If you are thinking about a visit to Walt Disney World in Orlando, then this is the perfect place to begin! There are so many different options for every single type of family vacation, (or honeymoon!), and for all budgets. Often, the biggest determining factors tend to be for how long, and where to stay. The many extra benefits of staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort far outweighs the cost savings of staying onsite and sometimes the difference can be minimal, if you factor in all the extra time and costs that are levied when you stay offsite.
Regardless of your budget for your Walt Disney World vacation and your personal preferences and style, there is an onsite Disney resort available that you can choose to immerse yourself in the world of Disney that is completely within your grasp. With a variety of choices ranging from value, moderate and deluxe prices with an assortment of themes, there is a Disney resort for you to experience! Especially for first time visitors, there is nothing more magical than staying onsite to immerse yourself in the world of Disney, the way Walt Disney originally envisioned. Not convinced about staying onsite yet? Read more about the benefits of staying onsite here.
With promotions available throughout the year, there will be many opportunities to stay onsite. Stay in touch with me and I can update you on any upcoming promotions or be on the look out for any deals related to your trip. The "Free Dining" Promotion is definitely one of the most popular promotions each year and I can tell you from firsthand experience that it is worth scheduling your vacation during a promotion to give you maximum opportunities to enjoy the convenience and high end luxurious dining experiences that you may overlook. To begin your Disney World vacation, we only require a $200 USD deposit to hold your reservation and the final payment is not due until 30 days before your arrival date. You can make as many revisions to your reservation before final payment date without any additional cost or fees. Plus, if a promotion becomes available, we can apply any promotions offered if they fall within your travel dates or we can change your travel dates to the applicable dates to take advantage of the Disney promotions!
Here is an overall map of Walt Disney World and the onsite hotels. I've highlighted the hotels that I visited so you can see the location and proximity to the parks.
With promotions available throughout the year, there will be many opportunities to stay onsite. Stay in touch with me and I can update you on any upcoming promotions or be on the look out for any deals related to your trip. The "Free Dining" Promotion is definitely one of the most popular promotions each year and I can tell you from firsthand experience that it is worth scheduling your vacation during a promotion to give you maximum opportunities to enjoy the convenience and high end luxurious dining experiences that you may overlook. To begin your Disney World vacation, we only require a $200 USD deposit to hold your reservation and the final payment is not due until 30 days before your arrival date. You can make as many revisions to your reservation before final payment date without any additional cost or fees. Plus, if a promotion becomes available, we can apply any promotions offered if they fall within your travel dates or we can change your travel dates to the applicable dates to take advantage of the Disney promotions!
Here is an overall map of Walt Disney World and the onsite hotels. I've highlighted the hotels that I visited so you can see the location and proximity to the parks.
Map of Walt Disney World
VALUE RESORTS
The value resorts offer affordable and comfortable accommodations and are ideal for families who are budget conscious but want to stay onsite and take advantage of the benefits of staying onsite. Perfect for those who want to maximize their time in the parks while having a comfortable and convenient place to stay onsite, there are currently five value resorts that families can choose from. The value resorts are also an excellent choice for younger families who enjoy the over-the-top theming of the resorts that young kids may enjoy!
ALL STAR SPORTS, ALL STAR MUSIC and ALL STAR MOVIES resorts are located in the Animal Kingdom area, and are located the furthest away from the three other parks (Magic, Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot). The All Star Resorts comprise of total of 5264 rooms and 260 suites, and most rooms can accommodate up to four guests in a room plus a child under the age of 3. A limited number of family suites at the All Star Music Resorts can accommodate up to six guests. The resorts offer food court quick service dining options, but do not have a sit down table service restaurant onsite. Each resort also includes 2 pools and a children's pool but pools do not have waterslides. The All Star Resorts are all very similar and comparable and the only difference is the theming between them. The three resorts share a bus for direct transportation to the parks and Disney Springs.
The other two resorts, Pop Century and Art of Animation are "sister" resorts connected together by a pedestrian walkway bridge, in the Hollywood Studios area.
POP CENTURY takes you back in time into your favourite memories of the biggest hits of 20th century pop culture and celebrates the fashion, the catch phrases, toys and all favourites of pop culture during that time. Building sections are grouped into the 90's, the 80's, 70's, 60's and 50's, each celebrating the favourites of that decade.
ALL STAR SPORTS, ALL STAR MUSIC and ALL STAR MOVIES resorts are located in the Animal Kingdom area, and are located the furthest away from the three other parks (Magic, Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot). The All Star Resorts comprise of total of 5264 rooms and 260 suites, and most rooms can accommodate up to four guests in a room plus a child under the age of 3. A limited number of family suites at the All Star Music Resorts can accommodate up to six guests. The resorts offer food court quick service dining options, but do not have a sit down table service restaurant onsite. Each resort also includes 2 pools and a children's pool but pools do not have waterslides. The All Star Resorts are all very similar and comparable and the only difference is the theming between them. The three resorts share a bus for direct transportation to the parks and Disney Springs.
