Disney World Hotel Reviews

Deluxe Resorts

We’ll start with the deluxe resorts at Disney World. This is the largest category of resorts and includes Disney’s finest hotels. Most of these resorts will offer multiple transportation options and some will be within walking distance of a theme park. If you’re looking for a resort with all the bells and whistles, you’re in the right place.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is considered Disney’s flagship resort. This white-siding, red-roofed resort has a Victorian look that some might consider formal. It has meticulously landscaped grounds and is laid out in large buildings with interior room access. While the Grand Floridian has many positives, its biggest appeal is that it sits across Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom. You can walk, monorail, or boat to the theme park. For those unfamiliar, being able to walk to and from a theme park is a luxury.

While pricing runs high at all the deluxe resorts, the Grand Floridian is the most expensive. That said, it’s hard to deny that staying here is probably more pleasant than we would like to admit. So, if you desire to spend some time here but don’t want to swing the bill for an entire week, you might consider a split stay. That’s when you divide your time between two resorts.

We don’t have anything bad to say about the Grand Floridian other than some will not care for the resort’s feeling of formality. It’s not casual, beach-y, or tropical. The resort leans more toward pristine and traditional. The price point will also be a negative for some. If you’re looking to splurge, you’ll have more amenities at the nearby Four Seasons with one exception–the proximity to the Magic Kingdom. That perk is pretty tough to beat.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Mary Poppins and Princess Theming
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Fine Dining, Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Two Feature Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area (See Grand Floridian Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Monorail, Walking, Boats, Buses
• Learn More: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Review

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Aloha! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is an original, 1971 Disney World Resort. With its tropical, island-theme, the resort is one of the most sought-after hotels at Walt Disney World. It sits along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon between the Grand Floridian and the Transportation and Ticket Center, making it a monorail, boat, or walk away from the Most Magical Place on Earth.

As soon as you set foot on the resort’s grounds, you’ll feel as those you’ve landed in the Polynesian Islands. We’d say the resort’s theming is about as close as you can get to the real thing. What’s the catch? It’s expensive and crowded. If you’re a pool person and the weather is even remotely warm, the resort’s pools are almost always packed.

It’s also important to mention that the resort is comprised of exterior buildings with interior access. So, like the Grand Floridian, you’ll have to walk outside to and from your room to get anywhere. That said, this hotel is home to some of our favorite rooms! The resort’s standard rooms are themed to Moana.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Moana-Themed
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area (See our Polynesian Village Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Monorail, Walking, Boats, Buses
• Learn More: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review
• Additional Review: Kamehameha Club Review at the Polynesian

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is another original, 1971 resort that sits next door to Magic Kingdom. Most people are familiar with the Contemporary because the monorail travels through it. Of course, the resort’s most significant amenity is being within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the lobby to the park’s entrance.

But a word of warning. For some, the Contemporary feels cold, hard, and dated. We have found that guests either love it or hate it. I adore it and find myself continually blown away by the serenity of the resort’s massive backyard that sits on Bay Lake. It feels like you’re right in the middle of the magic when you stay here, but you can immediately escape by stepping out back. It’s a very surreal difference.

If you decide to stay here, you’ll have to make a couple of decisions. Do you want to stay in the Garden Wing or the Tower? Then, do you want a theme park or a lake view? We love both the Garden Wing and the Incredibles Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Incredibles-Themed
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Signature, Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Pools, Water Slide, Splash Pad Area (See Contemporary Resort Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Monorail, Walking, Buses, Boats (Limited Resort Boat Service)
• Learn More: Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

If you’ve been dreaming of the great outdoors or find yourself at home in the woods, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is worthy of your consideration. This hotel reflects the look and feel of the great Pacific Northwest. When you set foot on the resort’s grounds, you’ll feel like you’ve left Florida for a woodsy retreat. We’ve stayed at the Wilderness Lodge many times and are always amazed at the tranquility.

While it isn’t my favorite, I still look forward to every visit. We also frequent the resort as day guests for dining. This is one of the best resorts for dining options. You’ll have an admirable selection of quick service items, and the lounges have fantastic menus.

