Behind the Magic: Disney World Resort Options

For those of you who are just starting to learn about all of the wonderful options that Disney offers, sometimes the choices can be overwhelming. One of the main choices to make when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort is where to stay.

I always suggest staying on Walt Disney World property, as there are some special advantages. In addition, when you purchase a package from Disney, the complete package is cheaper than the sum of the individual parts (especially if you purchase a package with room, park passes, and dining). Plus, it's so much fun to be in the middle of the magic all the time!



When I was a little girl taking vacations with my family, we hardly ever stayed on Walt Disney World property, because the options were limited to deluxe resorts (prohibitively expensive) and Fort Wilderness Campground (too rustic, though we did try the cabins one year; those were fun!). Now, however, there are over 25 resort hotels on Walt Disney World property, ranging in price, size, and location! Disney specializes in offering something for everyone, and this has become true when it comes to accommodations as well as theme parks.

There are four categories of Walt Disney World Resorts. I will discuss each category in detail, plus give a brief description of each resort in that category.

Value Resort Hotels

The value resorts were designed to accommodate the family on a smaller budget, allowing that family to stay on Walt Disney World property and take advantage of the special privileges. The standard rooms at value resorts are smaller (accommodating up to 4 people with 2 double beds or 1 king bed), the resorts are further from the 4 main Disney theme parks, and they do not offer amenities such as table service restaurants or room service, though they do have food courts.


These resorts are the definition of basic hotels; however, they still have the Disney touch! Each resort has a fun theme and fun activity areas for children and families. Another benefit is the addition of family suites to some value resorts; these suites include a bedroom and living room area, including one queen-sized bed and double- or single-sized convertible beds to accommodate up to 6 people.
  • All-Star Movies Resort: The inspiration is Disney movies, and there are 2 pools, including one with a Fantasia theme.
  • All-Star Music Resort: This hotel plays homage to various music genres, with a pool shaped like a guitar. This is the only other value resort besides Art of Animation to offer family suites.
  • All-Star Sports Resort: The name says it all: this resort's theme is all about sports. Two pools feature surfboard decorations and a Goofy fountain.
  • Art of Animation Resort: This newest resort at Walt Disney World opened in 2012, and boasts fun theming related to four Disney films. Most of the rooms are family suites, with a choice of theme: Cars, Finding Nemo, or Lion King. The standard rooms have a Little Mermaid theme. There are 3 pools, including the largest pool on property (inspired by Finding Nemo) and a kids' play area.
  • Pop Century Resort: This resort is themed around fads from the 1950s to 1990s, including: yo-yo, Rubik's cube, roller blades, Play-Doh and more! The pool is a fun play area including water jets.
Art of Animation Cars Family Suite

Moderate Resort Hotels

Caribbean Beach Resort
The moderate resorts have slightly larger rooms and are located a little bit closer to the main theme parks and other areas like Downtown Disney. Amenities do include table service restaurants. Rooms accommodate up to 4 guests with varying bed sizes.
  • Caribbean Beach Resort: Part of the Epcot resort area, this resort with a tropical theme includes brightly colored buildings and rooms, and a pool built to resemble an old citadel. Special Pirate Rooms are also available for the adventurous at heart! All rooms include 2 double beds or 1 king bed.
  • Coronado Springs Resort: Inspired by the Southwest, this resort is part of the Animal Kingdom resort area. The pool is built around a replica of a Mayan pyramid and a 24-hour health club is available. There is a wide range of room options to accommodate up to 6 people, with queen- and/or king-sized beds, and including suites and business class rooms.
  • Port Orleans - French Quarter: This resort is located in the Downtown Disney resort area, and is inspired by the historic French Quarter in New Orleans. A pool with a Mardi Gras theme and horse-drawn carriage rides help set the mood at this quaint resort. Rooms accommodate up to 4 people with 1 king or 2 queen beds in each room.
  • Port Orleans - Riverside: Also in the Downtown Disney resort area, this resort is based on the style of the Louisiana Bayou. The pool is inspired by the story of Tom Sawyer. Rooms accommodate up to 5 people, with 1 king or 2 queen beds and a possible bunk-size pull-down bed. Royal Guest Rooms are also available, including decorations based on Tiana and other Disney Princess friends. Royal Guest Rooms accommodate up to 4 people, with 2 queen beds.
  • Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort: Located along with the Fort Wilderness Campground in the Magic Kingdom resort area, these cabins have a rustic theme with the amenities of home. Cabins accommodate up to 6 people in 2 double beds and a set of bunk beds. The cabins include a full bathroom, living room, and equipped kitchen.
Cabins at Fort Wilderness

