By: Maggie Ballantyne, Team Lead and Travel Advisor
October 26, 2026
One of the biggest decisions when planning a Disney World vacation (alongside your Wishes Advisor!) is choosing where to stay. With so many on-property resorts, it can be hard to know the difference between Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa resorts. Let's break down each category to help you find the best fit for your family, budget, and vacation style!
Value Resorts
Value resorts are a great option if you plan to spend most of your vacation in the theme parks and want a comfortable place to recharge. These resorts feature colorful, larger-than-life Disney theming, fun pools, quick-service dining, and generally more budget-friendly rates.
Popular options include All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. Pop Century and Art of Animation also offer Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, which is a great perk!
If you are traveling with a larger family, Art of Animation and All-Star Music offer family suites with separate sleeping areas, a kitchenette, and two bathrooms making these a great option for families.
What to Expect During Your Stay: Standard rooms tend to be more compact, and dining is primarily quick service. Most value resort rooms are accessed from outdoor walkways rather than enclosed, interior hotel hallways. Transportation is primarily by bus, except for the Skyliner options at Pop Century and Art of Animation.
Cars Family Suites section of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Moderate Resorts
If your family is looking for a more relaxed stay with beautiful surroundings, Moderate resorts offer immersive theming, pools with waterslides, and more dining options, making the resort feel like part of the vacation!
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, and Port Orleans Riverside are all in this category and each has a distinct personality.
Transportation is another consideration. Caribbean Beach has Disney Skyliner access, while the Port Orleans resorts offer boat transportation to Disney Springs. Other options rely primarily on buses, so it's worth looking at each resort individually rather than assuming every Moderate resort offers the same conveniences. Your Wishes Advisor can assist with this!
What to Expect During Your Stay: Moderate resorts offer a great balance of price, atmosphere, and amenities. Keep in mind that layouts vary by resort, and some have more spread-out grounds, so you may have a longer walk to the lobby, dining, or pools. Room types, amenities, and transportation options also differ, so it's worth comparing to find the best fit for your family!
Disney Skyliner at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Deluxe Resorts & Deluxe Villas
If you're looking for extra amenities, easy park access, or more room to spread out, Disney's Deluxe resorts and Deluxe Villas are worth the splurge!
Deluxe resorts offer upscale accommodations, distinctive theming, a variety of dining options, and some of Disney's most convenient transportation options. Depending on the resort, you may be able to walk to a theme park or take a boat or monorail. Popular options include the Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and BoardWalk Inn.
Deluxe Villas offer many of the same resort benefits, but feature accommodations designed for additional space and flexibility. Options range from Deluxe Studios to one- and two-bedroom villas, with select larger accommodations available. Many include kitchen facilities, separate living areas, and additional conveniences such as in-room laundry that are especially helpful for longer stays or larger families. You'll find villas at resorts such as the Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort, Old Key West Resort, and Animal Kingdom Villas, as well as several other Deluxe properties.
What to Expect During Your Stay: These resorts generally come with a higher price tag, but you are paying for more than just your room. Location, dining, resort amenities, and extra space can make a big difference in your vacation experience. BONUS: Guests staying at eligible Deluxe resorts and Deluxe Villas can also enjoy Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights, subject to Disney's schedule and eligibility rules.
Disney’s Boardwalk
The best Disney resort isn’t necessarily the most expensive one, it’s the one that fits your family’s vacation! Whether you are looking for an affordable place to rest after a full park day or a more relaxing resort with extra amenities, there is an option for every travel style and budget. The key is knowing what matters most to your family and choosing a resort that helps you make the most of a magical vacation!
Email: Maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie
Instagram: @Maggie.at.Wishes