Orlando has so many family-friendly lodging; but many visitors wouldn't dream of staying anywhere but "in the World". The resorts - Luxury, Moderate, and Value- all meet a high standard, have the Disney ambiance, have life-guarded pools and other on-site fun; and all (including Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground) confer a great set of perks.
Scroll down for reviews of six Disney World Resorts. But first...
1. Disney World Resorts: Intro & Perks
Disney World has three types of resorts:
- Luxury: outstanding properties, with fine dining, kids club, concierge level, and spa
- Moderate: typically with large recreational grounds, and fun activities such as kayaking, bike riding
- Value: busy places with fun decor.
All these resorts confer the same set of perks. Free shuttle from the airport, free buses to the theme parks, Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks... read more.
Photo © Teresa Plowright
2. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
My personal fave Disney World resort: this luxury property has astonishing architecture inside and out, but best of all are the giraffes, zebras, and other African animals in the savannah out back. Take a tour of the African style and artifacts; watch wildlife with a naturalist; play with the kids in a big (life-guarded) zero-entry pool. Also on-site: family activities such as crafts, Simba's kids' club, spa.
Photo © Teresa Plowright
3. Port Orleans - Riverside Resort
One of the moderate-priced Walt Disney World resorts, located near Downtown Disney; nearest theme park is Epcot, and right next door is sister resort Riverside- French Quarter. The theme is down-south: you can stay in Magnolia Bend (in the style of plantation houses) or Alligator Bayou. The main swimming pool has the Ol' Man Island play area.
Photo © Teresa Plowright
4. Disney World - Caribbean Beach Resort
Walt Disney World Resorts: Caribbean BeachAlso in the moderate-priced range, Caribbean Beach has attractive units, a white-sand beach with hammocks beside a lake, and a fun swimming pool with a castle theme.
Photo © Teresa Plowright
5. Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Built in the style of the great Victorian beach resorts, this flagship property at WDW has 40 acres, beach and marinas, monorail and boat shuttle access to Magic Kingdom, deluxe rooms, character dining, Afternoon Tea and a Tea Party for kids, and many other kids' activities.
Photo © Teresa Plowright
6. All-Star Sports - Value Resort
All four of the value-priced All-Star properties are excellent value-for-money. They're colorful, cheerful, fun, and priced under $100; rooms sleep four; and you can enjoy all the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World resort.
Photo © Teresa Plowright
7. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Here's a great way to economize, have outdoors fun, and enjoy all the perks of staying at WDW (such as Disney bus transport, and Early Park Openings.) Fort Wilderness has a swimming pool, rustic restaurants, Hoop-de-Doo Revue, petting farm, evening campfires and movies, and boat transport to Magic Kingdom.
