UPDATED January 29, 2025

There are more than 20 resorts you can stay in on Disney World property (and another one on the way, opening in 2027!). But where should YOU be staying on your next Disney vacation? And which resorts give you the most bang for your buck?

It can definitely be a tricky decision when it comes to picking your Disney World accommodations — but we’re here to help! We’re ranking ALL of the Disney World Resort hotels so you know which is truly the best of the best. 

Again, there are over 20 different Disney World resorts on property, each with their own distinct personality and unique offerings. But where should you be staying on your next Disney vacation? And which resorts give you the most bang for your buck? I get it — it’s a tough choice. But we wanna help you out — which is why we’re ranking ALL of the Disney World Resort hotels (from worst to best) so you know which is truly the G.O.A.T. 

Now, before we let the games begin, we’ve got a couple of important crucial notes we wanna mention real quick:

Despite where all of these resorts end up ranking in OUR personal line up, each Disney hotel has its own pros and cons. And for your personal trip, the pros may end up outweighing the cons for you, and vice-versa. So even if the hotel you HAD been considering ends up being placed further down in our rankings, that doesn’t mean it’s a resort you need to kick to the curb altogether. Just be sure to conduct your own research alongside your travel group to see if it’s still gonna be the right fit for you or not. (To assist in your efforts, you can check out our Disney World Resort Hotel resource page for more!)

17. Caribbean Beach Resort 

Sorry, Caribbean Beach — but you’re at the bottom of our list. 

It doesn’t mean we don’t love you, but… allow us to explain.

Transportation

Caribbean Beach is a Moderate Resort that some folks really DO love for several solid reasons. For starters, Caribbean Beach serves as the main hub for the Disney Skyliner. From here, you can quickly travel via sky gondola over to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and the four other resorts placed along the Skyliner route (which you’ll learn more about throughout this post).

However, because this expansive Resort IS so spread out, some hotel rooms are actually closer to the Riviera Resort Skyliner station rather than the Caribbean Beach station — so you’ll want to check your resort map and see which one your room is closest to. 

While having the Skyliner hub right there at your resort can be pretty nifty, the hub can also be hoppin’ with guests — especially at the beginning and end of the park day. So if you’re trying to rope drop a park, or leave right after one of the nighttime spectaculars, don’t expect these gondolas to offer immediate walk-on entry. As far as getting to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, you’ll also want to plan for travel time, since you’ll be relying on Caribbean Beach’s bus system. 

Again, I’ve got to stress just how SPREAD OUT this resort is — which can make getting around the property more of a hassle (especially if you’re placed in a standard room instead of a preferred room, which might put you WAY out in the boonies, possibly 15-20 minutes away from the resort’s main amenities). 

Because of all the different buildings that make up Caribbean Beach, the bus shuttles have to use an internal bus loop — which means it has multiple bus stop locations around the entire hotel. That’s great when it comes to not having to worry about walking too terribly far from any particular hotel room to reach a stop near you, but these buses will pick up guests at every single one of these stops. And that means if a bus is already getting packed by the time it reaches your stop, there’s a good chance it’ll only be able to take a couple more guests before moving along, leaving you to have to wait for the NEXT bus and HOPE that it’ll have less people aboard. 

You will need to budget in extra time for your itinerary to factor in these internal loops — ESPECIALLY if you’re trying to make it to rope drop or make it on time to an Advance Dining Reservation: because internal bus loops WILL take longer to get from place-to-place.

Dining

As far as dining is concerned, the restaurants featured at Caribbean Beach have certainly seen improvements over the past few years. For example, Sebastian’s Bistro has one of the most affordable ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-EAT Family-style meals on property.

And Banana Cabana is a SUPER fun and laid back pool bar with lots of fruity drink options that you’ll wanna try during your next visit. 

Otherwise, if the Caribbean Beach options aren’t doing it for ya, you can always hitch a ride on the Skyliner and hit up other restaurants at those nearby resorts. BTW, while Caribbean Beach is a Moderate Resort — which is Disney’s mid-priced level from Value (least expensive), Moderate, and Deluxe (most expensive) — it can still be a fairly pricey option, thanks to its Skyliner convenience.

New Rooms

Now, here is a definite PRO for some parties: if you’re traveling with a bigger group, you may want to try booking one of the recently refurbished Little Mermaid-themed rooms at Caribbean Beach. These rooms can accommodate up to FIVE guests and now have a color-scheme that’s very “Under-the-Sea”-worthy (so expect lots of tropical vibes and fishy friends hiding out in the artwork). 

As far as the standard Caribbean Beach rooms are concerned, many guests have expressed that they feel a bit “outdated,” and not exactly worth the asking price. It’s also worth noting that Caribbean Beach doesn’t have ELEVATORS that can help ya get up to those above floors. So if you have someone in your group with mobility issues — or you know having to lug your kiddos up and down the stairs each and every day (with your stroller and diaper bags in tow!) is going to be a daily/nightly struggle — then you’ll want to put in a request for a room on the bottom floor. (You can make requests while checking into your room via the My Disney Experience app, but it’s also a good idea to call up the resort directly and file your request with a real-live human being to make sure they know just how CRUCIAL this room request is). While Cast Members won’t always be able to guarantee a requested room, they’ll do their best to make it happen for you, if possible. 

One of our FAVORITE parts about this resort is the super-cool Fuentes del Morro feature pool, themed to look like a colonial Spanish fortress!

All in all, Caribbean Beach can be a fun, beach-themed getaway with lots of quirky colors and steel drums aplenty, but depending on what you’re looking for in a hotel stay, this resort could end up fighting against you the entire time instead of being the team player you need it to be. 

PROS

• • Select rooms are close to main Skyliner hub
  • EXCELLENT feature pool
  • Reimagined Little Mermaid rooms
  • Food options have seen recent improvement

CONS

• • No elevators for second floor
  • SUPER spread out (and can be hard to get around)
  • Some rooms feel outdated

Read all about Disney’s Caribbean Beach here!

16. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort could wind up being your favorite Disney Vacation Club Resort if you’re all about those late 1800s upstate New York vibes when horse racing was all-the-rage.

Saratoga Springs is the largest of all of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts, and ALL of the room option are spacious Villas!

Transportation and Disney Springs Access

Saratoga Springs is also a solid resort for those who are planning on spending a LOT of time around Disney Springs (since you’ll have both a walking path AND a water taxi service that’ll deliver you right up to the shopping district whenever you’re ready to spend a day/night out on the town). 

