Choosing A Walt Disney World Resort

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, one of the decisions you will have to make is where to stay. With many options available, it can take a lot of time to research all the possibilities. Each resort and lodge offers unique themes, amenities, recreation, and transportation to theme parks. From value to deluxe resorts, there is something for everyone’s budget.

This guide outlines five magical Disney World resorts ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, with their details broken down to give a better sense of what each space has to offer. 

The “Cars” wing at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

When selecting and booking a resort for your Disney World vacation, travel agents, like Casey Davis at Park & Palm Travel, can assist with this time-consuming process to make it more enjoyable and relaxing.  Be sure to reach out for this complimentary vacation planning service.

Family fun at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Disney's Pop Century Resort

This value resort is themed around pop culture and highlights various fashion, toys, dances, and other fads from the 1950s to the 1990s. Room choices vary from small views of the resort to views of the courtyard, pools, and different landscapes.

Known for its transportation options, Pop Century Resort has the Disney Skyliner available to guests. This gondola ride, with spectacular and one-of-a-kind views, takes passengers to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Also available for transportation are a Minnie-themed van service and busing.

Amenities

Aside from fantastic transportation options, Pop Century Resort offers various amenities while staying on the grounds.

Some of these features include:

  • Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
  • Themed Pools
  • Campfires
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • ’70s Playground
  • Arcade Fun
  • Quick-Service Dining

Disney's Port Orleans Resort- Riverside

Considered a moderate resort, Port Orleans Resort will transport you back to rural Louisiana. A popular room choice includes Royal Guest Suites, a royal-themed room full of elegance and charm. These luxurious and colorful rooms vary in cost and come with different views, including some that overlook the bayou.

One exciting form of transportation this resort provides is a water taxi. This option allows guests to sit back and enjoy a peaceful 15-30 minute ride to Disney Springs.  Bus rides and Minnie-themed van services are also available.

Amenities

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside offers various amenities for its guests.

Some of these features include:

Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
  • Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
  • Painting on de’ Bayou
  • Beignet Fun Run
  • Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Campfires
  • Bike Rentals
  • 5 Lounge Pools
  • 2- or 4-Person Surrey Bike Rentals
  • Video Arcade
  • Quick-Service and Table-Service Dining
Nanea Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

This deluxe, South Pacific, Moana-themed resort is full of tropical vibes and palm trees. Many rooms, studios, and bungalows, each with spectacular views, are available for guests to choose from when booking their lodging.

On top of the exotic atmosphere and various sleeping options, there are three modes of transportation available: water taxi, bus services, and monorail.

In a few minutes, guests can be transported to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT when using the monorail service. The water taxi sails guests to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Similar to the other resorts, the bus service provides guests access to most areas in Walt Disney World Resort.

Amenities

Aside from the transportation options, this Disney resort offers various amenities.

Some of these features include:

  • Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
  • Nighttime Water Parades
  • Guided Fishing
  • Motorized Boat Rentals
  • Polynesian Campfire Activities
  • 2 Amazing Pools
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Club Level Concierge Service in select rooms
  • Kid’s Club
  • Multiple Quick-Service and Table-Service Options

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas

Considered a deluxe resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a unique African safari excursion. With many room selections, ranging from single rooms to villas, this horseshoe-shaped resort provides breathtaking views and a chance to live with safari animals. This resort is actually broken into two separate areas – Kidani Village and Jambo House.  Be sure to work with your travel agent to determine which area meets your family’s needs.

Guests can choose between a bus and Minnie-themed van services for transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Living in the safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Amenities

On top of the transportation options, this Disney lodge offers complimentary amenities, including:

  • Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
  • 2 Safari Pools
  • Campfire Activities
  • Pumba’s Fun and Games Arcade
  • Painting Classes
  • Marshmallow Roasting
  • Uwanja Camp (Water Playground)
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Club Level Concierge Service in select rooms
  • Multiple Quick-Service and Table-Service Restaurants
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – the grand National Park Service experience.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Considered a deluxe resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is themed after national parks and uncharted backwoods. The rustic appearance and beautiful designs are carried throughout the property and sleeping options. Deluxe villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms, offer guests a homey, rural cabin experience and excellent privacy.  Transportation from this site to various parts of the Walt Disney World Resort includes a water taxi, bus, and Minnie-themed van services.

Amenities

Coupled with transportation, the Wilderness Lodge offers various amenities for guests.

Some of these features include:

  • Salon Services
  • Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
  • Club Level Concierge Service in select rooms
  • 2 Wilderness Pools
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Campfire Activities
  • Fitness Center and Sauna
  • Guided Fishing
  • 67-Foot Waterslide & Pools
  • Marina
  • Multiple Quick-Service and Table-Service Restaurants

Choosing a Disney Resort

When deciding where to stay while on your Disney World vacation, there are a lot of factors to consider. After researching and selecting a resort that best fits your needs, preferred amenities, recreational curiosities, and transportation, it’s time to book the trip.

This time-consuming process can be made quicker, smoother, and stress-free if you use a travel agent like Casey Davis at Park & Palm Travel. Rather than doing everything yourself, sit back and relax while someone else does the work for you.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodations with a Victorian-style design.

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If you’re ready to start your next vacation, I’m ready to start planning it for you!