Why Dad Prefers Disney Hotels or Disney Resorts

Disney Hotels, or Disney Resorts, are just an extension of Uncle Walt's Dream. When Uncle Walt opened Disneyland he wanted to provide families a safe, clean environment where everyone in the family could have a great time. He just ran out of room. When Walt designed Walt Disney World he wanted to include world class accommodations. At the Walt Disney World Hotels, Walt's boys (and girls) have taken the vacation resort to the next level.

 

 

Yes, Dad perfers the Disney Resorts over the hotels near Disney World. Let me show you why ...

 

It just doesn't get any better than this

Photo by Express Monorail

The Value Resorts

Disney's Value Resorts, or as Dad calls them, the Disney World Discount Hotels, have loud colors, big icons and lots and lots of small rooms. They are the least expensive of the Disney Hotels, and are frequently booked to capacity.

 

Dad's Guide to Value Resorts

The Pop Century

Dad likes the Pop Century a lot. Uncle Walt would be proud of the colors and themeing of this very unique Resort. This value priced Disney Hotel makes staying in a Walt Disney World Resort affordable to almost everyone.

 

The Pop Century is truly a unique Resort and is Dad's favorite non-Deluxe hotel. Disney or not. It's a great value. Check it out.

 

Dad's Pop Century Page

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Coming in May of 2012, Disney's Art of Animation Resort will add a whole new look to the Value Resort lineup. Located next to the Pop Century, this hotel will celebrate art from some of the newer Disney animated movies.

 

The "movies" that have been announced are The Little Mermaid, Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo.

 

The All Star Movies

Disney All Star Movies Resort is all about Disney's classic movies. Each section of the resort is from a different movie.

 

There is the Fantasia Section with dancing broomsticks, the Toy Story section with all the characters from Toy Story. In the Herbie the Love Bug section Herbie is all over the place. The Mighty Ducks and 101 Dalmatians round out the other two sections.

 

Dad's All Star Movies main page

The All Star Music

The All Star Music Resort celebrates music of all styles. Each of the 5 sections of the hotels highlights a different genre of music. There is a Country Music section, a Jazz section, a Broadway Musicals section, a Calypso section and of course a Rock and Roll section.

 

The All Star Music Resort is the original home of the Family Suite rooms. Family Suites are two connecting rooms with a refrigerator added. Check one out at ...

 

Dad's All Star Music main page

The All Star Sports

For kids that love sports this place is paradise. Each part of this hotel is devoted to a different. There is a football section, a baseball section, a tennis section, a basketball section and a soccer section. Each has icons of the sport that can be as much as 60 feet tall.

 

You just never know when a football game is going to break out on the almost full sized (concrete) football field. (That hurts just thinking about it.)

 

Dad's Disney All Star Sports page

 

See Dad's advice for a one night hotel near Disney World.

 

Save money on Disney World Hotels

Want to learn how to save money on your Disney World Hotel? Dad knows. Dad's little ebook "How to Save Money on Disney Hotels" is out and ready for your to dive into.

 

This book has over 50 ways to save money on the Disney Resorts. From tips that will save you a few dollars, to a bonanza that might save you hundreds, Dad chronicles all the ways you can reduce the cost of your next WDW vacation.

 

Get your copy today

Moderate Resorts

In the early 80's Michael Eisner had an epiphany. Disney was growing, but something was missing. Mr. Eisner and the rest of Uncle Walt's boys noticed that hotels were springing up outside of the main gates and this spawned an idea. What would happen if Disney World has some affordable, for the masses, Disney Hotels? Yeah, the Contemporary and the Polynesian Resorts were beautiful, but expensive, could Disney actually compete with Motel 6?

 

Disney started their hotel building campaign with the Moderate Resorts, then, when that was successful, progressed to the Value Resorts.

Coronado Springs

The Coronado Springs Resort is Disney's convention resort. This sprawling moderate resort is decked out with Southwestern flair.

 

This hotel has more room options than any other of the Disney hotels. From the standard moderate room to huge suites there is something for just about any taste.

The Coronado Springs hosts lots of conventions during the year. Maybe you can go to one.

 

Dad's Coronado Springs main page

Caribbean Beach Resort

The Caribbean Beach Resort takes you right to the islands mon. Sit back and feel the tropical breezes as you sip your favorite beverage by the pool. The colors in the hotel are amazing. It's the most colorful hotel in all of Disney World.

 

This is also the home of Pirate Suites. Let loose your inner pirate (but please no plundering). The Pirate Suites are decked out in dark woods and Jolly Rogers. Arrgh!

 

Dad's Disney Caribbean Beach Resort page

Port Orleans

 

The Port Orleans is really two Disney hotels in one. The Riverside section has old manor homes modeled after the plantation homes of the deep south. (Riverside was originally the Dixie Landings.)

 

The French Quarter part of the hotel makes you feel like your right down in the French Quarter in New Orleans. (But totally family friendly.)

