Hi Marylou,
Welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad you stopped by with your question—it's short and sweet but covers a lot of ground, so let's dive right in.
While Disney no longer sends out planning DVDs or printed brochures like they used to, they've more than made up for it with some amazing digital tools and resources. Between the official Walt Disney World website and
planDisney.com, you have everything you need at your fingertips to create the magical vacation you're dreaming about.
Let's start with where to stay. Walt Disney World offers three main categories of Disney Resorts Collection hotels: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.
Value Resorts are often the go-to for families with young kids because of the larger-than-life Disney theming that brings favorite movies to life. My top pick here is Disney's Art of Animation Resort. The Family Suites are perfect for traveling with a larger group or wanting extra space. They include a bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a living area—and the Disney Skyliner is just steps away, giving you quick and scenic access to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Moderate Resorts offer a step up with more refined theming, extra amenities, and even table-service dining options. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a Guest favorite thanks to its tropical vibes, sprawling Fuentes del Morro pool, and the Banana Cabana lounge, which is perfect for relaxing after a day in the parks. It's also the central hub for the Disney Skyliner, making it a great mix of convenience and charm.
Deluxe Resorts are all about location, luxury, and immersive theming. If being close to Magic Kingdom Park is a top priority, look no further than Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa—just a short walk or monorail ride away. Prefer to be near EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios? Disney's Beach Club Resort offers walkable access to both and features one of the best pools on the property—Stormalong Bay, complete with a sand-bottom pool, lazy river, and a shipwreck waterslide.
Now, let's talk about choosing your dates. Head over to the
Disney Resorts Collection section of the Walt Disney World website, plug in your preferred travel dates and the number of Guests at your party, and the site will show you all the available resort options. You can filter the results by resort category or specific features you're interested in. It's a great way to compare availability, pricing, and amenities all in one place.
Once you've picked your resort and secured your travel dates, reevaluate and send me another question about theme park ticket types and options. I'd love to walk you through the Lightning Lane Multi Pass system and share my tips for making the most of each park. After that,
I'm happy to help you with dining reservations and entertainment recommendations to round out your itinerary.
While I know you were hoping for something physical to flip through, I hope this answer gives you a feel for how planDisney can offer you personalized support for each step of your planning journey. We're here to help you every step of the way.
TTFN (ta-ta for now)!
Brent