Checking In! Disney Resort Roll Call

One of my favorite ways to prepare (or dream!) about a Disney vacation is to consider the different resort options and places I've never stayed. Do you have a favorite resort? Do you prefer Disney World or Disneyland? The best part about Disney resorts it that they're all so unique! In this post, I'll review the places I've stayed in both locations, including upcoming trips, and forecast where I think we'll stay in the future.

Disney World

The resorts at Disney World are difficult to choose between because there are so many of them! I've heard from many families that say cost is the biggest factor in choosing where to stay and I totally understand. As a quick reminder, there are four types of accommodations at Disney World: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club). There's also a higher-level Value resort, Art of Animation, but it's in a category of its own. I'll name the resorts in each category and provide my personal review,  as well as what I've heard/seen from the forums and Disney groups.

• Value
• Pop Century: often regarded as the best Value resort, this option is nostalgic with its 1950s-1990s themes. The rooms here recently underwent a refurb and they're even nicer than before! 
• All-Star Music, Movies, and Sports: these are three resorts that are tied to a single bus line. Getting to-and-from the parks is a nightmare. These resorts often host school groups and tours so they can be noisy and crowded most times of the year.
• Art of Animation: usually considered the "Value Plus" option, it's a newer resort and immerses guests into the artist experience. It has highly-coveted family suites that offer plenty of room to sprawl out and it boasts the largest pool of all the Disney World resorts!

• Moderate: 
• Caribbean Beach: I stayed at this location in 2014 before they made a lot of big updates (changed double full-beds to double queen beds, removed the aquatic rentals, 2017 construction). I love this resort! It sometimes gets a bad review because it is the biggest resort at Disney World and the food court can get quite busy but I like the tropical theme and quiet pools in each 'village'. The resort transportation seemed to be reliable although the buses to the parks were usually very crowded.We stayed in Jamaica and loved the location!
• Port Orleans - Riverside: this is probably the most popular Moderate resort although it's not my cup of tea. There are guest room buildings reminiscent of plantation-style homes (Magnolia Bend) and other buildings that are more rustic (Alligator Bayou). Magnolia Bend is usually quieter while Alligator Bayou is closer to the action.
• Port Orleans - French Quarter: I stayed at this location in 2015 and it was a wonderful experience! This is the only place on Disney World property where you can experience the amazing Mickey beignets and celebrate Mardi Gras all year long. French Quarter is much smaller than its sister resort, Riverside, but it's also a lot quieter. French Quarter also features a children's play area that was recently constructed near the pool.
• Coronado Springs: this resort is often overlooked but is a favorite among its frequent lodgers. Coronado Springs is often considered a business convention hotel and typically caters to business clientele although it's perfectly suitable for vacations, too! It's currently undergoing construction and should be in tip-top shape around 2019.

• Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas
• Animal Kingdom Lodge: this is a favorite location for many DVC owners (the deluxe villas part of AKL) because the point costs are low and the opportunity to see safari animals all day is a great perk! Animal Kingdom Lodge is not often a favorite for standard deluxe rooms because the cost is prohibitive and the location is removed from most park experiences. We intend to stay at AKL using our DVC points in 2018 and fully intend to take advantage of being near some of the best food options on property (Sanaa, Jiko, and Boma).
• Polynesian: a major crowd favorite, Polynesian (affectionately called "Poly" for short) is booked up frequently for DVC owners and demands a hefty price tag for its prime location, beachfront views of MK fireworks, and wealth of dining experiences (plus Dole Whip access!) This is our home DVC resort and we will be staying here in 2018.
• Grand Floridian: often regarded as the nicest deluxe resort, Grand Floridian can sometimes be too nice for a family vacation. It's too expensive for most families although it has a great location on the monorail with views of MK fireworks.
• Wilderness Lodge: I like to refer to WL as the "forgotten deluxe" because it seems like nobody ever talks about it! Truthfully, this is my dream resort and I can't wait to stay here although it may be a few years before I can make that happen. It's themed after the Pacific Northwest and offers several DVC deluxe villas, as well, including Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek. Wilderness Lodge is also near the campground, which offers cabins (moderate accommodates) and campsites.
• Beach Club: this property has the best pool on property (read again: best, not biggest) and a great location on Disney's Boardwalk. It's another crowd favorite although the theme isn't my favorite. It's a quick boat ride or walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
• Contemporary Resort: I stayed here in 2016 and it was my first Deluxe experience. The theme is often a topic of discussion as most people don't feel it's "Disney-enough". The Mary Blair mural in the lobby is a sight to behold and California Grill is regarded as one of the best signature dining experiences on site. It's got a great view of the MK fireworks and a direct walking path (with its own security checkpoint!) to Magic Kingdom.
• Yacht Club: this resort is next door to Beach Club although it's often overlooked. It's a quiet resort with all the same transportation options as the other Boardwalk-area locations but it just doesn't garner as much attention. Yacht Club is one of the first Disney resorts to allow dogs to stay onsite with their owners.
• Boardwalk Inn: I stayed here this year and it was a lackluster experience. The best part of this resort is its proximity to Epcot and the Boardwalk, which is a treasure trove of activity and fun. There are lots of folks that enjoy staying here but just remember that it's a popular wedding destination and you may have to contend with wedding parties and photographers during your stay.

• Deluxe Villas - not mentioned above
• most of the Deluxe Villas are attached to Deluxe resorts and offer similar experiences. 
• Deluxe Villas are DVC properties
• Saratoga Springs: famous for its expensive treehouses, Saratoga Springs offers quick access to the nearby golf course and serene views of Village Lake. This resort is also near Disney Springs and all of the dining, shopping, and nightlife that you can handle!
• Old Key West: this is the original DVC property and has the biggest rooms on property. It's also typically the most affordable villa option and has a great pool!

Disneyland

There are currently only three Disneyland resort hotels, although only two of those are Disney originals. A new resort hotel was recently announced, and should be completed by 2021. Unfortunately, the prices of the Disneyland resort hotels are quite high and I would label most of these options "Deluxe". Sometimes Paradise Pier can dip down to "Moderate" prices but it doesn't happen often. All locations are within walking distance to the parks and have great dining options, as well as close proximity to Downtown Disney for additional selection.

• Paradise Pier: I stayed here earlier this year and enjoyed the experience although it didn't quite feel "Disney" enough. This hotel was originally built separate from Disney and was acquired in 1995. It has a southern California beach vibe and is the furthest walk from the park entrances.
• Disneyland Hotel: beautiful theme, fantastic pool, Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, and Downtown Disney access - I can't wait to stay here although it won't be anytime soon. We loved Steakhouse 55!
• Grand Californian: the super Deluxe hotel option that often demands the highest price. It has direct access to Disney's California Adventure park and has great wedding venues. This is the only DVC property onsite and will be our next accommodation when we return to Disneyland.

That's it for the Disney resorts; I hope I gave enough information to get you interested in one or two properties. Take a look around the Disney websites and check out individual reviews via TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Disney-specific forums/sites. I'm sure you'll find something that feels like 'home'!