My Favorite Resorts at Disney
World
The Disney World Resorts are
vacations within themselves. Frequent visitors
to Disney World often try out different resorts
for each is unique. You don't have to be a guest
to visit the different resorts properties. You
can get to the resorts by Disney bus, your car,
or to some resorts by monorail from the park.
You might go for a drink or meal, or just a
walk around the resorts different areas. These
are my favorite Disney Resorts
in the four categories:
 All
Star Movies (Value Resorts)
Located in the Disney Animal Kingdom
Area
1900 units
Accommodates up to 4 guests + infant
This is a 3-star budget hotel
that appeals to families with young children.
The rooms are small, but adequate and clean;
bathrooms are tiny. We expected the rooms to
be noisy with so many children around, but ours
was quiet. Each resort building has a different
theme. My boys love Toy Story so we reserved
our room in the Toy Story building. From wallpaper
to bedspreads and carpet, the motif is carried
out, and outside the building are a gigantic
Woody and Buzz Lightyear. As you pass the windows
of the rooms, children have arranged their favorite
Disney characters on the windowsills. Other
movie themes are 101 Dalmatians, Fantasia, Mighty
Ducks, and Herbie the Lovebug. Two large pools
are available, the Fantasia and the Mighty Ducks.
A playground is located between the Fantasia
and Toy Story buildings.
Most rooms have two double
beds; there are a few with king-size beds. Refrigerators
can be rented. Nonsmoking rooms are available.
For eats, go to the World Premiere Food Court
with four fast food venues plus deli-style market.
Pizza Hut delivery is available also.
A regularly scheduled Disney
bus takes you to and from the parks from the
Value Resorts.
 Port
Orleans Riverside (Moderate Resorts)
Located in the Downtown Disney area
2048 rooms
Accommodates up to 4 guests + infant
The Riverside and French Quarter
are two quite different resorts that make up
the Port Orleans Disney Resort. Riverside is
casual, comfy, and woodsy, reminiscent of old
towns along the Mississippi River or Bayou,
while French Quarter is elegant, romantic, and
full of southern charm. A riverboat runs between
the two resorts. Explore the picturesque landscape
by bike (or surrey bike for several riders)
or a horse-drawn buggy. Spend some time on the
water in a kayak, Sea Raycer, or pontoon boat;
jog or walk the scenic trail along the Sassagoula
River. Children won't want to leave the playground
at Ol' Man Island with its rustic lookouts,
climbers, slides, and passageways. Go for a
swim down by the levee or in one of the five
resort pools at Alligator Bayou and Magnolia
Bend.
Rooms have either two double
beds or a king-size bed. Nonsmoking rooms are
available. Rooms have refrigerators and in-room
safes. For eats, there is the Boatwright's Dining
Hall with southern style home cooking (book
ahead) or the Riverside Mill Food Court with
Cajun specialties.
Take the complimentary boat
or bus to get to the parks from this resort.
 Animal
Kingdom Lodge (Deluxe Resorts)
Located in the Disney Animal Kingdom
Area
1293 rooms or suites
Accommodates 4-8 guests + infant
Located on 33 acres of secluded
African-style savanna, the Animal Kingdom Lodge
overlooks the park's Kilimanjaro Safari wildlife
habitat. The Lodge itself brings the feel of
Africa to life through its use of native materials
and artwork. Step into the main reception area
with its thatched roof and feel like you took
refuge in a cool jungle oasis; you'll see school-age
children absorbed in making rubbings from an
African art work embedded in the floor. From
the habitat side of the resort, you can watch
for giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and wildebeests
from your balcony, or view from along the fence
bordering the savanna area. You'll find all
the animal programs you would expect: cultural
safari, night vision of the animals at play,
junior researcher, animal feedings. Kids will
like the 67-foot-long water slide at Pool Uzima;
a playground is next to the resorts pool. Children
ages 4-12 can go to Simba's Clubhouse for dinner
and activities, while the parents have a night
out or enjoy a Zahanati massage at the Fitness
Center. This resort could best be described
as upscale and quiet.
Nonsmoking and handicapped accessible
rooms are offered. There is no charge for coffee
makers and refrigerators. Rooms have safes.
Club Concierge-level Guests enjoy additional
privileges and activities such as the Sunrise
Safari Breakfast and vacation planning.
For dining, the resorts two
restaurants offer unique and savory flavors
of Africa, India, Europe and the Mediterranean
coast: Boma's Family Buffet and Jiko's. Make
priority seatings ahead. For counter service
and more traditional foods, go to The Mara Food
Court.
Travel to Disney parks via
complimentary bus service or to other parks
for a fee.
 Disney's
Boardwalk Villas (Home Away From Home)
Located in the Disney Epcot Area
Accommodates 4-12 guests
520 units
You'll have all the comforts
of home with kitchen and living area, private
balconies and patios, at this lakeside resort
with Atlantic Boardwalk charm of the 1920s and
30s. Stroll or ride the BoardWalk, listen to
ragtime, buy saltwater taffy. For fun, rent
a bike or bike surrey, take a fishing trip (catch
and release), cruise the lake, play video games,
work out at the Health Club, or speed down the
200-foot long Keister Coaster water slide at
Luna Park. A 24-hour playground is located near
Luna Park Pool. Children's activities are planned,
and babysitting is available.
The Villas are timeshares
which also rent to guests. This is a great choice for
a family reunion vacation. Studios have kitchenettes
and do not have a washer/dryer. Each unit has
a safe.
Disney Signature Dining is
right on the BoardWalk at the Flying Fish Cafe
(book ahead). Or go to Spoodles on the BoardWalk
for Mediterranean favorites (also call ahead).
For casual dining, there is the Big River Grille
& Brewing Works and ESPN sports club restaurant.
For a quick snack, fresh baked treats can be
snatched at the BoardWalk Bakery.
This location has appeal for
business meetings where you bring the family
along. There is ample flexible meeting rooms,
boardroom, outdoor pavilions, and ballroom,
Complimentary transportation
is provided to Disney parks and to non-Disney
parks for a fee.
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