But remember how we talked about Caribbean Beach’s dreaded internal bus loops? Yeah, you’re gonna have to deal with those at Saratoga Springs too…for EVERY SINGLE PARK. 

This resort is also super spread out, which — depending on where your room is located — could make it difficult to quickly hop over to the lobby or main pool or even the limited dining options — and, trust me, those dining options are indeed quite limited. Good thing you’ve got all the terrific restaurants Disney Springs nearby, though! 

(And I do have a certain fondness for The Turf Club Bar & Grill, which I think is something of a hidden gem. But, it is only open for dinner.)

Unique Amenities

Once upon a time, Saratoga Springs used to be one of two Disney-owned resorts that featured a full spa, but ever since the 2020 closures, it has remained out of service.

However, golf fans will be happy to know that Saratoga Springs is home to Lake Buena Vista Golf Course! 

Learn more about Saratoga Springs with our DFB YouTube video!

PROS

• • Great for golf fans thanks to the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
  • EASY Boat transportation to Disney Springs, and a walking path as well; this is an especially big pro for foodies who love the dining scene in Disney Springs!
  • HUGE Villa options

CONS

• • Theming isn’t very exciting
  • Resort is very spread out and can make transportation to parks a looooong venture 

15. Disney’s All-Star Resorts

We’re grouping the three All-Star Value Resorts together for this one — Music, Movies, AND Sports — since they have very similar offerings (with one or two MAJOR discrepancies in the mix that we’ll make sure to highlight).

If we were going off of affordability alone, the All-Star Resorts would be at the TOP of our list — since they have the lowest-priced rooms on property. 

Rooms/Family Suites

While most All-Star rooms are pretty standard (with the average two queen beds, one bathroom layout), All-Star Music also has an affordable Family Suite option which can sleep up to 6 guests, and also has a separate bedroom/living room area, a kitchenette, and TWO bathrooms (AKA: something that could keep a family from starting their day arguing over who gets to take the first shower). 

Take a FULL TOUR of an All-Star Music Suite HERE!

Recently, most of the standard rooms across the All Star resorts have been updated with new floors, new furniture, and new beds that can fold up into the wall during the day (if you need some more wiggle room).

These rooms have fun character accents decorating the walls and headboards, matching the spirit of the resorts themselves.

Take a FULL PHOTO TOUR of an All-Star Standard Room HERE!

And OUTSIDE your hotel room, expect to find lots of BRIGHT colors and larger-than-life statues that go along with the theme of the hotel. So… famous Disney movie characters at All Star Movies, oversized sports equipment at All Star Sports, and ginormous instruments at All Star Music. 

BUT… fair warning! These hotels are popular with sports and youth groups — and if you’re not a part of one of these groups, you might not be a fan of the crowds or the noise. Remember — these hotel walls are thin, so you’re going to be able to hear that group of giggling teens or bed-jumping kiddos. Just make sure to pack earplugs or a white noise machine, just in case — especially if you’re a light sleeper.  

Transportation

Each of the All-Stars only has one seldom complimentary transportation option — and that’s the Disney buses. There’s no Skyliner, no monorail, and no boat — only buses. And, there’s only one bus stop at each hotel, located outside of each lobby.

While, yes, this does mean the whole internal bus loop isn’t an issue here, it can still take a while to get on a bus, especially if you’re trying to catch a ride at the very beginning of the day or end of the night, when the bus lines are incredibly too long. (Depending on the situation, you may be better off driving yourself over to the parks, OR paying a little extra for a rideshare to save time.)

Dining

When it comes to dining, each of the All-Stars have one Quick Service food court location, and one pool bar…and that’s pretty much it. You’ve got End Zone Food Court at All-Star Sports, Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music and World Premiere Food Court at All-Star Movies.

No fancy dining, no character dining, no table services whatsoever. The food at these food courts is pretty basic (chicken strips, burgers, pizza), with a few surprise entrees here and there (like seasonal desserts in the bakery display cases and fun dessert options), but none of the food is gonna be super memorable, by any means. That being said, the items are more affordable than most Disney World restaurants AND they’ve got a lot of options that kiddos will enjoy!

PLUS, these food courts stay open AFTER the parks close (like up until 11PM). So if you’re getting back late and you didn’t get a chance to eat before leaving the parks, these All Star food courts have got your back.

PROS

• • The most affordable Disney rooms
  • All Star Music has family suites!
  • Standard rooms have been recently updated 

CONS

• • Standard rooms don’t give you much in the way of of wiggle room
  • Bus transportation can get super crowded
  • Tends to be the hotels where school groups stay — so expect a bit of noise

Click here to learn more about the All-Star Resorts!

14. Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is all about the Florida vibes OUTSIDE Orlando’s theme parks. So think: beaches, spacious golf courses, and those frozen concoctions worthy of a Jimmy Buffet song. And it just so happens to be the original Disney Vacation Club Resort, earning a special place in the hearts of many DVC members who have stayed there over the years.

Old Key West isn’t too far away from Saratoga Springs, so it has many of the same transportation benefits and downfalls — you’ve got boat access to Disney Springs, but internal bus loops to everywhere else. 

Dining

The one thing this classic DVC resort DOES have the upper hand on (when comparing it to Saratoga Springs) is better dining options. While, yes, the dining is still rather limited at Old Key West, its table service option — Olivia’s Cafe — helps make up for that. (Especially since this restaurant has brunch offerings available all week long.)

We also love to pay a visit to Good’s Food to Go whenever they’ve got their seasonal Key Lime Pie DOLE Whip available — because that’s honestly one of the BEST Dole Whip flavors on property, when it’s around!

Rooms

Out of all the DVC resorts, Old Key West has the biggest rooms to offer, making them more comfortable for groups to share. And, honestly? If you wanted to take a full break day away from the parks, there’s a lot around this resort that you can fill your day with. 

Old Key West has several pools, three tennis courts, pickleball courts, shuffleboard, golf, fishing, bike rentals, and lots of additional outdoor recreation options for you to choose from. So you don’t have to worry about ever being bored (even if the overall theming of this resort may not be too thrilling for the kiddos in your group). 

Oh, and one other thing Old Key West shares in common with Saratoga Springs Resort: easy access to Lake Buena Vista Golf Course!

I like to consider Old Key West as the resort that gives you Disney vibes, while also giving you space away from all the Disney-ness, if it’s getting to be a bit too much for you. That being said, if you’re traveling to Disney with the soul purpose of being right in the middle of all the Disney action, then Old Key West isn’t the resort option you’ll want to turn to. 

