How to Choose a Walt Disney World On Property Resort

There are a number of on-property resorts at Walt Disney World. This article will help you understand the differences between these on-property resorts so you can choose which one to stay at.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Considering the Hotels Locations and Price

  1. 1
    Think of the Disney hotels in terms of them situated in their own "village" in relationship to each Disney attraction/park. Except for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts coming from the Westin and Sheraton Hotels brands management, [1] [2] most hotels are situated within "Disney's Magic."
    • Hotels near Disney's Magic Kingdom include Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, The Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort, and The Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. [3]
    • Hotels near Epcot include Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Beach & Yacht Club Resorts, BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Beach Club Villas, Riviera Resort, and the Westin and Sheraton group hotels Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts. [4]
      • Some of these hotels may not have a direct entrance through the front park gates, but will have a side entrance into the park through the International Gateway entrance.
    • Hotels near Disney's Hollywood Studios include Disney's Pop Century Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation Resort, and Disney's Riviera Resort. [5]
    • Hotels near Disney's Animal Kingdom include Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, All-Star Music/Movies/Sports Resorts, Coronado Springs Resort, Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village and Jambo House. [6]
    • Hotels in/on Disney Springs property include Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Port Orleans Resort - Riverside and French Quarter, and Disney's Old Key West Resort. [7]
  2. 2
    Learn the differences in Disney's Pricing system. Disney offers their resorts at a variety of different prices.
    • Disney's Deluxe Villa tiers are the highest-priced tiers of hotels and resorts. However, they are close to parks and other Disney-centered items, so might not need additional resources outside the monorail and walking. This includes the Disney Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village, Disney's Boardwalk Villas, Disney's Beach Club Villas, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Riviera Resort. [8]
    • Deluxe Resort Hotels is the ultimate in regular hotel-like rooms with extra comforts. While still being close to the parks and still possessing the Disney name, these resorts come a little cheaper than ones situated within a villa. These resorts cover Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and Disney's BoardWalk Inn. [9]
    • Disney's Moderate Resort Hotels are the next step down. Some are farther away but feature other ways to get to the parks (including the same bus or water transport). These resorts include: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter and The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. [10]
    • Disney's Value resorts may be the most economical resorts for many. However, they are often out of the areas near most theme parks - focusing on other Disney attractions, and often at the boundary between Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee/Orlando along the I-4 Corridor. Value resorts include Disney's Pop Century Resort, All-Star Music Resort, All-Star Movies Resort, All-Star Sports Resort, and Disney's Art of Animation Resort. [11]
    • Tied to the same tier as Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is the only campground within the confines of Disney's "Magic". The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are there to keep your camping under the spell of Disney's magic. [12]
    • Not tied to Disney, but under the Walt Disney World name, just outside of Bay Lake are Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Hotels - under the "Other Select Deluxe Hotels" tier. Disney doesn't consider these hotels as their own hotels and these are actually Westin and Sheraton Hotels under the Walt Disney World name - under the boundary of Bay Lake. These two hotels are the only ones on this tier at this time. [13]
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  3. 3
    Look for hotels near Epcot to have entrances only via the International Gateway. These hotels get split off from the main list above to include: Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney's Beach Club Villa's, Disney's Boardwalk Resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts. These may have walking paths, and at the courtesy of the hotels themselves, may give you directions to get to that entrance instead. [14]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Considering Alternative Transport Methods to the Magic

