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Walt Disney World Resorts (The Mouse's House)-In Brief
>Click here for a brief description of Walt Disney World Resorts
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An Introduction
Within the world of Walt Disney - officially known as the Walt Disney World Resort - there are 33 resorts, 23 of which are owned and operated by Disney itself, with the remaining 10 owned and operated by companies such as Hilton, Double Tree, Holiday Inn, and others. Those owned by Disney are some of the most unique resorts found anywhere in Orlando, or anywhere else for that matter.
Each is extensively themed and meticulously decorated to the tiniest detail, all in the effort to transport guests, from the minute they enter the front gates, to far-off lands, exotic places, and in many cases another time period altogether. Everywhere you turn the attention to detail - from the cast members’ costumes to the decor throughout the resort right down to the light fixtures found along the hallways - is simply astonishing.
The resorts owned and operated by companies other than Disney, while not nearly as spectacularly themed (with the possible exception of the Swan and the Dolphin), are unique in their own way. Most feature many of the Walt Disney World Resort-related benefits not available anywhere other than at Disney resorts, though the benefits can vary from property to property. Also they are all - again with the exception of the Swan and the Dolphin - located right along Hotel Plaza Boulevard, only minutes from, and in some instances within walking distance to, Downtown Disney. The Swan and the Dolphin are actually located right on Walt Disney World property.
 Be sure as to keep your eye out for plenty of not-so-hidden Mickeys. They can often be spotted in the wallpaper, the lampshades, the bedding, and the intricate carvings of some of the furniture, even the light fixtures - just don’t expect them to be too obvious.
Effective January 7, 2007 the price for valet parking increased to $10 per night. Valet parking is available at the following Walt Disney World owned and operated Resorts:
-Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
-Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
-Disney’s Contemporary Resort
-Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
-Disney’s Polynesian resort
-Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
-Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Valet parking is also available at the Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin, however, as the Swan and Dolphin resorts are not owned and operated by Walt Disney World (the Swan is owned and operated by Westin Hotels & Resorts while the Dolphin is owned and operated by Sheraton Hotels & Resorts), the price for valet parking is slightly higher at $ 16 per night)
To give you an idea of just what you can expect, the following briefly describes the vast array of Walt Disney World resort themes.
Click here for Walt Disney World Resort Maps
(All Logos Courtesy of Walt Disney World)
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Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
The resort is filled with larger-than-life characters from family favorites including 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story, and The Mighty Ducks. The huge figures can be found throughout the resort, around the pools, and in all of the common areas.
Rooms: 1920 rooms
Average Price for a Standard Room: $82-$141
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Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
The resort is filled with larger-than-life sports equipment, including footballs, surfboards, and baseballs. The courtyards resemble playing fields and the stairwells, gigantic canisters of balls.
Rooms: 1920 rooms, no suites
Average Pricer for a Standard Room: $82-$141
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Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
The resort is filled with larger-than-life musical instruments, including guitars, maracas, and saxophones, with each building representing a different musical style. Rooms and Suites: 1720 rooms (including 200 family suites)
Average Price for a Standard Room $82-$141
Average Price for a Suite: $184-$295.
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New at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort…
Family Suites have come to Disney’s All-Star Resorts making the resorts an even better option for families than before. Disney only recently unveiled the all new Family Suites and from the moment they were made available they’re been a huge hit. While standard rooms at Disney’s All-Star resorts are among the smallest rooms in all of Walt Disney World, budget-conscious families now have the option of booking a family-size suite that includes an array of extra pluses – not to mention plenty of extra space.
Disney’s All-Star Family Suites Include:
-a generously sized kitchenette
-2 full sized baths
-a microwave
-a coffee maker
-a refrigerator
-a 27” flat screen TV in the master bedroom
- a lounge chair
-privacy drapes in each vanity area
-a master bedroom that’s separate from the main living area
-sleeps up to 6
Rates run approximately $204 per night based on the season
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Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Each building represents a different decade and is filled with larger-than-life icons from the 1950s to the 1990s. Flower power and cell phones are celebrated, as are Rubik’s cubes and Big Wheels.
Rooms: 2,880 rooms
Average Price for a Standard Room: $82-$141 .
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
The French Quarter in New Orleans comes to life in these buildings accented with wrought-iron railings. The cobblestone streets wind throughout the resort leading from building to building, and Mardi Gras themes are very apparent in the resort’s main restaurant.
Rooms: 1,008
Average Price for a Standard Room: $149-$230.
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
TThe entire resort is filled with the plantation-style mansions and backwater bayous of the Old South. The bayous are filled with trees dripping with Spanish moss and with rustic wood accents. The plantation mansions are more formal, of course, with stately pillars and grand staircases adorning the exteriors.
