Guide to Disney World

The Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort is the closest of all the resorts to the Magic Kingdom, with a neat feature of having the Monorail run right through the hotel. Being the oldest of all the Disney Resorts, its design is a bit dated, but recent remodeling has done wonders. Don't miss the Concourse Steakhouse restaurant - great steaks - and the little ones will love seeing the Monorail run right through the restaurant! (see my Dining page for more details). The Contemporary is a great place to view the Electric Boat Parade and nightly fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Just be aware that if you book a standard room, you will be staying in a 3-story building that is adjacent to the main Tower, not within the main hotel. If being able to view the Magic Kingdom from your room is important to you, be sure to book a Tower room. It's more expensive, but it's thrilling to see Space Mountain and Cinderella's castle right outside your window!

The Polynesian

The Polynesian is also one of the older Disney Resort hotels, but the Hawaiian theming is great, and you can't beat the convenience of having the monorail stop right at your hotel. Don't miss the luau - expensive, but fun.

The Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is the most upscale of the Disney Resorts, and is popular with couples and honeymooners. Rates are steep even in the value season (see my Best Times to Go page), but the hotel does not disappoint - you will certainly be in the lap of luxury. Victoria and Albert's is among the top rated restaurants in the country, and the rooms here are the largest among the Disney Resorts. There's a spectacular view across the lake to the Magic Kingdom castle (ideal for viewing the nightly fireworks). Overall, a great choice if you're in the mood to splurge!

The last three deluxe resorts are located in walking distance of the Epcot/MGM area - Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Yacht Club, and Disney's Beach Club. Tip: If you have disabilities or have small children, the walk may be a bit far. Take the ferry boat instead. Disney's Yacht Club is very elegant and more low-key than some of the other resorts, making it a good choice for couples traveling without children. The adjacent Beach Club Resort is more kid-friendly, complete with an arcade and ice-cream parlor. The Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts share a neat pool area - there's a shallow, sandy-bottom section ideal for babies and toddlers; and the shipwreck slide is loads of fun for older kids. For the grown-ups, don't miss the Yachtsman Steakhouse (see my Dining page). Disney's BoardWalk Inn is another elegantly appointed hotel that recreates Atlantic City. Its special feature is the BoardWalk area outside the main hotel, featuring live entertainment for adults and an arcade for kids. I highly recommend Spoodles restaurant on the Boardwalk for all ages (see my Dining page for details).

Moderate Resorts

There are four moderate resorts - Disney's Caribbean Beach, Disney's Coronado Springs, Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside, and Port Orleans - French Quarter. These hotels are a great value, and include the special Disney theming - but are a bit less conveniently located to the Parks than the Deluxe resorts, and have fewer options/services. Also, the moderate hotels are huge and very spread out - be prepared to hike quite a bit to get to a pool, your bus, or even the hotel lobby and restaurants! All in all, it will just take you a bit longer to get where you're going. Disney's Coronado Springs is the newest of the moderate resorts, situated around a large lake. It has a pleasing Mexican theme. The Pepper Market is a great place to get a quick, high quality meal at an affordable price. (see my Dining page). Just be prepared to do quite a bit of walking to get to your room - and at night time, the paths are very dimly lit. Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside is another good choice in the moderate category. It is less spread out than Coronado Springs, with beautiful landscaping reminiscent of old Louisiana.

Value Resorts

Disney's four value resorts - All Star Sports, All Star Music, All Star Movies, and Pop Century - work well if you are on a budget. Although you get all of the Disney resort guest benefits, theming is minimal and table service restaurants are nonexistent. These feel more like old style motels rather than resorts.