One of the biggest decisions when planning a Walt Disney World vacation is deciding where to stay. With more than 25 Disney-owned resorts, there truly is something for every family, budget, and vacation style.
Over the years, we’ve stayed at several Disney resorts and spent plenty of time exploring many others. While there is no single “best” resort for everyone, we definitely have our favorites depending on the type of trip we’re planning.
Here’s our guide to choosing the right Walt Disney World resort for your next vacation.
Why Stay at a Disney Resort?
While there are many excellent off-site hotels in the Orlando area, staying at a Disney resort offers several advantages:
- Early Theme Park Entry
- Complimentary Disney transportation
- Immersive Disney theming
- Easy access to dining and recreation
- The ability to stay inside the Disney bubble
For us, there’s something special about never having to leave Disney property during a vacation. From riding the Monorail and Skyliner to enjoying a resort day by the pool, Disney resorts become part of the vacation experience.
Understanding Disney Resort Categories
Walt Disney World resorts are generally divided into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.
Value Resorts
Value resorts are Disney’s most affordable accommodations and are perfect for guests who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.
Disney’s Value Resorts include:
- Pop Century Resort
- Art of Animation Resort
- All-Star Movies Resort
- All-Star Music Resort
- All-Star Sports Resort
Guests still receive Disney transportation, Early Theme Park Entry, and all the benefits of staying inside the Disney bubble.
Don’t overlook the All-Star Resorts. If your goal is maximizing park time while minimizing hotel costs, they can be one of the best values on Disney property.
Moderate Resorts
Moderate resorts provide additional amenities, larger resort grounds, and more dining options while remaining more affordable than Disney’s deluxe resorts.
Disney’s Moderate Resorts include:
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Coronado Springs Resort
- Port Orleans Riverside
- Port Orleans French Quarter
These resorts often strike an excellent balance between price and amenities.
Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Deluxe Resorts offer the best locations, larger rooms, signature dining, and premium amenities.
Popular Deluxe Resorts include:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Contemporary Resort
- Wilderness Lodge
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Beach Club Resort
- Yacht Club Resort
- BoardWalk Inn
While deluxe resorts come with a higher price tag, many guests find the convenience and atmosphere worth the extra cost.
Our Favorite Deluxe Resort: Animal Kingdom Lodge
If we could choose only one Disney resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge would be our pick.+
There is simply nothing else like it in Florida. Waking up to giraffes, zebras, and other animals roaming the savanna outside your room creates an experience that feels like part resort and part attraction.
We also love the incredible dining options. Boma remains one of our favorite buffets on Disney property, while Jiko is one of our favorite signature restaurants.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is also a fantastic choice for a non-park day. We could easily spend an afternoon exploring the resort, watching the animals, and enjoying dinner without ever stepping into a theme park.
Why We Love It
- Incredible savanna views
- Unique atmosphere unlike any other Disney resort
- Outstanding restaurants
- Great destination for a relaxing resort day
Best Deluxe Resort for Adults: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
For an adults-only getaway, the Grand Floridian is hard to beat.
Its elegant atmosphere, beautiful grounds, and Monorail access create a more upscale Disney experience while still keeping you close to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Whether you’re enjoying a nice dinner, relaxing in the lobby, or watching the evening fireworks, the Grand Floridian feels like Disney’s flagship resort.
Runner-Ups for Adults
Beach Club Resort
Beach Club is a fantastic choice for couples who love EPCOT. The ability to walk into World Showcase for dinner and drinks is a huge advantage.
Yacht Club Resort
Yacht Club offers a slightly more refined atmosphere while still providing access to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Stormalong Bay.
Best Deluxe Resort for Families: Contemporary Resort
Location alone makes the Contemporary one of the best family resorts at Walt Disney World.
Being able to walk to Magic Kingdom can be a game changer, especially for families with young children. The Monorail also provides convenient transportation to EPCOT. The view of Magic Kingdom and the fireworks is amazing!
After a long day in the parks, there’s something special about skipping the bus line and simply walking back to your resort.
Why Families Love It
- Walking distance to Magic Kingdom
- Monorail access
- Large rooms
- Incredible convenience
Our Second Favorite Deluxe Resort: Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge holds a special place on our list.
The Pacific Northwest-inspired architecture, soaring lobby, fireplaces, and peaceful atmosphere make it feel like a national park lodge tucked away inside Walt Disney World.
It’s especially beautiful during the holiday season and remains one of our favorite resorts to visit even when we’re not staying there.
Why We Love It
- Amazing atmosphere
- Beautiful holiday decorations
- Great dining options
- Feels removed from the crowds while still being close to Magic Kingdom
Best Moderate Resort: Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs is our favorite moderate resort.
The addition of Gran Destino Tower elevated this resort significantly, giving it a more upscale feel than many guests expect from a moderate resort.
We also love Three Bridges Bar & Grill, which has become one of our favorite dining locations anywhere on Disney property.
Why We Love It
- Beautiful resort grounds
- Gran Destino Tower
- Excellent dining options
- Great value compared to deluxe resorts
Best Moderate Runner-Up: Caribbean Beach Resort
Caribbean Beach earns a special mention because of its Skyliner access.
Being able to quickly reach EPCOT and Hollywood Studios without relying on buses is a major advantage.
For guests who prioritize transportation and convenience, Caribbean Beach can be an excellent choice.
Best Value Resort: Pop Century Resort
If you’re looking for the best overall value at Walt Disney World, Pop Century is our choice.
The Skyliner connection, refurbished rooms, and affordable pricing make it one of Disney’s best bargains.
Why We Love It
- Affordable pricing
- Skyliner access
- Updated rooms
- Excellent value
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Many guests overlook Disney’s All-Star Resorts, but they can be a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers.
While they may not have all the amenities of Disney’s higher-end resorts, they still provide transportation, Early Theme Park Entry, Disney theming, and the convenience of staying on property.
For families focused on spending their time in the parks, the All-Stars can be a smart way to save money.
Save Money with Disney Vacation Club Rentals
One of Disney’s best-kept secrets is renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points through a reputable rental company.
This can allow guests to stay at deluxe villa resorts such as:
- Animal Kingdom Villas
- Beach Club Villas
- BoardWalk Villas
- Polynesian Villas
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge
Often for significantly less than Disney’s standard room rates.
If you’ve always wanted to experience a deluxe resort but weren’t sure about the cost, DVC rentals are worth exploring.
Mike and Tara’s Disney Resort Rankings
Our Favorites Overall
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Wilderness Lodge
- Contemporary Resort
- Beach Club Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Best by Category
Best Deluxe Resort: Animal Kingdom Lodge
Best Deluxe Resort for Adults: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Best Deluxe Resort for Families: Contemporary Resort
Best Moderate Resort: Coronado Springs Resort
Best Value Resort: Pop Century Resort
Best Budget Option: Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Final Thoughts
The good news is there really isn’t a bad Disney resort.
The best choice depends on your budget, priorities, and vacation style. Whether you’re watching giraffes from your balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge, enjoying the atmosphere of Wilderness Lodge, walking to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary, or saving money at Pop Century or the All-Star Resorts, every Disney resort offers its own unique magic.
No matter where you stay, you’re still in the middle of the magic—and that’s one of the best parts of a Walt Disney World vacation.
— Mike & Tara