Just How Do You Choose a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel for Your Next Visit?
Perhaps one of the most important decisions of any vacation, just where do you want to stay? If you are thinking about staying on site at Walt Disney World, this episode will help you understand:

* Why staying on-site at Walt Disney World is a good decision
* Help you understand the perks & benefits of a Walt Disney World resort hotel
* Understand the different types of Walt Disney World resort hotels
* Provide some reasons why the type and location of a resort hotel may appeal to you

Why Stay On-Site at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel?
Orlando is full of great hotels and wonderful theme parks. However, they're not exactly within walking distance of each other. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are roughly 8.5 miles apart along Interstate 4. It's just over 5 miles from Walt Disney World to Sea World.
More than a quick stroll.
Here's something to consider. You can't really even walk from your Walt Disney World resort hotel to most parks because the property is enormous. It's the size of San Francisco or the island of Manhattan.  A few resorts are within walking distance to a single park, but you need to rely upon a car or Disney's transportation system to reach the rest of the parks and amenities at Walt Disney World.
Location aside, you get some perks when you stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel.

* Extra Magic Hours
* Free transporation

Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Options
Typically, Walt Disney World resort hotels fall into three categories:

* Value
* Moderate
* Deluxe

There are a couple of other options. You can also stay at a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort if you are a DVC member or you've rented points to use a DVC room. These rooms are time share condos. You don't get maid service, but you may have a nicer room including a kitchen.
There are some hotels on Walt Disney World property that aren't owned by Disney, such as the Swan and Dolphin. Some of these places get extra magic hours, some don't. If you stay at a resort that isn't owned by Disney, check to see what benefits you may get or miss.
Value Resorts
These resorts are on the low end of the scale, but that doesn't mean they are bad resorts. If you have a large family or group, you may find these resorts perfect because of their family suites. These resorts are motel style, which means that the entry to your room is from the outside of the building.
Typically, value resorts are for the folks who don't spend a lot of time in their hotel room or at the resort. It's a place to sleep, shower and leave behind as you hit the parks.
The rooms are smaller and the furniture is a bit more basic. The value resorts will have a pool and playground, but they won't feature a slide or a lazy river. There are only quick service restaurants where you can grab something to go. You can still get a hot meal for breakfast or a pizza, but don't expect table service.
Every Disney resort has bus transportation, but you won't find water launches to take you to the parks or Disney Springs. Typically, their location is a bit farther away from the parks, so you spend more time getting to a park than the other types of resorts built closer to the parks.
Moderate Resorts
Moderate resorts up the ante slightly. The rooms are larger and have a step up with furniture and room amenities. You still have a motel style building where you enter from outside, though. The theming and room decor becomes a bit more subtle.