DISNEY 101 is an ongoing series where we teach you the basics of a Walt Disney World vacation. In this installment, you will learn about the different types of accommodations that are available… the vocabulary that Disney uses, the different perks of each type of accommodation, and so forth. If you do nothing else, please scroll down to the bottom of the article, where we summarize the different resort type and the benefits that apply to each. We are sure that you will find it useful or your money back!!
“On Property” vs “Off Property”
The most common terms that you might hear with respect to accommodations at WDW are “on property” and “off property”. Simply put, “on property” refers to resorts which are located inside Walt Disney World property and owned/operated by the Disney Corporation (with a few exceptions). “Off property” refers to everything else!
While personally we prefer to stay off property because it is a better value, there are a number of advantages and perks to staying on property.
- You are immersed in Disney 24/7. Some people refer to this as being inside the “Disney bubble”.
- Disney provides a robust system of public transportation to get you from your resort to the parks and back.
- If you do decide to drive to the parks yourself, you get free parking.
- You are allowed to enter the parks 30 minutes before the general public.
- You get an advantage in making Advanced Dining Reservations at Disney restaurants. Normally, you can make a reservation 60 days in advance of your meal. However, Disney Resort guests can book reservations starting 60 days from the beginning of their stay (up to 10 days). This can mean the difference between getting a reservation or not getting one at popular locations. Some people refer to this as the “60+10” rule.
- You can book Individual Lightning Lanes starting at 7am on the day of your park visit, whereas the general public can only start booking when the park opens.
- Deluxe Disney resort guests get extended evening hours at certain parks on certain days.
As you can see, Disney is really trying to incent you to stay at a Disney Resort. And for the most part, you will have a great experience staying on property. Disney sets a high standard in terms of guest experience at Walt Disney World, and that standard is generally carried over to the resorts. However, you will pay more than you would for an equivalent off property resort. I leave it up to you to decide if the additional cost is worthwhile.
Categories of WDW Resorts
In order to cater to people with varying budgets, Disney has different categories of resorts within their portfolio.
Value Resorts
- Pop Century Resort
- All-Star Music Resort
- All-Star Movies Resort
- All-Star Sports Resort
- Art of Animation Resort
These resorts are at the lowest price point. While they are the least expensive, the amenities will be more limited. The buildings are reminiscent of a motel, albeit a well-kept motel with colorful Disney theming. They generally are large concrete buildings with no interior hallways. You enter your room directly from the outside. The rooms themselves are very small and basic. They can be tight with anything more than two people. There are some family suites available, but obviously these are more expensive and might not be as good a value as renting two rooms.
Value resorts will have a quick service food court, but no lounges or table service restaurants. They have pools but none of the pools have any water slides or other fancy “features”. It used to be that transportation was a pain for value resorts, since they rely on buses that often stop at multiple resorts. However, with the addition of the Skyliner, Pop Century and Art of Animation have a potentially faster option for travel to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Summary
Basic, well-kept accommodations. Limited amenities.
Moderate Resorts
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Port Orleans Resort: Riverside and French Quarter
- Coronado Springs Resort
- Cabins and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (Disney classifies the cabins as a Moderate Resort, but honestly, they are kind of their own thing)
Moderate resorts obviously are a step up from the value resorts. The rooms themselves are generally larger than the equivalent value room, giving you more living space. However, they are still generally pretty basic, similar to what you find at your average mid-tier hotel. While most buildings are still motel-style with access directly to the outside, the buildings don’t scream “motel”.
That said, the grounds are very well themed and fit the backstory of the resort. While the value resorts have very bright and colorful theming, the moderates feel more subtle and grown up (at least in my opinion).
In addition, you’ll find more amenities than you would at a value resort. In terms of dining, you’ll find at least one table service restaurant as well as several bars/lounges. At least one pool at each resort will have more elaborate theming, including a water slide and a hot tub.
Transportation is still generally bus-based, although Caribbean Beach also has access to the previously mentioned Skyliner, giving that resort another option.
Summary
Larger rooms and more amenities than values, but still mid-tier.
Deluxe Resorts
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort
- Wilderness Lodge
- Beach Club Resort
- Contemporary Resort
- Yacht Club Resort
- Boardwalk Inn
As the name implies, these are the creme de la creme of Disney Resorts. These resorts feature amazing and unique theming that is memorable without being over the top. Walking into the lobby of a deluxe resort transports you to the locations that they inspire. The rooms themselves are large and well appointed… on par with what you would find at an upscale hotel.
Most will have multiple dining options, both quick service and table service. Some of the best restaurants on property can be found at the deluxe resorts. The pools are generally breathtaking with a water slide and other cool features. The Yacht and Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay pool is a water park in and of itself!
Most deluxe resorts also give you easy access to one or more of the Disney parks. Some are even within walking distance of a park entrance. Speaking of parks, deluxe resort guests get extra evening hours at certain parks on certain days. That means you can experience the attractions with much lower crowds!
