on-site convenience and access to Disney transport and whilst we enjoyed the theming and style, it was too in your face for us after long park days.

Moderate

Moderate resorts offer a balance between value and deluxe - you can tell in the style and theme of the hotels there’s a move away from the in your face theming with things more subtly done and there’s a step up in quality. If this fits your plans then at the right price point it could beat a Value resort on value for money.

In the moderate hotel range you have Caribbean Beach, with vibrant colours and landscapes of Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique and more. It’s a melt away your troubles at a leisurely place kind of resort but it’s large, very large. That might not be a problem, of you but one thing to consider is bus routes / drop off. Busy times can mean packed busses and for your party, is it feasible to walk around the resort to the main building for example? For many it’s not an issue but it is something to consider. There’s a pool and slide and access to the Skyliner but this is the Skyliner hub where many change to go in other directions - it' will be busy.

Port Orleans French 1/4

The New Orleans vibe with Mardi Gras and jazz - this moderate resort with wrought iron balconies and magnolia blossoms is one of the smaller resorts, with a cosy feel.

Pool, Scat Cat club and horse drawn carriage rides offer yet another different resort choice. Topped off with Mickey Shaped beignets that everyone must have - this could be a resort for you. It’s in the moderate range and some of the rooms form May to November 2024 are being refurbished.

Alternatively you can stay at Port Orleans Riverside which offers the same level but where the bayou beckons with cajun and creole themes. Of course you have a pool with waterslide and the usual food options but you also have Ol Man Island based on the sorry of Tom Sawyer. There’s not a renowned or popular restaurant housed but this hotel so if you’re looking for a Topolino’s or Chef Mickey’s then look elsewhere.

Coronado Spring Resort & Spa

Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American with a Gaudi esk Barcelona lounge, this moderate had the feel of a moderate+ (if they existed) - Officially it’s a moderate hotel but it nestles nicely between moderate and deluxe in our option. It’s modern, stylish with traditional notes and a massive Mayan inspired pool. The food follows the same feel so if you like Tapas, Steak & Seafood, Toledo might be a big draw for an on-site meal. You’ll pay more to stay in the tower but for some it may be worth it - or maybe you’ll prefer a water view away from the main area? You’ll get bus transportation here which may be limiting if you’d prefer to have other options. However, if you’re feeling flush you could always order a Minnie Van and you can read our review of that service, HERE.

Deluxe

Saratoga Springs

We stayed two weeks at Saratoga Springs and loved every minute. It was elegant, tranquil and had, I’m sure you’ll agree, fantastic views - imagine that view with a morning cup of coffee and maybe a cheeky biscuit. Please take us back!

Although Deluxe it’s still large but not as big as some of the others. We asked for the Grandstand location and got it - simply for the bus pick up route and proximity to the main building.

Each area at Saratoga has its own pool and laundry facilities - the balcony was a lovely option to get fresh air as opposed to air con. It’s also a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort so rooms are some of the largest you’ll find on Disney property.

The quick service was relatively small and nicely themed but could have done with a few healthier options for us. The on-site shop had everything from medical supplies, to merch. We loved the boat transportation option to Disney Springs. To be honest, it would be hard to top for the experience we had but our visits to other hotels have made us put a few other’s in the mix.

Wilderness Lodge

Natural Park Wilderness meets America’s great north west. This hotel was a real stunner and is the home of Geyser Pointe and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White - if you’d like to see our review of character dining with Snow White - click here.

There are two pools here, Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge and you have the choice of rooms & suites or villas and lodges. It comes with deluxe perks, a roaring fire place and rocking chairs - I bet this is an amazing place to stay at Christmas - it’s one of those hotels that would house the best Christmas tree. Geyser Point Bar & Grill offers stunning lake views with plenty of seating and typical bar & grill food. Otherwise there’s the old west themed all you can eat Whispering Canyon Cafe and Roaring Fork quick service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We were really impressed with the hotel, the feel and theming - great dining options and there are balconies for fresh air and views.

Yacht & Beach Club

Nautical meets beech with sandy bottomed pools. One is more formal (Yacht), the other more relaxed. One has juliette style balconies (beach), the other does not. Either way these are neighbouring hotels that offer a great location if Epcot is your bag as it’s walking distance or you can enjoy a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. Eating at Ale & Compass in Yacht club and grabbing a pre-dinner drink at (bar name) really gave us a good feel for Yacht Club. It was elegant and traditional with navy and gold colours brining a rich feel - very nice! Beach Club was a little more pastel shades and chilled vibes. Either of these hotels offer great access to Epcot and deluxe amenities but both have options of well rated hotel restaurants and Stormalong Bay is often regarded as the best pool on property. Read our review of Ale & Compass here.

Note - January to May 2025 will see refurbishment of some rooms at Yacht Club.

The Polynesian

Tropical South Pacific meets Stitch - one of the character meals we just couldn’t get. Maybe next time. The hotel lobby was really loud and on reflection we were a little bit tired when looking around the Poly so it didn’t make the greatest of impressions on us. In fact we were a little underwhelmed with it. However, many rave about it so let’s look at some of the amenities and eateries on offer at this deluxe hotel.

