There are many perks to staying at a Walt Disney World resort. Guests staying in the Orlando park have access to the Disney Dining Plan, free transportation, Extra Magic Hours and more. And because of the wide price ranges, you don’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a deal or dreaming of a luxury getaway, there’s a Disney resort for you.
Budget
Stay: Disney’s value resorts, like Pop Century and the All-Star collection, have everything one could need, from a cafeteria to a huge pool. Art of Animation is Disney’s newest value resort; rooms are modeled after Disney movies, like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King.” It’s the perfect place for a young family.
Do: Enjoy the huge sculptures of iconic moments from Disney movies, like Simba, Timon and Pumbaa singing “Hakuna Matata” while walking across a gigantic log. Want to cool off? Play in the largest hotel pool of any Disney resort – the Big Blue Pool, inspired by “Finding Nemo.”
Dine: Landscape of Flavors is the best budget cafeteria at any Disney resort, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner amid a colorful atmosphere of Disney concept art. It’s a great place to grab a bite before a day in the parks. If you’re looking for a drink, head on over to The Drop Off – a Nemo-themed outdoor bar.
Mid-Range
Stay: Disney’s moderate resorts offer a step up. The Port Orleans Resort (split into two wings: Riverside and French Quarter) is the perfect place to stay on a moderate budget. Lush, Louisiana-
inspired decor will transport you and your family straight to New Orleans.
Do: There’s always something to do at Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, play in one of the many pools or go to a Cajun campfire at nightfall. Take part in the paint classes, offered every Wednesday by a Disney instructor.
Dine: You can enjoy live jazz in Scat Cat’s Club in the French Quarter. At Riverside, Boatwright’s Dining Hall serves Louisiana comfort food like jambalaya, catfish, grits and slow-roasted prime rib. Afterward, head on over to River Roost Lounge for a rollicking cabaret act.
Luxury
Stay: The Wilderness Lodge’s lobby is cavernous with exposed log beams, giant totem poles and an indoor geyser, plus, the Magic Kingdom is a short boat ride away. The Grand Floridian has beautiful Victorian finishes and a glut of deluxe amenities.
Do: Both resorts offer boat rentals and fishing in the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and have unique pools and great views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The Grand Floridian offers specialty cruises and is home to Disney’s Senses Spa.
Dine: The Wilderness Lodge’s Whispering Canyon Cafe has an Old West-theme and buckets of food (it’s all-you-care-to-eat). The Grand Floridian’s claim to fame is Victoria and Albert’s. It’s the only Disney restaurant with a AAA Five Diamond Rating.
What are your go-to’s at Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
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