PROS

• • Great for golf fans
  • Boat transportation to Disney Springs
  • Has a community/neighborhood vibe (thanks to long term DVC members)
  • Key lime DOLE Whip and daily brunch 

CONS

• • Theming isn’t the most exciting
  • Resort is very spread out and can make transportation to parks a looooong venture 
  • Rooms are expensive, but will give you a lot of space!

To see more of Old Key West on our DFB YouTube Channel, click here!

13. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Art of Animation is the EXACT opposite of Old Key West. As in…

… you’re never gonna escape the Disney factor here. Ever. And a lot of that theming is pretty brilliant! 

For example, the area themed to Cars is like walking directly into Radiator Springs.

Rooms

Art of Animation highlights four popular Disney films all throughout its rooms, lobby, pools, and giant statues that you’ll find stationed pretty much everywhere you turn. (Don’t look giant Ursula in the eyes. Don’t DO IT.)

But what Art of Animation might be most well known for is its highly-themed Family Suites. You can choose one of three styled rooms: Finding Nemo, The Lion King, or Cars.

But no matter which room you choose, the suite’s decor will go above and beyond to really capture the colors, characters, and all-around vibes from whatever film its modeled after. 

These are definitely those hotel rooms where you’ll open the door for the first time and your kids will scream out in excitement — they’re just THAT IMMERSIVE. But that immersion comes at a rather steep price. Y’see, although Art of Animation is labeled as a value resort, the family suites can still be well over $500+ per night, depending on the season. 

There is a cheaper standard room option available here too, themed after The Little Mermaid, which is more in that typical value resort price range (yet still more expensive than all the other standard rooms across all the other value resorts).

And although the Little Mermaid room does have cute under the sea details, the room hasn’t been updated like the other value resorts. So you’re basically paying more for a less updated room here. (Not exactly ideal.)

Transportation

Art of Animation boasts Disney Skyliner access — making it one of two value resorts with this game-changing, complimentary transportation perk. 

But let’s not forget — that Skyliner can take you to OTHER resort restaurants in a jiffy, if you want it to! So you don’t HAVE to go super out of your way to find dining options that are much more adventurous. 

Dining

Much like all the other value resorts, Art of Animation only has one Quick Service food court dining option available called Landscape of Flavors. When Art of Animation first opened back in 2012, Landscape of Flavors actually featured a LOT of unique international cuisines that made it WAY more appealing. 

But nowadays, options are kept pretty basic. Again — more burgers, more pizzas, more chicken tendies. They do have the stellar Mermaid Tale Cupcake, though!

With all that being said, there’s more than a few reasons why this resort is so well loved by guests. If you want THE Disney experience, this is THE Disney experience your after (and the rooms here are still more affordable than many other rooms property-wide, depending on what you book and the time of year you reserve).

Pool

And then, of course, there are the THREE character pools that you can check out here too (which your kiddo may wanna spend ALL DAY at — even over the parks themselves). The Big Blue Pool, over in the Finding Nemo section of the hotel, is actually the LARGEST feature pool across ALL of the Disney World resort area. (Pretty impressive, right?)

However, this pool can get PACKED OUT by the afternoon — so it’s also worth checking out the two other leisure pools, The Cozy Cone Pool and the Flippin’ Fins Pool (which are also both neat-o and well themed, but just a little bit smaller than their feature pool counterpart).

PROS

• • Disney Skyliner access
  • Immersive rooms (that your kids will love)
  • Three character pools (with Big Blue Pool being the BIGGEST)

CONS

• • Little Mermaid rooms are cramped/have yet to be updated like the All-Stars
  • Family Suites aren’t really a  “value” price
  • Landscape of Flavors food options aren’t as exciting as they used to be

12. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort is the most EXPENSIVE Resort that you’ll find stationed along the Disney Skyliner. Buuuut that’s because it’s Disney’s newest Disney Vacation Club resort. And with those deluxe prices, you’re going to get a modern, luxurious stay inspired by the artistic elegance of 20th century Europe.

Even if you’re not planning on staying here, this resort is worth a visit, just to walk around and take in the scenery. The sparkling waters, the cute little coffee shop, the STUNNING Tangled and Peter Pan mosaics??! 

I could spend a whole day here and never get tired of it. It’s really a gorgeous spot to spend a leisurely afternoon. 

Dining

Not to mention, Riviera is the home of Topolino’s Terrace — a VERY popular (and deservedly so) character dining breakfast by day, and a signature Italian restaurant by night.

Bar Riva is also worth a visit, if you’re looking for a quiet, but elevated, pool bar setting with refreshing cocktails and unique savory eats (like the baked brie and veggie skewers). 

So if this resort really IS as impressive as I’m claiming it to be, why oh WHY is it so far down on this list and not featured in the top 5? 

Rooms

Because the cost of those Riviera rooms may not be worth the hefty asking price. Riviera Resort is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE if you’re not using Disney Vacation Club Points to book a room here. Even the ultra-tiny studio rooms — which only sleep up to two guests — can be as pricey as $700 per night. 

So honestly, you could easily stay at any of the other more affordable Skyliner options, take a ride over to this resort to visit it for the day, and AVOID paying $700+ per night for a room (yet still get most of the Riviera experience regardless). 

If you’re not a DVC member, it may be worth reaching out to a DVC rental service (like David’s DVC Rentals) and booking a Riviera room instead of directly through Disney’s website to potentially save you some big bucks so you can still live out your “suite life dreams” here.

Learn all about David’s DVC Rentals here! 

PROS

• • Absolutely stunning. Vibes are immaculate; peaceful
  • Great places to hang out and dine
  • Has its own Skyliner station

CONS

• • Most expensive resort on the Skyliner route
  • TINY studio rooms at a REALLY high price (though larger Villas are also an option)
  • Not the most whimsical place to stay for kiddos (though Topolino’s Terrace breakfast helps make up for that)!

11. Contemporary Resort

Alright, now we’re starting to get into the resorts that have treated us well for many-many-MANY years now (though they aren’t, by any means, without their faults).

The Contemporary Resort is one of Disney’s first-ever hotels, originally opening back when Magic Kingdom did — on October 1st, 1971. 

Transportation

This is also the first resort on this list where I get to talk about the beloved Disney World MONORAIL — which takes resort guests right up to the front gates of Magic Kingdom, or (after transferring at the Transportation and Ticket Center) over to EPCOT. The monorail drives DIRECTLY THROUGH Contemporary’s A-frame building, which is a fun, unique touch — and even MORE convenient for guests who are staying in rooms within the Main Tower. 

That being said, because the monorail’s station is inside the resort, there’s a whole lotta foot-traffic here. So your hotel stay might not be AS quiet as, say, a room over at Saratoga Springs or Old Key West. 

