At Walt Disney World there are 20+ resorts you can choose to stay at. It can be mind-boggling trying to figure out which one is best for your family. There are different price points, different amenities, different dining choices, different locations ect. You might be wondering how do I narrow down my choices? You don’t want to make a mistake and pick the wrong place to stay but how do you know which one is right. This guide to Disney World resorts is going to help clear up some of your confusion. Read on as the Walt Disney World resort types are explained!
Disney’s Deluxe Resort Hotels
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
The Deluxe resorts are Disney’s most luxurious resorts on property. These resorts are some of the most conveniently located places to stay in Disney World.
Check out the awesome features:
Nearby transportation that makes navigating Disney World easier
Multiple themed table-service restaurants at the resort
Signature dining onsite
Room Service available
A small, quick-service marketplace
Spacious rooms (larger than other resorts)
Best pool areas
Amazing theming all throughout the resort
Rooms are accessed inside the building
Balconies and patios in some rooms
The Deluxe Resorts are:
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Let me just talk about the transportation for a moment. I think that the easy transportation from some of the Deluxe resorts is one of the big reasons to stay at one of these resorts.
Disney’s Contemporary, Disney’s Polynesian, and Disney’s Grand Floridian are all on the Monorail route. There is a Monorail station almost inside the resort with direct access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot with one quick transfer. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has water taxi access right to Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club as well as Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are a quick walk to Epcot’s International Gateway. These deluxe resorts are also within walking distance to Hollywood Studios. Connecting these resorts and these two parks is also the Friendship Boats and the Skyliner.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only resort that doesn’t have a mode of quick transportation to a park. BUT, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge there are animals in the Savannah right outside your balcony. That’s pretty awesome!
Disney’s Deluxe Villas
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas with safari animals
The next resort category in this guide to Disney World resorts is the Deluxe Villas. At each of the deluxe resorts, a villa resort is attached. Disney’s Riviera, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, and Old Key West Resort are stand-alone villa resorts. The villas are mainly for Disney Vacation Club but you can book rooms in these resorts when available. The villa resorts are fabulous for larger groups and families because they have 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suites, multiple bathrooms, living area, dining area, kitchen, washer, and dryer. The villas can use the resort pools, restaurants, and other amenities.
The Villa Resorts are:
Bay Lake Towers at Disney’s Contemporary
Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas–Jambo House and Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney’s Moderate Resorts
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The moderate resorts on Disney World property and a really nice middle of the road option. Moderate resorts are large, spread out resorts with some great features.
Some of the Moderate features:
Beautiful landscaping
Fun themes
Very nice pool areas
One table-service restaurant
Large, quick-service dining hall
Activities such as fishing, biking, etc.
Moderate sized rooms
Multiple bus stops
Enter rooms from outside (many smaller buildings make up resort)
Parking a little more convenient to your room as there are multiple parking lots
Convenient transportation to one or two parks or Disney Springs (except Coronado Springs)
The moderate resorts are:
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans–Riverside and French Quarter
Disney’s Coronado Springs
Cabins at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort and Campground
Many guests really like this resort category. You feel like you are staying somewhere special but its not quite as expensive. Moderates have things to do at the resort that make a stay-and-play-day a bit more fun. It is also nice to have dining options at your resort. I especially love Disney’s Caribbean Beach because of the Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Value Resorts
The Computer Pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The last category in this guide to Disney World resorts is the Value Resorts. At Disney World, these are the least expensive option. This category is well-loved by families that are only looking for a place to sleep. They spend most of their time and the parks and the place to stay isn’t nearly as important. They want most their budget to go to the parks, dining and souvenirs and not where they lay their head.
Here are a few of the Value Resort features:
Spread out with multiple large buildings
Covered stairwells are outside the building and the entrance to the room is also outside (except at Art of Animation).
Larger than life outdoor
Pools are large but simple (no slides, small splash area).
Only a quick-service dining hall but it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you won’t go hungry.
Rooms are simple without too much decor unless you are at Art of Animation.
One bus stop
The Value Resorts are:
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
If you have a larger family the value resorts might be a great option for you. The Art of Animation has quite a few family suites that have 1-bedroom/2 baths (not full) and sleep 6. The All-Star Music also has family suites that sleep 6.
