Tink's Tools: How to Pick the Right Disney Resort for YOU!

So, you have decided to stay in the heart of the vacation kingdom, right on Disney Property. Good choice! Here you can be surrounded by magic from the moment you check in, wide eyed, bursting with excitement, and dying to snap a photo with the Mouse…. until the very last, sad moments, when you pack up your Mickey ears, your digital camera with the memory card maxed out, and your glum little pirates and princesses, to head back to reality. Looking at the overwhelming list of Disney resort options, you may start to feel as confused and puzzled as a little blue fish named Dory. Don’t worry…. There are some easy steps to deciding which resort is right for you and your family.  

The first step is deciding what your budget is, what room size you need, and what amenities are at the top of your list. This will help you pick the category of resort that is right for you. The Disney resorts are often grouped into five categories: The Values, The Moderates, The Deluxes, The Deluxe Villas and the Home Away From Homes. Each category varies in price range and the number of guests that the rooms will accommodate, but they also vary in other, important ways.  For those on a budget, or those simply not planning on spending a lot of time at the resorts, The Values might be a good choice for you. If you are looking to be surrounded by the comforts of home, in a luxurious setting, The Deluxe Villas or The Home Away From Homes would best suit you. If you want to be pampered and have five star restaurants and maybe even a monorail just outside your door, then The Deluxes will be more your speed. No matter what your wants and needs are from your Disney resort, there is a perfect match for you here. Just keep in mind that you aren’t dealing with Motel 6’s and Holiday Inn’s here. This is Disney. The Values are still nicer than most non-Disney chain hotels. The Moderates are pretty spectacular. And in case you haven’t noticed, you're talking 47 square miles of vacation fun surrounding whichever resort you select. In all reality, you probably are not going to be spending much time at the resort, let alone, in the room. There’s no need to break the bank here, especially because what you save on the room, you can spend on special meals, experiences, souvenirs and Dole Whips and Churros. Pick the resort category which suits your needs the most, not the one above it. You’ll be thrilled with all that your Disney resort has to offer, no matter what!

After you have chosen your category, you have several, similarly priced resorts to pick from. Next you’re going to choose your resort… but how do you decide??? Knowing which of these is right for you, has a lot to do with your taste and one thing Disney is well known for: theming! Every detail of each resort is matched perfectly to its theme. Whether you’re noticing the old fashioned, pull chain toilets in the food court restrooms at Port Orleans Riverside, or the salt water taffy on your pillow, in place of a mint, on The Boardwalk’s Concierge level, themed details are everywhere. Even the service is themed! While you may be greeted with a, “Howdy, Folks!”, at The Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, you’ll be welcomed home to the Deluxe Villas, and told to have, (what else?), a “grand day”, at The Grand Floridian!

Once you have your resort picked out, you can then narrow down your room category, and any special requests that you have, to complete your reservation.  

Yes, the number of resort options is overwhelming, (roughly 25 different resort accommodations), but some discussions with your family about what their expectations are, what your budgets is, and what your likes and dislikes are, should make the process fun. Again, pick what suits your needs. They are ALL great and if you find yourself wishing you could try The Grand Floridian, or Coronado Springs, too…. well, that’s another reason to come back, don’t you agree??? Mickey knows you’ll be back to stay in more resorts. Why else do you think he always says, “See ya real soon!”?

Need some guidance? Have no fear! Tink is here! (Cue the theme song!) In my upcoming "Tink's Tools" posts, I will review with you the various categories, and the resort choices that are available to you, so stay tuned!