For those of you who are just starting to learn about all of the wonderful options that Disney offers, sometimes the choices can be overwhelming. One of the main choices to make when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort is where to stay.

I always suggest staying on Walt Disney World property, as there are some special advantages. In addition, when you purchase a package from Disney, the complete package is cheaper than the sum of the individual parts (especially if you purchase a package with room, park passes, and dining). Plus, it's so much fun to be in the middle of the magic all the time!

When I was a little girl taking vacations with my family, we hardly ever stayed on Walt Disney World property, because the options were limited to deluxe resorts (prohibitively expensive) and Fort Wilderness Campground (too rustic, though we did try the cabins one year; those were fun!). Now, however, there are over 25 resort hotels on Walt Disney World property, ranging in price, size, and location! Disney specializes in offering something for everyone, and this has become true when it comes to accommodations as well as theme parks.

There are four categories of Walt Disney World Resorts. I will discuss each category in detail, plus give a brief description of each resort in that category.

Value Resort Hotels

The value resorts were designed to accommodate the family on a smaller budget, allowing that family to stay on Walt Disney World property and take advantage of the special privileges. The standard rooms at value resorts are smaller (accommodating up to 4 people with 2 double beds or 1 king bed), the resorts are further from the 4 main Disney theme parks, and they do not offer amenities such as table service restaurants or room service, though they do have food courts.

These resorts are the definition of basic hotels; however, they still have the Disney touch! Each resort has a fun theme and fun activity areas for children and families. Another benefit is the addition of family suites to some value resorts; these suites include a bedroom and living room area, including one queen-sized bed and double- or single-sized convertible beds to accommodate up to 6 people.

All-Star Movies Resort: The inspiration is Disney movies, and there are 2 pools, including one with a Fantasia theme.
All-Star Music Resort: This hotel plays homage to various music genres, with a pool shaped like a guitar. This is the only other value resort besides Art of Animation to offer family suites.
All-Star Sports Resort: The name says it all: this resort's theme is all about sports. Two pools feature surfboard decorations and a Goofy fountain.
Art of Animation Resort: This newest resort at Walt Disney World opened in 2012, and boasts fun theming related to four Disney films. Most of the rooms are family suites, with a choice of theme: Cars, Finding Nemo, or Lion King. The standard rooms have a Little Mermaid theme. There are 3 pools, including the largest pool on property (inspired by Finding Nemo) and a kids' play area.
Pop Century Resort: This resort is themed around fads from the 1950s to 1990s, including: yo-yo, Rubik's cube, roller blades, Play-Doh and more! The pool is a fun play area including water jets.

Art of Animation Cars Family Suite

Moderate Resort Hotels

Caribbean Beach Resort

The moderate resorts have slightly larger rooms and are located a little bit closer to the main theme parks and other areas like Downtown Disney. Amenities do include table service restaurants. Rooms accommodate up to 4 guests with varying bed sizes.

Caribbean Beach Resort: Part of the Epcot resort area, this resort with a tropical theme includes brightly colored buildings and rooms, and a pool built to resemble an old citadel. Special Pirate Rooms are also available for the adventurous at heart! All rooms include 2 double beds or 1 king bed.
Coronado Springs Resort: Inspired by the Southwest, this resort is part of the Animal Kingdom resort area. The pool is built around a replica of a Mayan pyramid and a 24-hour health club is available. There is a wide range of room options to accommodate up to 6 people, with queen- and/or king-sized beds, and including suites and business class rooms.
Port Orleans - French Quarter: This resort is located in the Downtown Disney resort area, and is inspired by the historic French Quarter in New Orleans. A pool with a Mardi Gras theme and horse-drawn carriage rides help set the mood at this quaint resort. Rooms accommodate up to 4 people with 1 king or 2 queen beds in each room.
Port Orleans - Riverside: Also in the Downtown Disney resort area, this resort is based on the style of the Louisiana Bayou. The pool is inspired by the story of Tom Sawyer. Rooms accommodate up to 5 people, with 1 king or 2 queen beds and a possible bunk-size pull-down bed. Royal Guest Rooms are also available, including decorations based on Tiana and other Disney Princess friends. Royal Guest Rooms accommodate up to 4 people, with 2 queen beds.
Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort: Located along with the Fort Wilderness Campground in the Magic Kingdom resort area, these cabins have a rustic theme with the amenities of home. Cabins accommodate up to 6 people in 2 double beds and a set of bunk beds. The cabins include a full bathroom, living room, and equipped kitchen.

Cabins at Fort Wilderness

Deluxe Resort Hotels

Beach Club and Stormalong Bay

The deluxe resorts are closest to one of the four major Disney theme parks. Amenities include club-level rooms, room service, table service restaurants, health clubs, spa services, children's centers and shopping areas. Standard rooms are larger than value and moderate resorts, and can accommodate more people.

