Hi Shannon!
Thanks for stopping by planDisney with a great question! Choosing the perfect resort to meet your budget and the needs of your family is important so you can make the most of your visit. I'm happy to share a few options that may be worth looking into as you start to plan!
Two of Disney's Value Resorts offer Family Suites -
Disney's All-Star Music Resort and
Disney's Art of Animation Resort. These family suites can accommodate up to six adults, feature two full bathrooms, and have a kitchenette. In these kitchenettes, you'll typically find a mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, sink, and counter space as well as storage to help with food prep. Between these two resorts, I prefer Disney's Art of Animation Resort due to the theming and the access to the
Disney Skyliner for easy transportation to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The other option would be to look at the
Deluxe Villa Resorts. Many studios in this category also have kitchenettes whereas the larger 1-bedroom or multi-bedroom villas usually have a full kitchen. The layouts and prices of these resorts can vary so it's important to look at each resort individually. You'll also be happy to know that you can have
groceries delivered to Bell Services during your stay at any hotel in the Disney Resorts Collection!
Shannon, the other option I can also share is that several hotels are considered
"good neighbors" of the Walt Disney World Resort located near Disney Springs. My family and I have stayed at the
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando as we sometimes need a little extra space to spread out. The suites here also feature kitchenettes including a mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, and sink as well. Good neighbor hotels may lack some of the resort benefits of being on Disney property, but it's another option to consider!
When it comes to entering the parks, you'll be happy to know that you are currently allowed to bring food and coolers into the parks, but glass containers and loose or dry ice are prohibited. I frequently like to pack snacks and easy things like sandwiches for my kids. I recommend taking a look at the
property rules before your arrival so you can double-check size restrictions and any updated policies that may change between now and your visit. You'll also find that the Cast Members at Disney dining locations are happy to do what they can to accommodate special requests for food items. While it's never guaranteed and always best to be prepared for the answer to be no, my super picky kids have sometimes been able to order a simple peanut butter and jelly or grilled cheese that may not be listed on the menu when we've asked the server. We also like to visit
buffets as there is often a variety of foods to please both the kids AND the adults in our group - and we sometimes get to eat with our favorite characters!
Shannon, I hope this helps as you prepare for your visit to Walt Disney World Resort. If you have any other vacation planning questions, please feel free to visit me or any of my planDisney pals again!
Cheers,
Kristi