But perhaps an even BIGGER bonus for Magic Kingdom fans is that you can WALK directly to Magic Kingdom, which is literally just STEPS AWAY from the Contemporary!

Dining

Another one of the BEST parts about staying at the Contemporary Resort is how many AWESOME dining options you’ve got within steps of your room. 

Looking for something fancy? Book a reservation for California Grill on the 15th floor (which also has a private balcony where you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks). 

Want a nice, big, JUICY steak or the famous Stack Burger?

Then make reservations for Steakhouse 71, or stop by the connected Steakhouse 71 Lounge for that burger and a classic cocktail!

Ready to meet ALL of the Fab Five in one setting (without waiting in multiple theme park queue lines)?

Reservations for Chef Mickey’s are a MUST. And if you just want something quick and easy, yet still satisfyingly filling, Contempo Cafe can make that happen. 

Rooms

Yes, the Contemporary is another high-priced Deluxe Resort that isn’t the greatest fit for travel parties on a budget. But if your heart is set on staying here, you can always check out rates for the Contemporary’s Garden Wing rooms — which are in a separate building from the main Contemporary tower, but are still adjacent to the main building.

One of the main complaints that guests tend to have against the Contemporary is how the resort doesn’t seem to have one set personality, but SEVERAL personalities going on at all times. While resorts like Art of Animation are inspired solely by popular Disney films, and Old Key West stays true to its classic Floridian vibes through and through, Contemporary Resort is a smorgasbord of… well… everything.

You’ve got Incredibles-themed guest rooms, signature dining upstairs, giant artsy Mary Blair murals, early Magic Kingdom inspo inside Steakhouse 71 — there’s just a LOT going on here. And that’s not a BAD thing, necessarily, but if you’re looking for a classier stay, the napkin-twirling party happening over at Chef Mickey’s and the Jack-Jack collage in the bathrooms may not be the vibe you’re after. 

In the same breath, having all of these different options also means there’s a little something for EVERYONE to enjoy here. So it just all depends on what you’re after! (And maybe what you’re after is a little bit of EVERYTHING.)

PROS

• • Lots of great dining options!
  • Monorail access IN the hotel; walking path to Magic Kingdom
  • Options that are fun for the WHOLE family 

CONS

• • Has a bit of an identity crisis
  • Don’t accidentally book a room outside the main tower if you want to be close to all the action!
  • Lots of foot traffic here

10. BoardWalk Inn

And NOW, for a deluxe resort with high-end nostalgia and hip-happenin’ nightlife shindigs — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is an EPCOT Area Resort — which is a crucial piece of information for those who are planning on spending a lot of time at EPCOT during their next visit… since the BoardWalk Inn is literally STEPS away from the International Gateway between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions in the park (also known as EPCOT’s back entrance). 

Transportation

Because the BoardWalk Inn is THAT close to EPCOT, it’s also equally as close to EPCOT’s Skyliner station — meaning you can hitch a ride aboard a gondola to get over to Hollywood Studios, too! BoardWalk Inn also has FriendShip Boats — which is just an alternative way to get over to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, if you’d rather float on over to the parks instead. 

As for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, you’ll have to take one of the Disney buses — BUT, because this resort is so centrally-located, it shouldn’t be THAT long of a trip to make it over to those other parks. (Still — plan for that extra travel time anyways, just in case the bus stop lines wind up extremely long in the morning/evening.)

Dining

The BoardWalk Inn has several great dining and drink stops that you can check out during your next visit, because Disney’s BoardWalk is a destination for Disney World guests regardless of whether their staying at the BoardWalk Inn or not. 

You can check out ALL of the restaurants along the BoardWalk here, but we have to give a special nod to two new options that have more recently opened: Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs AND The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. 

From Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs’ fun fair food focus to The Cake Bake Shop’s ornate setting (and a luxurious Afternoon Tea!), together these do a great job of representing each end of the full range of dining options you can expect to find.

PLUS there are more restaurants within easy walking distance, like those at the Yacht and Beach Club and the Swan and Dolphin restaurants and even EPCOT’s plethora of restaurants — which you can access just as long as you’ve got a park ticket. 

Rooms

Many of the BoardWalk Inn’s rooms (as well as main lobby area) were recently refurbished to incorporate new flooring and furniture (without getting rid of that turn-of-the-century flair this resort is so well known for). 

BoardWalk Inn gives you the best of three worlds — it’s fancy AND beachy AND vintage-y, all wrapped up into one hotel stay. (Although if you’re not a huge fan of the latter of the options, you might feel as if your room is more outdated rather than “vintage,” even with those most recent updates.)

Quick word of warning — even though the BoardWalk Inn is just steps away from Yacht and Beach Club (more about THOSE resorts later on), you will NOT be able to check out the wildly popular mini-waterpark that these resorts share — that’s Stormalong Bay, which is reserved exclusively for guests staying at those Resorts. That being said, you’ll still be able to hit up the Mickey Mouse-theme Luna Park feature pool — or one of the two leisure pools — made for BoardWalk Inn guests only. 

Oh, and another word of warning — keep an eye out for the Nanny Chairs around the lobby. They’re always watching you. 

Always waaaaaatching…

PROS

• • New restaurants have joined already numerous options!
  • Updated rooms
  • Within walking distance to EPCOT

CONS

• • Vintage style rooms aren’t for everyone
  • Despite being near Yacht and Beach, you can’t go to Stormalong Bay
  • The nanny chairs will probably haunt you
  • Very few hearty counter service offerings with seating

9. Polynesian Village Resort

Aloha! And WELCOME to the oh-so-tropical Polynesian Village Resort! 

Transportation

Polynesian Village is the other deluxe Disney World hotel that’s been around since Magic Kingdom’s opening day — with monorail access to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

Or, if you don’t mind adding a few extra steps into your day, you can also WALK right on up to the Magic Kingdom front gates. Or maybe you wanna take a boat there instead. Whatever you decide, you’ll be saying “hi” to Cinderella Castle in no time!

Polynesian Village is so close to Magic Kingdom, in fact, that you can watch the Happily Ever After fireworks on the resort’s beachside (for absolutely FREE). And be sure to stick around for the Electric Water Pageant that makes its way across the Seven Seas Lagoon each night, too. 

Dining

The Polynesian has a LOT going on at all times throughout the day — and it’s dining/drink/snack options are nothing short of memorable. You’ve got a Hawaiian-style all-you-care-to-enjoy dor dinner at ‘Ohana (with a Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto character meal during breakfast). Interactive tiki bars at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Lapu Lapu cocktails — served in full pineapples — over at Tambu Lounge. LOTS of Dole Whip goodies at Pineapple Lanai.