The other two resorts, Pop Century and Art of Animation are "sister" resorts connected together by a pedestrian walkway bridge, in the Hollywood Studios area.
POP CENTURY takes you back in time into your favourite memories of the biggest hits of 20th century pop culture and celebrates the fashion, the catch phrases, toys and all favourites of pop culture during that time. Building sections are grouped into the 90's, the 80's, 70's, 60's and 50's, each celebrating the favourites of that decade.
Hippy Dippy Pool at Pop Century Resort
With a quick walk over this bridge will take you to Art of Animation!
ART OF ANIMATION is newest value resort that opened and is a "sister" resort to Pop Century so guests can visit either resort with a quick walk overrate bridge that connects the two resorts. Art of Animation immerses guests into the world of Pixar and makes them feel like a character in favourite Disney and Pixar movies, including The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Lion King and Finding Nemo. The Little Mermaid suites are standard rooms with double beds that can sleep up to four. The Family Suites at Cars, Lion King and Finding Nemo can sleep up to size in a room, and offer three sleeping areas, two bathrooms and a kitchenette.
Art of Animation outside entrance
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MODERATE RESORTS
The moderate resorts at Walt Disney World offer lush themes that provide comfort, modern amenities, understated and stylish accommodations.
CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT
We stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort, which is one of the most popular resorts to stay at, not to mention one of the the largest spanning over 200 acres. The resort in located in the Epcot area, making it fairly centrally located and easy to visit both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The resort has 2109 rooms spanning six different Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Aruba, Trinidad North and South, Barbados and Martinique that are all accessible via an internal resort shuttle to and from your rooms and the main pool and food court area. Standard rooms can accommodate up to four guests but the real fun of Caribbean Beach are the pirate rooms! Upgrade to a pirate room where your stay becomes a swashbuckling adventure!
We stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort, which is one of the most popular resorts to stay at, not to mention one of the the largest spanning over 200 acres. The resort in located in the Epcot area, making it fairly centrally located and easy to visit both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The resort has 2109 rooms spanning six different Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Aruba, Trinidad North and South, Barbados and Martinique that are all accessible via an internal resort shuttle to and from your rooms and the main pool and food court area. Standard rooms can accommodate up to four guests but the real fun of Caribbean Beach are the pirate rooms! Upgrade to a pirate room where your stay becomes a swashbuckling adventure!
Pirate rooms
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Old Port Royale - food court, shops and main pool area
Seven heated pools are available for your swimming enjoyment. The private pool areas are open 24 hours but do not have lifeguards on duty. The main pool, Fuentes del Morro Pool includes a swashbuckling themed Spanish fortress with two waterslides, hot tub and kiddie pool area.
 Fuentes del Morro Pool area |  Kiddie pool area |
CORONADO SPRINGS takes you to colonial Spain, Mexico and New Mexico and offers a tranquil lakeside destination vacation. Enjoy the beauty, fantasy and unique cultural elements at Coronado Springs. Located in the Animal Kingdom area, it is also fairly centrally located to all the parks. The onsite restaurant, Maya Grill specializes in wood grilled steaks and seafood, while quick service offerings are available at the Pepper Market Food Court and Cafe Rix by Rix Lounge. The resort includes four heated pools, including The Lost Coty of Cibola Pool with a Jaguar Pool slide and an archaeological themed Mayan Dig Site playground.
Coronado Springs lobby
Tranquility along the lake
 The Lost City of Cibola Pool |  The Lost City of Cibola Pool |
Two queen beds (or one king size bed) to accommodate up to four guests
PORT ORLEANS
Classic Southern comfort is what you will find at the Port Orleans Resorts, a combination of sister resorts, French Quarter and Riverside. French Quarter recreates the historic district of New Orleans, while Riverside captures the aristocratic and sprawling mansions of Louisiana and the Mississippi River. Located in the Disney Springs area, you have the option of taking the Sassagoula River Cruise for a relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs as an alternative to the Disney shuttle busses.
Classic Southern comfort is what you will find at the Port Orleans Resorts, a combination of sister resorts, French Quarter and Riverside. French Quarter recreates the historic district of New Orleans, while Riverside captures the aristocratic and sprawling mansions of Louisiana and the Mississippi River. Located in the Disney Springs area, you have the option of taking the Sassagoula River Cruise for a relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs as an alternative to the Disney shuttle busses.
 French Quarter Lobby |  French Quarter Lobby |
Port Orleans French Quarter
 Poseidon waterslide |  Kiddie pool area |
Two queen beds or one king size bed. Up to five guess can be accommodated in some rooms at Port Orleans Riverside.
The Sassagoula River Cruise can take you to Port Orleans Riverside and/or Disney Springs area.
Port Orleans Riverside
Port Orleans Riverside Lobby
Port Orleans Riverside pool
Boatwright's Dining Hall is a table service restaurant at Port Orleans Riverside featuring Southern specialties and home-style classics.
DELUXE RESORTS
For the ultimate in luxury, convenience, amenities and a distinction in excellency that transcends your expectations, a stay at any of the deluxe resorts will give you an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the parks. Each of the deluxe resorts offers authentic dining experiences that match the magnificence of the resort.