Deluxe Resort Hotels
 
Beach Club and Stormalong Bay

The deluxe resorts are closest to one of the four major Disney theme parks. Amenities include club-level rooms, room service, table service restaurants, health clubs, spa services, children's centers and shopping areas. Standard rooms are larger than value and moderate resorts, and can accommodate more people.

  • Animal Kingdom Lodge: This African-inspired resort is closest to the Animal Kingdom. There are 2 large pool areas including zero-entry and water play areas. Perhaps the biggest draw of Animal Kingdom Lodge is the opportunity to see animals on the private lodge savannah. It is even possible to have a room with a view of the savannah. Exclusive tours with animal encounters are also available for Animal Kingdom Lodge guests only. Standard rooms accommodate up to 4 people with varying combinations of king, queen, bunk, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 8 people.
  • Beach Club Resort: Located near the Boardwalk, the Beach Club is a short walk or boat ride from Epcot, the nearest Disney theme park; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Themed after a New England seaside resort, the Beach Club shares a shipwreck-themed pool called "Stormalong Bay" with the Yacht Club. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms are available (some of which only accommodate 4 people), and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 7 people.
  • BoardWalk Inn:  This waterfront resort hotel is modeled after the Atlantic City resort area, complete with Disney's BoardWalk. The pool has a carnival theme and the resort is a short walk or boat ride from Epcot, the nearest Disney theme park; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms are available that accommodate up to 6 people, and suites are available at the club level that accommodate up to 4 people.
  • Contemporary Resort: This modern resort is located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, and has monorail service from the resort, in addition to a boat launch and walkway to the first Walt Disney World theme park. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of king, queen, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 8 people. Views of Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom are available.
  • Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, with monorail service from the resort in addition to a boat launch, this Victorian-style resort is the picture of elegance. A new water play area with an Alice in Wonderland theme has livened up this resort, where guests can take tea in the afternoon if they wish. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of king, queen, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available (accommodating 3-5 people), and suites are available at the club level to accommodate up to 6 people. Views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom are available.
  • Polynesian Resort: This resort with a South Pacific theme is located nearest to the Magic Kingdom, and has monorail service from the resort in addition to a boat launch. Hosting the Spirit of Aloha dinner show, this resort is also home to the Nanea Volcano Pool. All rooms and suites (even at club level) accommodate up to 5 people with queen beds and daybeds. Club-level rooms and suites are available. Views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom are available.
  • Wilderness Lodge: This resort patterned after National Park lodges is closest to the Magic Kingdom, with boat service directly to the park. Offering natural surroundings along with luxurious service, this resort is a quiet respite from the bustle of the parks. Standard rooms accommodate up to 4 people with varying combinations of king, queen, bunk, and daybeds. Club-level rooms are available, and deluxe rooms at the club level to accommodate up to 6 people.
  • Yacht Club: Usually paired with Disney's Beach Club, this resort is also built in New England style, and shares Stormalong Bay with the Beach Club. The Yacht Club is also nearest to Epcot, a short walk or boat ride away; and a slightly longer walk/ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms accommodate up to 5 people with varying combinations of bed sizes. Club-level rooms and suites are available that accommodate up to 4 people.
Polynesian Resort