And SEVERAL OTHER quick services, restaurants, and drink destinations where you can sit back, relax, and go, “Yes, THIS is what it means to be on vacation.” In fact, just joining the Polynesian dining scene at the end of 2024 is the Wailulu Bar & Grill, which we had a FANTASTIC dining experience at during out first visit. 

It’s part of the new DVC addition at the Polynesian Resort: Island Tower. We’ll talk more about that next…

Rooms

Once again, I’ve gotta bum you out by mentioning just how stinking expensive this Deluxe resort is. While the Moana-themed rooms are beautiful and fit in so well with the Polynesian atmopshere, you’re rarely ever gonna pay under $600 per night for a stay here. 

And expect to pay triple (maybe even QUADRUPLE) that amount if you book one of the ultra-exclusive Bora Bora Bungalows. The Bora Bora Bungalows sit atop the Seven Seas Lagoon and have a beautiful, distant view of Cinderella Castle.

You’ll have a private deck and plunge pool, a full kitchen, living area, multiple bedrooms, two bathrooms, and enough room to sleep up to 8 guests. Buuuuuuut you’re also looking at paying, like, $3000-$5000+ per night to stay at them. PLUS there’s not very many of these rooms, so — much like the Saratoga treehouses — they tend to book up over a year in advance. 

Now HERE’S some exciting news about this deluxe resort! On December 17th, 2024, the new Island Tower opened!

It offers a variety of fresh DVC accommodations, including 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas. Along with these new waterfront rooms, the building will also offers new swimming areas.

Find our FULL GUIDE to the Island Tower at Polynesian Village Resort HERE!

PROS

• • Beautiful tropical theming
  • Lots of fun and unique places to snack and eat
  • Moana rooms!
  • Monorail access

CONS

• • ‘Ohana has been more of a hit or miss lately
  • Lots of traffic from monorail

8. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

It’s hard to figure out where, exactly, to place Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground on this list right now — but I think smack-dab in the middle of things is a good illustration of how we feel about it in its current state. 

Let’s explore a bit…

Rooms

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness used to be a Moderate resort with fairly affordable and spacious cabins. And while those cabins haven’t exactly gone away, they have recently been renovated and moved under the umbrella of the Disney Vacation Club — meaning they have been reimagined into a more modernized resort option with updated furnishings and amenities.

While it’s exciting to see these cabins receive some much-needed love and attention, the fact that they’re now considered as “DVC” resorts means those moderate price points we used to go ga-ga over have greatly increased. Which is indeed a bummer. (Though we should note that Cabin guests are eligible for some additional Deluxe perks.)

Step inside a NEW Fort Wilderness Cabin HERE!

Transportation

That being said, there’s still a lot to love about Fort Wilderness. While this resort is rather spread out — making it hard to get around anywhere quick without renting a golf cart and driving place-to-place yourself (which is actually pretty fun, just kinda costly), you CAN take a boat over to Magic Kingdom as an alternative to the much-much-MUCH slower bus system.

Folks tend to love the seclusion-factor out here — and if you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay inside the Disney bubble, you can always check out the Fort Wilderness campgrounds to pitch a tent or park your RVs!

Dining

Fort Wilderness is home to the ONLY dinner theater show currently on property, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue — a quintessential Disney tradition!

AND, not too long ago, Trail’s End Restaurant was reimagined as a marketplace concept with expanded quick service options.

While I do miss the affordable all you can eat skillets, this is a good place for guests to pick up both hot and chilled Grab-and-Go eats, as well as reasonably-priced meals that’ll feed the whole family. 

Outdoor Activities

But our absolute FAVORITE part about this resort are all the fun and unique outdoor activities you can take part in!

And no, I’m not just talking about its resort pools. I’m talking:

• • • A FREE Chip ‘N’ Dale Campfire Sing-a-Long
    • Archery classes
    • The entirety of the Tri-Circle D Ranch (with all its cutesy Disney horses and ponies)
    • Fishing
    • Bike rentals
    • Canoe and Kayak Rentals
    • Wilderness Back Trail Adventures (on segways)
    • And SO MUCH MORE.

So… in a nutshell, while we’re a little apprehensive about the future of Fort Wilderness and its bougie DVC cabins, we still can’t help but love this place and all its rustic outdoor entertainment. 

PROS

• • Cabins AND campsites available
  • LOTS of outdoor activities
  • Has the only dinner theater show in Disney World

CONS

• • While the updated DVC cabins are nice and sleek, they’re a lot more expensive than before
  • Even though this is technically a Magic Kingdom Area Resort, you can be WAY out in the boonies since it is so expansive, so transportation can take some time

7. Pop Century

And now, for our FAVORITE place to stay along the Disney Skyliner route… Pop Century Resort. 

This is the MOST AFFORDABLE resort to stay at that also provides nearby Skyliner access all trip long. 

Transportation

Art of Animation and Pop Century do share a Skyliner station, so BEWARE (beware, be very very ware) of those rope dropping crowds. 

Speaking of crowds, Pop Century houses a LOT of guests at all times and has the MOST rooms available for guests to book at a single Disney hotel. (We’re talking 3,000 rooms here, people!) And while that helps when it comes to actually being able to book an affordable room — even during the busier times of year — this is *by no means* going to be a quiet, relaxing getaway. 

Instead, it’ll be a flurry of energy and excited kiddos, who are all mesmerized by the bold colors and EVEN MORE mesmerized by the oversized props decorating this resort. 

(When it comes to decor, all of the value resorts are the textbook definition of, “Go big or go home.”)

Dining

Another way Pop Century is just like its value resort companions? It’s got the Everything POP! Food Court…and ONLY that food court for food. (Oh, plus Petals Pool Bar for drinks, but that’s it.) And, yeah, that food court does have the same theme park offerings as all the others, but it’s ALSO got this specialty tie dye cheesecake that’s been one of our favorite Disney desserts for a while now.

So I’ll hedge it above the other value resort food courts, just because it likes to surprise us with a fun and different item every now and then. 

Rooms

The rooms have all recently been renovated here — so you will be able to stay in a standard room with one of those beds that folds up into the walls. But the only style of room you can book here is a standard one — with one bathroom, and either two queen beds OR one king bed. No family suites at Pop Century. Sorry. 

Now, Pop Century ain’t called Pop Century for no reason. Each hotel building reflects a different 1900s decade — so we’ve got the 50’s, 60’s 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s all represented. The decor throughout is definitely a blast from the past. Even the lobby has a gallery of shadowboxes featuring paraphernalia from all the represented decades. 

