Disney World offers budget-minded resort options

Living west of the Mississippi, many have been to Disneyland with family or friends. But, DisneyWorld is a different story. Many just assume that Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is just more of the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. While there is always something magical about Disneyland… Disney World truly provides you with an entirely different experience.

It offers families, couples and singles a wider range of lodging choices as well as attractions. Multi-generational family trips here are always a big hit. And, now, older adults are discovering how much fun it is to discover that the child inside them is still alive and well.

There are many things that make Walt Disney World much different than Disneyland. First, let’s start with the fact that it has four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Park – instead of just two.

Add to this, two water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. And, top it off with the endless lodging possibilities as Disney World offers 24 different on-site resorts to choose from, each with its own unique theme as well as a different level of service – providing affordable options for everyone.

At Disney World four different levels of resorts are offered to guests: Value resorts, moderate resorts, deluxe resorts and Disney’s Vacation Club Villas. Whether traveling on a budget or not, there is definitely a place to stay that will not only appeal to the pocketbook but also to individual tastes and dreams.

If you are on a budget and looking for an inexpensive way to explore Walt Disney World the value resorts may be the perfect place to stay. The value resorts are value priced and the least expensive of the four options. They all have exterior corridors with the window and door of your room facing out onto the walkway or public area.

The rooms are typically between 260-277 square feet and include two full beds (or one king), a small refrigerator and an area for hanging clothes as well as a small dresser and a flat screen TV. Amenities include quick service food courts and themed swimming pool areas.

Transportation to the theme parks is provided by bus. There are five value resorts: Disney’s All-Star Movies; All-Star Music; All-Star Sports; Pop Century and the newest is Disney’s Art of Animation.

These resorts are perfect for families and couples trying to see Disney World on a budget. They are whimsical and provide an escape into a magical world of make believe. Two adults and two children will be able to stay at these resorts in comfort. However, more than two adults in the value resorts may leave you feeling a bit cramped.

A new option, now available at Disney’s All Star Resorts is the family suite. It is 520 square feet and sleeps up to six, plus a child under the age of 3 in a portable crib. They include two full baths, a small mini-refrigerator, limited cabinet space and a kitchenette with a microwave.

There is a queen bed and flat screen TV in the main bedroom area and the second room has a full-size sleeper as well as a convertible twin chair sleeper and convertible twin ottoman plus a 27” flat screen TV.

Disney’s Art of Animation, is newest resort in this category and is considered a “Value Plus” resort. It has interior corridors as well as a larger food court area. The family suites at this property are slightly higher in price and larger than those at the All-Star Resorts. They are 565 square feet and also sleep six.

They have a flat screen TV and queen bed in the master bedroom, which has its own private bathroom. In the second room one will find a pull-out sofa and a full-size pull down bed that converts from the dining room table and a flat screen TV. This area also hosts a small kitchen with a small sink, mini-fridge and microwave as well as a small bathroom off this living room area.

So, if you thought Disney World was just more Disneyland or you might not be able to afford the trip, be sure to check out Disney’s Value Resorts. They will put you in the heart of the magic at a reasonable price.

Right now is a great time with Disney offering up to 30 percent off on select Disney Resort Hotels (Feb. 18-March 23: April 2 – June 14, 2013).

For details on these discounts as well as others, visit Castle Dreams Travel. And, to get the latest information on what is happening at Disneyland, Disney World, or with Disney Cruise Lines be sure to check out www.whatsupwiththemouse.com.

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, Chandler Disney Travel Examiner

Debbie Edwards has been helping families, couples and older adults plan trips to Walt Disney World, Disneyland and all things Disney including Disney Cruises, for the past seven years. She is a frequent visitor to Disney World logging more than30 trips. Living in Chandler (Phoenix), Arizona,...

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