This hotel is currently undergoing construction so check before you book if you’ll be affected.

Animal Kingdom

One of the cheaper deluxe resorts these days but it’s African theme, Savannah views and restaurant options make this a great option. It’s well themed and an escape from the craze of the parks. The giraffes are just stunning and if you book a savannah view room we don’t think you’d be dissappointed. It feels a little further out than other resorts and mainly uses bus transportation but never the less, it makes up for it in other ways.

With Jiko, Boma, Sanaa, and more, you really are spoiled for choice here. We ate at Sanaa so read that review here to give you a flavour of what could be on your doorstep. Aside from that, there’s pools, campfire activities and movies under the stars (also offered at other resorts) and a massage and fitness centre.

We have seen this hotel offered at some great prices for late deals so at the right price it could be a steal for a deluxe hotel if your budget goes that far.

Riviera Resort

France meets Italy at Disney’s Riviera Resort - two of Walt’s favourite places to holiday. Elegant and stylish, a beautiful resort addition to Disney’s on-site property. However, the rooms are some of the smallest on property and it’s very expensive so compared to other deluxe resorts, are you prepared to shell out? For some people yes, others no but what are you getting here? Well you have Topolino’s in the hotel - a great character experience (although on our visit a few issues - read that review here) and open for dinner on an evening with an extremely tempting menu. We’d love to try Topolino’s at night for the views and the menu.

To get around you do have access to the Skyliner but this comes with a quirk - click here to read our Disney transportation guide to find out why!

Riva is the open-air pool bar serving drinks snacks and coffee and La Boutique is the on-site store selling Riviera themed merch, good, groceries and snacks.

Modern, classic and European are the words that spring to mind - once inside, the hotel feels rich - like St Tropez or the Italian Riviera. The outside lined with palm trees with beautiful gardens and fountains. It’s a very nice resort and has a lot going for it but it is pricey and doesn’t have the space something like Saratoga or Wilderness lodge offers.

The Contemporary

Home to Chef Mickey’s and the Monorail passing through, the Contemporary resort is certainly striking. Newly refurbished rooms and tower, allegedly one of the best resort shops for merch and a walkway to Magic Kingdom give this hotel a big thumbs up. But, it’s noisy - there’s a lot of through traffic, the monorail going in and out, it’s a conference resort and so on.

We loved the design and decor of the hotel - Chef Mickey’s we really enjoyed (read the review here) We found some great merch in the shops and found the ease of getting to Magic Kingdom a real plus. Steak House 71 is also in the hotel so a nice option for dinner especially if you’re tired and want a good meal without going anywhere.

The Grand Floridian

The G Flo is the flagship resort and monorail resort which is newly refurbished. It’s elegant, timeless and actually less stuffy than we expected. Gaspirialla Grill is a top quick service restaurant and this hotel is also home to Narcoossees’ - an American / seafood fine dining restaurant, Enchanted Rose bar and a grand piano in the lobby. Oh and how can we forget the ginger bread house at Christmas?

It’s expensive, formal and although beautiful, not to everyone’s liking. We loved the decor, the elegance and sheer beauty but in our opinion, some of the other hotels would suit our current needs more than this one. However, it’s well worth a stop, maybe a bite to eat or a drink and a nosey around. If you want to break the bank there’s always Victoria and Albert’s - a high end, fine dining experience with prices to match - over 10s can even have zero proof pairings.

Don’t miss the photo pass opportunity with the glass slipper - a real nice one especially if you have kids.

Things in common for all levels of hotel.

All resorts have a shop, quick service and pool. Features and services of those depend on hotel level. All come with Disney service and theming - the level of theming gets less bright and more relaxed as you go from Value to Moderate to Deluxe. All have a variety of Disney transport options. So in order we think the choice comes down to

1) Budget - it dictates everything

2) Needs / wants from a hotel - some like to hit the parks all day and spend little time in resort so are happy with Value. Others take a day off here and there, spend time in resort and want more amenities / comforts.

3) Personal choice - do you like the Pop of Pop Century, the Gaudi style Barcelona Coronado or the African Plains of Animal Knidgom - it really is so personal.

Would we stay Deluxe again?

Absolutely but we’d also consider the Value and Moderate resorts depending on length of stay, itinerary and price point. For a Moderate resort Coronado looks the best option - in our opinion it’s modern, more like deluxe but at a better price point and has a lovely feel to it. If Value we’d probably go for Pop Century due to the recent refurb and Skyliner access.

However, at the right price point Deluxe gives you more for your dollar - it’s the best you’re going to get of Disney property and has all the facilities, comforts and extras you need to make the magic even more magical. We loved the tranquility of Saratoga Springs, proximity to Disney Springs for food and shopping as well as the on-site facilities but the Grand Floridian had a far superior quick service in Gaspirilla Grill.

It’s all horses for courses really and there’s no one size fits all - everyone wants something different from their on-site Disney stay and we must say this is where Disney offers the right range and options. Hopefully this guide has helped you think of things to consider when picking your hotel. Whatever you choose, we’re sure you’ll have great time.

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On-site resort choice at Walt Disney World Florida by Team Five Travels