Planning a Walt Disney World vacation with your family is exciting—but choosing the right resort can feel….like “A LOT”
With dozens of options across Value, Moderate, and Deluxe tiers, how do you know which one is actually best for your family?
Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense—real benefits, real trade-offs, and which resorts shine for families at every level.
✨ Value Resorts: Big Fun, Small Price Tag
Disney Value Resorts are some of the best options for families—especially if you want to maximize your budget without sacrificing Disney magic.
Why Families Love Value Resorts
- Budget-friendly pricing (more room in your budget for tickets, dining, and extras)
- Larger-than-life Disney theming kids LOVE
- Family suite options for larger groups
- Casual, picky-eater-friendly dining
Top Family Picks
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Family suites themed to Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid
- Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Skyliner access + great value pricing
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Family suites at a lower price point than Art of Animation
Dining
Value Resorts offer food court-style dining, perfect for families:
- Burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, fries
- Plus more adventurous options for grown-ups and adventurous eaters
Pools & Amenities
- Highly themed pools kids love
- Splash pads at select resorts (like Art of Animation & Pop Century)
- No waterslides
Things to Consider
- All-Star Resorts rely only on bus transportation
- Resorts are typically farther from the parks, meaning longer travel times
Best For Families Who:
- Want to save money
- Love bold Disney theming
- Need family suites at a more affordable price than Deluxe Villas
🌴 Moderate Resorts: The Middle Ground for Space & Comfort
Moderate Resorts offer a balance of price, space, and amenities—a great step up without jumping to Deluxe pricing.
Why Families Choose Moderates
- Larger rooms = more breathing room
- More relaxed, immersive theming
- Better pool features (slides, splash areas)
Top Family Picks
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Small, walkable layout (everything is close!)
- Great for families who don’t want long walks at the end of the day
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Rooms with a 5th sleeper—perfect for families of 5
- Royal Guest Rooms (a dream for Princess fans)
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Also offers 5th sleeper rooms
- Skyliner access to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
- Larger resort with internal bus loop
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (Gran Destino Tower)
- Deluxe feel at Moderate pricing
- Indoor hallways, centralized amenities
- Great for families who want a “nicer hotel” feel without Deluxe cost
Dining
- Quick service + table service options
- More variety than Value Resorts
Pools & Amenities
- Feature pools with waterslides
- Splash pads and kid-friendly water play areas
Transportation
- Bus transportation to parks
- Boat transportation to Disney Springs (Port Orleans resorts)
- Skyliner access at Caribbean Beach
Things to Consider
- Theming is more subtle (less recognizable Disney characters)
- Larger resorts = more walking or multiple bus stops
Best For Families Who:
- Want more space and upgraded amenities
- Have 5 guests in one room
- Don’t need heavy Disney character theming
🏰 Deluxe Resorts: Space, Convenience & Next-Level Magic
If your priority is location, space, and convenience, Deluxe Resorts are where Disney really shines—especially for families.
Why Families Love Deluxe Resorts
- Prime locations (close to parks!)
- Multiple transportation options
- Larger rooms and villa accommodations
- Extended Evening Hours perk
🏖️ Best Deluxe Resort for Families Overall
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Home to Stormalong Bay (arguably Disney’s best pool!)
- Walk to EPCOT
- Close to Hollywood Studios (walk or boat)
- Dining highlight: Beaches & Cream
👑 Best for Magic Kingdom Access
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Why families love them:
- Monorail or walking distance to Magic Kingdom
- Easy midday breaks
- Fireworks view rooms available
Best for Dining & Skyliner Access
- Skyliner access to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
- Home to Topolino’s Terrace (arguably the best character breakfast on property)
Best for Entertainment & Atmosphere
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas
- Nightly entertainment: street performers, games, lively atmosphere
- Walkable to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
Deluxe Villas (DVC) for Families
Available at many Deluxe Resorts:
- 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas
- Full kitchens
- Washer & dryer
- Ideal for larger families or longer stays
Pools & Perks
- Highly themed pools with slides, splash zones, and activities
- Extended Evening Hours (huge perk for avoiding crowds)
- Early park entry included
Transportation Options
- Monorail
- Skyliner
- Friendship Boats
- Walking paths
- Bus transportation
Things to Consider
- Higher price point
- Worth it for convenience, space, and premium experiences
🏆 Which Disney Resort Tier is Best for YOUR Family?
- Choose Value if you want to save money and keep things fun and simple
- Choose Moderate if you want more space and better pools
- Choose Deluxe if you want convenience, luxury, and the easiest park access
There’s no “one-size-fits-all”—the best resort is the one that fits your family’s travel style, budget, and priorities.
✨ Let’s Plan Your Perfect Disney Stay
Choosing the right resort can make or break your vacation—and that’s where I come in.
At DizN Vacations with Jessica Yashin, I help families:
- Find the right resort for their needs
- Compare promotions and savings
- Plan stress-free, magical vacations
📩 Ready to start planning? Contact me today!
💌 Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest Disney tips, deals, and updates
🎥 And follow along on KC’s Corner Views on YouTube for resort tours, tips, and honest reviews!
