Category Hotels

Going on a Walt Disney World vacation is magical- we truly believe that at Wish Travel Agency. I couldn’t even begin to count the amount of core memories my family has made over the years on our Disney vacations. For every holiday gathering- you can guarantee that when we sit around a reminisce- sharing stories and memories- there are going to be many tales from our Disney vacations. From the level of detail that the imagineers go into to create immersive experiences down to the cast members who bring the magic to life- Disney is truly a destination like no other. 

On the flip side, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up with the frequent changes to their offerings. Whether you’ve never been on a Disney vacation before or you haven’t gone in a few years, one quick google search will quickly illuminate all that there is to learn or relearn:

   “What is a Lightning Lane? Where did Fastpass go?”

“How do I know which hotel category is right for me?”

“Do I need a dining plan? Is it worth the money?”

“Do I need a park hopper ticket?”

“What’s the best way to minimize the time we have to spend waiting in lines?”

“Oh no! My daughter really wanted to do Bippidi Bobbidi Boutique but it’s booked up! I didn’t know you needed to book so far in advance!”

Each of these questions (and so many more that need answering) require real research and time to unpack. There are also the things that cannot be gleaned from reading general articles/videos that would really benefit from a customized approach for your specific family. 

“I have older kids and young babies- how do I make sure we’re doing something for everyone?”

“We have two different nap schedules to consider, how can we make that work in the parks?”

“I really need to stay within my budget but we do want to skip lines and do a special dining experience, how can we save money elsewhere to allow for this?”

“Some family members aren’t super thrilled about going to Disney World for our vacation- what offerings are there that adults can get excited about?”

 With so many details to consider, it can quickly become overwhelming. Working with a Disney travel agent can streamline the entire planning process, allowing you to focus on the fun while we handle the logistics. Here’s a thorough look at the process of working with a Walt Disney World travel agent, from start to finish.

And one more thing before we dive in- the MOST important thing to know is that all of the  services below are FREE! So how do we get paid? Disney has already baked in compensation for travel agents into their prices. If you don’t work with an agent, that money simply goes back to Disney. If you do work with us, Disney pays it out to your agent.   So whether you’d love for us to take some of the planning off of your plate or you love doing it all yourself- booking with us is a great way to support our business with no financial impact to you. We are happy to be as involved as you want us to be- this is about you after all! 

Okay- so now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into what it’s like to work with us for Disney Destinations: 

                  Walt Disney World

                  Disneyland

                  Disney Cruise Line

                  Adventures by Disney

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1. Initial Consultation: Getting to Know You and Your Disney Goals

The process starts with an initial consultation where the agent gets to know your vision for the trip. During this step, the agent will ask questions about your group size, travel dates, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Do you want an action-packed adventure, a relaxing retreat, or a balance of both? Are you traveling with young kids, teens, or just adults? Do you have special occasions to celebrate? Are you early risers or night owls?

This step allows your agent to understand your specific Disney “wish list” and preferences, such as:

• Preferred dates and length of stay
• Favorite Disney characters or movies (great for personalizing experiences)
• Any specific parks, attractions, or restaurants you want to visit
• Your budget and accommodation preferences

With this foundation, they can start tailoring options that match your unique vision for the trip.

Depending on what you decide on with your agent- this could be a call, email, or text exchange. To get the ball rolling- you can complete our contact form to have an agent reach out to you directly. 

And if you don’t know the answer to some of these questions- that is totally okay! We are happy to make recommendations based on our years of expertise. 

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2. Customizing Your Package: Accommodations, Tickets, and Dining

Once your agent understands your goals and preferences, they start customizing your Disney package:

• Resort Selection: Disney World offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly Value Resorts to the luxurious Deluxe Resorts. Your agent will provide recommendations based on your style, budget, and group size. They’ll discuss the benefits of each, like proximity to parks, pool amenities, and unique themes.
• Ticketing Options: Your agent will explain the various ticket types, such as Park Hopper options and single-day tickets, helping you select the best fit for your plans. They’ll also clarify whether special add-ons like Memory Make or Multi-Pass are worth it based on your group’s priorities.
• Dining Recommendations: The Disney Dining Plan can make your vacation package “all-inclusive” of meals if that is something you’re interested in! Since popular dining spots fill up quickly, your agent can handle reservations to secure spots in advance. 
• Travel Insurance: We offer travel insurance through Travel Insured that can provide comprehensive trip coverage from start to finish at a low cost. This is particularly helpful if you’re travelling to multiple destinations- like Disney AND Universal (which we also book!)