It is rare to hear complaints about this resort. However, it’s worth noting that the Wilderness Lodge is a massive resort. So if you get placed at the end of a long hall, you might feel like it takes forever to get anywhere. Unfortunately, this resort isn’t within walking distance of a theme park. Guests are privy to taking a bus or a boat to the Magic Kingdom. The boat is a nice extra. It’s a peaceful ride.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Bambi, Chip and Dale, Forest Friends
• Closest Park: A Boat or Bus Ride from Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Two Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area (See our Wilderness Lodge Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Buses, Boats
• Learn More: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Review

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is part of the Epcot Resorts Area. Staying here means quick access to two parks. It’s a five-minute walk to Epcot and a fifteen-minute walk to Hollywood Studios. An additional boat service is also available if you prefer not to walk.

As far as the resort goes, you can expect seaside theming, soft blues, and an overall relaxed feel. Those who plan to enjoy time at the pool will love Stormalong Bay. It’s one of our favorite places in all of Walt Disney World!

Our only real complaint is that the quick service dining options (for the entire resort area) are not that great. It can be difficult to find freshly prepared and kid-friendly quick service items, especially after you come back from the parks late at night. You’ll want to, at the very least, leave snacks in the room for those late nights out.

That said, Disney’s Beach Club is our favorite resort. Between the recreation, amenities, and location, it’s pretty hard to beat.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Classic Characters, Beach Theming
• Closest Parks: Within Walking Distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Dining: Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bar, and Lounge
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slide, Kiddie Pool with Slide (See our Beach Club Resort Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Boats, Buses, Walking Paths, and Within Walking Distance of the Skyliner
• Learn More: Disney’s Beach Club Review

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

If we’re not staying at the Beach Club, we’re probably next door. The Yacht Club is the more formal side of the two resorts. You can expect masculine undertones and nautical theming, including boats, compasses, and complicated knots like you learned to tie in Cub Scouts.

Like its sister resort, our only complaint is that the counter-service dining options are subpar. But the lounges between the resorts are the real hidden gems. Don’t sleep on dining at Crew’s Cup. This is Disney, so the lounges are family-friendly.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Nautical Theming
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Dining: Signature Dining, Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bar, and Lounges
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slide, Kiddie Pool with Slide (See our Yacht Club Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Boats, Buses, Walking Paths, Within Walking Distance of the Skyliner
• Learn More: Disney’s Yacht Club Review

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort sits on Crescent Lake and is a destination within itself. Many guests visit the Boardwalk for dining and leisure during their stay. It’s a beautiful resort designed to represent turn-of-the-century boardwalks on the New England seaside.

Boardwalk Inn offers a variety of activities that you won’t find at other Disney Resorts. Additionally, the resort is within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. While this hotel is expensive, pricing is comparable to that of the other Epcot Resorts. If you’re considering a club-level stay, the Innkeeper’s Club at Boardwalk Inn gets excellent feedback.

As far as complaints, you may still struggle with quick-service dining options at this resort. But this resort’s feature pool is not nearly as overwhelming as Stormalong Bay. That’s not a complaint about the latter. We just consider Disney’s Boardwalk one of the most kid-friendly resorts at Disney World.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Pastels with Subtle Hint of Classic Characters
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Dining: Signature Dining, Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Pools, Water Slide, Kiddie Pool, and Playground
• Transportation: Boats, Buses, Walking Paths, Within Walking Distance of the Skyliner (See our Disney’s Boardwalk Pool Guide)
• Learn More: Disney’s Boardwalk Resort Review

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort

It’s probably apparent that we have no significant problems with any of the deluxe resorts—Disney’s Swan and Dolphin are no exception. First, however, you will want to know that these hotels are owned and operated by Marriott. That said, the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are part of the Epcot Resorts Area. They are within boat or walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. (Note, you’ll have to use the Swan and Dolphin’s private shuttle when traveling to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.)

