Walt Disney World Resort Comparisons: Overall Recreation

Last week we took a look at the differences between value, moderate and deluxe resorts when it comes to the pools, but a swimming isn't the only form of recreation that can be found at Walt Disney World for folks who would like to spend some time outside of the Parks. Many of the beautiful Disney hotel properties also offer other recreation opportunities to enjoy while you are a guest.

Up for a Game of Ping-Pong?

Value Resorts

Basic pools are enhanced with poolside games like ping-pong. You may also find entertainment, an arcade, and playground equipment for younger children, and movies under the stars.

Art of Animation Cozy Cone Pool

Moderate Resorts

Well themed pools with hot tubs, poolside games and entertainment with organized activities, playground equipment, arcade, and movies under the stars. Marinas with watercraft rental, sand volleyball courts and bike rental may be available at some resorts. Carriage Rides available at Port Orleans and Fort Wilderness. Horseback riding and a free character campfire sing-a-long are available at Fort Wilderness. A health club is on site at Coronado Springs, and sport fishing can be booked at Caribbean Beach.

Hit the Trail for Some Western Horseback Riding

Deluxe Resorts & Disney Vacation Club Resorts

Elaborately themed pools with slides, most offer hot tubs, an arcade, poolside games and entertainment with organized activities. Guests can relax on a white sand beach (no swimming) with playground equipment, nighttime campfires and Disney movies under the stars. These resorts offer larger marinas with watercraft rental and sport fishing excursions; sand volleyball courts and bike rental may be available at some resorts. Health clubs are available and some offer Spa services. Marina water recreation and bike rental may be available. Outdoor entertainers are on the boards in the evenings at the Boardwalk Resort. Some resorts offer surrey bike rental. Parasailing can be arranged at the Contemporary. Cultural programs are available at the Polynesian and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Marinas Offer Watercraft of All Sorts To Rent

Having a wide variety of recreational activities at your resort is really only important if you intend to use them. For travelers that will be spending a good amount of time at their Disney Resort Hotel, the Deluxe and DVC properties offer the most recreation options of all the Disney Hotels. However, it's worth noting that guests staying at other properties are also welcome to "Resort Hop" in order to use the marinas, carriage rides, sport excursions; in fact resort hopping is a popular activity for many experienced Disney fans.

Do you participate in Resort Recreational activities when you're on vacation? If so, do you try and stay at the resorts that have the most recreational options, or do you enjoy resort hopping for recreation? Leave a comment below and share how you spend your resort time!