10 Tips for Choosing Which Walt Disney World Resort Is Right for You

5. Investigate dining options at resorts you are considering

If you will be taking advantage of Disney dining (which I highly recommend) on your vacation you will want to consider the dining options at your resort or nearby when booking. Value resorts have quick service eateries in them while most moderate resorts have a table service restaurant and quick service option. If you are planning on dining multiple nights at Epcot or at resorts on the monorail line staying closer to the Magic Kingdom or near the Epcot boardwalk may make your trip to the restaurants each evening easier with more time to spare. 

6. Take a look at the pools at each resort

For my family, the resort pools are a huge selling point. One of our favorite vacation tricks for the busy summer season involves spending days in the pool and extra magic hours in the evenings at the cooler and less crowded parks. If the pool is going to be a big part of your vacation I would suggest looking at the pool maps provided on each resort page on the Walt Disney World booking website. All Walt Disney World pools are incredible but closer research will ensure you have the water slide, snack bar or kiddy pool that your gang needs to have even more fun!

7. Review the activity schedule for resorts 

Staying in the middle of the magic means that a fun activity is around every corner at your Walt Disney World resort. Review the activity guides online when making your resort selection. Pool dance parties, bike rentals, trail rides on horses, game rooms and movies under the stars are just a few of the numerous activities offered at Walt Disney World resorts. Reviewing activity schedules in the planning stage will help you plan a vacation that everyone in your travel party will love.  

8. Consider size of the resort and how it relates to your travel gang

This tip is particularly important if you are traveling with elderly or disabled guests or small children. While you can request to be located closer to the pools, bus stops or other amenities when booking your resort room, some resorts are just more spread out than others. Parties looking to avoid lots of resort walking time may need to steer clear of some of the more sprawling value and moderate resorts.  Disney's Boardwalk Inn (pictured) is a little  more compact.