What's the best resort for...

Are you unsure of where to stay on your next Disney vacation? Here’s a quick fire round on Disney resorts!

What’s the best…

Value resort?

source: zannaland

I’ve yet to stay at a Walt Disney World value resort but when the chance comes up I’d be picking the Art of Animation resort! As the newest resort on property everything is super shiny and new! I love the themed rooms (especially the Lion King rooms!), Nemo pool (with under water sound effects!) and that lobby? Wowza! All that art work and the check in ‘pods’? It’s ticking all my boxes!

Moderate resort? 

My moderate heart belongs to Port Orleans Riverside! It was the first Walt Disney World resort that I ever stayed at over 10 years ago on that first magical trip and I would stay there again in a heartbeat! The mansions along the Sassogula River are so exquisite, surrounded by lush greenery ad some of the most beautiful agriculture! This resort screams ‘relaxation’ and after a long day at the parks you couldn’t want anything more! I really enjoyed the quiet pools amongst the mansions and the boat ride to Downtown Disney! The food court is massive with a wide variety on offer including a great pizza window and some really yummy deserts! The gift shop is massive too, with a great selection of park merchandise and snacks. It also carries quite a lot of apparel.

Deluxe resort?

If you’ve read enough of my blog post then you’ll know my answer to this one! Animal Kingdom Lodge really is my home away from home! No other resort does as good a job when it comes to really transporting you to another place entirely. From the minute you step onto the grounds you’re no longer in Orlando, in fact you’d be forgiven for even forgetting you’re at Disney all together! The atmosphere, the décor, the sheer grandeur of Jambo house and the expanse of the savannahs, it is simply, breathtaking!

To avoid sounding like a broken record I will offer an alternative answer…Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. The buildings overlooking the golf course have spectacular views and the food court offers some nice alternatives to chicken strips and cheeseburgers. It also offers a boat ride to Downtown Disney which is so relaxing and you get a really great view of the West Side marketplace from the water front.

Best with children?

source: Loren Javier

It’s a safe bet that any of the All Stars resorts will be a huge hit with the kids! Their favorite characters on a giant scale adorn the resorts. They have some fantastic pools and the kids get a real buzz off the whole atmosphere that surrounds the resorts. There’s a resort to suit every child, from the sports enthusiast t the music lover.

Family of four or fewer?

As a family of four ourselves we loved the extra floor space in Port Orleans Riverside but do not feel uncomfortable in the slightly smaller standard rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We prefer the Lodge as it offers rooms with bunk beds, the only other resort that offers bunk beds is Wilderness Lodge. Many offer trundles and couch beds but I don’t find them anywhere near as comfortable!

Family of six? 

Go for a villa! I’d love to try the ones over at Wilderness Lodge. I love hotels that are all one self contained unit and the views from the rooms pool side are spectacular! The ones higher up offer a great view of the Electro Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon!

If you want some real space though then Fort Wilderness Camp Ground is going to be for you! Great if you have an RV or your own transport and prefer a more self-sufficient accommodation! The grounds are massive, home to the Tri Circle D horse ranch; offering nightly carriage rides through the resort as well as marshmallow toasting, story telling and open-air films over a traditional fire.

Best for a couple?

The Polynesian is very romantic, with a lovely beach, Magic Kingdom views and that tropical get away vibe. It’s a monorail resort too so you’ll have the option of taking the monorail to both Epcot and Magic Kingdom. It offers great views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, hammocks amidst palm trees and a variety of water activities and sports.

source: Samantha Decker

Two friends/family members traveling together?

The Boardwalk is a great choice for friends traveling together, offering some great restaurants and nightlife a well as my favorite boat ride to and from Downtown Disney! This is definatly the place to be if you’re looking for a little more life in your night!

What are your quick fire suggestions?

Until next time,

Sarah