  1. 1
    Consider the resorts that Disney's Skyliner takes. The Disney Skyliner is the new gondola lift system that Disney premiered in late 2019 which has connections to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios on it. There are stops just outside Disney's Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resorts to get to these parks. [15] It doesn't travel fast - but is effective at getting you to the main entrance.
    • Other hotels nearest Epcot's International Gateway entrance or on the path between Epcot and Hollywood Studios or those around Hollywood Studios can also find hope of getting around via Disney's Skyliner.
  2. 2
    Recognize hotels on the Resort Monorail monorail loop. With connections between Disney's Magic Kingdom, the Ticket and Transportation Center, and several resorts, the monorail is a great way to get transported to resorts and parks within the system. It has outside stops at Disney's Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts, and an inside stop at Disney's Contemporary Resort - the first resort built at Walt Disney World. However, transferring at the Ticket and Transport Center, you can also take the Monorail to Epcot and vice-versa on your return. [16] It is quick and effective, but with few locations offering this service to the parks.
  3. 3
    Learn which resorts have access to the theme parks via a "water taxi"/boat. Called a "water taxi" several lake-centered resorts feature transport to and from the parks.
    • You can find the Gold Flag Water Taxis transporting people back and forth to the Magic Kingdom on the Seven Sees Lagoon. Guests from Disney's Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts get ferried to the parks. However, these boats aren't handicapped accessible - you'll need to go down two steps to board. [17]
    • Blue Flag Water Taxis run on Bay Lake from Disney's Contemporary, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge Resorts. They open earlier but sometimes cease after a certain point if there is little to no ridership. However, the Blue Flag line also has two-steps to access. [18]
    • Red Flag Water Taxi runs between Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort and Magic Kingdom. Two types of boats are used - one can accommodate wheelchairs, and the other requires a short two-step transfer. [19]
    • Gold Flag Water Taxis provide service between Fort Wilderness and the Magic Kingdom. However, it can be busy, and since this resort doesn't provide bus service to the Magic Kingdom, guests will likely need to either drive or take a water taxi to Magic Kingdom. These boats are handicapped accessible. [20]
    • There's also the Friendship Boats which travel on Crescent Lake that connects Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Swan and Dolphin hotels, Epcot's International Gateway, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. [21]
      • Other Friendship Boats sail around World Showcase between a dock between Canada and Morocco and Mexico and Germany but are slow ways to navigate the Showcase with excellent views to sit and relax. [22]
    • Keep in mind the Sassagoula River Ferry Boat that shuttles guests at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside Old Key West Resort, and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa to Disney Springs is an open-air water taxi that gets you to the shopping/dining/entertainment mecca/district and can be efficient if getting there is not urgent. [23]
      • There are five routes (all of which head to Disney Springs Marketplace and Landing areas). Purple and yellow flags head to the Marketplace and blue, green, and red flags to the Landing. However, depending on the water level, you may either be able to board handicapped-accessible or need to step up or down into the boat - due to sea rise and flow of the tide. [24]
        • Sometimes there is a yellow and purple flag which is used when the boat is ferrying between both Port Orleans resorts to the Marketplace. [25]
    • Consider water taxi routes to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios instead - given these are called Disney's Watercraft Service. It is available from Disney's BoardWalk and Beach Club Villas, Yacht Club Resort, and Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Hotels. [26]
  4. 4
    Learn which hotels have convenient walkway access to the theme parks. Although only a few hotels have safe walking paths to the parks and back, some hotels have devised routes that will get folks there. The major walkway into the parks is from Disney's Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom.
    • If walking is something you enjoy, several walkways on-premises get you up and moving (with the intention of not entering any park or attraction). The newest pathway was carved from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and crosses over the nearest lake over a drawbridge-lined bridge then around the edges of the lake to get you to other spots around the lakefront.
  5. 5
    Gather information from the resort once booked. You can ask for bus schedules, route information, and time frames directly, as there's little to no information on that online. Disney provides free bus transport from each hotel (except Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort) - regardless of your final room price - complimentary to your stay to each of the parks, and some to the water parks.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Considering Factors Inside the Resorts