Rooms: 2,048
Average Price for a Standard Room: $149-$230.
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Disney’s Coronado Springs
The Mayan ruins of Mexico are the inspiration for a 5-story pyramid that seems to rise up to the heavens from the center of the resort’s main pool. Mayan influences, in addition to those of the American Southwest, can be felt throughout the entire resort. Pastel stucco buildings throughout and an open market- style restaurant in a seemingly constant state of fiesta and adorned with strings of lights and piñatas hanging from above are just a taste of what awaits.
Rooms: 1,921
Average Price for a Standard Room: $149-$230.
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Disney’s Caribbean Resort
Spread out along the lake against stretches of white sandy beach, this resort brings a touch of theislands to Orlando. Guest buildubgs are clustered into several small villages, each representing an island of the Caribbean and with its own quiet pool and amenities, some with their own stretch of beach and playground areas. Old Port Royale--home to the main pool, boat rentals, and the Market Street Food Court and Shutters Restaurant-- serves as the central meeting place for guests.
Rooms: 2,112
Average Price on a Standard Room: $149-$230
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom
The majesty of the African savannah can be felt throughout the entire resort. The dramatic lobby area is filled with spectacular hand-carved wood furnishings. Hanging from high above are chandeliers made of traditional African shields, while a rope bridge spans the width of the lobby, offering guests a view from stories above. What really gets your attention, though, is the large back wall, completely made of glass, allowing the natural light to stream in and you to look out across the African savannah. The entire resort exposes guests to the fascinating culture of Africa through its architecture, its food (with 2 amazing restaurants that simply must be experienced), and its art (showcased through the public areas of the resort). The resort has recently undergone a transformation and now includes Vacation Club Villas (this currently includes the 5th and 6th floor of the resorts main lodge - over the next year additional villas as well as
additional restaurants and recreational facilities, will be built adjacent to the main resort).
Rooms: 1,293
Average Price for a Standard Room: $225-$520
Average Price for a Suite: $705-$2,535
Average price for Villas: $225-$1,915
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Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The grand lodges of the Pacific Northwest national parks inspired the design of the Wilderness Lodge. Towering pines surround the resort as wooden walkways wind their way through the trees, with lanterns hanging from above to lead the way in the dark. The resort’s decor and furnishings reflect Native American influence as well. Gigantic twin totem poles adorn the resort’s grand lobby, along with a huge slab of stone showcasing the geological layers found within. To top it off, a geyser spews periodically just beyond the spectacularly landscaped pool area.
Rooms: 728 at the Lodge, 181 at the Villas
Average Price for a Standard Room: $225-$710
Average Price for a Suite: $405-$1,330
Average Price for a Villa: $305-$1075
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Disney’s Contemporary Resort
As the name implies, the resort has a very contemporary flair. A concrete interior matching its exterior is one of its most recognizable features. With the monorail running right through the center, riders can look down into the restaurants from above, including into Chef Mickey’s located just below. Modern artwork adorns the walls and throughout its public areas. While the overall decor is somewhat stark when compared to the other Disney resorts, the flair is all Disney. The entire resort has undergone extensive renovations. While the public areas are far less affected, each and every room has been completely overhauled to reflect an incredibly modern yet 50’s style retro look and feel. The look, while completely different, is very hip and very chic.
Those who may have overlooked the resort because of its less whimsical flair may want to think twice before overlooking it again - I sure did!
As a note: the Kingdom Tower is currently under construction and is rumored to be part of Disney's Vacation Club upon completion.
Rooms: 1,008 (including 36 suites)
Average Price for a Standard Room: $270-$775
Average Price for a Suite: $885-$2,755
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Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort and BoardWalk Villas
The grand seaside resorts of the early 1900s have been re-created right here at Walt Disney World. The casual elegance of the resort is reflected in its decor, with furnishings laden in awning stripes and florals. The beautiful back porch, filled with white wicker rocking chairs, and the grand staircase leading down to the boardwalk are simply inviting. Unique shops and restaurants line the boardwalk, reflecting something of a Coney Island spirit, and the evenings bring live entertainment along with a fabulous view of Epcot’s nightly fireworks display.
Rooms: 372 at the Inn, 532 at the Villas
Average Price for a Standard Room at the Inn: $325-$770
Average Price for a Villa: $315-$2,090
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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Yacht Club, a bit more upscale than its sister property, the Beach Club, is an elegant re-creation of an old New England yacht club. The nautical theme is carried throughout the resort’s interior with brass accents and nautical instruments carefully placed about.
