Understanding Disney World Resort Categories
Disney World resort categories can be so confusing, especially if it’s your first time trying to decide where to stay. What’s really the difference between Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts? What do you actually get at each level?
Disney designs its resorts to fit every budget, but as you move up in category, the amenities and convenience all increase. Understanding those differences can make a big impact on finding the right fit for your family.
Growing up, I’ll admit—I was a little spoiled. Okay… maybe a lot spoiled. I was the only girl surrounded by three brothers (and mostly boy cousins), so my parents tended to go all-out for me whenever they could. We didn’t visit Walt Disney World every year like some of my friends, but when we did, we stayed at the Grand Floridian.
My mom loved the convenience of hopping on the monorail to bring whoever was the baby at the time back to the room while my dad stayed in the parks with me. And me? I was perfectly content riding the monorail in loops, wearing my bathing suit and bathrobe.
One year, some family friends joined us on our Disney trip, but they stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort. I went over to spend the night with them, and I’ll be honest—I was so jealous. They had this amazing pool with a waterslide, bright tropical colors everywhere, and the kind of fun, laid-back vibe that made me wish we were staying there instead. I’m sure my parents were not too happy when I said I wished we’d stayed there!
And I’m telling you this embarrassing story about my brattiness (which, for the most part, I grew out of) because it shows that what’s considered the “best” resort isn’t necessarily the right resort for everyone. The Grand Floridian might be the ultimate dream stay for some families (and I’d love to be able to afford to stay there now!), but it didn’t really appeal to 10-year-old me.
With more than 25 Disney resorts to choose from, there’s truly something for every family—every age, every interest, and every budget. Disney breaks its resorts into three main categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe (for the purposes of this post, I’m going to treat Deluxe and Deluxe Villas as one). Each tier offers its own mix of perks and amenities.
No matter which you choose, every Disney resort includes complimentary transportation, early park entry, and the option to add a dining plan (here is a post about all that). But the real magic is finding the one that fits your family best—and that’s what this guide is here to help you do.
Value Resort
There was a time when staying on property at Disney wasn’t exactly budget-friendly, but Disney quickly realized they were losing guests to nearby chain hotels and created the Value Resorts to offer an affordable option without sacrificing the magic.
These resorts are Disney’s version of a “budget” stay, but don’t let that fool you—there’s still plenty of charm, color, and pixie dust packed into every corner. The biggest perk? Convenience. Value resorts are compact, so nothing is too far from the lobby, food court, or pool. Plus, each has just one main bus stop right at the front (something you’ll really appreciate after a long day in the parks)! If you want to be even closer to the action, you can upgrade to a Preferred Room, which guarantees you’re near the main building and transportation hub.
These are perfect for families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks and just need a fun, comfortable place to crash at the end of the day. You’ll get a clean, cheerful room with friendly service and plenty of space.
Theming
The rooms are bright, colorful, and over-the-top in the best way. Think giant icons, oversized characters, and larger-than-life décor that kids will love!
Rooms
These rooms are the smallest in size at 260 square feet, but after they’re renovated, they’ll include a fresh, modern design with a queen bed and a pull-down double bed rather than two double beds, leaving your kids with plenty of space to play without sacrificing livability.
Dining
Quick Service Dining Location, Pizza Delivery, Pool Bar
Recreation
One main pool, 1-2 Secondary Pools
Transportation
Bus Transportation to all Parks; Pop Century and Art of Animation have access to the new Disney Skyliner
Resorts in this category include Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s All Star Music, Disney’s All Star Movies, Disney’s All Star Sports and Disney’s Art of Animation.
Moderate Resorts
I have to admit—I have a soft spot for the Moderate Resorts. When it comes to Disney World resort categories, they’re almost always where I choose to stay when I visit. They offer that perfect balance between comfort and value for those who want a bit more than just the bare essentials: a little extra space (which comes in handy when I’m working from the room—though let’s be honest, working from Disney is hardly something to complain about!) and some really great dining and lounge options.
Moderate resorts are ideal for families who want more than just the basics but don’t need the full luxury price tag. The properties are beautifully landscaped, with a relaxed, resort-like feel that makes it easy to slow down between park days. You’ll find slightly larger rooms, beautiful pools, and just enough upgraded touches to make your stay feel special without drifting into deluxe territory.
Theming
The theming is a little more elevated with each resort playing homage to a destination with little Disney touches along the way.
Rooms
The rooms are a respectable 314 square feet with two queen size beds.
Additionally some of the rooms accommodate a 5th person with a pull down single bed well suited to children.
Dining
They each have a main lobby building with the food court, lounge and access to at least one table service restaurant.
Recreation
One main pool with waterslide, secondary pools for most sections of the resort; other recreation varies by resort but may include bike or boat rentals, horse drawn carriage rides, catch and release fishing, pirate cruises, health club, spa services or live entertainment in the lounge. If you’re staying at Port Orleans, be sure to check out one of Yehaa Bob’s shows!
Transportation
Bus Transportation to all Parks. The resorts operate internal bus loops with multiple stops.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach has access to the new Disney Skyliner, and both Port Orleans properties offer boat transportation to Disney Springs.
Resorts in this category include Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness
Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts
Of all of the Disney World resort categories, the Deluxe Resorts truly live up to their name: they’re the most immersive, elegant, and conveniently located stays on Disney property. Each one feels like stepping into another world, but with all the comfort and attention to detail Disney is known for.
If you’ve ever dreamed of eating a Dole Whip under tiki torches at the Polynesian or waking up to giraffes grazing just outside your balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge, these resorts bring those experiences to life, all without the long flight!
What really makes the Deluxe Resorts stand out, though, is location. Many are just a short walk (or monorail ride!) from the parks, which makes those early mornings and late nights so much easier. For me, that convenience alone makes the splurge so worth it.
Rooms
The rooms are much larger, ranging from 344 to a whopping 422 square feet with every bed arrangement you can imagine, including bunk beds!
Most rooms will feature two queen beds and a pullman bed (like the moderates), or a single sleeper sofa which more comfortably accommodates an adult.
Dining
The dining options abound at the Disney Deluxe Resorts with a quick service restaurant and at least one table service restaurant (some offer character dining or a signature dining experience), alongside incredible bars & lounges.
Recreation
One main pool with waterslide and a secondary pool.
Other recreation varies by resort but may include a marina with boat rentals and water sports, tennis, a health club, a spa, live entertainment, and specialty cruises.
Transportation
The biggest benefit of the Deluxe Resorts is the plethora of transportation options.
With the exception of Animal Kingdom Lodge, each resort offers boat passage, monorail service, or a walking path to at least one of the theme parks.
Resorts in the Deluxe category are:
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Resorts in the Deluxe Villa category are:
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Disney’s Boardwalk Villas, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Riviera Resort
No matter your budget or travel style, there’s a Disney resort that’s the perfect fit for your family. From the playful energy of the Value Resorts to the relaxed charm of the Moderates and the elegance and convenience of the Deluxe properties, each one offers its own kind of magic.
The key is figuring out what matters most to you—whether it’s location, amenities, theming, or just finding a space that makes your whole family feel at home after a day in the parks. That’s where I come in! I’ll help you cut through the confusion, comb through all of the Disney World resort categories, and choose the right fit for your family’s needs, preferences, and budget—so you can focus on the fun parts (like which Mickey-shaped snack to try first)!
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Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira: a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation, too!
She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, and Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