Once everything’s tailored to your liking, they’ll present a comprehensive quote that includes accommodation options, ticket details, and any additional extras you’ve discussed.

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3. Booking and Confirming the Details

Once you’re happy with the proposed plan, your Disney travel agent takes care of all the booking. We’ll invite you to our client portal and use the details you provide to reserve your hotel room, purchase your park tickets, and reserve any other paid add-ons. We’ll also monitor for any special deals or discounts that could apply to your trip, helping you save wherever possible.

For some destinations, there are advanced booking windows where you reserve certain experiences like Signature Dining, Bippiddi Bobbidi Boutique, golf, VIP tours and more! This takes place very early in the morning, so this is a major perk of working with an agent. Let us wake up early and take care of this on your behalf!

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4. Planning Magical Extras and Personalized Itineraries

Disney vacations are all about the details. Your travel agent will help you explore options for magical extras that can elevate your experience, such as:

• Special Events: From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to After Hours events, your agent can secure tickets to seasonal events that offer unique shows, parades, and lower ride wait times.
• Experiences: Interested in character meet-and-greets, VIP tours, or behind-the-scenes experiences? Your agent can arrange these experiences to create special moments your family will never forget.
• Personalized Itineraries: Disney travel agents excel at crafting daily itineraries that balance fun with flexibility. They’ll recommend the best times for popular rides, shows, and parades, maximizing your day without the stress.

Your agent can also build in downtime or rest spots, like favorite snack locations and entertainment breaks, to keep everyone in the group happy and energized.

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5. Preparing You for Your Trip: Tips, Tricks, Packing Lists, and Custom Itineraries

In the weeks leading up to your trip, your Disney travel agent will make sure you’re fully prepared. They’ll provide essential Disney travel tips, like navigating the latest lien skipping systems (this has been changing so frequently), using the My Disney Experience app, and understanding park security protocols. We can even provide packing checklists, especially helpful for first-time visitors, so you’re ready for Florida weather and prepared with essentials like comfortable shoes and sunscreen.

We’ll also guide you on how to make the most of Disney’s transportation options, and they’ll remind you about check-in procedures for your trip, especially if you plan to use Disney’s Online Check-In.

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6. On-Trip Support: Your Disney Concierge

One of the biggest perks of using a Disney travel agent is having on-trip support. If you have any issues during your trip—whether it’s a last-minute dining cancellation, a question about your resort, or a need for alternative plans due to weather—your travel agent is just a call or text away. They can help you adjust plans and ensure that your trip stays on track, providing the peace of mind that you’re not on your own.

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7. Post-Trip Follow-Up

When you return home, your travel agent will likely reach out for a follow-up, allowing you to share highlights and any feedback about your trip. This conversation helps the agent tailor future recommendations and improve your next Disney experience, ensuring each visit becomes more magical than the last.

If you’ve used Memory Maker, we can walk you through accessing your photos, so you can relive the best moments from your trip.

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Why Work with a Disney Travel Agent?

When you work with us, we want you to feel like you’ve gained a friend who’s as excited about your trip as you are. We bring Disney expertise, planning efficiency, and insider knowledge that frees you up to focus on the fun and magic that is a Disney vacation:

• No Extra Cost: Disney travel agents don’t charge you for their services; they’re compensated by Disney, so you get expert help for free.
• Insider Tips: From ride strategies to restaurant recommendations, your agent’s expertise will improve every part of your visit.
• Peace of Mind: With your agent managing reservations and troubleshooting, you’re free to focus on enjoying your time with family and friends.

Whether it’s your first trip or your fifteenth, working with a Disney travel agent can turn the dream of a Disney vacation into an stress-free reality. With our expertise, you can experience the magic of a Disney vacation without the planning headaches, making your trip a once-in-a-lifetime adventure full of unforgettable memories. To get started, reach out to an agent today!

