How to Choose the Right Disney World Resort for You

One of the first, and often most overwhelming, decisions you'll make when planning a Disney World vacation is choosing where to stay. With more than 25 Disney Resort hotels, each offering unique themes, transportation options, amenities, and price points, it's easy to feel overwhelmed before your vacation even begins.

The good news? There isn't one "best" Disney resort. There's simply the best resort for you and your family.

At Magic Me Vacations, we take the time to learn what matters most to your family before recommending a resort. Whether your priority is convenience, budget, incredible pools, or immersive Disney theming, we'll help you find the perfect fit.

Start by Thinking About Your Vacation Priorities

Before comparing resorts, ask yourself what's most important for this trip.

Consider questions like:

• Is staying within your budget your biggest priority?

• What park will you spend most of your time at?

• Do you plan on taking mid-day breaks?

• Will you be traveling with toddlers, teenagers, grandparents, or a large family?

• Is having an amazing pool important?

• Do you want lots of dining options at your resort?

• Does multiple transportation options matter to you?

• Is the convenience of being walkable to a park worth paying a little more?

Your answers will help narrow the list quickly.

If You're Looking for the Best Value

Disney's Value Resorts offer the most affordable way to stay inside the Disney bubble while still enjoying complimentary transportation, Early Theme Park Entry, and Disney's legendary service.

Our favorites include:

• Pop Century Resort

• All-Star Movies Resort

• All-Star Music (Family Suites)

These resorts are perfect for families who plan to spend most of their day in the parks and want to maximize their vacation budget. Most rooms at the Value and Moderate Resorts do not sleep families of 5, but All-Star Music Family Suites are the most affordable suite option for families of 5 at the Value Resorts.

Magic Me Vacations Tip:

Pop Century is one of our most recommended resorts because it offers Skyliner transportation at a Value Resort price. You’ll be connected quickly and easily to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. This makes Pop Century an extremely convenient resort without breaking the bank.

If Convenience Matters Most

If minimizing your “commuting” time to the parks is your priority, choosing the right resort with more than just bus transportation can completely change your vacation experience.

Some of our favorite convenient resorts include:

For Magic Kingdom

• Polynesian Village Resort

• Contemporary Resort

• Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

These resorts all offer Monorail access while the Polynesian and Grand Floridian also offer a quick boat ride as well. Additionally, you can walk from each of these resorts to Magic Kingdom though the walk from the Contemporary is the fastest.

For EPCOT & Hollywood Studios

• BoardWalk Inn

• Beach and Yacht Club Resorts

• Riviera Resort

• Caribbean Beach Resort

The Boardwalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Clubs all allow you to walk right to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. EPCOT is a lot closer than Hollywood Studios, but it is still walkable. The Friendship Boats are also another transportation option from each of these resorts.

The Skyliner is an option for all of these with both Riviera and Caribbean Beach having their own stations. The Skyliner, in our opinion, is an unbelievably convenient option to get to the parks quickly and easily.

Families with young children often find that being able to return to the resort quickly for naps or pool breaks makes the extra cost worthwhile.

If Your Kids Love Disney Theming

Many times the resort becomes just as magical as the parks themselves.

Some of our favorite immersive resorts include:

• Art of Animation (Cars, Finding Nemo, Lion King, and The Little Mermaid)

• Animal Kingdom Lodge (watch giraffes and zebras from your balcony)

• Polynesian Village Resort (South Pacific island atmosphere)

• Wilderness Lodge (inspired by America's National Parks)

These resorts create magical moments even when you're not inside a theme park. In fact, families choose these resorts year after year to fully enjoy all of the resort offerings. Break days are a must to fully experience these resorts.

If the Pool Is a Must

Many families schedule resort days during their vacation, making the pool one of the most important amenities. And if you haven’t heard, Florida gets hot. You and your kids will appreciate some great pool time to cool off.

Some standout pools include:

• Beach Club & Yacht Club – Stormalong Bay

• Coronado Springs Resort – The Dig Site

• Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Caribbean Beach Resort

Stormalong Bay is the most requested pool at Disney World with a lazy river, sandy-bottom pool, and sunken ship slide. A pool day is a must.

The Dig Site features the Jaguar Slide and the biggest hot tub at Disney World. The Mayan Temple with the water features that rise above the pool area are enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

The atmosphere around Animal Kingdom Lodge’s pool, Uzima Springs, can’t be beat with a dazzle of flamingos at the end of the pool area and the savanna that holds the larger African animals, like giraffes and zebras.

The Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort has not one, but two water slides and is themed for Pirates of the Caribbean. Adventure abounds at this pool

Whether your kids love waterslides, splash areas, or sandy-bottom pools, there's a resort to match. Please also keep in mind that none of Disney’s Value Resorts offer water slides. If your kids want to enjoy a water slide, a Moderate or Deluxe Resort are necessary.

If You Have a Family of Five (or Larger)

Not every standard Disney hotel room sleeps five people, so it's important to choose carefully.

Great options include:

• Port Orleans Riverside

• Caribbean Beach Resort

• Art of Animation Family Suites

• Deluxe Villas

We'll help you compare room layouts so everyone has enough space to relax after a busy park day. Port Orleans Riverside and Caribbean Beach Resort have 5th sleeper rooms that have a guaranteed child-size pull down bed. If you have a family larger than 5 or want more space, a suite or villa are necessary if you don’t want to book connecting rooms.

Transportation Can Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think

Disney offers several transportation options, and choosing the right one can save hours over the course of your vacation.

Transportation options include:

• Monorail

• Skyliner

• Boats

• Walking paths

• Disney buses

For some families, being on the Skyliner is a game changer. Others love the nostalgia of the Monorail. We'll help you decide which transportation option best fits your itinerary.

Don't Choose Based on Social Media Alone

It's easy to fall in love with beautiful resort photos online, but what works for one family may not work for yours. What a resort influencer loves because of an aesthetic might not be the best choice for a family with toddlers, grandparents, or a tight budget.

That's why we ask questions before making recommendations. We want your resort to fit the way you vacation.

Let Us Match You With the Perfect Resort

At Magic Me Vacations, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations.

We'll help you compare resorts based on:

• Your budget

• Your family's ages and interests

• Transportation preferences

• Pool priorities

• Dining options

• Planned park days

• Special celebrations

• Available Disney promotions

Best of all, our concierge vacation planning services are complimentary when you book your Disney vacation package through us.

From finding the perfect resort to monitoring promotions, booking dining reservations, creating personalized touring plans, and answering every Disney question along the way, we're here to make planning feel just as magical as the vacation itself.

Ready to find your perfect Disney resort?

Request your complimentary quote today, and let Magic Me Vacations help you choose the Disney Resort that's just right for your family.