Pricing is often more reasonable here than at the neighboring Walt Disney World Resorts. However, where applicable, you’ll want to consider extras like resort fees and parking charges.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Modern and Most Have Been Recently Updated
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Dining: Signature Dining, Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slide, Kiddie Pool, Playground (See Our Swan and Dolphin Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Boats, Hotel Shuttle, Walking Paths, and Within Walking Distance of the Skyliner
• Learn More: Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Review
• Additional Review: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Review

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the quintessential Disney World Resort choice for anyone with a love for animals or a passion for Africa. Between the resort’s theming and the African animals grazing on the surrounding savannas, we often recommend it over any other resort.

Typically, the Animal Kingdom Lodge offers more reasonable rates than the other deluxe resorts at Disney. That’s likely due to its location being further away from the rest of the property. But don’t let that stop you from planning a stay here. The resort’s peace and tranquility are the perfect remedy after a long day in crowded theme parks.

We also consider this resort one of the best splurges for those traveling with children. Seeing animals from your balcony when you wake up each morning is a surreal experience. Additionally, the resort has one of the best pools and aquatic play areas for children at Kidani Village. So, if you’re staying at the main lodge, it’s worth the walk down to the village if you have children who might enjoy the water play area.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
• Rooms: Neutral with Wood Undertones and Minimal Theming
• Closest Park: Short Bus Ride to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Dining: Signature Dining, Table Service, Buffet, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Two Pools, Water Slides, Aquatic Play Area at Kidani Village, Playground at Jambo House (See our Animal Kingdom Lodge Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Buses Only
• Learn More: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

Deluxe Villa Resorts

Deluxe Villas are also known as Disney Vacation Club Resorts (DVC). However, guests do not have to be DVC members to rent rooms. Instead, Disney makes these resort rooms available to all guests. These resorts are either separate sections of a larger deluxe resort or separate stand-alone resorts. Units at these resorts will have a variety of upgrades ranging from kitchenettes to full-size kitchens, laundry rooms, and more.

Related: The Complete Guide to Disney World Villa Resorts

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort is a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Resort with a stop on the Skyliner. This resort falls into the deluxe villa category and offers high-end finishes like bow tie marble and oversized guest baths in even the smallest accommodations. It’s a nice one.

However, what we love most about the Riviera is its boutique layout and incredible dining options. We dine at this resort more than any other. From quick service to rooftop dining, you can’t go wrong here. The only negative factor–it costs a pretty penny to stay here. This high-end resort is at the top of the most expensive hotel list, similar to the Grand Floridian.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: French Theming, Marble, Modern Elegance
• Closest Park: Skyliner Ride Away from Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Dining: Signature Dining, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bar/Lounge, and Cafe
• Pools: Two Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area (See our Disney’s Riviera Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Buses, Disney Skyliner, Walking Path to Caribbean Beach Resort
• Learn More: Disney’s Riviera Resort Review

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Resort. This resort is inspired by New York’s Saratoga Springs during the 1800s. Expect to find a comfortable retreat with a welcoming feel like you’ve come in from a day at the horse races.

Saratoga Springs is gorgeous but also massive, which might make it challenging for some to get around. Its layout is similar to one of the larger moderate resorts. However, many recreational activities are available at the resort. Regarding location, the resort sits across the lake from Disney Springs. You can walk or take a boat over to the venue.

For you, this means you can take advantage of the best restaurants at Disney Springs and shops if you like. Then, back at the resort, you might enjoy playing a round of golf or lounging at one of the many pools.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Minimal Disney Horse Theming, Neutral Colors
• Closest Destination: Within Walking Distance of Disney Springs
• Dining: Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slides, Aquatic Play Area, Splash Pad, Playground (See our Disney’s Saratoga Springs Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Buses, Walking Path to Disney Springs
• Learn More: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Review

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West is a beautiful Disney Vacation Club Resort inspired by the Florida Keys. Expect an island vibe with a friendly feel. We love dining at Olivia’s Cafe, the resort’s casual table-service restaurant. After a hearty breakfast, you can head to the parks or spend the day taking a bicycle tour. We’ve done both!