Exploring Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: An Escape into Nature

Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, Walt Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge transports guests to a destination that feels separate and distinct from an Orlando theme park . Sitting on the shores of Bay Lake along with the Magic Kingdom, The Polynesian, The Grand Floridian, and The Contemporary Resorts, Wilderness Lodge is the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil experience without sacrificing convenience in location on Disney property. Here’s an overview of what makes this resort so special.

The Wilderness Lodge Theme and Atmosphere

Inspired by the grand lodges of America’s national parks, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge combines towering pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged architecture for a truly immersive experience. Walking into the resort’s lobby, guests are greeted with massive timber columns, rustic stone fireplaces, and Native American art. A massive, 82-foot stone hearth fireplace dominates the lobby, giving guests a cozy, mountain-lodge vibe as soon as they enter. With music inspired by American folk tunes, the ambiance is warm, welcoming, and a peaceful contrast to the excitement of the parks. Another distinct lobby feature is the bubbling geyser, which flows from inside to outside down a creek and into the resort’s impressive main pool.

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Lodging Options: Rooms and Villas

Wilderness Lodge is both a Disney hotel and Disney Vacation Club Property. The main hotel building is where you will find the hotel rooms as well as the vacation Club Villas for the Copper Creek Property. A separate building next door houses the Disney vacation Club property Boulder Ridge.

• Standard Rooms: These cozy rooms feature natural wood furnishings, warm colors, and classic wilderness touches. Many rooms come with balconies, offering scenic views of Bay Lake, lush forests, or the resort’s pool area.
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins: For a more deluxe experience, Copper Creek Villas offer villa-style accommodations with kitchenettes or full kitchens and larger living spaces. The Copper Creek Cabins are over-lake bungalows that offer two-bedroom luxury retreats with private hot tubs and screened-in porches, ideal for family gatherings or a special celebration.
• Boulder Ridge Villas: This is another DVC property with villa-style accommodations just like Copper Creek’s but with a different decor scheme. Boulder Ridge captures the charm of the 1800s railroad lodges, and thus has a smaller and more cozy lobby than the main building next door. 

Copper Creek Cabins lining Bay Lake

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Dining Options: 

Wilderness Lodge has several unique dining experiences that match the lodge’s rustic, outdoorsy theme.

• Whispering Canyon Café: Known for its playful, interactive servers and hearty all-you-can-eat skillets, Whispering Canyon Café offers classic American fare with a twist of fun. Guests can expect great food with a side of laughs, especially if they’re in the mood to play along with the restaurant’s antics! Not sure what I mean? When you visit, just ask for some ketchup and you’ll see!
• Geyser Point Bar & Grill: Located along the shores of Bay Lake, this open-air bar and grill is perfect for enjoying delicious bites with beautiful water views. With a menu featuring items like bison burgers and craft cocktails, it’s a lovely spot to unwind after a day in the parks.
• Artist Point: Offering a character dining experience called Storybook Dining with Snow White, this signature restaurant presents delicious food in a storybook forest setting. Guests have the chance to meet Snow White, the Evil Queen, and other beloved characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The menu includes unique, elevated dishes inspired by the fairy tale theme.

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Geyser Point Bar and Grill

Recreation and Activities

Wilderness Lodge has a wide range of recreational activities that make it easy to relax and have fun without ever leaving the resort:

• Pools: The main pool, Copper Creek Springs Pool, has a 67-foot waterslide that winds around boulders and trees, creating a natural swimming experience. Guests can also enjoy the nearby hot and cold whirlpool spas or visit the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool for a quieter, more relaxing experience.
• Outdoor Adventures: Nature trails around the resort are ideal for a morning stroll or jog. Guests can also rent bikes or explore the beautiful lake on rented boats. In the evening, Disney hosts campfires where guests can roast marshmallows and enjoy classic Disney tales.
• Electrical Water Pageant: Every night, guests at Wilderness Lodge have the unique treat of watching the Electrical Water Pageant, a delightful floating parade on Bay Lake featuring twinkling lights, music, and familiar Disney characters.

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Convenient Location and Transportation

Wilderness Lodge’s location on Bay Lake gives it a secluded feel while still being close to the action. The resort offers:

• Boat Transportation to Magic Kingdom: A scenic boat ride takes guests directly to Magic Kingdom, adding a touch of adventure and convenience.
• Bus Transportation: For easy access to other Disney parks and Disney Springs, buses run frequently from Wilderness Lodge, making it easy to explore all that Walt Disney World has to offer.

