Hello there! Welcome to planDisney! I am pleased you're interested in planning a seven-day Walt Disney World Resort vacation this holiday season. It's a beautiful time of the year to visit! There are so many benefits to staying in a Disney Resorts Collection hotel: unique theming, proximity to the Theme Parks, complimentary transportation, fantastic dining options, Early Theme Park Entry, and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours (for Deluxe Resort Guests). I can go on and on.
To help you decide which Disney Resorts Collection hotel to reserve, it will be important to know the different resort categories. With options ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations, you are sure to find something that will fit your needs and your budget. The hotel categories are as follows:
- Deluxe Villas (rooms are slightly larger than Deluxe Resort rooms, have a kitchenette, and are available in 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas).
- Deluxe Resort Hotels.
- Moderate Resort Hotels.
- Value Resort Hotels.
Value Resort Hotels are the more budget-friendly options. Of the options available, I enjoy Disney’s Art of Animation the most because of the Family Suites (rooms with a separate bedroom and living space, kitchenette, and two bathrooms). The Family Suites are either Finding Nemo, Cars, or The Lion King themed, while the standard rooms are The Little Mermaid themed. This resort is also located on the Disney Skyliner, which connects you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT! How cool?
The Moderate Resort Hotel category will be slightly more per night but have marginally more amenities or may be closer to the parks or Disney Springs. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a favorite of mine because it makes me feel like I’m at the beach when I am not enjoying the parks. This resort is also on the Disney Skyliner, like the Art of Animation mentioned above.
Deluxe Resort Hotels are at a higher price point primarily because of their proximity to the parks, ambiance, amenities, and uniqueness. In this category, I enjoy Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa because it is an easy walk to and from Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Beach Club Resort because of the sand-bottom pool, Stormalong Bay. Another benefit to the Beach Club is the ability to walk to the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT and the walking path to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Suppose you are looking for more space, separate living and sleeping areas. In that case, the luxury of a full kitchen or an in-unit washer and dryer, the various Deluxe Villa Resorts featuring 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom accommodations will be your best bet. They also have Deluxe Studio options that will feature a kitchenette, which is super convenient if you are planning on little meals here and there.
Now that you understand the various resort categories better, you should head to the Disney Resorts Collection page and enter the dates you plan to travel and the number of Guests at your party to get a better feel for pricing. While you may not find a resort that will scratch your Frozen and Star Wars itch, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy attractions, experiences, and Character meet and greets from your favorite Disney films. As for the other franchise you mention, you’ll have to Let it Go when visiting The Most Magical Place On Earth!
If you have any more questions, let me know!
Brent