On the positive side, Old Key West’s rates are reasonable, considering the room upgrades. However, similar to Saratoga Springs, Old Key West is a vast resort that requires a lot of extra walking or a good know-how of how to use the bus stops to get around the resort. You will also need to know that multiple bus stops means longer travel time to and from the parks, which is common at several resorts.

As much as I love the pretty look and vibe of Old Key West, there is one other factor that some might consider a deal-breaker. The majority of the buildings do not have elevators. While we enjoyed our last stay, dragging our luggage up a flight or two of stairs was a headache. So it’s something you might want to consider.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Subtle Classic Characters, Beach-y
• Closest Destination: Short Boat Ride Away from Disney Springs
• Dining: Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bar, and Lounge
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slide, Playground, Loads of Recreation (See our Disney’s Old Key West Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Boat to Disney Springs, Buses Elsewhere
• Learn More: Disney’s Old Key West Review

Grand Floridian Villas

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is home to the Villas of Grand Floridian. The resort has two buildings that house these particular room types. If you love the Grand Floridian but need a few of the comforts of home or have a larger party, the villas are worth your consideration.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Mary Poppins, Princess, Subtle Elegance
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Fine Dining, Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Two Feature Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area
• Transportation: Monorail, Walking, Boats, Buses
• Learn More: Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas Review
  

Polynesian Villas

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is home to the Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. This resort is comprised of an Island Tower (interior hotel), two-bedroom bungalows on the water, and deluxe studios in select buildings at the resort.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Lilo and Stitch theming, Tropical Modern with a Touch of Moana in the new Island Tower
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area
• Transportation: Monorail, Walking, Boats, Buses
• Learn More: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review
• Extra: Bora Bora Bungalows at the Polynesian Villas

Bay Lake Tower

Bay Lake Tower is a dedicated tower hotel adjacent to the Contemporary. While the tower is independent of the Contemporary Resort’s structure, a large bridge connects them on the fourth floor. The tower offers stunning views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom. Our last stay was in a theme park view room, which was fun, especially for the fireworks, but we can’t deny that the views of Bay Lake are our favorite.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Newly Updated
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Signature, Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Pools, Water Slide, Splash Pad Area
• Transportation: Monorail, Walking, Buses, Boats (Limited Resort Boat Service)
• Learn More: Disney’s Bay Lake Tower Review

Copper Creek Villas

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is unique because it’s home to two Disney Vacation Clubs–Copper Creek Villas and Boulder Ridge Villas. Copper Creek Villas is the newer of the two villa resorts. This section of the resort offers deluxe studios conveniently located off the lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It also offers full-size cabins along Bay Lake. Of course, a cabin rental at this resort is fairly exclusive and expensive.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: National Parks, Subtle Disney References
• Closest Park: A Boat or Bus Ride from Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Two Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area
• Transportation: Buses, Boats
• Learn More: Copper Creek Villas Review

Boulder Ridge Villas

Boulder Ridge Villas is the original Disney Vacation Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It’s a short walk down a covered walkway from the resort’s main lobby.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Chip and Dale, Disney Nature, Newly Updated
• Closest Park: A Boat or Bus Ride from Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Two Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area
• Transportation: Buses, Boats

Beach Club Villas

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is home to the Beach Club Villas. This section of the resort is located between the main building and the parking lot, which makes it reasonably private. Beach Club Villas are somewhat distinguishable because their exterior is a pretty mint green compared to the rest of the Beach Club’s soft blue paint color. In addition, a statue of Ariel, The Little Mermaid, sits outside the main entrance.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Classic Characters, Beach Theming
• Closest Parks: Within Walking Distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Dining: Table Service, Character Dining, Quick Service, Pool Bar, and Lounge
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slide, Kiddie Pool with Slide
• Transportation: Boats, Buses, Walking Paths, Within Walking Distance of the Skyliner
• Learn More: Disney’s Beach Club Villas Review

Boardwalk Villas

Like many other villa resorts, Boardwalk Villas is an extension of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. This villa’s wing has a private pool at the Community Hall in addition to the feature pool. Of course, most will want to spend time at the Luna Park Pool with its fun waterslide that mimics a wooden roller coaster! We love this resort and always enjoy our time there!

