Resort Hopping at Disney World: A Comparison of Villas
There’s something magical about Disney World during the holiday season. The parks and resorts transform into a winter wonderland, each with its own unique theme and festive atmosphere. This year, my family and I embarked on a Thanksgiving trip to Disney World, joined by some friends who stayed at the newest Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property, the Grand Floridian Resort Studio. Meanwhile, my family decided to try something adventurous: resort hopping! Over five nights, we stayed at three different resorts, living out of our suitcases but experiencing a variety of accommodations. Here’s a detailed comparison of our stay.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge: A Cozy Beginning
Our first stop was a one-bedroom villa at Copper Creek Wilderness Lodge. While this villa technically sleeps four, it’s spacious enough to accommodate a fifth sleeper. This setup offered a stark contrast to the studios we stayed in later, making a villa an ideal choice for families with kids or light sleepers. Here are the highlights:
Pros:
- Space and Comfort: A full kitchen, in-villa laundry facilities, and ample space made it a comfortable stay for our family of five.
- Holiday Ambiance: Wilderness Lodge shines during the holidays with its rustic charm and festive decor.
Cons:
- Cost: Villas come with a higher price tag compared to studios.
While Copper Creek was a delightful start to our trip, it’s difficult to directly compare it to the studios we experienced later. I’ll save a detailed review of this villa for another blog post.
Grand Floridian: Deluxe Studio vs. Resort Studio
For the next two nights, we moved to the Grand Floridian, where we stayed in a Deluxe Studio. Our friends, meanwhile, stayed in a Resort Studio, giving us a unique opportunity to compare the two.
Deluxe Studio Highlights
Pros:
- Split Bathroom Design: With a walk-in shower and a tub/shower combo in separate spaces, getting ready was a breeze.
- Comfortable Beds: A queen bed, a queen Murphy bed, and a fifth sleeper ensured everyone had a good night’s rest.
- Lobby Charm: The Mary Poppins-themed lobby, complete with penguin fountains, was enchanting.
- Views: Our room overlooked a cascading fountain and the Beach Pool area, which looked magical at night.
Cons:
- Storage Limitations: Minimal storage meant living out of suitcases.
- Tech Shortfalls: Few USB ports, no USB-C options, and limited bedside tables.
- Small Size: At 374 square feet, this was the smallest accommodation of our trip.
Resort Studio Highlights
Pros:
- Storage Galore: A larger closet, ample shelving, and more electrical outlets made this room highly functional.
- Elegant Details: A glass chandelier with tiny glass birds and a penguin added a touch of whimsy.
- Proximity: Located near the main building, it offered easy access to dining, shopping, and the lobby.
- Spacious Layout: At 440 square feet, it was the largest studio we stayed in.
Cons:
- Lack of Dining Space: The absence of a dinette set was noticeable, though the outdoor balcony provided a cozy spot for morning coffee.
- Smaller Kitchenette: Compact but functional, equipped with a Keurig coffee machine.
- Lack of a Split Bath: Sharing one tub/shower among a larger party makes getting ready cumbersome.
Overall, the Resort Studio’s improved layout, storage, and proximity to amenities made it a clear winner over the Deluxe Studio.
Riviera Resort: A Stylish Finale
For our final night, we stayed in a Riviera Resort Studio with a Preferred View. This accommodation shared similarities with the Grand Floridian Deluxe Studio but came with thoughtful upgrades.
Pros:
- Enhanced Storage: Two bedside tables, a storage-equipped coffee table, and a larger closet made organization easier.
- Modern Amenities: More USB ports and electrical outlets ensured everyone’s devices stayed charged.
- Comfortable Features: A cozy dinette area and a ground coffee maker added a touch of home.
- Spacious Feel: At 423 square feet, the room felt more open and functional.
Cons:
- No USB-C Ports: While expected for its age, this was a minor inconvenience.
The Riviera Resort Studio offered a blend of comfort, style, and convenience, making it a strong contender in our rankings.
Final Thoughts: Which Studio Wins?
Choosing the best studio depends on your priorities. For larger groups, the storage at the Grand Floridian’s Resort Studio is invaluable. However, the Riviera Resort Studio offers a more comfortable kitchenette and dining setup, plus the split bath. Both studios excel in different areas, making it a close tie.
My recommendation? Work with an experienced advisor (like me!) to identify the best fit for your party’s needs. Whether it’s storage, tech amenities, or location, small details can make a big difference in creating a magical Disney World stay.
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