Disney World Resort

To truly experience the magic of Disney World nothing beats staying on property and completely immersing yourself in the splendor of it all. The beauty of staying at one of Disney's 23 unique resorts is not limited to simply having a place to rest your head at night either. Benefits including extra time in the theme parks when everyone else has to go home is just one of the advantages reserved for resort guests.

Disney resorts are broken down into three categories to fit everyone's vacation needs and most importantly - their budgets. Deluxe, moderate and value resorts offer a wide variety of hotels, each with their own style but chock full of Disney magic.

For most families budget is a top concern and Disney answers that with it's value resort - the All Star Movies, All Star Sports, All Star Music and Pop Century resorts all offer wonderful Disney accommodations beginning at $82 a night in value season. With the All Star resorts located near Animal Kingdom and Pop Century located near Downtown Disney, all four resorts offer larger then life spectacles of Disney magic. Each hotel has it's own uniquely themed pool and a fully stocked food court for informal dining that is perfect for families with small children.

A step up from the value resorts are the moderate resorts. Still affordable at $145 a night in value season, Disney's Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside all have their own unique flavor. A themed pool awaits you at every resort and as does special dining experiences, like the Marketplace in the Coronado Springs where you dine in a unique marketplace atmosphere and select from a wide variety of traditional and Mexican dishes.

Disney's deluxe resorts are truly the top of decadent accommodations on Disney property. With eight deluxe resorts and six deluxe villa resorts, selections from these resorts provide some of the only rooms capable of occupying more then the standard 4 guests.

Surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon and adjacent to the Magic Kingdom are two of the original Disney World hotels, Contemporary Resort and Polynesian Resort. At $259 and $329 a night respectively, these two resorts started it all. The Contemporary, with it's ultra-modern appeal and monorail that travels directly into the center of the resort is the first to offer rooms with kitchenettes and sleeps up to 8 people.

The Polynesian transports you to the South Seas, with lush tropical surroundings and nightly luaus. Directly across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom, watch the fireworks from sandy beaches and catch the light parade crossing the waters every night. Couples will enjoy this resort as will families requiring 1 or 2 bedroom suites.

The crown jewel of Disney resorts is it's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, a Victorian-era styled hotel. Dine in first class restaurants like the regal Victoria and Albert's or take the day off to relax and be pampered in the spa. The Grand Floridian offers standard guest rooms beginning at $375 a night, in addition to 1 and 2 bedroom suites.

The fourth Magic Kingdom resort is the Fort Wilderness Lodge, where you can retreat to the rustic charm of this Pacific Northwest-inspired gem. Splash away in the Silver Creek Springs pool or take a horse-drawn carriage ride though the resort grounds. One of the least expensive deluxe accommodations with rates beginning at $215 a night, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a wonderful escape at the end of the day.

The Epcot area deluxe resorts are the Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn and Yacht Club Resorts, all with rates beginning at $315 a night. The Boardwalk and Beach Club also offer Villas for parties up to 12. Each resort has it's own themed pool, including the 3-acre sand-bottom pool at the Beach Club Resort. Water launches from the resorts grant you special access to Disney's Epcot Center.

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas is the most unique and spectacular of all the Disney resorts, as you sit nestled on the summit of a 33-acre wildlife reserve. Watch exotic animals from your balcony as the sun rises each morning. Standard rooms starting at $215 a night, and 1 or 2 bedroom accommodations are available at this truly wonderful Disney resort.

With so much to choose from you may find yourself at a different hotel each time you visit. Having already stayed in at least six of these wonderful resorts, from value to deluxe, it's impossible to come up with a favorite. Each resort has something special to offer for everyone traveling to Disney World.