Nowhere in the “World” is Disney magic more evident than at the resort hotels on Walt Disney World property. In fact, the resorts are so impressive that we do not often consider staying “off-property” (as hotels outside of Walt Disney World are known), and we frequently plan our visits around our favorite resorts rather than our favorite parks. Staying in a Disney resort is unlike any other hotel experience we’ve had, and we’ve visited both the exotic and the expensive. It isn’t just that staying at a Disney resort provides total immersion in the Walt Disney World experience. The resorts offer hidden surprises and a remarkable attention to detail.

With more than 30,000 guest rooms and campsites throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, it would take more than 82 years to stay once in each room. (Sign us up!) There’s something for every taste and budget. Whether you want a romantic setting, space for a family reunion, disabled access, or bunk beds, you can find it somewhere in the “World.” There are enough choices to preclude staying at a non-Disney hotel, but bargains off-property are also a factor. If you visit with friends or family, prefer to stay in another hotel, or even take a cruise, your PassPorter still serves you well—you can record your arrangements in this guide with the same ease. We include basic information on the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and off-site hotels at the end of this chapter, too.

If you’ve already decided to stay at a Disney resort, your PassPorter puts you a step ahead! Our Walt Disney World resort descriptions are the most comprehensive of any guidebook, and our resort maps, photos, floor plans, tips, notes, and recommendations can help the veteran vacationer, as well as the novice, get the most out of your resort.

To help you find your way through the staggering array of choices, we’ve prepared a detailed guide to choosing your resort. We heartily recommend you keep going and take advantage of it.