Outside, the lighthouse that overlooks the lake serves as a beacon, welcoming guests home at the end of their day.
Rooms: 621 (including 11 suites)
Average Price for a Standard Room: $325-$730
Average Price for a Suite: $590-$2,385
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Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Villas
The Beach Club decor is accented with sea shells, colorful beach umbrellas, and awningstriped and floral fabrics throughout. While it shares the large waterfront pool and beach area with the Yacht Club Resort next door, the overall atmosphere of the resort is far more casual--beach casual, in fact.
Rooms: 576 at the Beach Club, 280 at the Beach Club Villas
Average Price for a Standard Room at the Beach Club: $325-$730
Average Price for a Villa: $315-$1,105
Average Price for a Suite: $560-$2,400
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Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The thatched roofing of the longhouse, the volcano rising above from the depths of the pool, and the extensive tropical landscaping both inside and out have re-created a Polynesian paradise right here at Walt Disney World. The resort, thanks to recent refurbishments, now features rooms with a more modern look though still very much exuding island flair. Furnishings have been redesigned to allow for more room to move while preserving the Disney-style detailing.
Rooms: 847
Average Price for a Standard Room: $340-$840
Average Price for a Suite: $590-$2,810
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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
The splendor, elegance, and turn-of-the-century Victorian charm make the Grand Floridian by far the most spectacular resort in Walt Disney World. The most upscale resort on property, the Grand Floridian surrounds you with opulent furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and antique accents throughout. Afternoon tea is a tradition here, with the sounds of classical music, jazz, and big band filling the air of the grand lobby throughout the afternoons and evenings. Don’t allow the resort’s obvious elegance to dissuade you
from considering a stay here. I have experienced firsthand how truly family-oriented this resort can be.
Rooms: 867 (including 25 suites)
Average Price for a Standard Room: $385-$970
Average Price for a Suite: $670-$2,795
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The Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin
These two resorts - right across from one another and connected by a partially covered walkway - are the only ones located on WDW property that are not owned and operated by Walt Disney World. While not themed to re-create far-off lands or another era as the other resorts are, they are nonetheless somewhat whimsical in nature. From the outside, the gigantic swan and dolphin that adorn the buildings can seen from all around, even as you drive past along the main road. The interiors, while more modern, are still colorful, comfortable, and inviting.
Rooms: 2,265 (including 184 suites)
Average Price for a Standard Room at the Swan: $339-499
Average Price for a Standard Room at the Dolphin: $ $339-499
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Disney’s Old Key West Resort
One of the most spread-out resorts on property, Old Key West has re-created the flavor of the Florida Keys right in Orlando. The feel throughout the resort is casual and laid-back, much as you would expect. The pastel-colored buildings are laced in intricate white trim and surrounded by greenery, practically replicas of those found along Duvall Street in Key West itself.
Rooms: 761
Average Price for a Villa: 279-$1,595
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Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
In its heyday, the small upstate New York community of Saratoga Springs was a wellknown country retreat for the wealthy and a favorite of horse-racing fans. The spirit of that era has been captured at the Saratoga Springs Resort. The influence is apparent, reflected in the detailing and the architecture throughout the resort and its extensive grounds. The lobby, reminiscent of a paddock, and the stately weathervane fashioned in the shape of a race horse and placed high atop the building, offer a preview of what to expect.
Rooms: 828
Average Price for a Villa: $279-$1,595
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Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Seemingly secluded, deep in a densly wooded forest, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground allows guests to experience Disney’s more natural side. Campsites are interwined (as are the cabins) throughout the wooded grounds and pathways (for biking, walking, and horse back riding).
And don’t worry – while the resort is far more rustic than most, you would be gardpressed to tell the difference between the resorts wilderness cabins and an upscale hotel room (though the décor will likely give it away). All the homey amenities (and even a few extras) are included – there’s no roughing it here! The campsites however are another story, offering a far more simplistic and back to basics approach.
Nightly campfires, marshmallow roasts, and movies under the stars are just a sampling of the fun and unique activities that you can experience when staying here.
The Hoop De Doo Musical Review dinner show (the best of Disney’s dinner shows) – it’s held here too. Nightly performances are held at Pioneer Hall so if you’re in the mood for a foot-stompin’ good time – this is the place to go. For details just click on the Hoop.
Campsites: 784
Cabins: 409
Average Price for a Campsite: $41-$96
Average Price for a Cabin: $249-$365
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Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort
This resort was specifically designed and created for members of the armed forces and their families. For details please check www.shadesofgreen.org
Rooms: 586
Average Price for a standard room: the pricing is based on military ranking
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