Deluxe Villas

Deluxe villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club system, but may be reserved by anyone who would like some extra space. Many of the villas are located adjacent to deluxe resort hotels and share amenities and services with those hotels. Villa options include:
  • Studio: accommodates up to 4 people, full bath, small kitchenette area with sink, refrigerator, microwave.
  • 1-Bedroom: accommodates up to 5 people (depending on location), full bath, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.
  • 2-Bedroom: accommodates up to 9 people (depending on location), 2 full baths, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.
  • Grand Villa: accommodates up to 12 people, 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, full kitchen, living area, washer/dryer in unit.
 Deluxe villas are located at:
  • Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House or Kidani Village: near Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
  • Beach Club Villas: adjacent to the Beach Club Resort
  • BoardWalk Villas: adjacent to the BoardWalk Inn
  • Old Key West Resort: Downtown Disney area, villas only
  • Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa: Downtown Disney area, villas only
  • Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Benefits

There are several advantages to staying on Walt Disney World property:
  • Advance Dining Reservations: Anyone can make an advance dining reservation up to 180 days before the day of the reservation. However, only Walt Disney World Resort guests may make advance dining reservations for up to 10 days of their stay, starting at 180 days before their arrival date.
  • Magical Express: Disney offers complimentary transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport for Walt Disney World Resort guests. This also includes luggage service.
  • Disney Transportation: Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort may use all of Disney's transportation services, including the bus, boat, and monorail.
  • Vacation packages: Purchasing park passes and/or dining along with the resort hotel room saves money!
  • Extra Magic Hours: Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort are eligible to participate in extra park hours. The four major theme parks and sometimes the water parks are open one hour early in the morning and up to 3 hours late at night on certain days. Only Walt Disney World Resort guests may take advantage of these hours.
  • Dining Plan: If you purchase your park passes through Disney and stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, you may opt to purchase the Disney Dining Plan, which saves a lot of money on food, and allows you to experience new restaurants.
  • Resort Privileges: You may use your room charge to pay for anything at the Walt Disney World Resort. In addition, Disney will deliver purchases to your resort free of charge!
As you can see, Walt Disney World offers many resort options and many benefits to staying at the resort hotels. There is speculation that new benefits will be coming soon; I will be sure to keep you updated.

What do you think? Do any of these hotels strike your fancy? Do you have a favorite?

Dining Spotlight: Meals with the Fab 5

When it comes to dining with Disney characters, Disney has a meal to please all guests! Of course, some of the most popular characters are what we Disney lovers call the "Fab 5." The Fab 5 include: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.
 
Mickey Mouse at Chef Mickey's



Why Character Dining?

Character dining is a wonderful way to complete two tasks at one time. Since you have to eat, and you (or your little ones) want to see the characters, why not do both at once? When you participate in a character meal, each character will visit your table at least once during your meal. They will spend time with your group, sign autograph books, and take pictures. The setting is usually less rushed than standing in line at the parks, and you don't run the risk of standing in a long line to have Mickey take a break just as you near the front. For this reason, we meet most of our characters at meals and save the lines for the characters we can't see while dining.

Goofy at Tusker House

The "Fab 5"

There is currently only one restaurant that offers dining with all of the Fab 5. There are also several locations that offer dining with at least 2 of the Fab 5 characters.

Mickey Statue at Chef Mickey's

You can find all of the Fab 5 at Chef Mickey's restaurant at Disney's Contemporary Resort. This restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, and is a favorite for the characters along with the celebration (fun dance party) that happens during the meal. We like to eat here on the day we arrive at Walt Disney World, since it does not require park admission and we can see the characters and feel some Disney magic even before going into the parks. If you purchase the Fastpass + photo package, the group picture with a Chef Mickey statue is also included in the package.
Minnie at Chef Mickey's

My next favorite classic character meal is Tusker House at Animal Kingdom. This character dining location features Donald and friends at all three meals. Donald's friends usually include Daisy (sometimes difficult to find in the parks, so we love to catch her here!), Mickey, and Goofy. The picture with Donald before you are seated is also included in the Photopass + package.
Donald at Tusker House

