Hi Emma,
Welcome to planDisney!
Visualizing where to stay - this is a fantastic question, one that I understand. I love "seeing" the resorts before making a decision on where to stay. Although there is not a paper copy that we can send you, there are a number of ways to help with this visualization process. First, review this list of
Disney Resorts Collection hotels and then check the
map of Disney resorts (click the plus sign to enlarge the map if you need to). You can also check out our planDisney
pocket guides on Disney resort hotel options.
And, of course, there are a host of other resources available to help you make a decision. I also go to YouTube to check out videos of properties, especially to get a first-hand perspective on what the rooms are like in a given resort. Stop by the
official YouTube channel for Disney Parks to see videos of resort hotels. Just search the site for resort hotels. There are videos and digital brochures of Disney resort hotels posted by other travel sites as well. What I appreciate about other videos of Disney resort hotels posted by other travel sites are the personal perspectives they can offer.
As you do some research, think about the amenities you would like in a resort hotel and prioritize those. My family prioritizes resort hotels with access to multiple transportation options, so we prefer resorts that, in addition to
Walt Disney World® Bus Service, also have access to
Walt Disney World® Monorail Transportation. We also love resorts that have access to the
Disney Skyliner and resorts that are within walking distance to a theme park.
Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa all have access to the monorail. Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa both are within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Beach Club resorts and Disney's BoardWalk Inn are all within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios (getting to Hollywood Studios is a longer walk). In addition, these resort hotels have access to the Disney Skyliner. Disney's Art of Animation and Disney's Pop Century resorts also have access to the Disney Skyliner. If we are not using our Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points and need an option that is more budget-friendly, we will consider Disney's All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, or All-Star Sports resorts.
Emma, I hope this helps you get started. Since my husband works at our local library, I have to also say that we have checked out travel guides from the library in the past. Just be sure to get ones that are the most current!
Magic and memories,
Donyell