After munching on a steady diet of churros and popcorn, or being mesmerized by fireworks, you’ll need a pillow nearby for a restful night’s sleep before doing it all again the next day. One of the biggest decisions you have to make when planning a vacation to Walt Disney World is deciding which hotel is best for you.

But here’s the thing. You don’t need to stay at one of the hotels officially owned by Disney. Orlando is a tourist’s dream, offering hundreds of hotel accommodations nearby, some of which are even inside the gates of Walt Disney World. So, should you book a Disney hotel or opt for something else? Here are the pros and cons of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Disney World hotel accommodations run from around $200 to well over $1,000 per night — and, no this isn’t an all-inclusive and breakfast is not included. A week can run a family well over $5,000 for hotels alone, and that’s aside from other pricey factors like theme park tickets, souvenirs and dining. At the mouse house, the more you shell out, the more you get. Value resorts have pretty basic pools and absolutely zero options for a sit-down meal, while the deluxe properties pull out all the stops with sprawling pool complexes, gourmet dining and intimate lounges.

Typically, discounted rates can be found off-season or for guests with annual passes. You can also snag deals when booking a hotel and tickets package.

Disney breaks down its properties between Value, Moderate and Deluxe. Disney’s All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, All-Star Movies, Pop Century and Art of Animation all make up the Value portfolio, where nightly rates typically go for around $200-$300. Accommodations feature on-site pools, a bar and a quick-service restaurant, but full-service dining isn’t offered. Standard rooms have a motel-style entry, where guests enter their room from the outdoors. Amenities are pretty basic, like single-sink vanities and two double beds.

The next level, Moderate, really steps it up in the amenity department; average nightly rates are between $250-$500. The resorts — Port Orleans Resorts, Coronado Springs Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort — offer not only a food court, but also full-service dining options. Other amenities include more amped up, well-themed pool complexes (hello slides!). To be frank, there’s just more to do and enjoy at these properties than at those included in the Value tier.

Disney’s Deluxe resorts are the mouse’s version of the white glove hotel experience, and it will cost you, with rates typically between $500 and $1,000 per night. You’ll find an eclectic mix of themes, from a Key West-style paradise to a pristine oceanside retreat. The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, BoardWalk Inn, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Old Key West Resort make up the Deluxe properties. At these spots, you’ll find some of Disney World’s most beloved dining establishments and lounges, relatively posh room accommodations that include exquisite Disney storytelling, and the very best swimming holes Disney has to offer.

Without a doubt, the biggest perk of staying at a Disney World hotel is total immersion. Families choose these spots because they don’t want to leave that Mickey bubble. Each resort is uniquely themed, with the imaginative storytelling that is displayed in the parks carrying over to the accommodations. 

Complimentary transportation is another big win. Families with strollers or wheelchairs won’t have to stress about rental cars because each resort includes transportation to Disney’s four theme parks, two water parks and Disney Springs. Disney operates an extensive transportation system that includes buses, boats, the Skyliner and, of course, the iconic monorail. With close proximity, an afternoon snooze isn’t too much of an inconvenience.

There are other perks. All Disney World Resort guests enjoy a 30-minute early entry into theme parks every day. This can be a game changer, ensuring you ride on some of the park’s most-visited attractions and avoiding disappointment.  

It’s time to address the elephant (is it you, Dumbo?) in the room. Do the pros justify the cost? 

That comes down to what’s important to you. There are dozens of budget-friendly hotels nearby that offer the same style accommodations as Disney’s value hotels, but often at a fraction of the price. Many of these nearby hotels even offer their own complimentary shuttles to and from the park.

It’s also important to keep in mind: Even Disney World’s deluxe resorts are not luxury accommodations. While themed, the rooms are fairly standard; there’s nothing eye-popping or especially fancy here. By comparison, you could stay at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, located within the gates of Disney World, which offers prime views of the Magic Kingdom. Here, guests can enjoy a Michelin-rated restaurant, spa and private water park – and the rates typically compare to that of Disney’s deluxe resorts.

Another thing to factor in is that Disney’s transportation can often be unreliable. Delays often arise, and it’s important to build in additional buffer time because of this.

Finally, a con for some is the level of total immersion. Need a break from the all-encompassing bubble of fantasy? Then it may be best to stay off-site. 

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].