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What You Need to Know About the Different Disney World Resort Levels

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Credit: Disney/ Clipart (Disney Fanatic)

Opting to stay right in the heart of all the magic is the very best way to make the most out of your vacation to Walt Disney World. But there are just so many different options to choose from when considering size, price, and designated accommodation type. Perhaps you’ve only ever stayed in an unaffiliated Resort in the greater Orlando Resort Area for past trips. Or maybe this is your first-ever visit to Disney World, and you want to know more about the different on-property Resorts before making any final decisions. Well, we’ve got you covered with this in-depth overview of Disney World Resort Levels and what they’re all about.

Related: Walt Disney World Resort Hotels 101 – An Overview of Accommodations on Disney Property

Disney’s Value Resorts 

We’re not going to lie. The total sum of the costs involved in a Disney World trip can skyrocket to astronomical levels, even if you’re frugal in the planning process. But fortunately, you have the option to stay at one of Disney’s Value Resorts as a viable way to keep within a far more affordable budget.

value resorts overview

Credit: WDW Prep School

Value Resort designations at Disney World include the following:

  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

As the name implies, Value Resorts give you the most value for your buck. With a price range that typically starts in the $120s, they’re perfect for smaller groups or families with kids in particular. They can typically accommodate up to four Guests with either two double beds or one king-size bed, plus an additional crib.

Do take note, however, that standard room accommodations at Value Resorts are smaller than those within other designations, at around 260 square feet. All rooms come conveniently equipped with a mini refrigerator plus a microwave oven along with all the home-away-from-home perks you rely on most, including television and Internet.

For families looking for a little more room, though, do take note that two select Disney Value Resorts offer up Family Suites. You will find these at both Disney’s All-Star Music and Disney’s Art of Animation.

Suite at Art of Animation

Credit: Vacationkids

While all Disney Resorts have their own unique callouts in theming and motif, one resounding trait you will immediately notice about all Disney Value Resorts across the board is the incorporation of fun, larger-than-life iconic figures surrounding the property. These icons all follow suit with each hotel’s individual characterizing topic accordingly.

Playdough icon

Credit: Mouse Family Adventures

Another noticeable constant at Disney Value Resorts is that dining options are limited to a single food court scene with multiple serving station options in addition to grab-and-go items and bakery goods.

Food court Art of Animation

Credit: Disney Dining

Even though Value Resorts are among the cheapest accommodations to stay at while vacationing at Walt Disney World, you may rest assured that there is nothing cheap about the quality and impeccable standards Disney exudes at any of its Resorts. And Value Resorts provide plenty in the way of onsite diversions and recreations to take delight in, including fun-themed swimming pools and an on-premises Resort shop stocked with all the wants and needs you can imagine.

Big Blue Pool

Credit: Disney Lists

 Related: A Detailed Overview of Disney World’s Value Resorts

Disney’s Moderate Resorts

For those who are able to invest a little more money into a slightly larger and more sophisticated theme that retains a reasonable price range, a Moderate Resort would perhaps suit your best.

Moderate Resorts

Credit: WDW Prep School

The lineup of Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World includes the following:

  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

While prices vary depending on the season, Disney’s Moderate Resort rooms typically range between the $240s up to the $500s per night.

Moderate room

Credit: WDW Prep School

Most standard rooms average around 314 square feet (with some variation) and can accommodate up to four or five Guests, plus an added crib. Do note that there are some that only feature one king bed, though, as opposed to the usual two queens. Like the rooms at Value Resorts, Moderate Resort accommodations also come with a mini refrigerator and microwave oven setup, along with all the usual home-away-from-home perks.

Of all the accommodations in the Moderate category, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the only one to boast suites for those looking for even more room. It should also be noted that while options for upgraded Club Level Services are typically only found at Deluxe Resort designations, the Coronado also stands out as the sole Moderate lodging to offer such at its Gran Destino Tower.