Animal Kingdom Lodge: This African-inspired resort is closest to the Animal Kingdom. There are 2 large pool areas including zero-entry and water play areas. Perhaps the biggest draw of Animal Kingdom Lodge is the opportunity to see animals on the private lodge savannah. It is even possible to have a room with a view of the savannah. Exclusive tours with animal encounters are also available for Animal Kingdom Lodge guests only. Standard rooms accommodate up to 4 people with varying combinations of king, queen, bunk, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 8 people.
Beach Club Resort: Located near the Boardwalk, the Beach Club is a short walk or boat ride from Epcot, the nearest Disney theme park; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Themed after a New England seaside resort, the Beach Club shares a shipwreck-themed pool called "Stormalong Bay" with the Yacht Club. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms are available (some of which only accommodate 4 people), and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 7 people.
BoardWalk Inn: This waterfront resort hotel is modeled after the Atlantic City resort area, complete with Disney's BoardWalk. The pool has a carnival theme and the resort is a short walk or boat ride from Epcot, the nearest Disney theme park; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms are available that accommodate up to 6 people, and suites are available at the club level that accommodate up to 4 people.
Contemporary Resort: This modern resort is located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, and has monorail service from the resort, in addition to a boat launch and walkway to the first Walt Disney World theme park. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of king, queen, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 8 people. Views of Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom are available.
Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, with monorail service from the resort in addition to a boat launch, this Victorian-style resort is the picture of elegance. A new water play area with an Alice in Wonderland theme has livened up this resort, where guests can take tea in the afternoon if they wish. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of king, queen, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available (accommodating 3-5 people), and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 6 people. Views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom are available.
Polynesian Resort: This resort with a South Pacific theme is located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, and has monorail service from the resort in addition to a boat launch. Hosting the Spirit of Aloha dinner show, this resort is also home to the Nanea Volcano Pool. All rooms and suites (even at club level) accommodate up to 5 people with queen beds and daybeds. Club-level rooms and suites are available. Views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom are available.
Wilderness Lodge: This resort patterned after National Park lodges is closest to the Magic Kingdom, with boat service directly to the park. Offering natural surroundings along with luxurious service, this resort is a quiet respite from the bustle of the parks. Standard rooms accommodate up to 4 people with varying combinations of king, queen, bunk, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and deluxe rooms at the club level to accommodate up to 6 people.
Yacht Club: Usually paired with Disney's Beach Club, this resort is also built in New England style, and shares Stormalong Bay with the Beach Club. The Yacht Club is also nearest to Epcot, a short walk or boat ride away; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms and suites are available that accommodate up to 4 people.

Polynesian Resort

Deluxe Villas

Deluxe villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club system, but may be reserved by anyone who would like some extra space. Many of the villas are located adjacent to deluxe resort hotels and share amenities and services with those hotels. Villa options include:

Studio: accommodates up to 4 people, full bath, small kitchenette area with sink, refrigerator, microwave.
1-Bedroom: accommodates up to 5 people (depending on location), full bath, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.
2-Bedroom: accommodates up to 9 people (depending on location), 2 full baths, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.
Grand Villa: accommodates up to 12 people, 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.

Deluxe villas are located at:

Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House or Kidani Village: near Animal Kingdom Lodge
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Beach Club Villas: adjacent to the Beach Club Resort
BoardWalk Villas: adjacent to the BoardWalk Inn
Old Key West Resort: Downtown Disney area, villas only
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa: Downtown Disney area, villas only
Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Benefits

There are several advantages to staying on Walt Disney World property:

Advance Dining Reservations: Anyone can make an advance dining reservation up to 180 days before the day of the reservation. However, only Walt Disney World Resort guests may make advance dining reservations for up to 10 days of their stay, starting at 180 days before their arrival date.
Magical Express: Disney offers complimentary transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport for Walt Disney World Resort guests. This also includes luggage service.
Disney Transportation: Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort may use all of Disney's transportation services, including the bus, boat, and monorail.
Vacation packages: Purchasing park passes and/or dining along with the resort hotel room saves money!
Extra Magic Hours: Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort are eligible to participate in extra park hours. The four major theme parks and sometimes the water parks are open one hour early in the morning and up to 3 hours late at night on certain days. Only Walt Disney World Resort guests may take advantage of these hours.
Dining Plan: If you purchase your park passes through Disney and stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, you may opt to purchase the Disney Dining Plan, which saves a lot of money on food, and allows you to experience new restaurants.
Resort Privileges: You may use your room charge to pay for anything at the Walt Disney World Resort. In addition, Disney will deliver purchases to your resort free of charge!

As you can see, Walt Disney World offers many resort options and many benefits to staying at the resort hotels. There is speculation that new benefits will be coming soon; I will be sure to keep you updated.

What do you think? Do any of these hotels strike your fancy? Do you have a favorite?