While your kiddos will recognize SOME characters and themes featured throughout — like the classic Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and Jungle Book friends — you might start feeling REAL old when they ask why that laptop looks so clunky or why Mickey Mouse is holding such a weirdly-shaped device (ie: a phone). 

I dunno. Some folks might think the over-the-top decor across the value resorts looks a little tacky and in-your-face, but I think it’s charming. Is it the perfect resort fit for EVERYONE? Absolutely not — especially all you honeymooners out there, looking for a stay that’s a little more sophisticated. But, y’know, in a day and age when Disney’s getting really caught up in making things look “sleek” and “modernized,” it’s nice to be reminded that we don’t always need to take ourselves too seriously — and bold colors, goofy props, and wacky decor isn’t a crime. It’s actually a lot of fun! 

PROS

• Best value Skyliner resort
• Recently renovated rooms
• Tie-dye cheesecake

CONS

• One of the busier resorts (that holds the most people)
• The larger than life characters may be nostalgic for parents, but leave kids scratching their heads
• Standard rooms only

6. Port Orleans French Quarter/Riverside

What better way to “Let the Good Times Roll” than by booking a stay at one of these Louisiana-inspired resorts? Port Orleans hosts two different hotels (but we’re grouping them together today, since they have very similar theming AND they share a lot of amenities with one another). 

The French Quarter resort focuses more on the Mardi Gras vibes of New Orleans — with quick service dining options that offer Cajun and creole specialties, and live jazz music at the Scat Cat’s Club on the weekends. While Riverside focuses more on the rural parts of Louisiana — with hotel buildings reminiscent of the white-columned mansions and Bayou cottages. 

Transportation

Much like Old Key West and Saratoga Springs, the Port Orleans resorts have boat access over to Disney Springs. It’s not a SPEEDY ride over to the shopping district, by any means, but it is a leisurely and picturesque one. So you’ll wanna take advantage of the amenity while you’ve got it. 

Otherwise, you’ll be hopping on a bus to get over to all four parks — and these buses are shared with BOTH sides of the resort. 

Dining

As far as dining’s concerned, there are major pros and cons for BOTH resorts. Pros for French Quarter? Their food court, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, is way more adventurous with their options than you’ll find at the other value resort food courts. Granted, these more “adventurous” items alongside all the standard food court eats do rotate out seasonally, but you may be able to find options like shrimp and grits, create your own protein bowls, or gumbo and cornbread (depending on when you visit). 

French Quarter is also our go-to spot for warm and fluffy Mickey Beignets! You’ve got sweet, savory, and even BOOZY options between Scat Cat’s Club Lounge and Scat Cat’s Club Cafe. The main difference between the two?

The lounge is a sit-down spot only open in the evenings, while the cafe is open all day long for beignets on the go. 

While, honestly, you could just fill me up with beignets and beignets alone and I’d be good to go, it is worth mentioning that French Quarter doesn’t have a full on table service restaurant here. So you’re either gonna have to take a stroll over to Riverside to eat at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, OR take a boat over to Disney Springs for their hundreds of unique dining options. 

Along with Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Riverside Resort does also have a food court option much like French Quarter — the Riverside Mill Food Court — but if you’re not too keen on standard theme park eats or good ol’ southern cooking, then you’re not gonna find many options between the two resorts that really satisfy your tastebuds. 

Rooms

Neither French Quarter nor Riverside offers family suites (you’ve got standard room set-ups only – though some do sleep five guests), BUT what Riverside CAN offer you is a swanky stay in one of their Royal Guest Rooms. 

These rooms are heavily themed around Disney’s royal posse — with Magic Carpet flooring, beautiful wall art of fan-favorite Disney princesses, a personalized letter from Tiana welcoming you as her distinguished guest, sinks shaped like magic lamps, and even headboards that burst to life with LED fireworks! 

And best of all? They’re still not gonna be nearly as expensive as a stay in one of the deluxe resorts. So you can still live out your bougiest Disney dreams without having to break the bank. 

Remember that there are also standard room options in recently refurbished (non-Princess-y) rooms, as well!

Amenities

Now, remember how I told you these two resorts share a lot of the same amenities? That’s even true of the POOLS, too!

While you’re not allowed to pool hop as a Disney Resort guests at ANY other time, the Port Orleans resorts are the only exception to this rule — meaning that guests at either one can check out BOTH feature pools across BOTH resorts, as well as access all of Riverside’s leisure pools, whether you’ve got a room over there or on the French Quarter side of things.

And if it weren’t for the more limited dining options and strict bus transportation over to the parks, I’d say these resorts are near perfection. 

PROS

• • BEIGNETS 
  • Live music lounges
  • Guest have access to BOTH feature pools
  • Royal Rooms are an option in addition to standard rooms

CONS

• • Can only take buses over to the parks
  • No sit down restaurant at French Quarter (but you can take a boat over to Disney Springs for more options!)
  • No suite options here — standard rooms only

5. Wilderness Lodge

YAY!! We’ve made it to the TOP, y’all! The next few resorts are some of our all-time FAVORITE places to stay (though there’s always a CATCH, even with the really good ones). 

While some folks get Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge confused with one another, these resorts offer VERY different hotel experiences (with one similar theme — the great outdoors). We’re focusing here on Wilderness Lodge. 

Transportation

Wilderness Lodge keeps you in-sync with nature while also providing you with a comfy and upscale stay. While this Deluxe resort is considered to be a Magic Kingdom-area resort, you’re not going to have access to the monorail like the other three deluxe Magic Kingdom resorts have. But that comes with its own set of pros and cons. While, yes, it can be a bummer to not have that super-speedy convenience taking you up to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT gates daily, you do still have boat access over to Magic Kingdom, if you’d like to opt for that over the bus system. 

And, because Wilderness Lodge doesn’t have the additional benefit, it’s actually the cheaper of the deluxe resort Magic Kingdom options to book. (I’m not saying it’s CHEAP. Just cheapER.) However, Wilderness Lodge is kinda out of the way (since you’re out in the forest and whatnot), so be prepared for longer travel times to the other three parks.

This resort is absolutely STUNNING, y’all — by day AND by night.

You’ve got a babbling brook in the lobby, a real-working geyser outside, lots of sweeping rustic decor and woodwork, and — by nightfall — you can watch the Electric Water Pageant parade across Bay Lake (and maybe even catch a glimpse of a fireworks spectacle if you’re hanging out around the boat dock during the time they shoot off at Magic Kingdom). 