The All-Start Resorts are quite far away from all of the parks and require bus transportation everywhere. Art of Animation and Pop Century are on the Disney Skyliner route. They were already the favorites of the value category but now they are going to be in even more demand. It will be important to book these early, especially during the busy times of year.
Well, I hope that helps you not be quite as confused about which type of resort would be best for your family. Have more questions? Want info to book a Disney World stay? Click the button above and contact me!
As you know, I think river cruising is a fantastic way to see Europe and France’s Provence region is no exception. Sailing down the Rhone River is a perfect way to view the countryside and visit the towns. Lyon, France is often a beginning or ending point for Provence river cruises. But what is there to do? Well, aside from the food (Lyon is considered the Gastronomic Capital of France) there is so much to see and do in this easy to navigate city.
If you are traveling by river cruise then you will have an overview tour of Lyon included. But, what if you have already been on that tour or want to venture out on your own. The tours usually visit the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the St. Jean District and Cathedral, Palace of Justice, and Lyon Old Town. Let’s discover more of Lyon, France. Read on for some unique things to do in Lyon, France!
Navigate the Traboules
Winding their way throughout the city, the traboules are a perfect way to experience the city’s colorful and hidden past. There is thought to be more than 400 traboules but only around 40 are open to the public. If you don’t want to hunt for the passages yourself then head to the tourist office on Place Bellecour for a self guided map or guided tour.
The passages are mainly located in Vieux Lyon, La Croix-Rousse, and in La Presqu’île. Originally they were used to help the silk workers get to the riverbank quickly. Later they were used to aid the resistance in WWII. Most all the traboules are on private property so be respectful.
Picnic in Parc de la Tête d’Or
This park sits atop the ritzy 6th arrondissement on the east side of the Rhône. Along with beautiful grounds for a picnic, you can visit a beautiful botanical garden, paddleboat on the lake, or see animals at the zoo. In the spring don’t miss the rose garden! With lunch from one of the delicious charcuteries or boulangeries, this is a wonderful way to spend a couple hours.
Visit the Croix-Rousse
This neighborhood sits atop the other hill in Lyon. To get there you can walk up La Montée de la Grande Côte which is a pedestrian path with boutiques and cafe’s on either side. The buildings are a sight to be seen from below and on the way up the hill. And at the top there is a small park which has a beautiful view of the city.
This is also the location of the largest outdoor market in Lyon. Open early in the day Tuesday-Sunday, this is another perfect place to get some lunch and picnic in the park!
Musée Miniature et Cinéma
Lyon, France is the home to many museums but the Musée Miniature et Cinéma is one of the most unique things to do in Lyon, France. In fact, it is the only one of it’s kind. Located in Vieux-Lyon this museum is dedicated to two things: miniatures and film props. The main attraction is the over 100 different miniature scenes created by Dan Ohlmann. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is astounding!
The other section of the museum houses more than 300 authentic movie props, artifacts and models from the last 50 years. A truly unique experience!
The Murals of Lyon
Discover the distinct culture of Lyon, France through the more than 100 murals painted on walls around the city. These huge murals are painted in the trompe l’oeil style. The paintings depict historical events, important people, or just the everyday moments of life in Lyon.
The most famous mural is La Fresque des Lyonnais. Located near the Quai Saint Vincent on 2 rue de la Martinière, this painting depicts many famous people of Lyon.
The oldest mural is Le mur des canuts. You can find it on Boulevard des Canuts near the Henon metro.
Otherwise, just keep your eye out and your camera ready as you tour the city!
Have you done something in Lyon, France that was unique or off the beaten path? Let me know in the comments below!
If you would like more information about river cruises that have Lyon, France as part of the itinerary please contact me. I would love to help!
Many river cruise lines begin their cruises of the Provence region of France in Lyon. Lyon is a beautiful city and quite easy to navigate. It is the perfect beginning as it sits on both the Rhône and Saône Rivers creating a beautiful landscape and a hub of trade (think ingredients for delicious cusine). Lyon, France has become the gastronomy capital of France for good reason. Read on and learn fantastic places to experience in Lyon, France, the gastronomy capital of France!
Why is Lyon the food capital of France?
Lyon, France is world renoun for its delicious and hearty meals. They are know for simple meals cooked with local produce. But there also are many chefs in Lyon daily creating modern, inventive dishes to delight even the most astute foodie. Much of the food in Lyon is rich, leaning on the long heritage of traditional cooking.
