Where to begin.  First, decide whether or not to stay on property. Sure there are some attractive deals off property but there's much more to consider than just the lowest price. This is where a Disney Travel Planner can be invaluable, they can help you navigate through the mind boggling options - all at no additional cost to you. You'll need to think about hotel category, room type, hotel location, and time of year. Each of these have a great effect on how much your vacation will cost. Nightly room rates are indeed important but so are convenience, amenities, and transportation options.

At Walt Disney World, there are four hotel categories offering different price points. Value Resorts are the least expensive, rates start at about $85 per night depending on the time of year. Only quick service restaurants are available for dining. Expect small rooms with outdoor corridors. Most rooms have two double beds but a few offer king beds. Family suites are offered at the Art of Disney Resort and All Star Music, but it is generally cheaper to book two connecting rooms. If your budget allows, you should consider upgrading to a Moderate. Disney World Moderate Resorts are comfortable, offer more square footage than the Value Resorts, and more attention to detail in the resort themes. They offer at least one table service restaurant and a quick service restaurant. Disney's Port Orleans Resort consistently scores the highest among the Moderates. Depending on the resort, rooms offer two double or queen size beds, or one king. Deluxe Resorts offer some of the best attention to detail in regards to overall resort theme. Rooms vary in size, but are larger than Moderate category rooms. Many offer a pull out sofa, queen or king beds. Disney World Deluxe Resorts offer at least one table service restaurant, a quick service restaurant, and most offer a fine dining restaurant, known as Disney Signature Dining. Deluxe Resorts are close to theme parks and offer several transportation options to choose from. For example, The Epcot Deluxe Resorts are within walking distance, but also offer bus and boat options as well. Near the Magic Kingdom, guests can choose between a boat, bus, or monorail. Deluxe Villa Resorts, also known as Disney Home Away From Home Resorts, are part of the Disney Vacation Club but vacant rooms are placed into the reservation pool for non-members. Chances of non-members getting a reservation are good.  There are many configurations to choose from including studios, one bedroom suites, two bedrooms suites and even grand villas. Villas are super convenient, especially for young families, but come at a high cost. Disney Deluxe Villas are all attached to a Disney Deluxe Resort except for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.

Updated September 2012