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE is one of the best themed resorts at Walt Disney World. It is absolutely breathtaking. Based on an African savannah lodge theme, the resort is architecturally amazing and built around an African savannah. Book a savannah view and you can witness the beauty of giraffes, zebra, gazelles and other African animals right from your room! Simply walking around the resort will also give you a view of the animals in the common areas.
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE is one of the best themed resorts at Walt Disney World. It is absolutely breathtaking. Based on an African savannah lodge theme, the resort is architecturally amazing and built around an African savannah. Book a savannah view and you can witness the beauty of giraffes, zebra, gazelles and other African animals right from your room! Simply walking around the resort will also give you a view of the animals in the common areas.
 Lobby |  Entrance from the savannah area |
Watching one of many giraffes from the common area at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The monorail resorts, Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary around Magic Kingdom and offer convenience and luxury unlike any of the other Disney World resorts.
The CONTEMPORARY RESORT is the closest to Magic Kingdom and is the only resort within walking distance. It is a very modern and architecturally amazing designed hotel with the monorail running directly through the inside of the resort. Rooms can accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of 3. California Grill, signature dining experience offers California cooking influenced by the melting pot of the West coast and Chef Mickey's is the home of the character dining experience where you can meet Chef Mickey and his friends!
The CONTEMPORARY RESORT is the closest to Magic Kingdom and is the only resort within walking distance. It is a very modern and architecturally amazing designed hotel with the monorail running directly through the inside of the resort. Rooms can accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of 3. California Grill, signature dining experience offers California cooking influenced by the melting pot of the West coast and Chef Mickey's is the home of the character dining experience where you can meet Chef Mickey and his friends!
Monorail runs through the resort
 Chef Mickey's - character dining experience with all you can eat buffet at breakfast and dinner |  Fantasia - gift shop |
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Meet with Chef Mickey himself and his culinary team at breakfast or dinner at Chef Mickey's.
Guests at the POLYNESIAN RESORT can enter the world of Polynesia and be whisked away into the unmatched beauty, hospitality and culture of the Polynesian Islands. Book an overwater bungalow for the ultimate Polynesian experience!
Polynesian Resort lobby
Overwater bungalows
Unique dining experiences at the Polynesian include Ohana's, a family style dinner featuring Polynesian favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast at Ohana's includes a character experience with Lilo and Stitch.
 Ohana's character breakfast with Lilo |  Ohana's character breakfast with Stitch |
The Spirit of Aloha Dinner show combines a live theatre music show with elaborate costumes, Polynesian dancers, enchanting music and an all you can enjoy feast of Polynesian favourites. The food was served family-style and included pineapple coconut bread, Polynesian ribs, grilled chicken, soba noodle salad, pulled pork and an assortment of vegetables. Beer and wine were included for guests over the age of 21. Advanced purchase of tickets are required with two shows daily at 5:15pm and 8:15pm. The dinner show is also included in the dining plan and requires 2 table service credits.
Spirit of Aloha dinner show
Opulent, lavish and timeless elegance awaits you as you enter the GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA, Disney World's flagship resort. A mix of Victorian-style splendour combined with modern amenities, the resort is filled with exquisite and intricate details that take your breath away.
Many of the finest dining experience sin all of Walt Disney World can be found at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Citrico's and Narcoossee's are popular signature dining experiences whereas Victoria & Albert's is an intimate seven course dinner menu in a Victorian setting. Jackets are required and diners must be ages 10 and older to dine at Victoria & Albert's. Advance reservations are required at all restaurants. Character dining experiences are available at 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and dinner. Meet Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine (stepmother) and her ugly stepsisters, Drizella and Anastasia!
 Character dining at 1900 Park Fare |  Prince Charming and Cinderella |
So if you've made it this far and are still reading, I applaud you! That was a lot of information and photos to go through! As you can see, there is a wide assortment of resort options to choose from when you choose to stay onsite. I didn't have enough time to visit ALL of the Disney onsite hotels but I was able to visit the most popular ones and will have the save the rest for another visit (just another reason I need to return!)
Let me know your thoughts on any of the above resorts. Have you stayed at any of them? Which one is your favourite? Which one would you love to stay at next? If you are planning on an upcoming visit to Disney World, let me know how I can help! It's such a large vacation destination and not one you can simply "wing it!"
Let me know your thoughts on any of the above resorts. Have you stayed at any of them? Which one is your favourite? Which one would you love to stay at next? If you are planning on an upcoming visit to Disney World, let me know how I can help! It's such a large vacation destination and not one you can simply "wing it!"
 | I wear my Minnie ears proudly and and take my Disney duties seriously so I plan your vacation with as much detail and care as if it were my own! As a Disney Vacation Specialist and Planner Extraordinaire, it is my specialty to ensure that you maximize your time, money and experience with any Disney destination and it would be my honour to be a part of your memory making process! Connect with me to make your Disney dreams come true and let's get your Disney vacation booked! |
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