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| Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside |
I'm a believer in immersing myself in the Disney experience, and fortunately there is a resort available for every price range and taste at WDW, so you shouldn't have a problem finding something that suits you personally and financially.
In addition to several campground areas priced under $50 per night, there are three "levels" of resorts (prices are approximate and can change seasonally, and are for standard rooms):
Value resorts - $90-$120 per night
Moderate resorts - $160-$230 per night
Deluxe resorts - upwards of $280 per night
All of the resorts have a theme, and it's up to you to determine how "themed" you want to get. Family suites and connecting rooms are available at every Disney resort, so be sure to check out the official Walt Disney World website at www.disneyworld.disney.go.com to see all of your options as well as lots of photos and detailed lists of amenities, restaurants, and other fantastic things about each property before you make your decision. Sometimes just seeing photos of a particular property is enough to make up your mind.
Value Resorts
These are the lowest priced hotels on the Disney spectrum, and they are by no means "cheap hotels". These resorts are decked out from top to bottom in all things Disney, Disney, Disney. The Value resorts tend to have more children around and have amenities that are generally closer together, which is great if you have a family of younger children who like to be social and/or you don't want to have to go too far to get breakfast, or dinner, or to the pool.
The rooms, pools and restaurants are themed at every Value resort, so there is always something to look at, experience, and always grab your attention.
Here's a list of the Value resorts:
*Pop Century (50's to 90's fads)
*All-Star Sports
*All-Star Movies
*All-Star Sports
*Art of Animation
Art of Animation is classified as a Value resort on the WDW website, but I really think it falls between Moderate and Deluxe price-wise. There are 3 different themed areas at this resort to choose from: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Cars. The lobby of this resort has scenes from all three of these Disney movies, so you are immersed from the moment you walk in.
Each of these resorts has multiple dining options, but not all of them have a sit-down restaurant. Check the WDW website to make comparisons before you book.
Moderate Resorts
The next tier up on the list are the Moderate resorts. These are a little higher in price, and in general they have a more subtle theme throughout the property and the rooms.
The Moderate resorts are:
*The Cabins at Fort Wilderness
*Port Orleans - French Quarter
*Port Orleans - Riverside (antebellum mansion look)
*Caribbean Beach
*Coronado Springs (Spanish style)
We have stayed in Moderate resorts for all of our Disney trips so far and probably will continue to do so because they are a great value, have more open spaces, and allow for some actual privacy without running over little kids at every turn, even though there are kids everywhere as there are in all of the resorts. You just don't feel cramped next to another hotel room, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and calm overall, even when you're heading to the pools.
Port Orleans - Riverside has Princess themed rooms available, modeled after "The Princess and The Frog" movie with Princess Tiana prominently featured. The Princess rooms are generally about $30/night higher than the standard rooms.
All of the Moderate resorts have a sit-down restaurant (Port Orleans shares one between French Quarter and Riverside: Boatwright's Dining Hall), as well as a food court and quick service meal options and poolside bars with adult beverages.
The Moderate resorts have open spaces and jogging trails, some have exercise rooms and/or spas, and other activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides or campfire stories, nightly movies on the grass, or even bikes and fishing opportunities available for additional fees.
Deluxe Resorts
At the top of the list are the Deluxe resorts. These are definitely pricier and have high-end fixtures and experiences that truly say "I'm on vacation". A couple of the Deluxe resorts have actual vacation villas available for rent, in addition to its regular hotel rooms. I've listed the villa options separately below.
The Deluxe Resorts are:
*Polynesian Village
*Animal Kingdom Lodge
*BoardWalk Inn
*Beach Club
*Yacht Club
*Wilderness Lodge
*Contemporary
*Grand Floridian
The Grand Floridian resort is the top-of-the-top and is a village unto itself. Sitting directly across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom entrance, it is definitely grand and imposing. They even offer afternoon tea at this resort.
The Polynesian Resort will immerse visitors in all things Hawaiian. From tiki huts to luaus, there is something here for everyone longing to head to the islands.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has rooms that overlook the "savannahs" and animals to gaze at morning, noon and night. The inside of this resort is amazing in pictures, and I think it's the only Deluxe resort that I would pay extra to stay in to be immersed in the African wilderness.
All of these resorts have numerous sit-down restaurants, adult entertainment areas, quick service food spots, and tons of open space and amenities. There is nothing you could want for at a Deluxe Disney resort, but you will definitely pay for the privilege. Just looking at the photos on the WDW website can be breathtaking, and doing a Google search of photos taken at these properties is a fantastic way to get a feel for the resorts themselves and things people do to entertain themselves on vacation.
Villas
There are also several resorts with villas available, which are higher priced than Deluxe resorts at more than $600 per night. These would be great options for families traveling with multiple generations for reunions, where there is more than one person or family paying for the trip.
*Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House and Kidani Village
*Polynesian Villas and Bungalows (recently opened and on the water - they look amazing!)
*Old Key West Resort (the most affordable option, priced slightly higher than the Deluxe resorts)
*Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
*Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
*Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
*Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
*BoardWalk Villas
*Beach Club Villas
Check out the WDW website for a complete list of the amenities, restaurants and features.
Other Disney Resorts
Disney Swan and Disney Dolphin hotels are not considered "true" Disney hotels because they are not themed and have a more modern, architectural look inside and out, but they are on Disney property. These would be considered Deluxe resorts for the prices, which are above $280 per night.
So, there you go! Lots of options to stay and play and truly enjoy your Disney vacation. All Disney resorts have transportation to and from the theme parks by bus, monorail or boat depending on the location, but be sure to check with the resort to determine what options are available and if it really suits your needs before booking.
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