We also love to eat at the Garden Grill in Epcot, which features Mickey in his farmer's outfit, Pluto, and Chip and Dale (also difficult to find in the parks). The food at the Garden Grill is amazing, since it is seasonal and much is grown at the Land pavilion in Epcot.
Pluto at Garden Grill

Some of the Fab 5 also make appearances at the following dining locations:
  • Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort: Characters appear at breakfast and usually include Minnie Mouse, Donald, and Goofy.
  • Garden Grove at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel: Two classic characters appear at dinner.
  • 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Resort: Characters appear at breakfast and usually include Mickey and Pluto along with Lilo and Stitch. The character meal picture is also included in the Photopass + package.
  • Mickey's Backyard BBQ at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort: This dinner show is held seasonally in the summer. Characters usually include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip, and Dale.
It is important to note that Disney World does not guarantee character appearances and all policies state that characters are subject to change without notice. Even Mickey Mouse can get a cold! I am always careful about guaranteeing anything to my girls, in case something doesn't work out the way we expect it to.
Daisy at Tusker House

General Thoughts

As a rule, we much prefer character dining to waiting in long lines at the parks. We are more comfortable and the character interaction is fun! If you would like to dine with Mickey Mouse, Chef Mickey's is by far the most popular location, so making advanced dining reservations is essential. Remember that advanced dining reservations can be made up to 180 days before the trip! I was able to make reservations for a client three months before their vacation, but only after trying for several weeks; it was booked the first several times I tried.

Mickey at Chef Mickey's

Garden Grove and Cape May Cafe are probably the least well-known, being at resorts on or near the Disney Boardwalk. If you are trying to make a reservation and other character dining is booked, there may still be openings at those restaurants.

When in doubt, ask your resident Disney specialist! Do you have questions about character dining? Is there another meal or character that you would like me to cover in the blog? Let me know in the comments section!

Not "Short", Just "Vertically Challenged"

Those of us, young and young-at-heart, who are vertically challenged have found a lot to love at Disney destinations.

Have you ever been to a "traditional" theme park with younger and/or smaller children? Do you have some children in your family who are tall enough to ride the thrill rides and others who can only do the kiddie rides?



Going to a theme park can be very frustrating when the majority of the rides require riders to be 48 or even 52 inches tall or taller! I have a 2 girls who love roller coasters, one is tall enough and the other isn't; and it's such a shame to see the sadness when one gets to ride all of the rides and the other has to stay in the kiddie section, which is a postage stamp compared to the rest of the park.

Not so at Disney destinations!

Did you know that...

There are only 16 rides in the four major Walt Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) that have any height requirement at all?

3 of those height requirements are relatively low?
  • Tomorrowland Speedway (Magic Kingdom) - 32 inches to ride, 54 inches to drive
  • Goofy's Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom) - 35 inches
  • Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom) - 38 inches
Goofy's Barnstormer

13 of those rides require a height of at least 40 inches?
  • Magic Kingdom: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Stitch's Great Escape
  • Epcot: Test Track and Soarin'
  • Hollywood Studios: Star Tours and Tower of Terror
  • Animal Kingdom: Dinosaur
Test Track
 Only 5 of those 14 rides require a height of at least 44 inches?
  • Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
  • Mission: Space (Epcot)
  • Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)
Expedition Everest
And only 2 of those 5 require a height of at least 48 inches?
  • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)
  • Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom)
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

At the age of 4, our daughters were able to ride all of the attractions with height requirements of 40 inches. At the age of 5, one daughter was able to ride Space Mountain (barely), which has a height requirement of 44 inches! They LOVED it!



Splash Mountain

There are many reasons why I love Disney destinations so much, and this is a major one. Very rarely do I have to tell my children that they are "not tall enough" to ride. Disney considers their audience, which is families, many with young children. There are very few things those children "cannot" do in the parks!