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Seasonal Magic and Holiday Decor

Wilderness Lodge is particularly enchanting during the holiday season. The lodge’s rustic style lends itself beautifully to Christmas decor, with garlands, twinkling lights, and an awe-inspiring Christmas tree in the lobby, complete with pinecones, woodland creatures, and rustic ornaments. It’s the perfect setting for a cozy holiday stay, with a festive, yet relaxed atmosphere.

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So, is Wilderness Lodge right for you?

There a couple of resorts that, for me, seem like a separate destination from Walt Disney World and for me this is one of those resorts. If you are looking for a more relaxed, quiet, non-Floridian feeling resort that doesn’t compromise on location/convenience, Wilderness Lodge is a great fit. This hotel has one of my all-time favorite resort lobbies, with a massive timber construction that makes you feel like you are in the middle of a National Park. I appreciate the variety of resort dining options, and I think the pool is a standout. From relaxing by the fireplace to exploring scenic trails, every aspect of Wilderness Lodge encourages guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories.

Wilderness Lodge Entrance

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If you want to chat more about your family’s specific wishes for your Disney Hotel, reach out to us! We are specialists on the Disney destination and would love to help you plan your dream vacation. Working with us is free- our compensation comes from Disney! Let us help you take care of the details so that you can focus on the fun. 

With 25 resorts to choose from (and growing), it’s no wonder people get overwhelmed trying to make sense of their options when planning a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort.

As a child, I exclusively stayed at resorts in the Value resort category and the over-the-top theming and busy buzz in the air became synonymous with the “Disney experience” for me. When I got older and got the opportunity to stay at hotels in the Deluxe category, I was blown away at the beauty of the resort and the theming which was just as incredible but very different from the style I was used to. As I began planning trips for other families, I was amazed at the loyalty families had to the Moderate resort category and how many commented on the theming being the perfect blend for kids and adults. 

As I approach this decision with clients today, I focus on being as transparent as possible on the difference between the categories so that each family can make the right choice for their unique vacation style. 

Questions we like to ask at Wish Travel Agency are: Do you plan to spend the bulk of your time in the parks or at your resort? What brand of hotels do you gravitate towards in your travel to non-Disney destinations? Are amenities important to you? What ages are your children? Do you think they would prefer a luxury experience to a big Disney theme that you can only find at a Disney property? 

By getting a better understanding of your preferences and expectations, we can better match you with the resort that will leave you feeling like your money was well spent rather than having that feeling of not getting what you expected. 

In short, Disney breaks their resorts into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe (including Disney Vacation Club Villas.) 

Value Resorts

This is Disney’s “budget category” which prioritizes value without compromising on that Disney magic you’re expecting from your stay. 

These resorts are heavily themed and, as a result, are a huge hit with young children. Seeing a Buzz Lightyear that’s 100x your size is something that truly amazes you for a very small window of life, and so I really do recommend this category for families with young children. 

This category is also a hit for families who plan to spend the bulk of their time in the parks without spending a huge chunk of time at their resort. It gives you access to Disney transportation and on-site hotel perks without breaking the bank. 

Resorts in this category include Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s All Star Music Resort, Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, and Disney’s All Star Sports Resort. 

Room capacity in this category ranges from 4 to 6 people (plus one child under the age of 3) depending on the specific resort. 

Every value resort has complimentary bus service to help you navigate the property without the use of your car. Art of Animation and Pop Century also share a stop on the skyliner loop, providing an additional transportation option to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. 

Moderate Resorts

This category adds a few niceties on top of the offerings in the value category including a bit more space and additional dining options. If you’re looking to spend a bit more time at your resort but don’t want the price tag of a deluxe resort, this may be the category for you. 

One thing I like to mention about these resorts is that they are sprawling. If you like the idea of a beautifully landscaped and peaceful resort with lots of walking paths to explore, this is the category for you. On the flip side, families who plan to utilize Disney transportation and spend a lot of time in the parks may not enjoy the multiple bus stops at some of these resorts or the potential distance from the room to the lobby. 

Resorts in this category include Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness. 

