To Stay on Property or Off. That is the Question (part 1)

The very first thing most people do when planning a Walt Disney World resort vacation is look for, and book, their lodging. Orlando has many wonderful hotels and motels with a variety of rates. When I look at hotels, I like to check on TripAdvisor.com to read the reviews before I book. It's also a good place to get an idea of a hotel's room rates, though I like to go straight to the hotel's web site for a sure rate...then you can plug in your discount (AAA, AARP, military, etc).

But (and this is a major but) I wouldn't be too fast to count out the lodging that's on the Disney resort. Don't assume it's too expensive and you can't afford it! I'll explain why you can (and maybe even should).

Disney resorts are divided into categories: Deluxe Villas, Deluxe Resort Hotels, Moderate Resort Hotels, Value Resort Hotels, Campgrounds (yes, you can actually camp ON the Disney World resort!), and Other Select Deluxe Hotels.

I'm going to primarily focus on all but the Villas and Other Select Hotels on the property. You can book your stay there, but they're the most costly, and to be honest, I don't know much about them to review them here. I also won't be dealing with the campgrounds, either.....though all of those categories enjoy the benefits I'll be discussing. More than likely, you will choose between the Deluxe, Moderate, or Value resorts. There's a wide range of rates between the categories and for a reason.

The value resorts have the lowest rates. The exception to this is Disney's newest resort, Art of Animation (though I think that's because the majority of rooms at Art of Animation are suites). All of the value resorts are the farthest resorts from the Magic Kingdom. But they seem to have the most Disney branding for the little ones (or the young at heart) than any of the other resorts in the other categories.

Art of Animation, Lion King Suite (Value Resort)

The moderate resorts, as you've probably guessed, fall in between the value and the deluxe in their costs and amenities. They are still a good distance from the Magic Kingdom, but are closer to the other parks and Disney Springs than the value resorts. They offer more non-park activities like a carriage ride, pirate activities for the children, bike rentals, and other fun things to do. Two resorts offer a boat ride to Disney Springs as well as the bus option. There is some branding, but not as much as at the value resorts. Port Orleans - Riverside, for example, is divided into two sections, the plantation section and the bayou section. The bayou features Louis the Alligator. Port Orleans - French Quarter, though, really doesn't have much Disney character in the rooms.

The deluxe resorts cost more, but offer more. They are the resorts closest to the parks. The Contemporary Hotel is close enough that you can walk to the Magic Kingdom from it. You can also get there by monorail (which runs right through the resort) or bus. This will also be an easy hop to Epcot. The Grand Floridian and the Polynesian Village are both close to the Magic Kingdom and provide monorail, boat, or bus access to the Magic Kingdom, monorail or bus to Epcot, and bus to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is the farthest from the Magic Kingdom but offers something most American hotels don't - a room with a view of the Savanna and its wildlife! 

Besides being the closest to the parks, the deluxe resorts also offer the most amenities such as table-service restaurants, spas, and fitness centers. They have the least amount of Disney branding, though, so if you want the full Disney experience, you may not like this. If you want to visit Disney but don't want to be overloaded on Disney, then the Deluxe resorts might be just what you want! 

Now you've gotten a glimpse of the different categories, next I'll go a bit more in depth as to why you really should stay on property (and no, I'm not paid by Disney to promote them lol) and how to choose where to stay. Stay tuned for To Stay on Property or Off. That is the Question (part 2)!