Disney's Rider Switch Policy

This is one of the best perks at Disney for those who know about it!

If you do have one member of your party who does not meet the height requirement, Disney has a "Rider Switch" policy. A family can ask a castmember at the entrance to the attraction for a "Rider Switch Pass." This allows one adult to stay with the child(ren) who do not meet the height requirement, and the rest of the group to experience the attraction.

When the group is finished, the adults "switch", with the stay-behind adult getting to experience the attraction without waiting in line (usually through the Fast Pass line). The Rider Switch Pass allows up to 3 people to participate, so some of the group can ride again!

My older girls love this, since they get to ride twice: once with Daddy and once with me! I think they'll be disappointed when their little sister meets the height requirement.

Please note: The Rider Switch option is only intended for groups with members who are unable to ride an attraction, not for those who don't happen to want to experience it.



What do you think about Disney's height restrictions? Have you used the Rider Switch? Comment below!

Choosing the Right Disney Dining Plan



One of the most popular additions to Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages has been the Disney Dining Plan. With the creation of this popular plan in 2005, guests to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida have been able to pre-purchase a vacation that is for all intents and purposes all-inclusive.

Donald at Chef Mickey's restaurant at the Contemporary Resort

The Disney Dining Plan has evolved over the years. As always, there are people who love the Dining Plan and people who hate it. I fall into the "love" category, especially for families with children up to and including age 9.

Read more to find out why...

The Disney Dining Plan is available if you purchase a vacation package including room and tickets from Disney or an authorized agent. Annual Pass holders (if staying on Disney property) and Disney Vacation Club members are also eligible for the Disney Dining Plan.

Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom

Disney Dining Plan options

Quick-Service Dining Plan:
  • 2 quick service meal credits per person per night of stay
  • 1 snack credit per person per night of stay
  • 1 refillable resort mug per person for length of stay
The cost of the 2013 Quick-Service Dining Plan is approximately $37.58 for ages 10+ and $14.32 for children ages 3-9. The prices of the Quick-Service Dining Plan does not change with the pricing seasons.

Plus Dining Plan:
  • 1 table service credit per person per night of stay
  • 1 quick service credit per person per night of stay
  • 1 snack credit per person per night of stay
  • 1 refillable resort mug per person for length of stay
The cost of the 2013 Plus Dining Plan during the value and regular pricing seasons is approximately $55.59 for ages 10+ and $17.16 for children ages 3-9. The cost of the 2013 Plus Dining Plan during the peak pricing season is approximately $56.94 for ages 10+ and $18.16 for children ages 3-9.

Deluxe Dining Plan:
  • 3 meal credits (quick service or table service) per person per night of stay
  • 2 snack credits per person per night of stay
  • 1 refillable resort mug per person for length of stay
The cost of the 2013 Deluxe Dining Plan during the value and regular pricing seasons is approximately $99.97 for ages 10+ and $26.84 for children ages 3-9. The cost of the 2013 Plus Dining Plan during the peak pricing season is approximately $102.27 for ages 10+ and $28.91 for children ages 3-9.

Refillable Resort Mugs
 Definitions of terms

Quick service: restaurants where you stand in line to order your food and pick it up; similar to "fast food" outside the World, with many more options! A quick service meal credit will purchase: 1 entree and 1 non-alcoholic beverage for breakfast; 1 entree, 1 dessert, and 1 non-alcoholic beverage for lunch/dinner; or a "meal" including drink, and 1 dessert.

Table service: restaurants where you sit at a table with a server to take your order and bring your food; reservations are usually needed. Buffet restaurants and character meals fall into this category. A table service meal credit will purchase: 1 entree, 1 dessert, and 1 non-alcoholic beverage. For the Deluxe Dining Plan, a table service meal credit also includes 1 appetizer.

Snack: items identified with a purple DDP icon as eligible for a snack credit purchase; options include: popcorn, drinks, frozen novelties, rice krispy treats, and more!

