Let's talk a little about the different resort categories and what they offer. This isn't mean to be an in depth look a the resorts, but more of a general overview highlighting the differences in each category. The pictures are again from www.allearsnet.com
Value Resorts
The value resorts are the least expensive option on property. These rooms are roughly 260 square feet and offer 2 double beds. There are some King Rooms available as well but many are handicapped accessible.
Disney's All Star Music and Disney's Art of Animation also offers a family suite that will accommodate up to 6 people plus includes 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette.
Value resorts off a motel style feel where you will access your room from the exterior. There will be multiple pools but keep in mind the Value resorts do not offer a slide at any pool. There is a main food court that offers quick service but no table service restaurant. The themeing is bright and very obviously Disney. Many of the resorts have large Disney characters or some other type of icon.
Moderate Resorts
When visiting a moderate resort the first thing you will notice is that the themeing is turned way down. It's much more subtle and you no longer have the extreme bright colors. You still access your room from the exterior but once inside the rooms are a little larger at roughly 320 square feet.
At Disney's Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter you will see 2 Queen beds in the the room but still 2 double beds at Caribbean Beach.
One thing to note is that while the normal occupancy is 4 (plus one under the age of 3) some rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside offer a trundle bed and can accommodate 5 people (trundle should be used for children 9 and under).
These resorts offer not just a food court but a Table Service restaurant as well. At the moderate resorts there will be multiple pools with one large themed pool (with a slide) and usually a few other quiet pools. These quiet pools are not in the main area with a bar, playground, slide, etc, but off in other areas. So if you are looking to swim in a bit more piece and quiet, head to one them.
Deluxe Resorts
While the amenities offered at the Deluxe resorts can vary, typically we are now jumping up in room size. These rooms can vary from anywhere around 344 sq. ft. up to 444 sq ft. (not including suite). There are several room types available. At resorts like the Grand Floridian, Beach Club, Polynesian and Contemporary you can get a room that includes 2 Queen Beds plus a Day Bed which can acommodate 5 people. At Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, rooms with one Queen bed and bunk beds are available, acommodating 4 people. Of course there are also varying levels of suites available. An added perk at the Deluxe resorts include Club level, or concierge. These rooms will offer a concierge lounge that will have food and drink available periodically throughout the day. There is also a separate check in desk for anything that you might need as well as a variety of other amenities.
The Deluxe resorts offer beautiful grandiose lobbies and the rooms you will access from the inside vs. the motel style feel of Value and Moderate resorts.
Disney's Deluxe Villas
These resorts can be on their own, like Old Key West or Saratoga Springs or they can be part of another resort like the Boardwalk or Contemporary. Disney's Villa's are part of the Disney Vacation Club a unique timeshare that works on a system of points, not "weeks". The villas are offered in a range of sizes that include a Studio with a Queen bed, pull out sofa and kitchenette, to a One-Bedroom complete with full size Kitchen, separate Living Room and separate baths that include a jacuzzi tub (in most).
The Villa's also offer 2 and 3 bedroom units and over at Saratoga Springs a unique offering, the Treehouse Villa's that accommodate 9 people.
This was really interesting...I thought I knew the differences, but I learned some new ones here that I hadn't realized before. Thanks! :D
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