Dining

Whether you’re looking for a character meal, or a nice place to lounge and drink, or quick service eats, or maybe even an interactive dining experience with lots of server shenanigans — Wilderness Lodge has it ALL. 

But my two FAVORITE places to eat at this resort have gotta be Story Book Dining at At Artist Point with Snow White (which takes place inside this enchanted forest setting and has a PHENOMENAL prix fixe menu of options), as well as the casual, open-air Geyser Point Bar and Grill.

Honestly, I don’t have a whole lotta negative things to say about this resort — and it’s definitely worth checking out even if you decide NOT to stay there during your next visit. Its main downfall is just how far away it is from the other parks — which means factoring in a lot of extra travel time into your daily itinerary. 

PROS

• • Peaceful and serene 
  • Lots of dining
  • Only a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom 
  • The most AFFORDABLE deluxe hotel in the Magic Kingdom area

CONS

• • No monorail access
  • Traveling to other parks can be rather long (since you’re out in the wilderness, and all)
  • Pool is lovely, but not the most exciting

4. Coronado Springs/Gran Destino Tower

Does it SURPRISE you that a Moderate resort found its way to be in our TOP FIVE favorite Disney World hotels? To tell ya the truth, Coronado Springs Resort hasn’t always ranked this high on our list. Not until Gran Destino Tower showed up in 2019 and changed EVERYTHING. 

Gran Destino Tower feels like you’re staying at a deluxe resort for a more moderate price point. It’s just so…ARTISTIC and ELEGANT and DRIPPING with those classic Mexican, Spanish, and Southwest American influences. 

Transportation

Now before I get into everything I LOVE about this resort, I’ve gotta warn you — the transportation here is really a headache. 

Once again, we’re dealing with an internal bus loop — something you’ll have to navigate on the daily to get to all four parks PLUS the Disney Springs shopping district. This is one of those resorts that’s grand and beautiful, but its MAJOR downfall is simply getting from place to place without having to wait forever and a day to make it happen. So save back for uber and lyft rides, just in case — ESPECIALLY if you’re gonna be making Advance Dining Reservations and need a safety net option to get you over to the restaurant as quickly as possible. 

If you’re not staying in Gran Destino Tower — and you’re staying in one of the classic Coronado Springs rooms instead — this resort is super spread out, so you may have to walk a good distance to reach all those main hotel amenities and offerings.

However, when you stay in the Gran Destino Tower, all those main amenities are pretty close by at all times — including a handful of different dining options.

Dining

By far and away, Coronado Springs has the BEST dining options across the moderate resorts. With multiple lounges, a rooftop restaurant, a sports bar, a table service option on the lake, a food court, and more — all your dining needs will more than likely be satisfied all vacation long.

Coronado is also the ONLY moderate resort with multiple gyms AND club level room options (which are usually strictly reserved for deluxe hotels). But don’t let this FOOL you. Because, as much as Gran Destino LOOKS and ACTS like a deluxe resort doesn’t mean it IS one.

When you stay at a LEGIT Disney Deluxe Resort, you’ll have the Extended Evening Hours benefits — which allows you to stay for a couple of extra hours at select parks on select nights AFTER the parks close for everyone else. But if you book a room at Gran Destino — even a CLUB LEVEL room, at that — you still won’t have access to that deluxe resort perk.

However, you WILL still be able to use the Early Theme Park Entry benefit — which lets ALL Disney World resort guests enter ANY of the parks on ANY days 30 minutes before they officially open for the rest of the public. But I digress: Let’s get back to Coronado Spring specifically.

Amenities

When you stay here, you’ll have access to the REALLY cool Dig Site area — which has a feature pool themed around the Mayan Ruins, as well as the LARGEST hot tub across all of the Disney World resorts. (So let the relaxation BEGIN.)

Note: Coronado Springs is more of a conference resort, complete with its own business center. So if you’re here for work OR you’re on a honeymoon and you don’t really NEED Mickey plastered all over the walls and decor, then this might be the right fit for all your needs.

PROS

• Feels like a deluxe stay at a moderate price point
• Awesome pool with large hot tub
• Lots of dining
• Only moderate with club level rooms

CONS

• Not every room will put you in Gran Destino tower, so be careful with what you book
• Transportation can take FOREVER
• No extended evening hours (despite it feeling like a deluxe resort)

3. Yacht and Beach Club

Here’s another resort combo coming atcha! Yacht Club and Beach Club are both two separate deluxe resorts that are often confused as the SAME resort because they’re literally RIGHT NEXT to each other in the EPCOT area. 

But even though the LOOK like twins, they both take on two different themes: While Beach Club is lighter, brighter, and a whole lot more beach-driven, Yacht Club has a finer air about it for those looking for a more sophisticated stay. Since BoardWalk Inn is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from either resort, that means EPCOT is the same. (Thank you, International Gateway!)

Transportation

And, much like BoardWalk Inn, you’ve also got access to the Friendship Boats AND Skyliner system, but you’ll need to take a bus to reach Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. 

And you can simply WALK into EPCOT!

Dining

There are a lot of underrated restaurants shared between Yacht and Beach Club:

Yacht Club has classier dining options like Yachtsman Steakhouse, Ale and Compass, and the Crew’s Cup Lounge (which just RECENTLY brought back my beloved Prime Rib Sliders — HALLELUJAH).

And Beach Club has some more charismatic dining options — like the retro-themed diner, Beaches and Cream, and the character breakfast buffet at Cape May Cafe (which also offers a non-character surf-and-turf buffet for dinner). 

Amenities

But the reason — and I mean THE REASON — to stay at either Yacht OR Beach Club during your next visit is to gain access to the COOLEST Disney pool around: Stormalong Bay.

Stormalong Bay is the ONLY Disney resort swimming area you could technically classify as a mini-waterpark. It has a sand-bottom pool, a 230-foot water slide, a lazy river, and three whirlpool spas. So if you’re planning on staying here, be SURE to factor in one or two FULL days to just ENJOY this pool to its fullest. (Because, believe me, you’ll want to. And so will your kids. And your spouse. And your Great Aunt Mildred. Literally EVERYONE’S gonna want to check this pool out.) And you’ll be able to visit Stormalong Bay as either a Yacht OR a Beach Club guest.

This pool does get pretty packed out — especially in the summer with the heat of the day — but you’ll also have a few leisure pools to escape to if you’d rather have a more peaceful day floating and staying cool. 

