Staying On-Property at WDW

We've done WDW both ways.  We've stayed on-property and we've stayed off-property.  If you're considering a trip to the most magical place on earth, but don't know which direction to go accommodations-wise, we hope this article can help.  This post is about the on-property resorts, but come back soon for a post about staying off-property.

WDW has over 30 official on-property resorts to choose from.  Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are only available for on-property guests.  EMH is one park each day opening an hour early, or staying open three hours late.  All property hotels have free Disney transportation to anywhere else on property, though you may have to make a transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center.  Other perks to staying on-property include transportation to and from the Orlando airport, souvenir delivery & pick-up from the parks, and free Wi-fi.  And, of course, the obvious benefit of never having to leave the magic!  Property resorts are divided into 3 main categories: Value, moderate, and deluxe resorts.

Value resorts are the cheapest, but they're infamous for having small rooms.  A few of them have family suites, which are bigger, sleeping 6.  Four members of your family will be on "convertible" beds (a sofa and chairs that convert into beds).  The suites have 2 full bathrooms.  For our large family of 8, we have to get 2 standard connecting rooms.  Value resorts have food courts, pools, and in-your-face decor (which we love).

Moderate resorts are the next level up, raising the price and service.  The decor and theme is more sophisticated.  Like value resorts, they have pools and food courts.  If you have kids, the pools are way cooler with slides and fountains.  Some have themed rooms available, but you have to request them when you make your reservation.  We personally enjoyed our ship beds and barrel mini-fridges in our pirate-themed Caribbean Beach Resort room.

Deluxe resorts are next.  But for our family, they're out of the question.  Since we already have to get two rooms, the price just isn't worth it for us.  The Magic Kingdom area Deluxe resorts are on the monorail track.  They each have sit down restaurants available, some have child care areas, too.  The style is sophisticated, and the service is top-notch.

Fort Wilderness campground also should be considered when staying on-property.  Since it's a campground, it doesn't really fit in any of the above categories.  Tent and RV sites are the cheapest way to stay on-property.  However, being a campsite, restrooms can be a good walk.  The cabins are very nice (considered a moderate level) and they sleep 6. The pools are fine, but plain. For kids (or kids at heart), Fort Wilderness has a Chip n' Dale sing-a-long and campfire most nights and afterward, an outdoor Disney movie plays, as well as other amenities.  Our family has taken our pop-up camper, and we have stayed in the cabins.  Both were great experiences.

Disney property resorts are also divided by location.  Below we listed all the resorts (except Disney Vacation Club) by location.

Magic Kingdom Area
Deluxe-       Polynesian Resort
                   Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
                   Wilderness Lodge
                   Contemporary Resort (shown below)

Epcot Area
Deluxe-       Beach Club Resort
                   Yacht Club Resort
                   BoardWalk Inn
Moderate-  Caribbean Beach

Animal Kingdom Area
Deluxe-       Animal Kingdom Lodge
Moderate-  Coronado Springs
Value-        All-Star Movies
                  All-Star Sports
                  All-Star Music

ESPN Wide World of Sports Area
Value-        Pop Century Resort
                  Art of Animation Resort (new)

Downtown Disney Area
Moderate-  Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
                  Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

We love the perks of staying on-property,but staying elsewhere can have its perks too.  "See ya real soon" with a post about staying off-property.

Photo from Disney PhotoPass+ Gallery Disc