There are definite benefits to staying at a Disney World resort. The two main ones are:
1) The Disney Magic Extends to Your Hotel - All Disney hotels are built around a fun theme and kids - both big and small - tend to love them.
Many have their own sprawling pools, sandy beaches, fitness rooms, spas and themed restaurants - so even if you're not at the park, you can still enjoy a 'Disney vacation'.
2) Convenience - Just being close to the parks is a major convenience. It can take you 20-45 minutes or more to find your car, get out of the lot and drive back to your hotel.
Compare this to jumping on a monorail or a bus and letting someone else drive you to your hotel - much faster and easier.
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Disney has several different types of resorts. They vary based on price per night, amenities and proximity to the theme parks.
They range from those suited for families on a budget to those suited for couples without children. Here's a quick description along with specific resort reviews:
Disney Value Resorts - These are the most affordable options and offer popular features like arcades, playgrounds, themed pools and quick service dining.
On the down side, the rooms tend to be smaller than the higher end resorts and they are usually a farther distance from the theme parks (than the other resorts below), which means your ride takes longer.
In general, Value resorts do not offer table service dining, room refrigerators, fitness centers, whirlpools, kitchens, character dining, suites or whirlpools. (You will find these at the higher end Disney resorts.)
Examples of Disney Value resorts are the:
Disney Moderate Resorts - These are a step up from the Value Resorts. They give you larger room sizes - similar to the Deluxe resorts listed below.
However they don't offer as much in terms of amenities - specifically less dining options. Also transportation options are limited (you get mostly bus service vs monorail, boat etc that you get with deluxe). They do offer more table service dining options than the Value resorts.
Examples of Disney Moderate resorts are the:
Disney Deluxe Resorts - These are the top of the line Disney resorts. They offer you all of the amenities of the Value and Moderate resorts plus you also usually get a fitness center, character dining at the resort, more table service options, upgraded pool areas, spas, suites, whirlpool, valet parking, full room service and in room refrigerators.
Overall the rooms also tend to be larger and more luxurious. You also get better transportation options like a monorail, boat taxi or a walking path to certain theme parks. They're also closer to the parks which means you get there and back faster.
Examples of the Disney Deluxe Resorts are the:
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts - These are Villa suites at several of the Deluxe Resorts like the Animal Kingdom Villas, Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Old Key West Resort, Saratoga Springs resort and the Wilderness lodge.
The Deluxe Villas offer you the amenities of the Deluxe resorts along with a larger space with a kitchen.
There are also Disney Campgrounds and Disney Vacation Club Villas - Disney's Timeshare Program
