Weighing up the costs, pros, and cons of a Disney resort stay versus a villa when travelling as a solo parent.
After coming back from an unforgettable family trip to Orlando with my 4-year-old daughter, I’m already daydreaming about our next visit. While a return trip might take years of saving (let’s face it—it’s never a cheap holiday), I’ve started virtually planning and weighing my options.
One of the biggest decisions I face as a solo parent traveller is:
Should we stay at a Disney Resort or book a Villa?
I thought it might be helpful to break down the pros and cons of both options, especially for other solo parents navigating similar choices.
My Background With Orlando Trips
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Orlando regularly over the past 30 years. As one of four siblings, villas were always the most practical and affordable option for our family growing up. They gave us space, flexibility, and the comfort of home.
When I travelled as a couple, we stayed in a condo. It was great, but I really missed having a private pool—a feature that always made villas stand out for me.
Now, as a solo parent to a young Disney-loving princess, I’m asking:
Could staying at a Disney resort be worth the splurge?
Especially with perks like:
- Early access to Lightning Lanes
- Disney Dining Plan
- Complimentary transport between resorts and parks
Disney Resort vs Villa – Cost Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at travel costs in April 2026 (based on quotes for 1 adult and 1 child). The Disney pricing is based on a Virgin Atlantic quote for Edinburgh flights, staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (a moderate resort, chosen because Value Resorts like Art of Animation don’t include the Dining Plan for all rooms).
Note: Fly-drive holidays (flights + car) are classed as package holidays and are bookable now. However, flight-only bookings aren’t yet available this far in advance, so I couldn’t compare how that might impact the price of arranging flights and car hire separately.
💰 Villa vs Disney Resort: Cost Comparison
| From | Villa (Manchester) | Villa (Edinburgh) | Disney Resort (no Car) | Disney Resort (with Car) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Package | N/A | N/A | £6811.16 | £7567.35 |
| Accommodation | £1500–£2000 | £1500–£2000 | Included | Included |
| Fly Drive | £2570.96 (TUI) / £1,899.57 (VA) | £3788.97 (VA) | Included | Included |
| Rail + Hotel (if needed) | £150 Rail + £140 Hotel | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Dining | £615–£750 | £615–£750 | £500–£800 | £500–£800 |
| Airport Transfers | N/A | N/A | £54.65 | N/A |
| Park Tickets | £1544 | £1544 | Included | Included |
| Disney Parking | £130 (approx.) | £130 (approx.) | Free | Free |
| Total | £5978–£6613 | £7577–£8212 | £7365–£7665 | £8067–£8367 |
Pros and Cons
🏡 Villa Stay
- Private pool – ideal downtime after busy park days
- More space – separate bedrooms and living area
- Kitchen – ideal for fussy eaters or budget meals
- Laundry facilities – great for longer stays
- Often quieter and more relaxing than resorts
- Better value for larger families or longer stays
Cons:
- No early Lightning Lane or park entry perks
- Need to rent a car and deal with Disney parking
- No resort entertainment or character theming
- Can feel more disconnected from Disney magic
🏰 Disney Resorts
- Early park entry + better Lightning Lane access
- Free Disney transportation
- On-site magic and character theming
- Dining Plan (if selected)
- Resort-based entertainment
Cons:
- Higher overall cost
- Sharing one room – less adult downtime
- No kitchen – harder for fussy eaters
- Limited space to decompress
If you’re leaning toward staying at a Disney resort, it’s worth considering how close you’ll be to water parks like Blizzard Beach. I shared more about our visit in that post — it was one of our highlights!
My Thoughts as a Solo Parent
Personally, I really value having space and the ability to cook my own meals—it helps me stick to a budget and unwind after full-on park days. I also like the flexibility of choosing exactly where we stay. So for now, I’m leaning toward a villa, even if it means a bit more planning.
I’d likely take the rail journey and overnight stay in Manchester to catch a cheaper fly-drive deal. The villa option offers more value and breathing space, especially with a little one in tow.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Whichever route you take, there are a few sneaky extras that might affect your final budget:
- Car hire upgrades and fuel costs
- Tolls and theme park parking
- Lightning Lane Multi-Pass days – sometimes worth it to avoid long queues
- Flight-related fees:
- Seat selection (important if you want to sit next to your child)
- Upgrades to premium economy or extra legroom
Even with careful planning, a Disney trip is rarely cheap. For me, it’s looking like 2028 might be the next opportunity. By then, my daughter will be 7—and likely ready to try Universal too, which makes a villa an even better base.
What Do You Think?
Have you done Disney as a solo parent? Stayed in both a resort and a villa?
Which worked best for your family?
Do you have any money-saving tips or Disney hacks?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments – I’d love to hear from you!