Room capacity in this category ranges from 2 to 6 people (plus one child under the age of 3) depending on the specific resort. 

Every resort in this category has complimentary bus service to help you navigate the property without the use of your car. Both Port Orleans properties also offer a boat service to Disney Springs. Caribbean Beach is a skyliner hub giving the best, quickest access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios)

Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe resorts possess the same detailed theming as the other resorts but in a much more elegant and upscale way. These resorts aim to be “the destination” in and of themselves and so they offer enhanced amenities that make you want to hang around for more than just a quick breakfast or dinner around your park visits.  

If you gravitate towards luxury resorts in your non-Disney travel and you want to experience that hallmark Disney detail of theming without giving up any of the amenities you are accustomed to, the deluxe category is for you. 

These rooms are the largest and you will find many more options for capacity of rooms and configuration of bed sizes and types with capacities ranging from 2 to 12 people depending on resort. 

Each resort (except Animal Kingdom Lodge) has at least one additional transportation option to the parks or Disney Springs- walking path, monorail, skyliner, or boat. 

Every Deluxe resort (except Yacht Club) has a sub-category for Disney Vacation Club Villas, which is where the variety of room types and capacities come from. 

Resorts in this category include Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Village Resort, Contemporary Resort, Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, Boardwalk Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Disney Vacation Club Villas

The Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare owned and operated by Disney for a portion of the rooms at their deluxe resorts. The timeshare is designed to create a “home away from home” for members, so there are many more categories of room types within this sub-bucket. You will find deluxe villas which are most closely aligned to a standard hotel room but with a kitchenette, one bedroom villas, two bedroom villas, and three bedroom villas. 

When these rooms go unbooked by DVC members, Disney will rent them out to non-members for cash in the same way they would rent out any other hotel room. 

Every room category above the standard deluxe villa includes a full kitchen and a washer and dryer, making this an amazing option for families looking to spend more time in their resort than outside of it or for those with larger groups who would like to stay together and even do some cooking during their stay. 

Resorts in this category include Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, Old Key West Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Riviera Resort.

So which resort is right for your family? Reach out to us and let’s chat specifics! Have a little one that loves the water? We need to chat on the resorts with the best splash parks! Have grandparents that want to hang back at the resorts a bit? Let’s talk about the most peaceful and relaxing resorts Disney property has to offer. There is so much nuance in choosing the perfect resort for each travel party and we LOVE to get to know each of our families and help them make the best selections for their unique circumstances.

When we discuss the perfect hotel for each family, we often ask about how much time you plan to spend at a resort versus at the parks. You know what awaits you at the parks, but did you know that the hotels offer recreational activities for you to enjoy while you’re there?

Although they differ by hotel and can rotate for seasonality, most resorts offer some version of the following activities: 

Movie Under the Stars

Most resorts offer a showing of a Disney movie on property every night of the week. If you are in need of a night in to infuse your vacation with a little rest and relaxation, this can be a great option! 

Bedtime Stories

On select nights of the week, most resorts do some version of bedtime stories with a cast member in the lobby of the resort. This often includes an add on activity like writing letters to Santa during Christmas time. 

Arts and Crafts

Most resorts offer an arts and crafts option or two that you can do for an additional cost. From tie-dye shirts to learning to paint, you can expect to walk away with something tangible for this experience!

Poolside Activities

For a couple hours a day, most main pools at each resort have a cast member come out for family friendly activities. This is a big hit with the kids and a great way for parents to take a break from pool games while someone else takes over for a little while! 

Campfires

Most resorts host a campfire on select nights of the week- with complimentary marshmallows for roasting! Full Smores kits are also available for purchase. 

The current recreational offerings are typically posted in the lobby of the resort, but you can always ask a cast member for the specifics when you arrive. 

So which hotel is right for you?

There are many factors we consider when we help our clients decide on their perfect hotel. How much time do you plan on spending there compared to time in the parks? What are your children’s ages- would they benefit from a splash pad in addition to a regular pool? Are you driving or flying- this helps us determine your reliance on Disney transportation which varies greatly from resort to resort. Maybe more than one of these factors need to be taken into consideration. There is certainly no one size all approach as every family is unique! It is FREE to work with a Disney Travel Agent – so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We can help select the perfect resort for your Disney vacation!