As you can imagine, all of these perks come at a cost. Deluxe resort room can run several hundred to several thousand per night depending upon the room type.
Summary
The biggest rooms, the best locations and amenities… but at a cost!
Other Select Deluxe Resorts
Yes, this is actually an official category of Disney on property resort. In this group are the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. These are unique among on property hotels in that they are owned and operated not by Disney but by Marriott! Besides that, they are nearly identical to the other Disney deluxe resorts in terms of both characteristics and perks.
Deluxe Villas
- Saratoga Springs Resort
- Old Key West Resort
- Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
- Bay Lake Tower and Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Villas at Grand Floridian Resort
- Animal Kingdom Villas
- Boardwalk Villas
- Beach Club Villas
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Riviera Resort
Technically, Deluxe Villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club portfolio of resorts. Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a timeshare run by Disney where members can book these villas using “points”. However, they are also available for cash bookings by the general public.
Many of the Deluxe Villas are part of regular Deluxe resorts (like Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary). Others are exclusive resorts (like Riviera Resort). In terms of amenities, they are equivalent to what you would find at a deluxe resort. The rooms, however, can range from studios, to one-bedroom rooms, two-bedroom rooms, and beyond!
Deluxe Villa studios are equivalent to a standard room at a deluxe resort… a typical upscale hotel room. However, the one-bedroom and above rooms add in a full kitchen, in room laundry, and of course room for a larger number of people. These are among the most spacious rooms at WDW, but they are also among the most expensive!
Summary
Deluxe amenities plus larger rooms for bigger parties.
Campgrounds
Fort Wilderness is unique among Disney resorts in that it offers campground accommodations. These range from literal campsites, where you can actually pitch a tent, to sites that have room and hookups for large RV’s. Regardless of your style of camping, you have access to indoor plumbing, dining options, a general store, pools, and other amenities. This definitely isn’t roughing it!
Fort Wilderness also has cabins… free standing mobile home style accommodations with room for larger families. It is probably the equivalent of a suite at a value resort. Disney classifies these as a moderate resort option but it really should be its own category.
Summary
A unique rustic option.
Other On Property Resorts (Sort Of…)
There are a few resorts that require special mention. Technically, they are located on Disney owned land, so one might consider them to be on property. However, they are owned and operated by third-parties and they don’t share all of the perks that Disney owned hotel guests have.
Shades of Green
Shades of Green is special in that it is run by the US military (specifically the Armed Forces Recreation Center) for use by our brave men and women in uniform and their families. The resort is located on property (across the road for the Polynesian) and it shares many of the same perks that Disney Resort guests have access to: early park entry, extended evening hours, early dining and Individual Lightning Lane booking. The only on property perk that guests don’t receive is free parking at parks. However, Shades of Green guests are provided with bus service to all parks that is on par with Disney Resort buses.
In terms of rooms and amenities, Shades is equivalent to a Disney deluxe resort. However, the cost is much lower (as it should be for those who serve our country). It is definitely a great option for those who have earned the right to stay there.
Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels
Along Hotel Plaza Boulevard between Disney Springs and FL-535, there are a number of privately owned hotels which are collectively known as the “Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels”. Technically they are on property, since they are located within the boundaries of Walt Disney World. However, they are not run by Disney. Most are national mid-tier brand hotels that you are familiar with: Doubletree, Hilton, Holiday Inn, etc. While the amenities vary, they probably range from moderate equivalent to deluxe equivalent, depending upon which hotel you choose.
None of these hotels give you the perks of staying at a Disney Resort, with one exception. Disney Springs area hotels do allow you early entry into the parks.
If you have reward points or frequent guest status with any of these national chains, they are a decent choice if you don’t mind giving up the perks of staying at a Disney-run hotel.
Off Property
Pretty much everything else is considered off property. However, there is one special category of off property hotel that I want to mention.
WDW Good Neighbor Hotels
This is a collection of off property hotels that are marketed through the Walt Disney World web site. However, they provide no real perks or special benefits. A few select ones do offer early park entry. You can see the latest list of participating hotels here.
Summary
Here is a summary of the different resort types that we discussed in this article, and the perks that they offer.
| Resort Type | Disney Operated | Early Park Entry | Extended Evening Hours | Dining Booking Advantage (“60+10”) | Free Parking at Parks | 7AM Individual Lightning Lane Booking |
| WDW Value Resort Hotels | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WDW Moderate Resort Hotels | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WDW Deluxe Resort Hotels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WDW Deluxe Villas | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WDW Campgrounds / Fort Wilderness | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swan and Dolphin | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shades of Green | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Good Neighbor Hotels | No | Some | No | No | No | No |
| Other Off Property Resorts | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Hopefully this will help you navigate all of the different terms that Disney uses to describe resorts, what they mean, what perks each resort gets as a benefit, etc. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments!
AD: We hope you enjoyed this post. If you are coming to Central Florida and need a place to stay, please consider the Encore Magic Villa. It sleeps up to 12 and features a game room, theater room, themed bedrooms, and private pool… located within a short drive of the Magic!
