Here at DFB, we love to hear from our readers! We recently reached out to ask thousands of Disney fans an important question — “What do you think is the best hotel in Disney World?”
Welcome to Walt Disney World!
Was the highest-ranking hotel an exotic resort such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort? After all, waking up to giraffe sightings is something special! Or did an EPCOT resort (like Disney’s Beach Club Resort) garner the most votes?!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
We couldn’t wait to find out the answer and now we’re sharing it with you.
The BEST of the best Walt Disney World Hotels — according to the rankings — is… *drum roll please* … Disney’s Contemporary Resort!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Yes, Contemporary seems to be the best option for those who want an iconic Disney World experience. Longtime Disney fans know that the Contemporary opened on October 1, 1971, making it one of the first resorts (along with Disney’s Polynesian Village) at Walt Disney World.
Monorail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
But there’s more than nostalgia going for this hotel. Rooms were recently renovated to take on a Pixar’s Incredibles theme!
Contemporary Resort rooms
Of course, the restaurants get rave reviews, too. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal at Steakhouse 71, wanting to rub elbows with THE mouse at Chef Mickey’s, or dreaming about the 15th floor views from California Grill, Contemporary boasts amazing dining experiences.
Signature dining options and character dining options are exclusively available at the deluxe hotels. Even if you aren’t an overnight guest, these hotels are worth a visit just for the dining!
California Grill
For a quick bite, Contempo Cafe has fresh selections and seasonal pastries — don’t miss the bakery case!
Monorail Cupcake
Rooms here are pricey, so check out rates for the Garden Wing accommodations, if you want to save a few vacation dollars.
Fireworks!
Otherwise, splurge for that theme park view in the main tower and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from your balcony.
The Pros and Cons of Staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort
Contemporary has a lot going for it; we especially love the easy stroll back to the hotel after an evening at the Magic Kingdom! It’s such a hassle-free way to end a magical night.
And if you’re not quite ready to book a room at Contemporary, we can share that the other monorail resorts scored high as well! In fact, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa took second place, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort scored third. Obviously, the voters placed a high priority on proximity to the Magic Kingdom, monorail transportation, and deluxe accommodations.
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Must be the nostalgia this resort seems outdated and cold imo always baffles me the price for this place considering how it looks
Contemporary not my pick. Like the Polynesian or the Beach club.
Beach club ranks tops. It has great restaurants and is walking distance to the shops and restaurants at the Board Walk, and to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If you don’t want to walk the boat launch is rght outside to tske you to these destinations.
Just finished my round staying at every resort finally getting Riviera in for the last week. Poly certainly has a lot going for it and is my top pick along with Beach Club and Contemporary. Riviera, to my surprise, was one of my least favorite, especially if you have little ones. Severely overpriced, lack of a Disney feel and resort is just boring. Thank God I used my DVC points vs paying. Was the first resort that I didn’t feel any magic at. Staff was very disappointing as well. Riviera is not Disney.
Heading to the Contemporary for a September stay, so this was welcomed news!
My best is Fort Wilderness Resort. The outdoorsy feeling of the resort is second to none. A 15 min boat ride to the Magic Kingdom is a peaceful journey. More activities than any other resort on property. Renting a golf cart to explore the place is well worth it.
Fort Wilderness is also my top resort!