The Wonderful Hotels of Disney-Where to Stay During Your Visit to Disneyland or Walt Disney World-by travel writer Tonya Denmark

Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim are magical places to visit. But with nearly 20 different resort complexes on property (not to mention, on-site non-Disney hotels) and too many to count off-property hotels, how do you choose where to stay? We recommend a few ways to narrow it down.

Do you want to stay on property at Walt Disney World or nearby?

The benefits of staying on property are good. You’re closer to the parks, WDW transportation is available and consistent, the hotels are uniquely themed and maintain high Disney standards and you have the option of adding on a Disney Dining Plan.

Staying off-property can offer significant savings, especially if you have free nights through a loyalty program. Depending on how close you are to Walt Disney World you’ll have bus transportation available but will be further from park entrances.

Choose your budget.

Disney conveniently divides its resort accommodations into Deluxe, Moderate and Value.

The Deluxe resorts have full and quick service dining available on site, concierge services, spacious rooms, room service, themed pools and other select amenities such as child care services, fitness centers, water sports, spa and salons. All of the Deluxe resorts are a few minutes away from one of the theme parks by boat, bus or even monorail. Within the Deluxe Category are also home away from home options (Deluxe Villas) with 1-3 bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens.

The Moderate resorts are also beautifully themed, have quick and full service dining, a small refrigerator in the room and fun pools. They may not be as close to the theme parks as the Deluxe, but are still closer than an off property resort and have access to Disney transportation.

Value Resorts at Disney may be their least expensive, but do not sacrifice on quality, atmosphere or amenities. All Value resorts have on-site quick service dining, over-the-top theming and Disney transportation. One of the Value resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation, even offers family sized suites for families of six.

How do you plan to eat?

It may seem like a weird question, but with dining options or kitchen amenities available, these factors into making a decision. A benefit of staying at a Disney resort is the option to add-on the Disney Dining plan. Disney Dining makes staying at a resort similar to an all-inclusive. Pay up front and dine at any of the restaurants on Disney property (with exclusions of course.) If you plan to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort for your entire vacation, this is a viable option. Of course, you don’t have to be on the Disney dining plan to eat at Disney. You can always pay as you go.

Another option is to make some of your own meals and eat in your room or suite. Both Disney and off-site hotels have home-away-from-home options with larger rooms and living spaces, and large kitchens. If you stay in one of Disney’s home away from home locations, you can even get groceries and make your own meals. Think easy breakfasts, grab and go snacks and late night cocktails on the veranda

Choose a theme

This is probably the most fun part of choosing where to stay. Once you’ve decided on your budget and dining, you can choose the theme of your resort. On Disney property, you can enjoy everything from a tropical escape to Polynesia or the Caribbean to the romantic Southern plantations. Off property, you can even enjoy a water park attached to a hotel. If you have a favorite theme, there is likely a resort to match.

Still overwhelmed by the options available to you? Contact us here and we’ll help you find the perfect option.