• Port Orleans French Quarter
• Port Orleans Riverside

Dad's Disney Port Orleans page

Fort Wilderness Campground

You can pitch your tent right in the shadow of the Magic Kingdom. What a concept. The Fort WIlderness Campgrounds are just a short boat ride away from the most magical place on earth. You'll find RV parking, cabins and yes, even campgrounds where you can put up a tent.

Camping at WDW?

 

Dad's Disney Fort Wilderness Campgrounds page

Book Yours Today

Are you ready? It's never a bad time to book a Disney World Resort. Dad would like to help. Dad and his friends over at Pixie and Pirate Destinations are ready to help you choose one of the Disney Hotels that will be Perfect for your vacation. The Disney Vacation Planners at Pixie and Pirate Destinations know almost about Disney World as Dad does and they are hotel specialists. Give them a shout today.

 

Dad's Pixie and Pirate Destinations page

Disney Deluxe Resorts

The top of the line Disney hotels fall into the Deluxe Resort category. The Deluxe Resorts are the most expensive, starting at $225.00 per night. They have the largest standard rooms on the property and the best amenities. Most of the rooms include 2 queen beds and a day bed and sleep 5.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique Disney Hotels anywhere. In the Jambo House, you can see all kinds of animals right outside of your room. There are over 30 species that roam the resort day and night.

 

The Animal Kingdom Lodge has 2 Savannah's with live animals roaming all day (and night) long. For any animal lover this is paradise. It's also a typically beautiful place to spend a few days.

 

Dad's Animal Kingdom Lodge page

Beach Club

The Beach Club is the closest resort to Epcot. It's located just off of Crescent Lake (on the beach) and right next to it's sister resort the Yacht Club.

 

It's a very relaxing place to enjoy some time at the beach ... oops, I mean at Walt Disney World. The Beach and Yacht Clubs also have the best pool in the park. A great place to spend some relaxing time.

 

Disney Beach Club Resort

Boardwalk Inn

Disney's Boardwalk is a unique area. There is food, fun and drinks during the day and night.

 

The Boardwalk Inn sits right on the Boardwalk which is the center of all kinds of nightlife. From Jellyrolls with the dueling pianos to just sitting on the Boardwalk and munching on some really good pizza. This is a great place to spend a vacation.

 

Disney Boardwalk Hotel

The Contemporary Resort

r The Contemporary is one of the most unique structures anywhere. The giant A-frame main building has a monorail running right through it.

 

This hotel is the closest you can get to the Magic Kingdom without a ticket. You can literally walk to the park in 5 minutes and some of the views are amazing.

 

Dad's Contemporary Resort page

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is the flagship of the Disney Hotels. It's the granddaddy of them all and it's proud to show Disney at its finest.

 

Beautiful, classy style and elegance is the hallmark of this resort. It even has high tea in the afternoon and the top restaurant in all of Orlando. There is even an orchestra in the lobby. Opulent and classy. Just look at the pictures, opulent and classy.

 

Dad's Grand Floridian Hotel page

Polynesian Resort

The Polynesian Resort is Dad's favorite hotel anywhere. What's not to like. The whole hotel is a tropical island paradise and it has the best, most convenient transportation to just about anywhere at Disney World. Grab a monorail and be in the Magic Kingdom in no time.

 

The Polynesian Village is one of the original, Uncle Walt designed hotels. That Uncle Walt was something special. Kinda like the beach. White sand that goes on forever and ever makes you feel like you have died and gone to the tropics.

 

Dad's Polynesian Resort page

Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge is one of the most beautiful hotels anywhere. Behind the hotel is a real geyser (OK, maybe it's man made) and there's even a stream that runs right through the atrium.

 

When you step inside this resort you'll feel like you've been transported clear across the country to the great Northwest. Don't miss this.

 

Dad's Wilderness Lodge page

Yacht Club

The Yacht Club is between the Beach Club and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. It is also located on a beach (that happens a lot at Disney World. This Disney Hotel is filled with boaty decorations and has a wonderful nautical theme.

 

The Yacht Club shares the best pool of the Disney hotels with the Beach Club. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the wonderful days at WDW.

 

Dad's Yacht Club page

 

Yes, Disney hotels and especially the Deluxe Resorts cost a ton of money. If you can't afford to stay at one, at least walk through them. The Deluxe Resorts are truly some of the most interesting hotels in the world.

 

Dad's Hotel Fact Book

Dad's Insiders Guide to Disney's Hotels is a book full of facts about the hotels. It also has a lot of information about each of the 25 Disney World Resorts. From the inexpensive (for Disney) Value Resorts to the beautiful Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts, Dad talks about all of them.

 

You can even find some interesting Fun Facts about each Resort. Facts like the Art of Animation Resort began construction 10 years ago and is just now being finished for opening next year.