  1. 1
    Consider parking fees. Parking is only complimentary at the campsites of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. [27] Although you'll get past the main entrance gates if you give them your resort entry confirmation number and details, there's a charge to park overnight in each of the resort lots at a per night rate of $15 (for value resorts), $20 (for moderate resorts) or $25 (for deluxe or deluxe-villa resorts). Those who require disability parking must display adequate signage in your front windshield or on your license plate itself. [28]
    • If you just want to browse the shops or eat at an on-site restaurant (after getting past the entrance gates with admission), you can get limited complimentary parking in these resort lots. [29] These charges will post to your room bill due at the end of your stay. [30]
    • Electric Vehicle Charging stations through ChargePoint are available at only Disney's Coronado Springs (6 spots), Riviera Resorts (2 spots), and Wilderness Lodge (2 spots) locations. [31] There are more spots inside the theme park lots. [32]
    • Guests utilizing Disney Vacation Club benefits will get complimentary parking each night of their stay. [33] However, those not using points at Deluxe Villas will get charged the normal going rate as is used by Villa guests not checking in via DVC points.
    • Valet service is available for those with disabilities for $33 per night. However, this service is currently suspended and is expected be reintroduced later in 2021.
  2. 2
    Consider the restaurants nearby the resort you'd like. Although each hotel will have its own dining and shopping options inside tied to On-Property Disney accommodations (some with Character stop-overs), not all feature this service. All resorts feature room service for food delivery and most can bring a large number of products to you at a price. Most restaurants can bring their Mickey Waffles and similar to the room, but some you must go down to pick up the order. Costs are added to your final hotel bill.
  3. 3
    Consider the shopping nearby the resort you'd like. Each hotel will have its own shopping areas, and you can either contact the hotel or research online to find out what shops are at that hotel . There's Disney Springs around the corner from all of the Disney Springs hotels noted above - and some of Disney Springs is shopping!
  4. 4
    Consider access to lake view hotels/rooms. Although most of the fireworks are either closing and switching to something new and others are temporarily suspended at Walt Disney World, [34] there is one show that is still going on that is seen along Bay Lake - called "Electrical Water Pageant.". With definite spots within some rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (and Narcossee's), Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and the definite within rooms for a price at the Contemporary Resort, [35] this is something to consider. You will need to ask hotel staff for the best places to watch the show from if you don't have a lakefront view room.
    • In the past, fans of some Magic Kingdom Deluxe Hotels have been able to see most of the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom along Bay Lake from their rooms, but with COVID-19, the shows have changed. In past shows, people have often said to consider booking dinner showings at a Disney Restaurant (for Wishes). However, since fireworks are changing, that's currently not an option.
    • Projection shows on Cinderella Castle are not high enough to get past the front gate and past Main Street to be seen by the Magic Kingdom Resorts.
    • There have been some people who've said that for Magic Kingdom fireworks they've only seen them from the Deluxe resorts of Disney's Magic Kingdom, though you may need to contact Disney World to see if they advise the hotel you're considering if the fireworks will be able to be seen from that resort location.
    • Other hotels closer to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios have indicated that there's little to no chance of seeing any of their shows. Fantasmic is only shown within the park and the one that's at Epcot is currently being changed out for starting dates of the new show - Epcot's Harmonious - of October 1, 2021.
    • The Tree of Life ceremony at Disney's Animal Kingdom is often not towering enough to be seen at the Lodge, and since fireworks would scare the animals, there are no fireworks there - something that could come high enough to be seen.
  5. 5
    Consider information about each Walt Disney World resort from the Disney World resort website about the hotel. It's good to do some independent research, such as:
    • Look on the Disney World website for those looking for another feature to differentiate one from another. Each Disney Resort will look different - from the paint scheme to the theming on the outside and inside of each resort.
    • Search for hotels in the area of the park, then click on the hotel's name. You'll see a bar across the top featuring "Overview", "Room Rates", "Dining", "Recreation" and "Amenities" that will often help you learn how each hotel stands out.
    • You can also do some research on TripAdvisor, which has details and reviews about most Disney hotels, if you type in the name of the hotel along with "Lake Buena Vista, FL" in the address field. Some others report details to the Hotels.com website, along with pictures to differentiate each hotel into its component pictures.
    • Search on Yelp. You can get a feel of how each hotel you are considering stacks up - from the pictures of the buildings to the reviews of the hotels to the meals prepared to the general feel of the decor. Other websites may be used as well, but gather the data from these sites first before making your final decision as you finish at other sites too.
    • You may also want to read reviews found on Expedia for in-person reviews of each resort you are considering.
  6. 6
    Consider what you see on Google Earth with what other hotels, restaurants, and shopping is available, or if it is farther than a mere walk or bus ride. You may still need additional transport if you are trying to get to other resorts if you need to go between hotels - unless you can walk it.
  7. 7
    Consider looking at maps. Google Maps can offer additional help and information about each hotel. Consider looking at the Street View area based on the Streets near the resort you'd be staying at by placing the person pin near the resort and looking not only in a panoramic view across and around the hotel but also just down the street from both directions to see what else is around.
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      Tips