Gran Destino

Credit: D23

Related: Honest Review: Disney’s Gran Destino Tower

Unlike the dining options at Value Resorts, which are limited to food courts and perhaps one poolside bar, All Moderate Resorts also include at least one table-service restaurant as well. They also have one or more indoor lounges or bars.

Where Resort amenities and conveniences are concerned, Moderate Resorts fulfill all your recreational needs with onsite swimming (which includes fun-themed pools with slides and quiet pools alike) and many other diversions in addition. And as for Resort shopping, they have you covered in this regard as well so that you’ll never lack anything during your stay.

Caribbean pool

Credit: Resorts Gal

Related: Disney World Moderate Resorts – Which One Is Right For You?

Camping at Disney World

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground straddles the line between what is considered a Value Resort and Moderate Resort designation. For those roughing it by going along with full-throttle camping, the rates for booking a campsite are more on par with being in the Value category.

Fort Wilderness Signage

Credit Campendium

At available campsites, Guests get to set up their own tents or campers with plenty of options to choose from. Tent or Pop-Up Campsites measuring 10 feet by 25 feet are great for those riding in with a camper or van with the initiative to set up one or two tents. There are larger sites that include a sewage hook-up and range 10 feet by 50 feet—these work best for RVs plus a tent. Preferred Campsites are also available to fulfill the same needs, spanning 10 feet by 45 feet. But nothing tops Premium Campsites, with their impressive 18 by 60 feet. Every campsite is able to accommodate up to 10 guests. Additionally, each one provides access to onsite amenities, which include public restroom facilities, fresh tap water, use of charcoal grills, picnic tables, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, television, and other electrical hook-ups.

Camp sites

Credit: How To Disney

For those who are more comfortable in a homey Cabin, you’ll be staying in Moderate Resort standing. Cabins span a grand total of 504 square feet and feature a queen-size bed, bunk bed, and double-size sleeper sofas. They also come with fully furnished kitchens and appliances, television, Internet, and more. And yes, they do have AC, for anyone who was wondering. The same housekeeping services (alternately known as “MouseKeeping”) at Disney Resorts are also available to those staying in the Cabins. In total, Cabins can accommodate up to six Guests at a given time.

FT Wilderness Cabin

Credit: Disney

Whether you elect to stay at the campsites or within the Cabins, all Guests at Disney’s Fort Wilderness get to enjoy the wide range of amenities here, including what are arguably some of the best recreations throughout all of Walt Disney World Resort. These include archery, exploring the Tri-Circle-D-Ranch, taking pony and carriage/wagon rides, horse-back trail riding, motorized boat and canoe/kayak rentals, and of course, swimming. They also do well by offering onsite dining options.

Tri-Circle

Credit: Disney

Related: Disney Introduces the New Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts

Disney Deluxe Resorts take staying on-premises to the most elevated standards of all. It just doesn’t get any better than this, as you have everything here, from intricate theming to spacious staying and numerous onsite perks and amenities in addition. In fact, Deluxe Resorts do truly go above and beyond in offering basically anything you could ever want in the way of pampering, recreational pursuits (which, of course, includes swimming and other activities), onsite shopping, and in some cases, even spa services and onsite fitness centers.

Deluxe Resorts

Credit: Traveling With The Mouse

Resorts in Disney’s Deluxe category include:

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

While nightly rates start in the $430s, the price range can vary drastically depending on which hotel you are staying at and when you choose to stay. Based on current price estimates, they may even start as high as the $700s at the Grand Floridian alone.

Grand Floridian VILLA

Credit Disney

Room accommodations consist of a profuse array of different options, including the largest standard rooms out of all Disney Resorts. These may range from 340 to 400-something square feet (depending on where you stay) and sleep up to five, plus one crib. Additionally, these Resorts also boast deluxe rooms and suites of various room inclusions.

While you will also find food courts at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, there is a versatile array of options among quick-service and table-service designations alike. In fact, some of their establishments even showcase wondrous culinary feats by some of Disney’s own superstar chefs. Some establishments even serve as standout signature suggestions. Also, there are several that present character dining opportunities. And let’s not even get started on the bar and lounge options awaiting you here.

