As a general rule, Disney World hotels are pretty amazing!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Their theming is on point. They’ve typically got great dining options, and their proximity to the parks is unmatched. But that’s not always the whole picture. Sometimes we end up feeling a bit underwhelmed by a stay at a Disney World hotel. We wanted to find out what your thoughts were about which Disney World hotels don’t live up to their hype. We asked, and boy, did you deliver!
We reached out to our followers on Facebook to ask: “What Disney World hotels are overhyped and actually underwhelming?” The results were pretty varied. We had quite a few people leave their opinions in the comments!
What do you think?
Now, let’s dive into the results!
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
We have a clear winner here. The vast majority of you were in deep agreement that Grand Floridian is by far the most overhyped and underwhelming resort on the property. (Hundreds of you made this response. Basically, too many to count.)
Grand Floridian
These two responses sum up those feelings best: “I did not like Grand Floridian as much as I thought I would. It’s way too crowded with visitors resort hopping, and weddings, and the pools weren’t locked. It’s not as exclusive as one would think. We won’t stay there again.” Also, “Definitely the Grand Floridian. I only go there for the Gingerbread house and even then not every year.”
Grand Floridian Gingerbread House
This response wins for the “best” summary of the resort: “Grand Floridian. It is a 1990s country club that has an amazing gingerbread situation once per year.” You guys aren’t wrong about the gingerbread situation at this resort. It’s definitely a spectacle that’s worth a quick visit anytime you’re in Disney World for the holidays.
2. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Next up on the list, in second place (just barely beating out #3), you felt that the Contemporary Resort’s vibes did not live up to the hype. (Around 50 of you responded this way.)
Contemporary
These responses sum up those feelings perfectly: “Contemporary for sure. Pools a bit meh for such a staple resort. The main area gives Airport Vibes. I personally wouldn’t let my kids out on the balcony (but that’s just my anxiety). Room are bland.”
“Contemporary. It just feels dated now…it feels like a retro sci-fi movie or a college library from the 70’s.”
Contemporary Resort
“Contemporary. Worst part is that it has so much to offer but it’s dire need of a real refurbishment but I know that’s very difficult to do based on how the resort was built. They could start small with giving the pool area a real upgrade but all that concrete is just sterile.”
3. Disney’s Riviera Resort
In third place, we found that the Riviera Resort just isn’t quite what you thought it should have been (Close to 50 of you).
Riviera Resort
These responses sum it all up: “Riviera. My kids say it looks like discount Cheesecake Factory. They are not wrong.” Also, “Disney Riviera Resort. Small overpriced rooms with very little to offer other than the Skyliner.”
No matter how you feel about the resort overall (small lobby, tiny studio rooms), you all agreed that Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera is a restaurant you absolutely have to try (and we completely agree with you)! That character breakfast is one of the best on the property!
Mickey at Topolino’s Terrace character breakfast
4. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Last up, you shared that your experiences at Port Orleans left a lot to be desired (Around 30 of you).
Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
These responses summarize things perfectly: “Port Orleans Riverside – the pool water was cold, the food court was chaotic with no semblance of lines, food wasn’t great, and rooms were just ok.” Also, “Port Orleans. Caveat: I lived in New Orleans for 26 years and my wife and kids are all natives, so traveling away from home to stay at Disney’s version was, um, underwhelming, to say the least. Also, the rooms are really small.”
Port Orleans Riverside
Now, there is one undeniably amazing part of your stay at Port Orleans that everyone can agree on — the beignets! If you’re staying at Riverside, you can take a leisurely stroll over to the French Quarter, rock up to the Scat Cat’s Club Cafe, and indulge in some delicious beignets. You’re welcome!
We can’t resist a Mickey Beignet
Those were just some of your thoughts on some of the Disney World hotels that you found to be most overhyped and underwhelming, and we’d love to find out more from you! Until then, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news!
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Riviera rooms are SMALL, and the theming is lovely but definitely underwhelming. There is definitely a feeling of small and underdone (and a bit cheap) throughout, except for Topolino’s, which feels like a lot of wasted space (although at least you’re not on top of each other, like at so many Disney restaurants). But even Topolino’s is an every-other-trip visit for us. We love the Contemporary, we love anything that lets us experience anything close to the places that we’ve known and loved since WDW opened – there is so little left like that anymore. But the rooms are smallish, and the pools ARE bland and they’re cold a lot of the year. We also love Port Orleans Riverside – Boatwright’s has never failed us, and we love the River Roost lounge. But we also always stay in the Royal Guest Rooms, with the Prince and Princess theming and firework headboards. We haven’t made it to the Grand Floridian yet, but we need space – at least a one bedroom suite and preferably more/larger. Maybe It’s an experience that we skip if it feels crowded and invaded though. At that price point, we’d be too disappointed.
It depends on what you want and need from your vacation experience. The Grand Floridian works for us because we have a large party that goes down so we need the Grand Suites that are way larger than other Disney hotel. Next is the spa and gym which is great and we actually use it! Plus it’s right on the monorail line or you can walk now to the Magic Kingdom-very convenient.
I’m surprised Port Orleans Riverside was on this list. It’s my fave resort and I’ve never had a bad stay here. I prefer it’s food court to most others on property. Landscaping is beautiful. I also never felt the rooms were small. I dread the day they decide to ‘refurbish’ this resort because that always means they take out most theming and turn it generic.
I love the Grand Floridian! I think it’s beautiful, the rooms are nice sized and you are treated with respect. Plus all the dining options. Their quick service is great!
The Boardwalk—with the exception of a few restaurants, I just do not see the appeal
I find that with all of the hotels they were better 20 years ago than they are today. They all were unique then but now, every time they are renovated they become blander and blander looking like all of the rest of the Disney hotels. Rooms feel the same, low and medium end food seems to all come from the central kitchen and merchandise with the exception of one or two items can be picked up at any Disney store. None of the hotels are bad but they were just so much better 10-20 years ago.
The Beach Club used to be our family’s very favorite. They have totally ruined the lobby several times changing the color from original sea shell pink. Now it’s white with white trim- looks like a hospital and the rooms are ugly too as well as The DVC villas. Went for a modern look instead of beach theme- took ceiling fans out of villas and put really ugly ceiling lights in its place. The pool situation is a nightmare if staying in hot months especially over 4 th of July. Pools do not open until 10:00 even in the hot summer months and you the paying guest- not a cheap place to stay either- has to wait in a VERY long line to get checked in to the pool- people run and grab multiple tables that gave shade umbrellas- especially on July 4 th we have observed each year the same people grab multiple tables and the whole experience is horrible. No Disney guest should have to wait in an hour or more line just to get into a pool! It used to be such a treat to stay there. Not anymore
Also I just stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House. Their pools do not open until 10:00 also including their hot tub . So we morning guests can’t use the hot tub until 10:00 but then had to get our things out of our room by 11:00 creating a problem in our morning plans.
I love The Grand & Port Orleans! The Grand is beautiful with wonderful staff. We had good experience with the dining – even during Covid restrictions
As far as Port Orleans, it also had beautiful landscaping, I loved the pool area especially compared to other moderate resorts. My daughter & I stayed In the Princess room for her 18th birthday and it was so cute. I felt It was what being at a Disney hotel is all about