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Choosing A Disney Resort: On-Property Lodgingby Justine Fellows, PassPorter Guest Contributor, E-Book Author, and Host of Travel Girl podcasts
Last modified 01/22/2009
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Filed in Articles > Walt Disney World > Lodging
So you're thinking about staying onsite at Walt Disney World? On campus life has it perks: Disney's Magical Express transportation from the airport including luggage service, Extra Magic Hours, the dining plan option, Disney transportation, and a few other benefits. There are two topics we are going to discuss - categories and location.
Then we have Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground which offers both camping and trailer spaces as well as cabins, ideal for larger families. If you are up for roughing it with a tent or have an RV, Fort Wilderness is a great money saver. They also have cabins that are convenient for large families, but are not cheap.
Lastly we have the Disney Vacation Club Villas. Non-DVC members can rent these studio, one- and two-bedroom villas. They are priced high though they do offer the convenience of kitchen areas. If you can find a friend who will rent you their DVC points you can save a ton of money.
Now back to the basics: Value, Moderate and Deluxe. If you are on a budget but are set on staying at Disney, Value hotels are your answer. The theming and service is still Disney but the frills are cut out. My choice for Value is Pop Century, which is the newest in this category. Be prepared for smaller rooms, though the food courts and pools are convenient and ideal. Stepping up a notch to the Moderate level brings you to a choice between the Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans, and Coronado Springs resorts. A bit more spread out with lusher, more extensive grounds, the Moderate level resorts tend to have more intricate theming, making you feel as if you are in another land. Escaping to New Orleans at Port Orleans French Quarter is my top Moderate choice. The size and intimacy of this resort as well as the fantastic pool slide and convenient boat to Downtown Disney are fantastic.
Now to the dream category: Deluxe.
I call it the dream category because most of us are dreaming about it. These babies are expensive, but if you have the money, go for it! Extensive theming, better restaurant choices, high quality stores, intricate pools, and convenient transportation sets Deluxe resorts apart from the rest.
Which brings us to the next topic; location. There are four main locations for hotels at Walt Disney World: the Magic Kingdom area, the Animal Kingdom area, the Epcot area, and the Downtown Disney area. If you are looking for a resort on the monorail line you only have three options, all Deluxe – Disney's Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian resorts. All three are also in the Magic Kingdom area. So when looking for hotels, start by thinking about category, next look at location. Do you want the convenience of the monorail or do you like the idea of a boat ride to Downtown Disney? Do you want to walk into the back entrance at Epcot or escape to the serenity of Animal Kingdom? More dollars shelled out equals more convenience, theming, bells and whistles.
What truly matters though is family time and fun no matter where you stay- you really don't spend too much time in the hotel room anyway! So take Travel Girl's advice. Stick to your budget. Less stress about money equals less stress on vacation!
About the Author: Justine, the author of PassPorter's Disney Speed Planner: The Easy Ten-Step Program, works in education in Connecticut. She is also the host of Travel Girl's(TM) Tips for Disney World podcasts.
Related Links:
The Art of A Smooth Check-in At Walt Disney World - Save Time and Trouble On Your Next Trip last updated 12/04/2008
Disney's All Star Movies Resort - Big "Blockbuster" Fun On a Small "Indie" Budget last updated 01/20/2009
Disney's All Star Music Resort - Quality Lodging For a Song last updated 1/13/2009
Disney's All Star Sports Resort - The Original Value last updated 1/13/2009
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - The "Perfect" Resort for Teenagers last updated 1/13/2009
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Updated 01/22/2009 - Article #49
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