Jiko Dining

Credit: 10Best

While staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort is supremely superb on its own, there’s the added option to pay for upgraded Club Level Services. For those who are not familiar with what this entails, Club Level Concierge Services get you into an exclusive designated building or Resort area that has its own private lounge offerings, complimentary food and drink provisions at select times throughout the day, and a host of personalized services for planning your endeavors at Disney World. It’s the ultimate way to elevate your high-end stay even further. Follow the link to learn even more about Club Level Services at Disney World.

Club Level food

Credit Cara Goldsbury/Luxury Disney Vacations

Related: Worth the Splurge? Why Disney Deluxe Resorts Stand Out 

Disney’s Deluxe Villas

Deluxe Villas Resorts are in their very own class, so to speak, as they are designated specifically as Disney Vacation Club Member accommodations. All the same, non-members also have the option to stay at Disney Villas. Many of the Deluxe Resorts on Disney property that we have already covered feature adjoining villa options as well.

Villas

Credit: DVC Shop

Here are all of Disney’s Deluxe Villas Resorts:

  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort

Because of the massive variation between Resorts, villa size, and other factors, it is difficult to accurately pinpoint a starting price that villas go for. The cheapest ones we’ve seen begin in the $400s, but typically costs soar much higher. All the same, villas serve the purpose of allowing you and your group far more room than any other accommodation, so the investment evidently pays off in the long run.

Disney Vacation Club

Credit: Disney Vacation Club

Villas come in many different sizes, with Deluxe Studio Villas being the smallest option in this category, with an area range of around 360 square feet. They typically come with a queen-size bed, a queen-size sofa sleeper, and in most cases, an additional pull-down trundle bed. Some of the newer studios boast a Murphy bed that pulls down from the wall. It’s safe to say that these villas can comfortably serve the needs of four or five Guests total.

Other villas span much larger areas and can, in some cases, even sleep up to 12 people. These include multiple-bedroom setups, separate living room, and dining areas, and even the same essential appliances you’d be using in your own home, plus some. From full kitchens or kitchenettes to individual washer/dryers, villas are the most homelike of Resort accommodations, no doubt about that.

Villa inside

Credit: ResortLoop

With the exception of Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Disney’s Old Key West, which are standout Disney Vacation Club Member designations, all Deluxe Villa Resorts are extensions to the existing Deluxe Resorts we’ve already covered. So, it goes without saying that all the specs we’ve highlighted in the way of dining and more are utilized by those staying at corresponding Deluxe Villas as well. The aforementioned two Resorts unaffiliated with any others too boast the same standards in onsite amenities and dining as well.

Olivia's Cafe

Credit: Disney

Related: An Overview of Walt Disney World’s 11 Resort Villas

While each Disney World Resort designation is different, and every location, in particular, boasts its very own standout attributes, you should note that the awesome amenities and services Disney provides are available to all Guests staying at any on-property accommodations. These include complimentary transportation to the Parks, onsite recreations that always include at least one pool, fun activities like evening campfires and Movies Under the Stars, and myriad other highlights. Resort Guests also have the advantage of making dining reservations 60 days in advance of their official check-in date. They are allowed earlier Park entry than non-Resort Guests in addition. Another awesome perk includes making Lighting Lane purchases as early as 7 a.m. each morning. If you are staying at a Deluxe Resort specifically, be sure to take note that you have the added perk of staying at select Parks two hours later in the evenings, on designated nights.

Wherever you decide to book your accommodations on Disney property, you know it’s going to be a magical, memorable experience. All you have to do is choose which Resort works best for your visit. Disney has you covered in everything else you could ever possibly want or need.

About Laura

Laura Catherine aka “LC” is a writer who resides in Maryland with her family and several pets. She visits Walt Disney World whenever she can. Additionally, she is a published author of three novels, a children’s book, and has a passion for gardening.

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