Hi Donald,
Welcome to planDisney! I’m so glad you stopped by with your question. First and foremost, please pass along a very happy birthday wish to your granddaughter. What a special celebration this will be! Not only will she be ringing in another magical year at the
Most Magical Place on Earth, but your surprise visit and long-awaited reunion after three years will make this trip unforgettable. And please thank your family for their service and sacrifice. We’re honored to be part of helping you plan such a meaningful occasion.
Staying on property, in a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, comes with
so many benefits that help you make the most of your time. Early theme park entry, complimentary transportation around the resort, immersive Disney theming, and the convenience of being just minutes from the magic. It’s all part of what makes a Disney vacation feel so seamless and special.
There are three main categories of
Disney Resorts to choose from, each designed to fit a variety of travel styles and budgets. If you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, the Value Resorts are a great place to start.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, for example, often offers the lowest rates and is a big hit with families thanks to its fun and colorful theming. If you’re hoping for a bit more space, more detailed theming, and access to the Disney Skyliner, you might want to explore a Moderate Resort like
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. And if you’re considering making this visit an extra special splurge, the Deluxe Resorts offer premium amenities, fantastic dining, and unbeatable proximity to the parks.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a personal favorite. It has a laid-back island vibe and is just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom, which makes it perfect for those magical moments with family.
Because prices and availability can vary depending on dates, I recommend visiting the
Walt Disney World website and using the "Build Your Vacation" tool at the top of the page. Enter your dates, August 15 to 18, and the number of guests to see which resorts have availability and what the pricing looks like. That will help guide your decision based on your budget and preferences.
Since this trip is all about celebrating a birthday and reuniting with loved ones, you might also consider booking one of the
Enchanting Extras. A Capture Your Moment photo session in Magic Kingdom or EPCOT would be a wonderful way to commemorate the occasion with professional photos of your family together again. If you’re looking for something truly unforgettable, a fireworks cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon offers a private view of the nighttime spectacular, complete with snacks and drinks. And of course, you could always mark the moment with a
special dinner at one of Disney’s incredible restaurants. Be Our Guest or ‘Ohana are both fantastic options for a celebratory meal.
I hope this gives you a great starting point, Donald. If you have any more questions or would like some help narrowing down resort choices or making plans for your granddaughter’s big day, I’d be more than happy to share more tips and suggestions.
Cheers,
Brent