Walt Disney World offers a plethora of options for guests wishing to stay in close proximity to the parks. With so many choices, I thought I’d take a the next few columns to give a quick run down of each resort type for those of you looking at on-site accommodations. First let’s check out the deluxe options.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary is one of Walt Disney World’s first resorts and was, and still is, a modern marvel! I’m always amazed at the construction story, and watching the monorail whiz through is always fun! This option is closest to Magic Kingdom and actually allows guests to walk to the park, as well as hop a boat or monorail. Buses will get you to all other parks except Epcot, which you can access via monorail after a quick transfer at the ticket and transportation center (TTC). With its modern décor, the Contemporary’s rooms don’t exude that Disney feel for all guests. Mickey and his friends, however, are just downstairs for meals if you feel the need for a shot of Disney.

 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian, is definitely one of the pricier options, but it truly offers guests the ultimate in Disney atmosphere. With cast members in period costume, Disney melodies wafting about the lobby and a several character experiences, the Grand is a great respite for Disney fans looking for a little more luxury. Despite the appearance of a sidewalk that seems to lead to Magic Kingdom, you cannot actually walk to the park from the Grand. Launch and monorail service are available for Magic Kingdom access. Again, monorails can get you to Epcot with buses providing service to other locations.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s newly refurbished and remodeled Polynesian paradise completes the trio of resorts on the monorail line. Lush grounds, silky sand and the gentle sounds of Polynesia really transport guests from the middle of a bustling destination to a serene vacation spot near the ocean. The Polynesian Village offers great dining and a character breakfast, as well as the Spirit of Aloha Luau, a favorite tradition of many families. Traditional presentations and dancing often take place in the lobby, as well.

 

Get Resort Wise: Looking for a grown-ups night out? Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village has just reopened after refurbishment and offers child care for guests 4-12 years old from 4:00 P.M. until midnight at a rate of $15 per hour per child.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Rounding out the deluxe resorts flanking Magic Kingdom is the Wilderness Lodge. Its grand lobby instantly gives the warm, welcoming feeling of an old lodge you’ve visited many times before. You can spend a few hours poking around the Lodge admiring the Native artifacts, and there’s even a tour offered a few times a week. The raucous but always fun buzz coming from Whispering Canyon Cafe, however, can quickly bring you back to Disney. Also offering boat service to Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge also offers bus service to Magic Kingdom, as well as the other parks.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Less than a five minute walk from Epcot’s International Gateway, the Beach Club is a great place to stay for fans of Walt Disney World’s second park and its third, Hollywood Studios. Boat service to both parks in addition to the ability to walk attracts a lot of guests with convenience in mind. Bus service is available to all other locations. If the location didn’t seal the deal, be sure to take a look at the pool area. Stormalong Bay is a big draw for families, and it offers a lazy river, sand bottom, sand bar play area, hot tubs, whirlpools and water slides! Grab a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream, and it’s a great day at the pool!

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Across Crescent Lake is the sprawling Boardwalk Inn and its accompanying entertainment district. A great place to stroll in the evenings, the Boardwalk offers live entertainment in terms of performers and Jellyrolls dueling piano bar, games of skill, food, fun and more! Boardwalk offers the same transportation options as Beach Club. Definitely a fun place to stay, especially on a grown-ups only trip.

Get Resort Wise: When staying at the Boardwalk, opt for a water view room and request a balcony. All rooms are great, but being able to hear the sounds of the Boardwalk wafting through your door really sets the mood.

 

Disney’s Yacht Club

The Yacht Club is the Beach Club’s more refined and reserved sister. Both resorts share the bustling Stormalong Bay, but the Yacht Club is decidedly calmer that its sister resort. I often suggest this option to those looking for a calmer experience but still near the parks. The last of the Disney-owned resorts around Crescent Lake, Yacht Club utilizes the same transportation as Beach and Boardwalk. And if you’re looking for a promotion eligible room, the Yacht Club always seems to be the last resort with available discounted rooms.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Rounding out Disney’s top tier resorts is Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Lodge is truly a sight to behold! With African art, architecture, live animals roaming the savannas and a touch of Disney magic, there’s no other place like it. The Lodge also offers some amazing dining options with the smells of Boma and Jiko beckoning guests downstairs. Transportation is limited to bus, so when asked, I do recommend having a rental car if you haven’t driven to the World. However, the bus system will eventually get you where you need to be. Another perk of Animal Kingdom Lodge is the nightly rate. While not going for pennies, the Lodge is not too far of a jump from moderate resort rates, so if you’re on the fence between the two, check out the Lodge.

Have you enjoyed, visited or vehemently avoided any of Disney World’s deluxe resorts? What’s your take? Please comment below and vote in our poll.

 

 

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