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Classic Characters, Subtle Pastels and Neutrals
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios
• Dining: Signature Dining, Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Pools, Water Slide, Kiddie Pool, and Playground
• Transportation: Boats, Buses, Walking Paths, Within Walking Distance of the Skyliner
• Learn More: Disney’s Boardwalk Villas Review

Kidani Village

Kidani Village is a separate resort adjacent to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Compared to the main lodge, Kidani has a smaller lobby and only a few dining options. However, guests can walk or take a shuttle up to Jambo House. Kidani Village also has an excellent pool area with a tremendous water play area for children. It’s the perfect place to relax in the shade and spend an entire resort day!

Did we mention animals? Like Jambo House, some rooms at Kidani Village face savannas. The resort also has multiple public viewing areas where you can see animals roaming.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
• Rooms: Neutral with Wood Tones
• Closest Park: Short Bus Ride to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Dining: Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Two Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area (See our Kidani Village Pool Area Guide)
• Transportation: Buses Only
• Learn More: Disney’s Kidani Village Review

Moderate Resorts

Now that we’ve reviewed the deluxe and deluxe villa resorts, let’s examine an entirely different class of resorts: moderates. Moderate resorts fall between the value and deluxe categories.

The Complete Guide to Disney’s Moderate Resorts

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a beautiful, moderate resort hotel option. It offers a Southwestern flair with desert-like landscapes. A beautiful lake centers the property. When staying at Coronado Springs, two options are available. First, you can stay in the traditional portion of the resort. Each of these villages surrounds the lake with its pros and cons.

Or you can stay in Gran Destino Tower, an exception for the moderates. This tower hotel offers interior room access, so it leans a little more deluxe than moderate. Naturally, Gran Destino’s main tower rooms are higher than rooms in the village. However, they won’t be as expensive as a deluxe resort. We have a separate review of staying at Gran Destino Tower if you want to learn more.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Moderate Resort
• Rooms: Neutral with Disney Theming and Fun Pops of Orange
• Closest Park: Within Walking Distance to Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slide, Kiddie Pool (See our Disney’s Coronado Springs Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Buses Only
• Learn More: Disney’s Coronado Springs Review
• Additional Review: Gran Destino Tower Review
• Club Level Review: Chronos Club Level Review

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

As you can probably imagine, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has island themes. Each village is named after an island. The resort is centered around a lake with beautiful grounds. While the resort is somewhat lacking in dining options, you can take advantage of the nearby Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is within walking distance.

The most considerable appeal of staying at Caribbean Beach is that it’s on the Disney Skyliner. It’s the only moderate resort that provides access to the gondola transportation service. The Skyliner travels to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot

You’ll want to know that the resort is vast, so it could require a lot of extra walking. Also, this resort does not have elevators, so if you get a second-floor room assignment, you’ll have to deal with the stairs.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Moderate Resort
• Rooms: Neutral Semi-Tropical or Under the Sea Theming (Varies)
• Closest Park: Skyliner Ride Away from Hollywood Studios and Epcot
• Dining: Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area (See our Disney’s Caribbean Beach Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Skyliner, Buses, Walking Path to Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Learn More: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Review

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

There’s no denying that Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is as beautiful as the other moderate resorts at Walt Disney World. But remember, when picking one of these hotels, it is best to choose the one that appeals most to you. At Port Orleans Resort Riverside, you can expect the charm of the South with a bayou influence. Also, expect impeccable landscaping in the mansion section of the resort. Everything here is crisp and clean, with bright green grass accenting the stark white mansions.

