Where to Stay at Disney World

Diana
Jul 7
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Resort Categories & Off-Property Options Explained

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation comes with a lot of exciting choices, and one of the biggest decisions is where to stay. Your hotel choice can impact everything from your budget to your experience getting to the parks, to how much Disney magic surrounds you even after the fireworks fade.

I'll break down the resort options for your Disney vacation, including the three main categories of Disney-owned resorts: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe as well as some insights into off-property options. I've personally stayed in all three Disney resort levels, so I'll share my honest opinion and give you the pros and cons to help you choose what's right for your family.

Disney World Resort Categories

Disney offers a range of on-property resort options to fit different budgets, travel styles, and vacation goals. Here's a quick overview of the three main categories:

Value Resorts

Value Resorts are Disney's most budget-friendly on-property hotels. They are great options for families that want to stay inside the Disney Bubble without breaking the bank.

What to expect:

Bright, playful themeing - think oversized Disney characters and color decor
Standard hotel rooms - some with family suites available
Basic but fun-themed pool areas - typically no water slides
Quick Service dining options are available
Bus or Skyliner access to the parks

✨ Read my full guide to Disney Value Resorts

Moderate Resorts

Moderate Resorts offer a nice middle ground - more amenities and immersive theming than Value Resorts, without the higher price tag of Deluxe Resorts.

What to expect:

Beautiful landscaping and themed environments such as Caribbean Islands, Bayous and New Orleans.
Larger rooms compared to Value Resorts
More dining options, including table service restaurants at some resorts
Feature pools with water slides and hot tubs
Expanded transportation options such as boats and Skyliner access

✨ Read my full guide to Disney Moderate Resorts

Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe Resorts are Disney's top-tier accommodations, offering luxurious settings, incredible dining, prime locations and extra perks.

What to expect:

Elegant, immersive theming with deluxe touches
Spacious rooms and suites, some with stunning views of the parks and lakes
Signature dining and character meals
Resort activities, spas and upgraded pools
Best transportation options - some within walking distances to park entrances or direct access to the monorail or Skyliner, and dedicated buses

✨ Read my full guide to Disney Deluxe Resorts

Off-Property Hotel Options

While staying on Disney property has its perks, there are also plenty of off-property hotels to consider, especially for larger groups or longer stays.

Pros of Off-Property Hotels:

More space for your money (suites, condos, vacation homes, etc.)
Lower nightly rates in many cases
Some offer shuttle service to the parks
Good for travelers planning to visit other Orlando attractions

Cons to Consider:

You'll miss out on Disney resort guest perks like early park entry or free transportation
Commutes to the parks can vary and traffic can be a mess
You'll lose some of the Disney magic between park visits

If you are considering staying off-property, I can help you look for hotels near Disney Springs, Bonnet Creek or along Hotel Plaza Boulevard, some of these even come with limited Disney benefits

✨ Read my full guide to staying off-property (coming soon)