Disney 101~Accommodations Part 4

Welcome back to Disney 101! Now that you are an expert on the HOT Special Events around Walt Disney World you may start to have an idea of what time of year you would like to travel to Disney. The next step in planning your Disney vacation is picking where you would like to stay.

* To see all Disney 101 posts click here.

This choice is going to impact your trip tremendously, from cost to size to proximity to comfort. While both Jenn and I feel that cost is a HUGE deciding factor as to where families stay when they travel to Disney World that information is generic because people really want to know the value of each resorts as well as  the proximity of the resorts. Together, Jenn and I have broken up the resorts by area. It is our hope that based on proximity and value you will be able to pick an accommodation that fits the needs of your family.

EPCOT Area Resorts

In terms of being most centrally located, EPCOT resorts take the cake.  You are in the middle of everything!  Resorts here are very close to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and just south of the Magic Kingdom area and north of Animal Kingdom.

Caribbean Beach Resort

This sprawling resort is the first moderate resort Disney built.  This resort celebrates the spirit of tropical locales with six themed “island” buildings decorated in vibrant colors.  This resort makes you feel like you’ve arrived on a tropical island for a relaxed vacation.

Perks

• Seven pools with a Pirate themed main pool with two water slides and children’s water play area.
• One table service restaurant, food court style quick service restaurant and several lounges/snack bars.
• Jogging/walking trail.  Bike rental available.
• Marina for watercraft rental.
• Arcade.
• Pirate themed rooms available.

Room Type

• Rooms can accommodate up to four guests, plus one child under the age of 3 in a crib.
• All rooms have two double beds or one king size bed.
• All rooms have refrigerators.
• The buildings are two stories but have no elevators.

Best Area of Resort

It’s a tie between the pirate themed rooms and the themed pool near Old Port Royale.  The rooms feature pirate ship beds!  The pool has two water slides and cool cannons and waterfalls.

Tips

• Pirate-themed rooms are only in building Trinidad South.
• To be closest to the main building, choose rooms in Martinique or Trinidad North.
• If you want to be in a quieter area, choose rooms in Aruba or Jamaica.
• Corner rooms have an extra window so they seem a little larger.
• These are the largest moderate resort rooms.

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs

This resort duo celebrates the seaside resorts in the Mid-Atlantic states.  Each hotel has its own check in area in the lobby.  The Yacht Club tends to be a bit more formal than Beach Club.

Room Type

• Rooms accommodate up to five guests, plus one child under three in a crib.
• All rooms have either two queen size beds or two double beds, or one king size bed and one day bed.
• First floor rooms have a patio and some rooms have a private balcony.
• Beach Club offers Vacation Club Villas at studio, one bedroom and two bedroom sizes.
• Club level accommodations receive personalized concierge service, lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening drinks and desserts.

Best Area of the Resort

Stormalong Bay is by far the best aquatic feature outside of the water parks.  You have to have your room key with you to enter this pool area because it is so popular!  The proximity to EPCOT is a huge perk as well.  You can hear Illuminations from your balcony at night!  The walk to the park is pleasant and if you’re headed to Magic Kingdom, simply walk through EPCOT and take the monorail.

Tips

• Yacht Club tends to be a little more upscale.  If you prefer a relaxed beach setting, stay at Beach Club.
• Each side has its own lobby area to check in.
• Beach Club is also closer to EPCOT for walking purposes.
• Water views are generally much prettier than a standard view if that matters to you.

Another grand resort located on the shores of Crescent Lake – right across from Yacht and Beach Club is the Boardwalk Resort. This seaside resort takes you back to the heyday of the Atlantic City Boardwalk in the 1920s and 1930s where families could kick back and relax.

Perks

• All of the great things about a boardwalk visit without the gaudiness of a boardwalk.
• The Boardwalk offers an entertainment district featuring various acts.
• The Flying Fish Cafe is a signature dining restaurant.  Three table service restaurants, several quick service options and lounges and snack stands along the boardwalk area.
• Walkway to Hollywood Studios.
• Belle Vue Room – tucked away in a corner of the lobby – you’ll find backgammon, checkers and chess and a single malt scotch menu.
• Marina rental, bike rental, three pools, full service fitness center, arcade

Room type

• Rooms can accommodate up to five guests, plus one child under the age of 3 in a crib.
• All rooms have two queen beds, or one king size bed and a day bed.
• Club level guests receive personalized concierge service plus lounge benefits.
• Boardwalk offers Vacation Club Villas at studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and grand villa sizes.
• 14 Garden Suites offer two story cottage accommodations with private entrances.  Truly a romantic getaway room.

Best Area of the Resort

The entertainment on the Boardwalk is exciting and free!  We have seen magicians and musicians, flame eaters and all sorts of creative types perform nightly.

Tips

• Noise and Light levels are elements to consider when selecting a room.  Water views may give you a view of the Boardwalk or the canal.
• Standard views are all good here.  Even if you have a parking lot view, trees are used well to soften hard edges.
• Walking to the Studios is nice.  It’s a bit of a haul to EPCOT on foot.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

These sister hotels, while located in the EPCOT area, are run by Westin and Sheraton.  Guests here do enjoy the same perks as other resort guests except they cannot charge back to their room.  These hotels lack theming of other resort hotels and tend to cater to conventioneers.