Lyon is situated in the perfect location to become a foodie mecca. All around the region come specialties–veggies from farms in Charolais, fish from Savoy, port from Monts du Lyonnais, and of course, wine and cheese from the Rhone Valley. Oh, let’s not forget the ‘royalty’ of chickens from Bresse. They cook up like no other chicken you have ever tasted.
Let’s also not forget that Lyon is home to 1500 restaurants, 13 of which have Michelin Stars. But you don’t need to go to a gourmet, Starred restaurant to indulge your tastebuds. The other secret to Lyonnaise gastronomy is the bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants), food markets, and the dedicated shops–charcuteries, fromageries, chocolatiers, and boulangeries.
Authentic places to find food in Lyon, France
A traditional Bouchon
A bouchon is a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant that is unique to Lyon and a part of their history. These small, family-owned bistros each serve a specific type of food, and have their own casual atmosphere. Think simple, inexpensive meals in a friendly atmosphere. Some bouchons might not even have a menu but instead the owner informs you of what he is serving that day. This is a great way to try different Lyonnaise specialties!
The bouchon orriginated as a result of hard working Lyonnise “Mothers” who started restaurants out of necessity to their family and the silk workers. These women began Lyon on their culinary path to greatness, and have taught many chefs to carry on the tradition.
Recommended Bouchons
More than 300 restaurants claim to be a bouchon but some are imposters. They might not respect the traditional aspects as well(food quality, source, home-made dishes, hospitality and atmosphere). If you are looking for a true bouchon, the Lyon Chamber of Commerce created a label to help–Les Bouchons Lyonnais–which will be clearly posted in the window.
Listed are some highly rated bouchons. Note: Download “The Fork”, Europe’s Open Table app as it will be helpful finding great food all over Europe. Oh, and check out this post from jadorelyon.com describing bouchons and how to pick authentic ones.
Cafe Comtoir Abel–25 rue Guynemer, 69002 Lyon–AUTHENTIC–Average price €25
La Tête de Lard –13, rue Désirée, 69001 Lyon–Average price €25
Lyon Outdoor Markets
Market of Croix-Rousse (largest and most famous one in Lyon)–Open Tuesday-Sunday 6am-1pm–1 Kilometer of stalls offering fresh and local items; fruit, veggies, cheeses, meat, fish, bread, and flowers. Saturday is organic day.
Saint Antoine Farmers Market–Open Tuesday-Sunday 6am-1pm–You will find an abundance of meats, cheeses, produce and other specialties of Lyon along the Saône banks between Place des Terreaux and Place Bellecour.
Halles de Lyon
Halles de Lyon boasts as the premier indoor market in Lyon. This market was renamed in honor of top French chef Paus Bocuse or Monsieur Paul (hmmm…Epcot has a Signature restaruant also named after this famous chef). People looking for the best regional items will find them here, on the left bank of the Rhône. This market is a little more expensive than the outdoor markets but well worth the visit. The market is open Tuesday to Saturday 7am-10pm and 2pm on Sundays (but the vendors only bring so much product so get there as early as possible).
If you want an extra special experience with a knowlegable guide, there are tours of the market available. Not only do you get to savor many of the specialty foods but you also hear stories about the gastronomic history of Lyon. Your travel advisor can point you in the right direction.
Specialty shops
If you want a little taste of different foods, try some of the many specialty shops might be just for you.
Fromagerie Tête d’Or—51 Rue Tete d’Or 69006 Lyon–delicious cheeses and dairy products
Reynon Traiteur–13 Rue des Archers, 69002 Lyon–famous for its sausages but also has wonderful salads, fresh meats, Bresse chickens and other gourmet foods
Le Comptoir du Poulet–14 rue Constantine 69001 Lyon–an inexpensive meal of succulent roasted chicken and potatoes, also serving a selection of sandwiches and other sides
Dürnstein, Austria might be just a short stop on your Danube River cruise but it will definitely be one you remember. This tiny little town of only 950 people is famous for its history as well as its love for a specific fruit.
Most cruise lines only spend a few hours in Dürnstein as a part of a scenic cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley. The picturesque town seems to rise up out of the banks as you sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. In Dürnstein, you are able to get up close and personal with Austrian history, culture, myths and legends. This is also a fantastic stop for active travelers interested in hiking or biking and wine lovers ready to savor some unique wine.
