Did you know there are over twenty Walt Disney World Resorts to choose from for your Walt Disney World vacation? That is a lot of resorts to choose from! And let’s face it, your Walt Disney World Resort shouldn’t be seen as “just a place to sleep”. Every Disney Resort is somewhat of a destination in and of itself. Poolside movies, nightly activities, well themed pools, and magical fun tailored to each resort make them a great place to spend the afternoon while you are in Orlando. This week, we are going to explore the Mistakes Guests Make at Their Walt Disney World Resort.
Mistake Number One: Not knowing what type of resort you want. When you are trying to choose a Walt Disney World Resort, think of a hotel chain you have enjoyed in the past. Or perhaps your family will ONLY stay at one hotel chain when they travel. If so, that will help you narrow down your choices! Do you prefer a Hampton Inn when you travel? If so, then you will likely be unhappy at a Walt Disney World Value Resort. Do you enjoy the ambiance and amenities of the Marriott or Westin? Then you would likely enjoy a Deluxe Walt Disney World Resort. Think of where you have stayed in the past, and that can help you narrow things down.
Mistake Number Two: Not knowing the difference in the tiers of Walt Disney World Resorts. Did you know that Value and Moderate Resorts have doors that open directly to the outside? Whereas the Deluxe rooms open into the hallway. Or the value resorts, with the exception of Family Suites, have only double size beds? The Moderates and Deluxe have queen size beds. And if you need to book a King Bed, then you will want to book a resort in the Moderate category. There is more to the Walt Disney World Resorts than location on Disney property. If you stay at a Value, you will need to travel to another resort or into the parks for any table service dining because the values only have Quick Service Locations.
Mistake Number Three: Not considering the pool and other amenities of your resort. Think of the time of year you will be traveling. Will you need the pool to relax and recharge after a hot day in the parks? Or maybe you want to arrive at your resort and go straight to a neighboring resort for dinner. If so, then be sure to research your resort’s pools and location. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Port Orleans Riverside, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort all have the top pools on Walt Disney World property. Enjoying your resort for some down time, and the other amenities it has to offer, is a great addition to your Disney vacation.
Mistake Number Four: Not being aware of the Disney transportation options at your resort. The Deluxe Resorts, with the exception of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, are within walking distance, a short boat ride, or on the monorail to the parks. You can’t arrive at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and expect to be able to walk to Epcot. Sure, it is an “Epcot Area Resort”, but that doesn’t mean it is in walking distance. In the value category, Disney’s All Star Music Resorts share Disney motorcoaches amongst them. That being said, you could possibly be waiting longer than you need to when going to the parks in the morning. So plan accordingly if you are staying at an All Star.
Mistake Number Five: Assuming your Disney Resort is “just a place to sleep”. Maybe so, and for some guests who have been to Disney many times, that may be the case. When you are on vacation, you want to sleep well and be comfortable. For a family of five with two teenagers, that means every child has his/her own bed. Or a family with young children, maybe that means a quiet separate sleeping space to put the little one. If you are paying to stay on Disney property, consider your resort as a destination as well. Use your resort for an afternoon swim or rest. Enjoy the other resorts within that same area as well. Disney laid our their property in a very smart way. With the Epcot and Magic Kingdom Resorts being close to each other, take advantage of that and visit the resorts in the area. You can walk between Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside, and use their pools interchangeably. The same goes for the All Stars as well. And while you can’t pool hop between Art of Animation and Pop Century, you can certainly walk between the two and enjoy their food court and any resort activities they have as well.
Let your Disney Resort be a magical part of your vacation! Enjoy your stay, and choose wisely! You’ll enjoy any resort you choose!
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I’m not sure when you wrote this but it’s not entirely accurate. Art of Animation is a value resort but room doors open into a hallway. Also, Caribbean Beach is a moderate but only has full size beds, not queen.