Not all Disney World Resort hotels are created equally.
In fact, some might just be downright WRONG for you and your travel party. There’s no doubt that each Disney World Resort hotel comes with its own set of pros and cons, but how can you decide which one is right for you? That’s where we come in — so let’s take a look at the WORST Disney World hotels for 2023!
Choosing a Disney World Resort hotel for your vacation is no easy task — but we’re here to make it just a bit easier. These are the WORST hotels you’ll find throughout Disney World in 2023.
Hotels Under Construction
The WORST hotel is one you can’t properly enjoy because of construction! Disney is almost always renovating or updating a hotel or two on property, and that can really make more of a difference on your trip than you might think! Typically Disney will refurbish just one area of a hotel at a time, but it can still impact your stay.
In 2023, several Disney World hotels will be under construction. The BoardWalk Inn is getting a new table service restaurant, lobby, lounge, guest rooms, and coffee bar. Part of this construction has already started as well — the old ESPN Club is being turned into The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers!
Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, a brand new building is being constructed where the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show building once sat. The NEW structure will include Disney Vacation Club Villas, dining options, retail locations, and more. But, if you were hoping to stay at the Poly in 2023, keep in mind that part of the resort will be under construction!
These additions are exciting but they can cause additional noise at your hotel and a few eyesores. So it’s just something to think about if you are planning to book one of these hotels in 2023!
ALL the Current and Upcoming Disney World Refurbishments and Closures
Hotels with Closed Pools
This one kind of goes hand-in-hand with the construction rule, but if part of your perfect Disney World vacation includes lounging poolside — make sure you check which resorts have pool closures during your planned travel dates so you don’t get caught by surprise.
The Feature Pool and Whirlpool Spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and Whirlpool Spa at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be closed from January 9th to early April 2023.
Similarly, the Saratoga Springs High Rock Spring Pool and On the Rocks Pool Bar will both be closed from early January to late March. If you’re traveling during those dates and still want to fit in some pool time, consider booking at Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts or the Yacht & Beach Club!
The BEST Disney World Hotel Pools According to Our Readers
Skyliner Resorts
When the Skyliner first opened, it changed Disney World transportation. With stops at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and multiple resorts — it seems like a no-brainer if you plan on spending a lot of time at those two parks.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Riviera Resorts are all located along the Skyliner Route — but a word of caution before you book at any of these spots in early 2023…
…the Disney Skyliner will be CLOSED for refurbishment from January 22nd to January 29th, 2023. It’s a short closure that doesn’t apply to ALL of 2023, but one that could definitely impact your trip and make a difference where you stay!
The OFFICIAL DFB Skyliner Pub Crawl
Hotels with Long Transportation Routes
Speaking of Disney World transportation…not all Disney World hotels offer the same types of transportation! Between buses, boats, monorails, the Skyliner, and flying elephants (just kidding) there are several ways to get from your resort to the parks. But, what you want to AVOID is staying at a hotel that is super far away from everything else you plan on doing during your trip!
For example, if you’re heading to Disney World and ONLY planning on visiting Magic Kingdom, you might not want to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (though it is INCREDIBLE) simply because it’s the farthest Disney Resort hotel from Magic Kingdom. Instead, consider staying at one of the resorts on Seven Seas Lagoon like the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Contemporary.
Not only that, but some hotels (like Animal Kingdom Lodge) only offer bus transportation which can often be a drag, so if you’re trying to have an easy, direct transportation route between your hotel and the parks, consider staying at a resort with boat, monorail, or Skyliner access instead.
Read MORE About Disney World Transportation Here
Hotels That Don’t Fit Your Plans
And finally, the WORST hotels for 2023 are going to be any that just don’t match up with your plans! If you’re traveling with kids, chances are hotels with a ton of theming like Art of Animation or Animal Kingdom Lodge are going to be winners rather than a fancier resort like the Grand Floridian.
If you know you’re going to want to spend a lot of time at your hotel, research the amenities to know whether splurging for a nicer spot might be better (like a hotel with multiple pools or activities for kiddos!). And, a few Disney World hotels have internal bus loops since the guest rooms are spread so far apart, so keep that in mind for walking and time management!
No matter what hotel you choose for your next Disney World trip, keep in mind that what might be the WORST hotel for you could be the BEST hotel for someone else. Make sure you do a bit of research before booking, and always stick with DFB for all the info you could possibly need about Disney World Resort hotels!
Whew. We know that planning a Disney World trip is A LOT – which is why we bring you posts like this so often But we’ve also put together a complete guide in ebook format that gives you all of the info you need, all in one place! Use code WDW2022 for 25% off our DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.
Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney World planning tips, news, and more!
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Which Disney World hotel do you think is the worst? Let us know in the comments!
Bob Iger needs to bring about changes to all of Disney Parks to bring back the magic. Disney Parks were created by Walt for families. Families as it is now cannot afford a Disney experience. It is just too much beyond the means of the American family. That combined with all the takeaways and extra charges put it out of reach. Please please Mr Iger bring back the magic.
I agree! I have seven grandchildren and just can’t seem to do it. I used to come ever year when it was just two and $40+ Now it’s so expensive it’ll take years to save and bring them. Please bring the prices down. thank you