Durnstein, Austria–an excellent stop for a walking tour
Since Dürnstein has so many historical elements this is a good place to opt for the included tour from your river cruise line. Maybe you join the tour of the town through the cobblestone streets. You might stop in the middle of town at the Baroque Stiftskirche, a still active church. Seen from all over the village, the blue and white towers give the town an authentic medieval feel. On a guided tour you will hear so much of the history and culture found within the walls of this charming village that you might not get on your own.
If you are more adventuresome a hike up to Dürnstein Castle might be more interesting. The hike up is about 20-30 heart-pounding minutes up a fairly steep hill. Make sure you have appropriate footwear and plenty of water. Exhilarating views of the valley reward hikers for their hard work. For many Danube River travelers hiking up to this ruined castle a rite of passage. The history behind the castle is also much of what makes seeing the castle worthwhile. As you climb the hill plaques tell the story and legend of Dürnstein Castle.
A quick history of the famous Dürnstein Castle
Inside the ruins of Dürnstein Castle
The history of Dürnstein Castle begins in the 11th century centered around the Kuenring family. Given a large amount of land by a regional Babenberger prince the family established a small village. A castle was constructed to overlook the town, defending its lands and possessions and keeping an eye on the Danube trade route.
Local legend tells the story how at one time the King of England, Richard the Lionheart, was imprisoned in the castle. The story says that as King Richard headed back to England after the crusades Leopold V asked him to dine at court. Leopold V reportedly asked for a portion of the spoils. In response, King Richard refused, tearing up the Austrian flag.
A very offended Leopold V threw King Richard into prison demanding payment of 150,000 silver marks for the king’s release. King Richard remained in prison for 12 months (1192-1193) but it is believed he was treated well even being allowed traveling singers for entertainment.
Many years later Hungarian raiders captured the town. Then the great fire of 1551 completely destroyed the town. Lastly, Swedish armies destroyed the castle with cannon fire from the river. Many attempts to rebuild the castle failed and so the castle remains in ruins to this day. This fascination and intrigue over Austrian and British history is what draws people up the hill to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle.
Dürnstein, Austria–an excellent stop for a bike ride
Many river cruise lines give their guest the option to bike down the Danube River from Dürnstein to the next port. Biking right down along the banks of the Danube gives a different vantage point than from the boat to see the beautiful scenery. You can even choose between riding down the paved path on the quieter south side of the river past vineyards and a few small towns or the busier north side. Either way, you go you will love the ride and the view.
Dürnstein, Austria–an excellent town for apricot and wine lovers
Vineyards surround Dürnstein and produce excellent wines. Wine lovers might enjoy taking a wine tasting tour in this town. But, their real claim to fame comes from apricots. Apricots are everywhere and therefore, so are apricot products. As a unique souvenir from this area, you could buy apricot anything–liqueur, brandy, gin, desserts, pastries, jams, soap, creams, shampoo, and oh, so much more.
Check out this Apricot Tart recipe inspired by Durnstein and the Danube River. It will either give you a taste for Dürnstein as you prepare to cruise or bring back wonderful memories of your river cruise stop in Dürnstein, Austria.
If you would like to learn more about river cruise itineraries that include a stop in Dürnstein, Austria please contact me. I would love to help you find your perfect river cruise vacation.
Just because you have young children doesn’t mean that you can’t have a relaxing vacation. Somewhere with a beach and pool can be so rejuvenating. But not all resorts are created equal. There are quite a few fantastic resort options that cater to families and some that even provide amazing services for toddlers and preschoolers. So, here are 5 breathtaking all-inclusive resorts that are a great place to vacation with young children–babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Many of these are even outside of the United States making it easy for you to discover another country and culture even with your toddler or preschooler.
5 amazing resorts for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
Beaches Resorts
Beaches resorts are a great place to vacation with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. These resorts, located in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, shine where kids are concerned. Adults will have an awesome time too. They are completely all-inclusive, meaning all food, snacks, drinks, and most activities around the resort are included. In Negril, Jamaica even waterskiing and tubing is included in your resort stay.
Kids from 0-17 will never be bored at a Beaches resort. But this is about vacationing with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. At Beaches Resorts there is a program for Infants (0-2-year-olds) and one for Toddlers (3-4-year-olds). Certified nannies (over 2000 hours of childcare experience, and/or an associate’s degree in early childhood education) cuddle, rock and pamper the babies. In the Toddler program, they encourage your child to play in the pool, collect seashells, put on a play, make a craft or go on a treasure hunt. They are very caring and want to make your child’s vacation special. There are three sessions daily for babies and toddlers.
