Which Resort Should I Choose When Staying at Walt Disney World?

Today is part 3 of planning for you Walt Disney World Vacation in Orlando, Florida.

Since Nelson and I know all about the Orlando property over the Disneyland Property in Anaheim, CA. We did book it, but we know more about Walt Disney World, since we have been both going there since we were children and now take our grandchildren when we go.  We also love going there just the 2 of us. It was very romantic as well!

Okay, today we are talking about the Walt Disney World Resorts when staying on property.

There is a resort for every budget from Value Resorts all the way up to Luxury Villas

This year, Nelson and I, are staying at Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside Resort

First of all many of you are saying, well why do I want to stay at Disney Resorts over staying at a resort off property. Won't I save some money. Well yes and no!

Yes, you may, but it may not be worth the running around and not getting the extras for staying "on property" as we call it. If you are thinking, well, Cheryl and Nelson go free anyway, so they have to recommend it.

No way, we don't go for free, not even close to it.  But we love the convenience of staying at a Walt Disney World Property see below why:

First of all, as stated there are over 25+ resorts to choose from themed and decorated differently like at the Value Resorts you can stay at Music Theme, Sports Theme, Ariel, Cars and Finding Nemo themes.  Moderate Resorts are themed like New Orleans, or a Caribbean Beach Resort, and a Spanish Colonial Resort. Luxury Resorts are like the Animal Kingdom Lodge where you are surrounded safely by giraffes, elk, and other African Animals, or stay at the Polynesian Resort which makes you feel like you stepped into a FIJI or Bora Bora resort, they even now have over the water bungalows to stay in and so many others to choose from and for every budget and family size. Including Destination Weddings and Honeymoons.

1.  Early Access to FastPass+ Planning

Disney Resort hotel Guests enjoy first access to reserve select shows and attractions up to 60 days before arrival. Planning your favorite Walt Disney World Resort experiences early means more time for fun.

2. Extra Magic Hours

Each day, Disney Resort hotel Guests can spend extra time at one of the theme parks—park ticket and Resort ID required. Additional hours at the parks provide more time having fun with family and friends at select attractions and entertainment experiences.

3. Complimentary MagicBands

MagicBands help Resort hotel Guests access vacation choices selected with My Disney Experience—at no charge. Resembling a wristband or bracelet, MagicBands are available in 7 different colors and can be customized with your name up to 10 days before arrival. Use your MagicBand to:

• Unlock your Disney Resort hotel room.
• Enter theme parks and water parks (with valid admission).
• Charge food and merchandise purchases.
• Connect PhotoPass images to your account.
• Check in at FastPass+ attraction and entertainment lines.

4. Leave the Parks but Not the Magic

Experience the same attention to detail, legendary service and storytelling found in our parks. From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms and more, Disney Resort hotels offer Guests a variety of options that exemplify the Disney Difference.

Proximity
Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel puts you in the middle of the magic, close to the theme parks, water parks and shopping at Disney Springs.

Entertainment
Disney Resort hotels feature amenities that immerse Guests in the worlds of classic Disney tales—including themed pools with slides, poolside activities, Character Dining experiences and more.

5. Transportation

Learn more about the complimentary transportation options available to Guests. When staying at select Disney Resort hotels, just sit back, relax and let us do the driving.

Airport - Disney’s Magical Express Service is a convenient service that transports Guests between Orlando International Airport and Disney Resort hotels via motor coach, with luggage delivery to your Disney Resort hotel—at no additional charge.

Resort - Our complimentary motor coach, ferryboat and monorail services are available to take you throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Parking - Guests of Disney Resort hotels enjoy complimentary standard parking at the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and hotel areas.

6. Disney Dining Plans - You cannot get these plans if you are staying off property

Book a Magic Your Way vacation package that includes a variety of dining plans to fit every family and budget. Options include snacks, quick-service meals and table-service restaurants.

Plan Ahead - Make dining reservations up to 180 days in advance at over 100 available restaurants.

Convenient - Restaurant servers provide easy-to-read receipts that display your remaining meal balance, making it easy to keep track.

7. This is one you we add in, looking out for all of our clients. If you have time and only if you have time. Disney World is a very big place. You can actually rent a car there are 2 car rental companies at Walt Disney World Resort that you can use to go to your family and friends homes or head out to visit the other theme parks in the Orlando area. 

These are the resorts we have stayed at over the years

When we were kids, my father used to rent an RV at Disney's Fort Wilderness Camp Grounds. Camped out and every night there, they have camp fires and sing songs, and sometimes special people show up like Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This property is close to the Magic Kingdom, and it is a boat ride away or you can take a bus to one of the other 4 theme parks, or Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney), or ESPN Wide World of Sports, or 1 of the 2 water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon).

When we got older, our first trip, as a family with Nelson and my daughter, Dina. 2nd marriage for the both of us is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We splurged on this one, and it was before we became travel agents.

Animal Kingdom Lodge - Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. We stayed in a Savannah View Room every morning in the distance, we saw our favorite African Animals. They had to push the animals back, because in the beginning you could if you had these rooms, have a bucket to feed the Giraffes but people started abusing the animals and feeding them food that made them sick. So, they had to move them back. When we were there, one of the Baby Elephants were born.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby

Dina and I stayed in 2011 at the Caribbean Beach Resort which is one of the Moderate Resorts.

Just like staying at a Caribbean Beach Resort. No you cannot go in the water there, but there is sand, and they have fires on the beach at night, Caribbean music is playing throughout the day. 

Oh we had an awesome time. Here is a video tour of our stay here in 2011

Part 1 of Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach Resort Part 2

This year for our 25th Wedding Anniversary in November. We are going to stay at the Port Orleans - Riverside Resort. There are 2 Resorts here Riverside and French Quarter. You will feel like you are staying in New Orleans or at least Louisiana. We have booked many of our clients there and they love it. They especially loved the pools, and the food. They have said for breakfast we must go to the French Quarter which is walking distance and have the Beignets (Fried Donuts with tons of powdered sugar on them, and the coffee).

When we are there this year, we will be doing live feeds on Facebook page and also taking tons of videos and pictures for you all.

To Book Your Own Walt  Disney World Resorts! Call us at 631-456-5394 or reservaitons@echevarriatravel.com