Refillable resort mug: mug that may be used for fountain beverages only at the resort where you are staying for the length of your stay; beverage options include: coffee, tea, lemonade, and other soft drinks. Juice and milk are not included, but can often be "purchased" using snack credits.

Signature dining: specific high-level restaurants that require 2 table service credits per person per meal.

Dinner shows: specific dining events that require 2 table service credits per person per meal; currently these shows include the Hoop-de-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness and the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at the Polynesian Resort.
Snack Logo

Important notes

Gratuity is not included in the Disney Dining Plan. For any table service credit used, 18% of the total ordered will be automatically added as a guideline. You may of course tip more.

Alcoholic or specialty beverages (for example, souvenir mugs) are also not included.

Room service is available at select Disney resorts and will require 2 table service credits per person.

Because the Quick Service and the Plus Dining Plans only include 2 meal credits per person per day, you will have to get creative for breakfast. You can do this in one of two ways: share quick service meals so that you can cover breakfast, or use a snack credit plus a drink from the refillable resort mug for breakfast.

Most restaurants on Walt Disney World property participate in the Disney Dining Plan. There are a few, especially at Downtown Disney, that may only participate in certain levels of the plan, so be sure to check when you make your reservations.

Due to the popularity of this plan, it is highly suggested to make reservations 180 days in advance, which is the earliest possible time. It is difficult to find space at a table service restaurant if you "walk in," especially at peak vacation times.

The remaining meal and snack credits are listed on every dining receipt. Make sure to check every receipt to make sure the correct amount has been deducted!

There are no Disney Dining Plans available for children under age 3. These children can eat off an adult's plate. At buffet meals, they are able to eat for free.

Advantages

There are several advantages to the Disney Dining Plan:
  • It is convenient because you have paid in advance; you don't have to pay for every meal at the time.
  • It does save money if you spend all of the credits.
  • It allows you to eat at places you might not eat otherwise.
The Disney Dining Plan is especially advantageous for:
  • groups with at least one child under age 10. The money saved is significant if you add the costs of children's meals, especially for a child under age 3.
  • those who want to do a lot of character meals. These meals are often buffets that have a fixed price, so the savings are obvious.
The Deluxe Dining Plan is ideal for:
  • thos who want to experience Signature Dining restaurants, dinner shows, or other experiences (like Cinderella's Royal Table) that require 2 table service credits.
  • those who prefer table service to quick service meals; as there is no distinction between credits.
  • those who may not have the opportunity to return often and want to take advantage of as many dining opportunities as possible.
  • those who want to bring home many treats from their snack credits! 
Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge (Signature Dining)
 Personal thoughts

I have participated in both the Plus Dining Plan and the Deluxe Dining Plan, and enjoyed them both.

The main difference for my family was the number of different meal experiences we were able to do in a single trip. My family enjoys participating in character breakfast meals, and when doing so on the Plus Dining Plan, we often paid out of pocket for some food later on. In contrast, we could do many table service meals on the Deluxe Dining Plan, and we were able to try a lot of new restaurants while still being able to experience our favorites.
Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort

I originally thought that perhaps I would regret the amount of time taken at the various table service restaurants. However, I found that my children really enjoyed having the down time, especially if there were characters involved! We had to eat anyway, so the relatively relaxed atmosphere of a table service restaurant rather than the craziness of the quick service locations turned out to be a hidden benefit.

In the past, Disney has offered free dining plans for specific vacation dates. Traditionally, a stay at a value resort has included the Quick Service Dining Plan, while a stay at a moderate or deluxe resort has included the Plus Dining Plan. If you would like a higher dining plan, you can pay the difference in price; I would highly suggest this option if you would like to try the Deluxe Dining Plan but are unsure if it is the best choice for you. The best value in the free dining plan vacations is absolutely the moderate resorts, as they are only slightly more expensive than value resorts, but include the higher dining plan!

What do you think?