Planning a Disney World trip comes with a million decisions, and choosing where to stay is one of the biggest. I've personally gone through the spreadsheets, reviews, and booking rabbit holes trying to decide between Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and everything in between.
So I put together a Disney World hotel comparison chart to simplify the process — a clear side-by-side of what actually matters: price, location, transportation, room types, and perks.
I’m not a travel agent — just someone who’s stayed at several of these resorts and spent way too much time weighing the pros and cons. Whether you’re trying to maximize convenience, comfort, or cost, this post will help you figure out which Disney resort fits your trip best.
Disney World Hotel Comparison Chart: What to Look For
| Category | Value | Moderate | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Price (Per Night) | $130–$250 | $250–$400 | $500–$900+ |
| Room Size | ~260 sq ft | ~314 sq ft | 340–440+ sq ft |
| Bed Types | 2 doubles or 1 king | 2 queens or 1 king (some sleep 5) | 2 queens or 1 king + daybed or sofa bed |
| Transportation | Bus only (Skyliner at Pop & Art of Animation) |
Bus, Boat (some), Skyliner (Caribbean Beach) | Bus, Monorail, Skyliner, Boat, Walking access |
| Dining Options | Food court only | Food court + Table-service | Table-service, Quick-service, Character dining |
| Perks | Early Theme Park Entry | Early Entry, Better pools & amenities | Early Entry, Extended Evening Hours, Club Level |
| Theming | Bright, bold, kid-focused | More tranquil and scenic | Refined, immersive, luxurious |
| Best For | Budget-conscious families, kids | Families, couples, balance of cost & comfort | Proximity, luxury, adult-focused trips |
| Examples | All-Star Movies, Pop Century, Art of Animation | Port Orleans, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach | Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn |
When you start comparing Disney World hotels, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But not everything matters equally. I’ve found that three things tend to drive the decision more than anything else: budget, transportation access, and room layout.
Before we dive into the chart itself, let’s go over a few things that can help you make a faster, smarter choice.
Key Points
- Know your transportation priorities. If you plan to rope-drop parks every morning, look at resorts with Skyliner, Monorail, or walking paths to the parks. For example, the Disney World resorts with Skyliner access save so much time heading to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Value resorts are not all equal. There’s a big difference between the All-Stars and Art of Animation. Family suites, better theming, and newer amenities can make a huge difference. If you're considering Art of Animation, make sure to check the bus schedule and transportation options first.
- Consider walking distance to specific parks. You don’t need to stay Deluxe to be close. Some options are surprisingly close — here are hotels within walking distance to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom.
Resort Categories: Value vs. Moderate vs. Deluxe
Disney divides its hotels into three main tiers, and I’ve stayed in at least one from each category. Each tier has its pros and cons, and honestly, price isn’t always the deciding factor — convenience and vibe can outweigh the cost.
Value Resorts (roughly $130–$250 per night)
Value resorts are the most budget-friendly way to stay on property. They're ideal for families who want to stay immersed in Disney but don’t need a lot of extra space or luxury.
Rooms tend to be on the smaller side (around 260 sq ft), with two double or queen beds and exterior hallways. The theming is bright, cartoonish, and bold — great for kids, but might feel a bit overstimulating after a long park day.
All transportation is by bus, and dining is limited to food courts. But they offer early theme park entry and all the core perks of staying at a Disney resort. I recommend looking at the best value resort at Disney World for the current standouts.
If you're considering All-Star Movies, Music, or Sports, this All-Star Music vs All-Star Movies comparison may help narrow it down.
Moderate Resorts (around $250–$400 per night)
Moderate resorts offer a noticeable upgrade in terms of atmosphere and amenities without jumping to the high Deluxe prices.
Rooms are slightly larger (approx. 314 sq ft), have queen beds, and usually offer more tranquil theming. You’ll find better pools, table-service restaurants, and even some special features like boat transportation (at Port Orleans) or unique dining options (at Coronado Springs).
They’re often more spread out, which can mean longer walks to the main buildings or buses. If you're considering this category, check out the best moderate resort in Disney World and read the Coronado Springs Resort review.
Deluxe Resorts (typically $500–$900+ per night)
Deluxe resorts are the most expensive, but you’re paying for proximity, premium service, and high-end touches. Think interior hallways, spacious rooms (340–440+ sq ft), character dining, and the ability to walk to the parks from several properties.
They also offer Extended Evening Hours, which can be a huge benefit for avoiding crowds.
Not all Deluxe resorts feel equally worth the price. Some offer club level options — and if you’re curious what you actually get for that price, this article on how much Club Level costs at Disney World breaks it down clearly. For club-level lovers, the Royal Palm Club at Grand Floridian is one of the most talked-about lounges.
Transportation Access: Save Time, Skip Stress
Transportation can make or break your Disney trip. I’ve stayed at resorts where the buses ran smoothly — and others where the wait times added up fast.
If you’re trying to get to early entry rope drops or maximize Lightning Lanes, your transportation strategy matters.
- Monorail resorts: Best for Magic Kingdom. These include Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. Super fast access — no buses needed.
- Skyliner resorts: Best for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera are on the Skyliner route.
- Walking access: BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club, and Yacht Club are walkable to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. For Magic Kingdom, only Contemporary and Grand Floridian are walkable.
- Boat options: Some resorts like Port Orleans and Wilderness Lodge offer boats to specific parks.
Transportation isn’t just about speed — it’s also about energy. If you’re coming back mid-day for a nap or swim, saving 20 minutes per trip really adds up. For a full list of resort options, Disney’s official resorts page is a good reference.
Room Types and Layouts
This is where a lot of first-timers get surprised. “Standard” doesn’t always mean the same thing across resorts.
- At Value resorts, standard rooms generally include two doubles or one king bed — with minimal extra space. These rooms are tight if you're a family of four with a stroller.
- Moderate resorts offer two queens or one king. A few, like Port Orleans Riverside, can sleep five with a Murphy bed.
- Deluxe rooms are more spacious and may have balconies or daybeds. Some include club-level service, robes, turndown, etc.
- Family Suites (like at Art of Animation) are fantastic for groups. These start around $600/night but sleep six and come with a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette.
- Looking for a kitchen or suite? Here’s a guide to Disney World hotels with suites and another on which Disney World hotels have kitchens.
My Favorite Tools for Choosing a Resort
I’ve written a lot about Disney World hotels, and if you want a more complete look at all your options, check out this full guide to Disney World hotels. It includes strategy, real pros and cons, and lesser-known details.
If you're still deciding, I recommend:
- This comparison of Port Orleans Riverside vs French Quarter to get a feel for Moderate resort differences.
- Our picks for the best resorts for adults — ideal if you’re traveling without kids or want a quieter stay.
- This guide on how to choose a Disney World resort — which gives you a step-by-step plan based on travel style, budget, and group size.
Choosing the right hotel can honestly shape your whole trip. I’ve had stays where the walk to the food court was so long it became a running joke, and others where I could see fireworks from the balcony.
If you're going to splurge anywhere, I’ve found it's worth spending a little extra on location and transportation — it’s not just about comfort, it’s about having more time and energy for the parks.
Hopefully this chart and guide saves you time, money, and frustration — or at least a few arguments on travel day.