      • As of August 2021, your personal room is the only place where taking off your mask is okay. Disney asks that you keep wearing your mask - even if you are fully vaccinated. Disney follows CDC Guidelines concerning COVID-19. [36]
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      • Keep in mind that some of these hotels are just re-opening their doors in 2021 due to the pandemic with some restrictions on non-fully vaccinated guests. [37]
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      • If price is still a big factor after considering all of Disney's value resorts, consider all the off-property resorts instead. Although you'll stay in big names in the hotel/tourism industry, these hotels will be in the surrounding cities such as Kissimmee and Orlando. A few are still within Lake Buena Vista, but these can be just as expensive as staying on property. With off-property hotels, you'll need to factor in transportation to the resort, so check if the off-site hotel has transport to the parks.
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      Warnings

      • Disney's Magical Express is no longer going to be offered beginning January 1, 2022, [38] [39] and it is left unsaid whether Mears Transport (the transport company used) will be continuing some "Magic" on their own after that date.
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      • When choosing your hotel, always have a backup choice. Although Disney's on-property hotels are large, hotels fill up quickly months in advance, and it's fairly common to need a backup choice.
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      • Consider taking additional time to really make the decision because it'll be tougher to get out of once you're booked farther into the reservation.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.wdw-magazine.com/pros-and-cons-swan-and-dolphin-resort-at-walt-disney-world/#:~:text=The%20Swan%20%26%20Dolphin%20Resort%20is%20located%20on,Disney%20Deluxe%20resorts%20due%20to%20very%20similar%20amenities .
      2. ↑ https://www.bing.com/search?q=who%20is%20the%20walt%20disney%20world%20swan%20and%20dolphin%20hotels%20owned%20by&pc=cosp&ptag=G6C1N1178A9F349D0722&form=CONBDF&conlogo=CT3210127
      3. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/
      4. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/
      5. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/
      6. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/
      7. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/
      8. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/#/deluxe-villa
      9. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/#/deluxe
      1. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/#/moderate
      2. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/#/value
      3. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/#/campground
      4. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/#/other-select-deluxe-hotels/
      5. ↑ https://www.google.com/maps/@28.3673466,-81.5600316,16z
      6. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/skyliner/#
      7. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/transportation/monorail-route/
      8. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      9. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      10. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      11. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      12. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      13. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      14. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      15. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      16. ↑ https://allears.net/walt-disney-world-transportation-boats/#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Transportation%3A%20Boats%20In%20addition%20to,fun%20addition%20to%20a%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20vacation .
      17. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/water-transportation/
      18. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
      19. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
      20. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
      21. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
      22. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
      23. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
      24. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
      25. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/fireworks/
      26. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/electrical-water-pageant/
      27. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/#drawer-card-faceCoverings
      28. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/resorts/
      29. ↑ https://www.bing.com/search?q=closing%20date%20of%20Disney%27s%20Magical%20Express&pc=cosp&ptag=G6C20N1178A9F349D0722&form=CONBDF&conlogo=CT3210127
      30. ↑ https://allears.net/2021/01/11/breaking-disney-worlds-magical-express-service-to-be-discontinued-in-2022/#:~:text=Beginning%20January%201st%2C%202022%2C%20Disney%E2%80%99s%20Magical%20Express%20will,of%20next%20year.%20Disney%E2%80%99s%20Magical%20Express%20at%20MCO

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