How to Choose a Disney World Resort Hotel Based on Budget

Contemporary Resort

With 27 Walt Disney World Resort hotels, there are options at many different price points. Still...there are 27 resort hotels! How do you find the right one for your budget? As always, a good travel planner who specializes in Disney World vacations can help you navigate through the choices and can really help you understand the differences in the hotels. Let's take a look at some questions and answers to guide you.

If you have to choose, would you rather stay at a less expensive hotel with more days at the Disney parks or have a hotel with more amenities but a shorter stay?

This is primarily personal preference! Some people really have their heart set on a Deluxe resort or a specific resort which may mean that they can only afford a short stay at Disney while others prefer a Moderate or Value resort meaning there's money in their budget for other activities. Do you want a higher end hotel with more amenities (sit down dining, pool with a slide, spa) that you will enjoy? 

This may be the difference in splurging on Polynesian Village Resort with its beautiful pool and grounds, character meal at ‘Ohana as well as a great sit-down option at Kona Café, Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar, and views of Magic Kingdom in the distance versus Pop Century which has an expansive food court (but no sit down restaurant or character meal) and a basic pool.
Moderate resorts will give you a happy medium--some extra amenities without a Deluxe resort hotel price!

Will a less expensive hotel free up some funds to do something extra: a behind the scenes tour,seasonal party or firewo

Port Orleans Riverside (Moderate Resort)

rks dessert party, or a unique dining experience? 

 
Here we need to consider what your priorities are. While Deluxe hotels are beautiful, their higher price may mean you can't add some fun extras. Perhaps moving to a Moderate or a Value resort frees up several hundred dollars per night! 

 

Those funds can be used toward park hopper tickets, Memory Maker, Halloween or Christmas parties, or a special character meal like Cinderella's Royal Table or a dining experience like Hoop De Doo Revue. When looking at your budget, factor in all the things you might want to do to get a true picture of the final price!

Do you need accommodations with a kitchen or in-room laundry options?

Your reasons for needing a kitchen or in-room laundry may vary. Do you have a family member with many food allergies or other eating disorder that requires you to prepare their food separately? A kitchen may be a necessity for you. Will you spend a week at Disney World and then a week on a cruise, or do you need to pack light and must do laundry? Maybe in-room laundry is important, or maybe just on-site laundry room will do. 

Often, we find that people want a kitchen thinking they can save some money by cooking in the room. However, with the exception of the Fort Wilderness cabins, you have to book at least a 1-Bedroom villa at a DVC property to get a full kitchen. That’s a pretty expensive room! Plus, do you want to cook every morning and every evening, or do you want to be at the parks enjoying the attractions and the main reason you’re visiting Disney World? (Factor in at least an hour commute each way regardless of your mode of transportation. Most people aren't going to leave the parks for 3+ hours just to eat a meal.)

Also factor in how you'll get groceries. Are you driving and can bring non-perishables with you, or will you rely on a grocery delivery service? The higher expense of grocery delivery fee paired with the higher prices along with the higher cost of the villa may negate the "savings" of cooking in your villa!

Another idea is to book a room with a kitchenette! These will have a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave with a little counter space which might be all you need to prepare snacks or allergy safe foods.

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  All Star Music Family Suite kitchenette
  

  Whatever your budget and needs are, we can help you find the best fit for your family and for THIS trip! Your needs and budget may change from time to time and from trip to trip!