Places to Stay (mostly) at Walt Disney World
I think it’s important to get this out in front of this post – it’s expensive to go to Walt Disney World – I know this is “common knowledge” or at least internet fodder for sure. There are dozens of surveys that show how much it costs; how much debt some people incur to go there and certainly how much it costs once you get there. I understand both sides of the story when it comes to that cost. When my husband and I went to WDW on our honeymoon a thousand years ago – we couldn’t afford it – credit cards were the only way we could do it. So, I write these posts assuming that you realize I am only giving you my opinion and not suggesting how you do it or if you should or shouldn’t go. I am also assuming that since you are reading it – you might be considering a trip to WDW. As with anything – know your limits.
There are many great options at WDW for places to stay and so many things to do! Some of what you choose will depend on your budget, who is traveling (adults only or family), and if there is a specific event that you may want to attend while there. Did you know that Walt Disney World has more than 30,000 rooms on property? That’s what makes it so hard to choose!
Our preferred place to stay is at the EPCOT resorts which include the Boardwalk Inn & Villas, Beach Club or Yacht Club. There are some other resorts very close to EPCOT which are the Dolphin, Swan and Swan Reserve. Any of these locations are great to walk into the World Showcase at EPCOT. These resorts also are within walking distance (or Skyliner ride) to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We like these best due to our ability to walk right into EPCOT and be able to end our day there with dinner in one of the countries (and wine in Italy.) However, these resorts are deluxe resorts so they will be more expensive, but you are paying for that convenience to EPCOT.
If you want to be closer to the Magic Kingdom, we love The Contemporary Resort but there is also the Polynesian Resort and the Grand Floridian. I think all these resorts tend to be more upscale (deluxe resorts) as well, but as far as location is concerned, they are amazing! Disney’s Animal Kingdom also has the Animal Kingdom Lodge which is a fantastic property, and I loved waking up there and seeing the giraffes right outside my window! Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is also in the Magic Kingdom area and is a deluxe resort. Wilderness Lodge has a huge variety of rooms including cabins and villas, and many rooms have a firework (at the Magic Kingdom) or a water view.
WDW also has some great resorts that are considered moderate resorts. The Caribbean Beach Resort is closer to EPCOT. Coronado Springs resort is closer to Animal Kingdom. The two Port Orleans Resorts (French Quarter and Riverside) are closer to Disney Springs.
The value resorts are great for families and are at a lower price point and are definitely made for families (so there are a LOT of kids). Near the Animal Kingdom is the All-Star Music, All-Star Sports and All-Star Movies resorts. There is also a Wide World of Sports area where if you are coming for a competition of some sort with your kids (baseball, basketball, soccer, cheer or gymnastics). In that area are the Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort.
The biggest thing is to figure out what works best for your family and your budget! Make sure you allow time for the family to relax and recharge as well. Spending time at the pool, maybe at midday or planning a more relaxing lunch, might serve you well depending on the age of your kids. There are also a few miniature golf courses and of course 2 water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon). So, there are plenty of things to do as a family and I am going to write a whole separate blog about things for adults only, so watch for that in a few weeks.
One final thing that I will mention is Disney Springs – basically the coolest outdoor mall in the area. Disney Springs has so much shopping, dining and other things like, Splitsville Bowling Lanes and even an AMC movie theater. One other thing is a Cirque du Soleil show called Drawn to Life that might be fun for a night out with the family. They even have an early show at 5:30 pm most nights and on Sundays they have 2 afternoon shows. If you have never seen a Cirque du Soleil show before this might be your opportunity!
This is really just a loose overview of the resorts on property – there are so many more offsite that it would take pages to list them all.
#treeknows