Or, if you choose to stay in Alligator Bayou, get ready to fall in love with the woodsy-swamp setting. From the romantic Spanish moss swaying from the trees to the water features and woods, this resort is stunning. The only downside is that the resort is massive. If your room borders the outskirts of the resort, expect a decent amount of extra walking. However, the regulars will tell you that it’s a pleasant place to walk.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Moderate Resort
• Rooms: Rooms are currently being updated through early 2026
• Closest To: Boat Ride to Disney Springs
• Dining: Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Water Slide, Kiddie Pool (See our Port Orleans Riverside Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Buses, Boat Ride to Disney Springs Only
• Learn More: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Review

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

If you prefer to stay “in town,” you will probably love Riverside’s sister resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, which is within walking distance of Riverside. However, it’s much smaller than other resorts. Its boutique layout makes it easy to get around.

We love to stay at Port Orleans French Quarter and prefer it over Riverside because of its fun pops of color and Mardi Gras theming. On the downside, this resort only has one feature pool and no leisure pool. However, the pool is the cutest. Its water slide is designed to look like a sea serpent’s pink tongue! The serpent’s long tail also shoots across the pool, forming bridges in some areas.

Port Orleans French Quarter is also where you can pick up Mickey-shaped beignets. You can order them for breakfast each morning if you like!

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Moderate Resort
• Rooms: Brand New Rooms in 2025
• Closest To: Boat Ride to Disney Springs
• Dining: Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: One Pool, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area (See our Port Orleans French Quarter Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Buses, Boat Ride to Disney Springs Only
• Learn More: Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Review

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is unique because it’s a campground with a variety of campsites and cabins. You can reserve a campsite for an RV or pitch a tent in some areas.

Additionally, cabins are available for rent at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. They offer more space for the family to spread out than regular hotel rooms. If you plan a stay at this resort, you’ll have the luxury of taking the boat to Magic Kingdom. First, however, you’ll want to know that the resort is enormous. It’s so huge that many guests bring or rent golf carts to travel to and from the bus stops and boat docks. An internal bus service is also available.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Moderate (Campgrounds) and Deluxe Villa (Cabins)
• Rooms: Camping or Cabin Rentals
• Closest Park: Boat or Bus Ride to Magic Kingdom
• Dining: Table Service, Quick Service, Pool Bars, and Lounges
• Pools: Two Pools, Water Slide, Aquatic Play Area
• Transportation: Boat to Magic Kingdom and Select Resorts (Limited), Buses

Value Resorts

Lastly, as far as on-property resorts go, we have the value resorts at Walt Disney World. These resorts are the most budget-friendly (cheapest) and where you’ll find true Disney theming.

The Complete Guide to Disney’s Value Resorts

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation is considered the nicest of the value resorts. However, it doesn’t quite fit the mold of a true value. Three of its four sections are family suites. Family suites offer larger accommodations and are comparable in price to a deluxe resort. However, they can sleep more guests and provide plenty of space for everyone to spread out.

If you want to stay in a value category at the resort, your only options are The Little Mermaid rooms. These are standard resort rooms at value resort prices. Family suites are located in the Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo sections of the resort.

This is a fun hotel if you have small children who love any of the animated films highlighted at the resort. So, if you’re staying at The Little Mermaid section, you can still hang out at the feature pool, The Big Blue Pool, or the Cozy Cone Pool down on the Cars end.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Value Resort
• Rooms: Little Mermaid Theme (Value Only) or Family Suites
• Closest Park: Skyliner Ride to Hollywood Studios or Epcot
• Dining: Quick Service Food Court, Pool Bar
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Splash Pad, Playground (See our Disney’s Art of Animation Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Skyliner, Buses
• Learn More: Disney’s Art of Animation Review

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century Resorts sits directly across Hourglass Lake from Disney’s Art of Animation. This resort is themed to represent the decades between the 50s and 90s. It features large bursts of primary colors and oversized representations of everything “pop” from each decade.

Room rates at Pop Century typically run higher than those at the All-Star Resorts because of access to the Skyliner. However, we love the layout of the rooms and find that even though they are compact, they offer plenty of storage solutions.