RED ALERT! RED ALERT! If you’re planning on visiting Disney World in 2025 — sometime between January through June 2025 — please be aware that Stormalong Bay IS CLOSED during this time for refurbishments. So if you’re booking a room at either resort JUST for the mini-waterpark area alone, you’re gonna be MIGHTY disappointed if your trip just so happens to fall during the pool’s extended closure.  

Rooms

So — aside from the main pool — what are the Yacht and Beach Club rooms like? Eh…pretty simple. Nothing too over-the-top — though Beach Club did just receive some nice-and-shiny room renovations recently, featuring new artwork, multi-colored curtains, and glass door showers. 

But even with the Beach Club’s recent renovations, I think I still prefer the more stately room decor over on the Yacht Club side. Needless to say, Yacht and Beach Club is a sleeper hit resort for us. But the steep prices may not be worth it for you — especially if you plan on being in the parks more than you plan on hanging around and swimming the days away all vacation long.

PROS

• • Stormalong Bay!
  • Within walking distance to EPCOT, and easy access to Hollywood Studios
  • They brought back the prime rib sliders!!
  • Several Beach Club rooms recently renovated

CONS

• • Stormalong Bay is closed for renovations into June 2025
  • Yacht side can feel a bit “stuffier”
  • Pricey-pricey

2. Animal Kingdom Lodge

Earning the silver medal today is Disney’s stunning Deluxe resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge!

(WOOOOO! Way to GO, AKL!)

Rooms

When you stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll have the opportunity to book a room with views of this resort’s FOUR savannas, which serve as home to over 200 different animals.

But even if you don’t choose to book a savanna view from your room (in order to save a little dough), there are still SEVERAL opportunities to ooh and aah over the giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and many other wildlife creatures who call this resort “home” during your table service meals (which are an additional cost), or Starlight Safaris (which are also an additional cost), or even gazing out through those massive resort windows from the comfort of a rocking chair (free of charge). 

Say “hello” to your fellow AKL dwellers :).

Transportation

Animal Kingdom Lodge’s main downside is its transportation. Again, you’ve got another sprawling resort with an internal bus loop and no other complimentary transportation options available.

However, your bus ride over to Animal Kingdom shouldn’t take you too terribly long — since it’s only a stone’s throw away from the park… which makes perfect sense.

Dining

This might be a mighty big claim to make, but I’m pretty sure Animal Kingdom Lodge has the BEST dining across all of the Disney World resorts. 

The African-inspired cuisine available at Boma, The Mara, Sanaa, and Jiko are as memorable as they are delicious. 

Even if you’re not staying at this resort during your next trip, you may still wanna book a reservation for one of these restaurants (minus The Mara — which is the main quick service option here) for a meal that’s incredibly unique in a setting that’s picturesque and vibrant and filled with traditional African memorabilia. 

PROS

• • Some of the BEST restaurants resort-wide
  • Rooms with views of an ENTIRE savana 
  • Starlight Safari Tours!

CONS

• • Not every room is guaranteed savanna view 
  • Only bus transportation available 
  • Food may feel too adventurous for pickier eaters (though there’s definitely some more familiar foods that they can order too)

1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

And now, for the BEST resort of the bunch…. Give it up for…….GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT AND SPA. 

Whoa whoa whoa whoa WHOA. Now HOLD UP. Don’t start typing scathing arguments into the comments JUST YET. I know this isn’t the most POPULAR first choice opinion for everyone — but give me a chance to explain why we’ve put this resort on top today. 

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is gonna be your PRICIEST deluxe hotel option. (Which is why it’s earned itself quite the “meh” reputation over the years.) And understandably so! After all, not everyone wants to majorly splurge on a resort when the majority of their vacation is gonna be spent inside the parks anyways. 

But if you consider the resort stay as a bigger factor in your Disney vacation — even over the parks themselves — then you could spend several days just hanging out at Grand Floridian and really TREATING yo’self to some major pampering, fine dining, and relaxation.

Many folks choose this resort to celebrate those special life occasions…especially weddings or vow renewals, since Grand Floridian is the home of Disney’s Wedding pavilion — where you can get married to your soulmate in a white-and-gold chapel with a breathtaking view of Cinderella Castle.

And let’s just take a minute to appreciate how much WORK has gone into IMPROVING Grand Floridian over these past few years. 

Rooms/Dining

So many aspects of this resort have been completely reimagined to improve guests’ experiences:

• • • We’ve got more whimsical (yet still classy) Mary Poppins themed rooms
    • Lots of additional DVC options in the Big Pine Key building 

• • • Restaurant decor and menu updates for the fancy table services — Narcoossee’s and Citricos — as well as even MORE updates to Disney World’s own AAA 5-Diamond Restaurant, Victoria and Albert’s. 
    • 1900 Park Fare offers Character Dining with a recently refreshed experience featuring Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Tiana

• These updated experiences have been joined by more recent additions like the Enchanted Rose Lounge

Transportation

Grand Floridian is the third and final Magic Kingdom area resort with Monorail access — so you can hitch a very quick ride over to Magic Kingdom OR walk there, if you prefer.  

Amenities

But, again, even if you wanna stick around your resort and never step foot into one of the parks, you’ll still have TONS to do here, like…

• • • • • Book a massage at the Grand Floridian Spa
        • Snack on the BEST mac and cheese of your life (from Gasparilla Island Grill)
        • Enjoy a cocktail in the Enchanted Rose Lounge
        • Catch the Electrical Water Parade/Happily Ever After fireworks in the evening
        • Rent a boat to take out across Seven Seas Lagoon 
        • Enjoy a nice brunch at Grand Floridian Cafe
        • Reserve a private cabana over at the feature pool  
        • Or even kick back in the lobby, just to listen to a professional pianist tickling the ivories 

PROS

• • Lots of work has been done here, with refreshed restaurants, Mary Poppins rooms, etc.
  • Monorail access
  • Lots of solid restaurant options
  • Fun extra amenities: pool cabanas, gingerbread houses, spa days, etc.

CONS 

• • More construction updates in the future
  • The most EXPENSIVE place to stay property-wide

And there you have it! That’s ALL of the Disney World hotels ranked. (That is, until the NEW Lakeshore Lodge joins the lineup in 2027!) So, what should your takeaways be? This ranking DOESN’T mean that Disney’s Contemporary Resort should be the ONLY resort you stay in from here on out, nor that the All-Star Resorts aren’t worth your time.

Rather, you should look at each of the breakdowns and consider what the best option is going to be for you and your travel party. Do the research and pick the resort that’s going to make the most sense for your vacation needs. And, keep an eye on DFB for all the help you need to have the BEST Disney World trip.

Which Disney World hotel is YOUR favorite? Tell us in the comments!