• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6

With fantastically themed decor, nightly supervised children's programs, and the best locations, these are Disney's top tier resorts.

The more deluxe WDW properties include the two original resorts built around the Magic Kingdom (the Polynesian and the Contemporary), plus the most elegant one, the Grand Floridian, all serviced by monorail. Each of the deluxe resorts offers business services and a gym or workout facility. On the concierge-level floors (a premium rate), families can enjoy a lounge stocked with continental breakfast fixings, snacks, beverages and evening desserts, in addition to the helpful concierge staff. Most of these resorts have a supervised childcare facility (for a fee) for ages 4 to 12-years that operates a themed dinner show so parents can go out. While these are staffed by trained Disney cast members, private babysitting service is available through the local Kids Nite Out service of Orlando (407/828-0920). The deluxe hotels have fantastic lobbies, costumed staff, and a variety of restaurants ranging from fine dining venues to ethnic outlets, family-style places where character breakfasts and dinners are held, and a fast food/deli with take-out or eat-in snacks. Larger rooms with two queen beds and a seating area with daybed typically accommodate families of five.

Disney's Contemporary

The Contemporary was designed in a slick urban style back in 1971 to play up the arriving and departing monorails of the "future" which still pull right into the fourth floor. With time it added convention facilities but grew less contemporary, and a 2007 renovation has brought its 664 rooms up to par with stylish four and five-star hotels the world over. Spacious rooms with two queen beds have plush cream duvets, a work desk and a seating area with a comfy daybed. Large bathrooms with marble floor tiles have twin vanities; art glass and sculpture are the minimalist decor; and high-tech touches such as plasma TVs and a computer in each room (keyed to Disney online planning tools) seem, well, contemporary. Rooms range from ground floor garden-view ones whose patio makes them smoker-friendly, to one and two-bedroom suites with balconies and Magic Kingdom views to high-rise "urban" units in the central tower. The low north block of rooms is being demolished and rebuilt for 2008. According to Disney executives, future Contemporary renovations will move the sophisticated ground floor gaming arcade and fast food court upstairs near Chef Mickey's Buffet, site of the character breakfast where Pluto and other friends parade around in aprons. The 15th floor California Grill is known for its celebratory meals, thanks to excellent California cuisine and great Disneyworld views. Also fun and unique is the active marina, where one person Sea Raycers, pontoon boats, speed boats, and adult or kids' fishing trips can be arranged; expert waterski and wakeboard instruction is available through the on-site Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre (407/939-0754). People may complain about its tastefulness, or lack of theme when compared to the other Disney resorts, but this is the first stop on the monorail after the Magic Kingdom, so after a long day, you'll be the first ones back.

Disney's Polynesian

With its luau theme, atrium lobby with waterfalls, thatched roofs and lush gardens, this South Seas wonderland delivers great visuals. However, its sprawling size means your guest room may be quite far from the central Great Ceremonial House and commercial space. While the second story food court overlooks the busy lobby and hosts the pleasant Kona Cafe coffee bar, other dining facilities are noisy and crowded. Families flock from other resorts to the nightly Luau or "Spirit of Aloha" Dinner show, where food is said to be secondary to the showmanship of music and dance from Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, Hawai'i and New Zealand. The in-house 'Ohana is a family-oriented all-you-can-eat grill buffet around an 18-foot wide fire pit -- fun at dinner, especially when the coconut races begin. Disney characters do appear at certain meals but we'd save that treat for the Grand Floridian. Recently, renovations have brought carved native woods, "rattan" wallpaper, bark bedposts, totem lampposts and tapa cloth decorations to the spacious rooms, and a fun volcano pool with grotto slide. Many rooms overlook the large marina, Seven Seas Lagoon or a small sand beach, where you can watch nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom. The cleverly Peter Pan-themed Neverland Club hosts supervised activities and a dinner buffet for ages 4-12 each night from 4pm to midnight ($11/hour). For more information 407/824-2000.