Disney world hotel and resort reviews

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Walt Disney World, opened in 1976, is a mecca for families and individuals from around the world. Walt Disney World is about fun. The four major theme parks, water parks, and entertainment complex here delight visitors of all ages. The fun doesnt stop at the parks, though. Walt Disney Worlds accommodations and resorts are designed for convenience, style, and, of course, fun. They offer something in every price range, from the deluxe Grand Floridian Resort to the budget-priced All Star Resorts, with everything in between. Guests at all of the Walt Disney World properties enjoy access to Disneys unlimited transportation system which connects the hotels, theme parks, and shopping plazas. Guests of the Disney resorts also have access to preferred dining reservations at the Disney restaurants.

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the showpiece of the Walt Disney World resort system. Located on the lagoon across from The Magic Kingdom, this hotels design was inspired by the grand 19th century Victorian resorts of Florida. Its latticework, turrets, sweeping porches, and dormers beneath a red shingle roof evoke a carefree, less crowded Florida. Set on 40 acres, this resort offers 900 guest rooms, most with private balconies. Guests at The Grand Floridian can take advantage of several pools, a man-made, white sand beach, fitness center and spa, and a well-appointed marina. The Grand Floridian is adjacent to Disneys convention center and is connected to The Magic Kingdom via monorail.

Contemporary Resort

Adjacent to The Magic Kingdom, The Contemporary Resort, one of the first Walt Disney World resorts built, is connected to the park via a monorail that runs through the lobby. This resort is comprised of the sleek, A-frame main building and two adjacent garden buildings. The Contemporary Resort has the largest pool in the Disney system. It boasts 6500 square feet of slides, waterfalls, and fun. Other features at The Contemporary Resort include a white sand beach, marina, and health and fitness center.

The Polynesian Resort

Another resort along the Magic Kingdom lagoon is the Polynesian Resort. This South Pacific-themed resort is composed of 11 two and three-story longhouses arranged around a four-story main building, complete with a rain-forest lobby. Many of the 853 guest rooms here have a view of the lagoon, many from private balconies. The Polynesian Resort is connected to The Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center by the monorail system. Facilities here include a man-made white-sand beach, landscaped pool area, and watersports marina.

Disneys Wilderness Lodge and Villas

The Wilderness Lodge Resort is inspired by turn-of-the (19th) century national park lodges. Situated on a man-made lake, The Wilderness Lodge and Villas features an eight-story main building flanked by two seven-story guest room wings and a wing of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom condos. Giant evergreen pines surround the Lodge and the lobby in the main building boasts a huge 87-foot tall stone fireplace and two authentic Pacific Northwest totem poles. Facilities at The Wilderness Lodge include a health and fitness center and a pool, complete with a water geyser and stone waterfall. The Wilderness Lodge is connected to The Magic Kingdom via boat service and the other parks via the Disney bus system.

Disneys Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

These two deluxe resorts are within walking distance of the Epcot gate into the World Showcase area. The Yacht Club is designed in a New England cottage, nautical theme. It is quieter and geared more to adults than is the Beach Club. The Beach Club is brightly painted with beach scenes and is home to a deluxe pool area with a seahorse slide. Both resorts are set alongside a lake and are within walking distance to other resorts, shopping, and restaurants. Water-taxi service is provided to Disney-MGM Studios, as is bus service to the other parks.

Caribbean Beach Resort

Less expensive than the resorts outlined above, The Caribbean Beach Resort is a sprawling complex of low-story buildings centered on a large lake, called Barefoot Bay. This huge C 2112 rooms C resort is comprised of a registration area, called the Custom House, and five two-story villages, named after Caribbean islands. The Caribbean Beach Resort is bright and cheerful. It has five village pools as well as a large main pool area. Food service at this resort is limited, the only offerings available at the food court. This resort, too, has a man-made lake as well as an elaborate childrens play area and hiking and biking trails.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Adjacent to the newest Disney World theme park, Disneys Animal Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe African-themed resort. The theme here fuses traditional African tribal design with that of colonial Africa hunting lodges. Although a little far from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center, the Animal Lodge is ideal for those visiting primarily Disneys Animal Kingdom. Almost half of the Lodges over 1300 guest rooms have views of the 33-acre plain, home to 200 free-roaming animals and birds. In addition to the customary Disney amenities, The Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to Boma, an award winning, wood-burning grill and rotisserie restaurant.

Coronado Springs Resort

One of the newest of the Disney resorts, Coronado Springs Resort is a mid-priced resort inspired by northern Mexican and American southwestern style. Two and three-story ranchos evoke southwestern cattle ranches, whereas two and three-story cabanas are modeled after Mexican beach resorts. In addition, multi-storied casitas embody the architecture of the great cities of Mexico. This 1965 guest-room resort offers a large swimming area and food court dining.

Disneys All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, and All-Star Movie Resorts

These three sister resorts are an affordable option for families. These sprawling motel-like resorts are Disneys version of budget hotels. They are anything but shabby, however. These resorts are geared towards children with soft sidewalk material surrounding the friendly pool area, an amphitheater in the lobby to entertain kids while you check in, and plenty of Disney character sightings for photos and autographs. Although each resort has a food court, dining options are limited here.

Disney continues to build new guest facilities and to update existing properties. Make your visit to Walt Disney World more enjoyable by staying at a Walt Disney World resort. They are convenient, stylish, and, of course, fun.