As far as negatives go, this resort can be crowded. However, depending on your room location, it might also be a decent walk from the bus stop. That said, it’s fun to have the neighboring Art of Animation nearby, and we love to take leisurely walks around Hourglass Lake. In most instances, we prefer to stay at Pop Century because we like the standard rooms better than the ones at Art of Animation.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Value Resort
• Rooms: Room updates are taking place between now and early 2026.
• Closest Park: Skyliner to Hollywood Studios and Epcot
• Dining: Quick Service Food Court, Pool Bar
• Pools: Multiple Pools, Kiddie Pool, Playground (See our Disney’s Pop Century Pool Guide for more details.)
• Transportation: Skyliner, Buses
• Learn More: Disney’s Pop Century Review

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies is one of three All-Star Resorts. These resorts are located closest to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Naturally, a Disney movie-themed resort features fun references to popular animated films. You might stay in the Toy Story section or run into the 101 Dalmatians.

Rooms at the All-Star Movies are among the lowest priced on the Disney property. However, the trade-off is smaller rooms and fewer resort amenities. On the positive side, you’ll feel like you’re staying at a Disney Resort with the movie theming. Children love seeing their favorite characters represented around the resort.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Value Resort
• Rooms: Classic Characters, Well-Utilized Spaces
• Closest Park: Animal Kingdom
• Dining: Quick Service Food Court, Pool Bar
• Pools: Two Pools, Splash Pad, Kiddie Pool (See our All-Star Movies Pool Guide for more details.)
• Transportation: Buses Only
• Learn More: Disney’s All-Star Movies Review

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort is next door to Movies. For reference, all three “All-Star Resorts” at Disney World are adjacent. The only difference between them is the theming. They will all have comparable room rates. All-Star Music is themed to popular songs and classic Disney tunes. Music is my favorite of the three All-Stars Resorts because I love music. They even play some groovy tunes on the theme park buses!

Free Disney transportation options are limited to buses at the All-Star Resorts. Another con for these three resorts is that they are often booked by large school groups visiting Walt Disney World for various competitions and performances. So don’t be surprised if you wake up one morning and find yourself in the middle of a cheerleading or band convention when you head to the resort’s food court.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Value Resort
• Rooms: Classic Characters, Well-Utilized Spaces
• Closest Park: Animal Kingdom
• Dining: Quick Service Food Court, Pool Bar
• Pools: Two Pools, Splash Pad, Kiddie Pool (See our Disney’s All-Star Music Pool Guide)
• Transportation: Buses Only
• Learn More: Disney’s All-Star Music Review

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports is the third and final of the three All-Star Resorts. Like the name, sports is the theme here. So, for those who love all things sports-related, you’ll adore seeing classic characters playing their favorite sports across the resort.

Sports is the most popular resort for school trips, so it might be crowded if your vacation runs concurrently with a sporting event. Additionally, dining is limited to one large food court and a pool bar at each of the All-Star Resorts.

The Resort Rundown

• Resort Type: Value Resort
• Rooms: Classic Characters, Well-Utilized Spaces
• Closest Park: Animal Kingdom
• Dining: Quick Service Food Court, Pool Bar
• Pools: Two Pools, Splash Pad, Kiddie Pool (See the pools at Disney’s All-Star Sports)
• Transportation: Buses Only
• Learn More: Disney’s All-Star Sports Review

Off-Property Resorts

While we prefer to stay at a Walt Disney World-owned hotel, it’s understandable that those hotels are not always feasible for various reasons. Therefore, we have several options for off-site hotels. For a broad overview, we have an overview of what we consider the best off-site hotels near Disney World. We also have a separate guide that discusses the best Marriotts near Disney World. Or you can continue to browse individual off-site hotels by their location below.

Near Disney Springs

We have several options within a few minutes of the Disney Springs area. Some of these hotels are also within walking distance of Disney Springs.

Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs Review: The Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs has quickly become one of our favorite hotels. It offers excellent amenities and more-than-reasonable pricing. Among other perks, guests can expect a complimentary hot breakfast, a hot dinner, and three complimentary cocktails or beverages per night per adult. We love this hotel and cannot say enough good things about our experience staying here. (A Resorts Gal Favorite)

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review: The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is another one of our favorite off-site hotels. While the overall look is somewhat dated-modern, the grounds are impeccable. You could easily spend a resort day or an entire week relaxing at the hotel. This hotel also offers excellent dining options and a shuttle to Disney Springs. (A Resorts Gal Favorite)

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Review: Buena Vista Palace is one of two Hilton Orlando’s at Disney Springs. This hotel is conveniently located near the Marketplace entrance of Disney Springs. It also has an incredible pool area and a great quick-service restaurant on the lower level. I would stay here again for a shopping trip or a weekend at the pool.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Review: If you’re looking for a larger suite near Disney Springs, the DoubleTree might be a great choice. (This hotel has been completely renovated since our last stay.)

Near Flamingo Crossings

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly resort close to Disney, you might consider the Flamingo Crossings Hotels. A few of these are my go-to hotels for extended stays. For the record, Disney owns most of the land in this area, which is home to a housing complex for those participating in the Disney College Program. So you can rest assured it’s a pleasant, well-cared-for location. We particularly love the Fairfield Inn and the Residence Inn. All of these hotels offer a complimentary breakfast each morning for the win!

Fairfield Inn at Flamingo Crossings Review: This hotel offers the best value for standard rooms. If you just need the basics for a week’s vacation, look no further.

Residence Inn by Marriott Review at Flamingo Crossings: This hotel offers the best value for studios and larger suites. On the outside, it resembles the Grand Floridian. (A Resorts Gal Favorite)

TownePlace Suites Marriott at Flamingo Crossings Review: This is one of the older hotels at the Flamingo Crossings exit. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodations.

Near Bonnet Creek

Bonnet Creek Resorts Near Disney World: If you’ve ever visited Walt Disney World, you’ve likely heard of Bonnet Creek. This narrow property is bordered by Disney on three sides, making it practically on-property. These hotels range from moderate to higher-end pricing. We’ve stayed at all of the hotels in this area and can attest that they offer tons of amenities for the price.

Wyndham Grand Orlando at Bonnet Creek Resort Review: Wyndham Grand Orlando is a massive property with multiple timeshare towers. Guests can stay in standard rooms in the main hotel or book a condo in one of the additional towers. This resort has so many pools! You could spend all week exploring the different recreation areas at each one. Additionally, it sits on a beautiful lake and has a fabulous walking trail.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando Resort Review: If you are looking for a hotel that will have you feeling la-ti-da, you might consider the Waldorf Astoria. This refined hotel will cater to your every need. When you arrive, the doors swing open, and you enter a stunning art gallery that doubles as a hotel lobby. An attendant meets you at the pool to help you secure a seat and then brings a fresh pitcher of ice water.

Signia by Hilton at Bonnet Creek Review: Adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria is the Signia by Hilton. This resort shares amenities with the Waldorf, but it’s a little more business-class and is often known for hosting large conventions. We’ve stayed here several times and enjoyed the amenities. This resort has an excellent lazy river and pool area.

JW Marriott Orlando at Bonnet Creek Review: Sometimes it’s difficult to pick favorites, and other times it’s not. Nevertheless, this JW Marriott Orlando is my favorite hotel outside Walt Disney World. This hotel sits at the back of Bonnet Creek. It has a fun layout that I found simple to maneuver. Additionally, it has exceptional dining options, and the service provided at the pool was supreme! It’s a plush hotel. (A Resorts Gal Favorite)

Other Resorts

Orange Lake Resort Review: If you’re looking for a resort with tons of recreation, Orange Lake is worth your consideration. They have a water park at River Island, which is where we prefer to stay. The only downside to this resort is that it’s massive and they have a lot of extra charges for things your children will likely want to do during your stay.

Loews Sapphire Falls Review: This resort falls under Universal Studios Orlando’s preferred category. This is a beautiful hotel with an incredible pool area. You can also walk to several of the theme parks at Universal from this location.

Volcano Bay View Room at Cabana Bay Beach Resort: While not a formal resort review, this room tour shares what it’s like to stay in a tower view room adjacent to Universal Studios Orlando’s water park. (Highly Recommended for a Water Park Visit)