Where Is The Best Place To Stay At Walt Disney World?

Visiting Walt Disney World is truly an experience like no other. With an area to explore that's as big as Boston, it's hard to fit everything into one vacation. However, perhaps the most difficult part about the whole trip is working out where to stay. After all, there are nearly two dozen resorts here that all offer a lot to visitors.

Do you stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, with its amazing decor and wildlife views outside? Do you stay closer to the Magic Kingdom so you're never far from the fireworks? Perhaps you pick somewhere further afield? It's a tough choice and one that we can't make for you. However, we can give you some insight into staying at Walt Disney World that may help you choose where to book.

Getting around is a lot easier when you stay at a Disney World Resort

Something that's always good to consider when deciding where to stay at Walt Disney World is transportation. If you pick a place that's on-site, you'll get some notable perks that could make life a lot easier. For instance, you can catch Disney's Magical Express bus straight from the airport, which will take you to where you're staying. You don't need to worry about waiting for your luggage as that will get sent straight to your room. Just remember to reserve a spot on the bus beforehand to utilize these benefits. Moreover, if you stay at one of the Disney World resorts, you also have the benefit of getting between places via monorail, boat, or bus. While the first two don't go everywhere, the latter do and can help keep you cool when it's particularly hot outside.

There are definitely perks to staying at a Disney World resort

If you choose not to stay further afield when vacationing at Disney, you may save money on accommodation. However, you're more limited with transport. For instance, while plenty of non-Disney resorts provide free shuttles, they don't run all that often. What's more, you can't really head back to your room until you're done for the day, which can be quite inconvenient at times. You also miss out on some amazing perks, like potentially gaining earlier entry or later departure than other guests. What's more, even if the parks are busy, those who stay at Disney resorts aren't ever turned away. So, choosing this accommodation could save you if you decide to visit during the peak season. Let's not forget as well that when you buy things at Walt Disney World, you can have those purchases sent to your resort if you're staying on-site.

Each Disney resort has its own ambiance and fun selection of activities

Of course, deciding whether to stay at a Disney resort or further afield is only half the battle when visiting Walt Disney World. If you do opt for the former, which one do you go for? We'd recommend looking into the experiences each resort offers and deciding what works for you. For instance, Fort Wilderness provides some great water-based activities like kayaking and pedal boating, while the Grand Floridian has the Wonderland Tea Party. Then, there's the Polynesian Resort with its Volcano pool and Animal Kingdom Lodge with all the stories that get told around the fire pit. Each place has its own unique ambiance and opportunities for fun; you just need to decide what suits you best. If you're torn, maybe you'll have to visit several times so you can try out each of the resorts you love the most.

Certain resorts cost more but also offer greater amenities and services

Something else to factor in with the Disney World resorts is the price of accommodation. While it will be steeper here than further afield, that doesn't mean everything is the same price. Value resorts are best for those on a budget who still want to be where the action is, as these are usually under $90 a night. While the rooms here are smaller and there's less access to pools, they do the job perfectly fine. Things get bigger and a bit more expensive with the moderate resorts like Riverside-Port Orleans and then again with the deluxe resorts like the Grand Floridian. While you might be concerned about the price of accommodation, the more luxurious resorts do also offer things like a spa, fine dining, and a concierge service. So, you may feel it's worth splurging just to ensure you have the best experience possible.

It's hard to highlight anywhere at Walt Disney World as being the place you need to stay. Money, perks, activities, and ambiance all need to factor in, and these will differ from person to person. There's also proximity to consider as well because there's no point staying somewhere if you plan on spending all your time at the other end of the park. Hopefully, though, our insight has made deciding where to stay that little bit easier for you.