 

Get your copy today

Disney Deluxe Villas

In 1986, Disney started the Disney Vacation Club. In fact the first resort was named the Disney Vacation Club Resort (it's was renamed in 1991 to Old Key West Resort and Spa). Over the last 10 years, the DVC has had explosive growth. The Vacation Club hotels offer condo rooms. All the resorts have studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites. Some even have three bedroom Grand Villas that approach 2,000 square feet.

 

Dad's Disney Vacation Club page

Animal Kingdom Villas

Step out on your balcony and see animals. What a concept. Wake up to a zebra looking in your window (not literally). This is one of the best loved hotels anywhere. Both the Kidani Village and Jambo house (the two parts of the resort) have suites for rent.

 

Look around anywhere and you'd think you were right on the African Savannah.

 

Dad's Animal Kingdom Villas page

Bay Lake Towers

This is the newest Disney Vacation Club resort. It's located behind the Contemporary Resort. The all suite hotel is tied to the Contemporary via a walkway where all of the amenities for this resort are located.

 

The Bay Lake Towers of the best views of the Magic Kingdom which you can easily walk to.

 

Dad's Bay Lake Towers page

Beach Club Villas

The Beach Club Villas are located on the Crescent Lake beach in the Disney Boardwalk area. The Villas are modeled after resorts in the Cape May New Jersey (which explains why there is a Jersey Week at Disney World) area from the early 1900's.

 

The Beach Club is located just behind Epcot and it's an easy 5 minute walk to the park and a 10 minute boat ride to Disney Hollywood Studios.

 

Dad's Beach Club Villas page

Boardwalk Villas

The Boardwalk. The home of evening entertainment at Disney World. The Boardwalk Villas are right in the heart of the action. The Boardwalk is just a quick walk or boat ride to Epcot and from Disney Hollywood Studios.

 

The Villas offer nice big rooms for larger families or just for guests that like a little space.

 

Dad's Disney Boardwalk Villas page

Old Key West

The Old Key West Resort is the original Disney Vacation Club property. In fact it was initially called the Disney Vacation Club. Old Key West has the biggest rooms on the property are located in a highly relaxing atmosphere.

 

Old Key West is a great name for the feel of this area. It just screams laid back. (It doesn't literally scream, but you get the idea.) It even has a golf course running right through it.

 

Dad's Disney Old Key West page

Saratoga Springs Resort

Saratoga Springs is a northern styled racetrack resort. You'd almost expect a jockey walking his horse to appear. All it lacks is the racetrack.

 

Also in Saratoga Springs are the most innovative villas around. If you stay in Disney's Treehouse Villas you actually sleep 14 feet above the ground.

 

Dad's Saratoga Springs page

Wilderness Lodge Villas

Set in the quiet, serene woods just a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom the Wilderness Lodge Villas may be the most serene place to stay in all of Walt Disney World The Lodge has a Northwest US look and feel.

 

Inside the Lodge you'll find a 60 foot tall fireplace and totem poles all around.

 

Reviews of the Wilderness Lodge Villas at TripAdvisor

 

If your family needs lots of space, a Deluxe Villa or Disney Vacation Club Resort might be just what the doctor ordered.

Get Groceries Delivered to your Hotel Room

Need some milk? Want to save money on breakfast? Why not have groceries delivered right to your room? Yes, you can. There are several places that will deliver groceries to Disney Hotels, but Dad prefers GardenGrocer.com. Give them a try on your next trip.

Should you should stay at a Disney Hotel?

Maybe.

 

Dad gives you a rundown on who should stay at one of the Disney Hotels, and who shouldn't (yes, Uncle Walt, there are people that should stay somewhere else).

See where all of the hotels are and

Trust me. (Check out what parking at Walt Disney World costs.)

 

Staying at Disney Resorts vs. non - Disney Hotels

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost to stay at a Disney Hotel? That's a good question. The answer depends on when you visit, what hotel you pick and what "view" you prefer. Rates start at $84 per night and range up to over $2,000 per night.

Dad's Walt Disney World Hotel Rates page

Disney World Hotel Maps

If you are looking for some maps of Walt Disney World Hotels, look no further. Dad's found them for you. Come on over and check them out.

Dad's Walt Disney World Hotels and Maps page

Christmas in the Disney World Hotels

Christmas is a really special time at Walt Disney World. See how the different Disney Hotels celebrate "The Most Wonderful Time of the year." From the 1,000 foot gingerbread house in the Grand Floridian to the tree in the Pop Century, the hotels really dress up in holiday finery.

 

Dad's Disney World at Christmas in the Hotels

 

Building a Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian

 

Read unbiased opinions about hotels and vacations at TripAdvisor.

 

Sponsor Ads

Dad's Bottom Line

Dad prefers Disney Hotels or Disney Resorts or whatever you want to call them. If you are focusing on Disney during your vacation, make it a point to stay at one of the Walt Disney World Hotels. You won't regret it.

 

Read Reviews of Disney World Hotels at TripAdvisor