Beaches Resorts also have a partnership with Sesame Street. What could make a vacation better for your little ones than Story Time with Elmo!
PLUS, if you would like to have a little time to yourself with your child being cared for privately, that can be arranged (from 8am-9pm). There is a cost with this service but the fees are reasonable. Another wonderful way for families with young children to enjoy their vacation. Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts are fantastic for families with young children.
Palladium Resorts
You will find Palladium Resorts in all the best vacation destinations–Mexico (Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta), Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Palladium Resorts are a (comparatively) affordable all-inclusive resort option with a lot of great amenities. Plus, their amenities for children are top-notch. They have three different separate age groups for kids–Baby Club (ages 1-3), the Mini Club (age 4-12), and Junior’s Club (ages 13-17). The programs for children are open most all day long.
In the Baby Club, babies and toddlers play in a safe, fun atmosphere both inside and outside. Highly trained staff care for your children. Outside the children play in a securely enclosed, multi-sensory environment. Inside, many different age-appropriate toys, games, crafts and activities keep your child active throughout the day. Parents are given a device for quick communication with the club staff.
The Mini Club has the same great atmosphere and activities as the Baby Club but geared toward the likes of older kids. For this age group some resorts offer a chance for your child to get out and explore the nature around them with a kid-centered eco tour.
The Palladium Resort doesn’t have famous American characters but they have a cute rockstar dog named RAGGS. RAGGS is a character from an Australian children’s television series. Kids often really enjoy playing, dancing, and interacting with these new characters.
Finest Resorts
Family Resort Finest Resort Punta Cana
Finest Resorts provide a luxury vacation experience for families, one of the best in the Caribbean. These All-Inclusive luxury resorts are located in Punta Cana, Domincan Republic and Playa Mujeres, Mexico. At Finest Resorts, your child’s vacation is just as important as yours.
The Mini Club is designed for children ages 0-6. Babies (0-2 years) and parents may play together in the young child friendly indoor/outdoor area. In the specially designed splash area, your child will play hard and then you can lay them down in the provided nap area. You also don’t need to pack as much for your vacation as the resort provides bottle sterilizers, electric kettles, baby monitors, high chairs, baby bathtubs, and cribs. Plus, they also have 100% fresh, natural and gluten free homemade purees.
Children who are between 3 and 6 years old can play grown-up free supervised by trained caregivers in the Mini Club. Activities engage and entertain your child all day long. There are even spa services just for kids. Finest Resorts pamper your whole family!
Lowes Coronado Bay in San Diego, CA
Lowes Coronado Bay makes families feel like they are at home right away on their vacation. They strive to take care of all your vacation details so you can spend time together as a family. This one isn’t all-inclusive but it is still an amazing resort. Kids get special dinner menus and activities so that dinner becomes a fun part of everyone’s day. The pool area has something for everyone-babies to parents. Cribs and everything needed to bathe baby are available. Night lights are provided to make sleeping in a new place easier for kids. Special family activity guides help families find fun activities around the area. And, if you forgot something they can probably provide including crayons, child-proofing kits, and more. To top it all off, kids under 18 stay free.
Grand Velas in Mexico
Another gorgeous luxury, All-Inclusive resort option for the whole family. The wonderful thing about this resort is the baby concierge. Babies are treated just as special as an adult providing everything they need (crib, high chair, play mat, bottle warmer, pacifiers, bottles, strollers, and more). They even want to be a part of the special events in your baby’s life with the “My First Haircut package” complete with a certificate. Specially trained nannies are also available for your child to be cared for as you enjoy dinner or dancing together. Fun and captivating kids club activities at Grand Velas start at age 4. Grand Velas Resorts are a fantastic all-inclusive possibility for your next vacation with your young children.
As you can see, just because you have a baby or toddler doesn’t mean that you have to postpone a vacation. Many resort destinations are ready and waiting make your vacation memorable! Which one of these all-inclusive resorts will you choose for your family with young children?
Have you stayed at any of these resorts with a baby or toddler? What was your favorite thing? If you haven’t vacationed at these resorts was there one you particularly loved? Let me know in the comments below.
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