All 32 Disney Resort Hotels Ranked: The Good, The Bad, and The Best For Your Disney Vacation
When it comes to planning the perfect vacation, one thing can make or break your trip.
Oh, no, I wasn’t going to say food…
Pet-friendliness? That’s important, too…
Okay, so there’s several things that can alter the destiny of your enjoyment, but the one I was thinking of is where you’re staying. Choosing the ideal accommodations for your next Walt Disney World trip isn’t easy: there are so many hotels to choose from, and there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all option. But don’t worry! That’s where we come in.
Disney Resort Hotels Ranked: Endless Options!
From timber-lined treehouses to Victorian suites, we’ve evaluated every Disney hotel for you. First, we’ve placed all of the Disney resort hotels into four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa. From there, we’ve ranked each hotel within its respective category to give you a good idea of what to expect – and what’s going to work best for you, your family, and your budget.
The Value Resorts at Disney World
We’ll start our ranking with the value resorts on Disney World property. These are the least expensive of the resorts and a great choice if you want to the basic benefits of staying on the property while maintaining a budget. You’ll still have access to Extra Magic Hours, park transportation (mostly buses), and resort-specific entertainment and food.
1. Disney’s Art of Animation
At the top of our list of Disney value resorts is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It’s got great amenities, a solid food court, and quick transportation options compared to others on our list. The resort is divided into themed sections: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo. The big cartoony statues and fun play areas are great for small children, while the room interiors are themed accordingly.
Another point in the resort’s favor is the layout of the standard rooms. They are the largest of the Disney value resort rooms (which helps when you have multiple adults in a single room). However, most of the resort rooms are family suites that sleep up to 6 adults (and have TWO bathrooms!). For a large family group, they are a great deal in terms of pricing and convenience.
The Finding Nemo pool scores big points, as it’s the best pool at any value resort. The Landscape of Flavors – the food court – is widely regarded as the best dining option for value resorts as well. In addition to the buses, Art of Animation is also right on the Skyliner route, offering direct access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
2. Disney’s Pop Century Resort
One of the most beloved Disney value resorts on Walt Disney World property, Pop Century Resort is fairly similar to Art of Animation. In fact, the resorts share a Skyliner stop since they are so close. While the resort is slightly cheaper than Art of Animation, the rooms also feel smaller due to the layout.
If you book a standard room, one of the beds is a Murphy bed – common in value resort rooms – and can make everything feel cramped. They do have larger vanity areas and bigger TVs than Art of Animation (and the others on our list), which may be a factor worth some consideration.
Most rooms at Pop Century are standard rooms and are the ones most frequently included in discount offers run by Disney. You’re more likely to find a better deal at Pop Century than at Art of Animation, so choose accordingly if you’re in the market for a real bargain!
3. Disney’s All-Star Music
When talking about the three All-Star resorts, it’s difficult to rank them separately, given how identical they are in terms of pricing, layout, and amenities. Ultimately, All-Star Music ranks highest because it is the middle bus stop on the All-Star Resort bus route (which stops at all three hotels, so buses fill up quickly). The rooms are similarly laid out to Pop Century (including the fold-down Murphy beds). The guitar-shaped pool is a big hit with kids and music lovers alike! All-Star Music is also the only All-Star hotel with family suites. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you’ll want to check here first.
4. Disney’s All-Star Movies
When it comes to a resort that feels the most “Disney,” we’re going to have to give it to All-Star Movies. Unfortunately, it’s the last of the three hotels on the All-Star bus route. That’s why it is lower on our list despite being the same price and sharing the updated rooms of All-Star Music.
5. Disney’s All-Star Sports
While All-Star Sports Resort is almost identical to the other two All-Star hotels, the outdated room design can be offputting for some. However, it is first on the All-Star bus route, so it’s easier to get park transportation from this hotel than the other two. On the downside, they also frequently host teenagers for athletic competitions, making them one of the rowdier hotels.
It’s worth repeating that there isn’t much difference between the All-Star resorts as a whole when choosing a Disney value resort.
6. The Campsites at Fort Wilderness
The Fort Wilderness campgrounds have been open since the 1970s, making it one of the older spots on Disney property. It’s also the least expensive option for an overnight stay. Campsite amenities include laundry services, showers, complimentary wi-fi, and picnic tables. The multiple campsites available range from premium RV hook-ups to simple tent sites. While affordable, camping in the hot Florida summer may not be the way you want to spend your family vacation, especially after a long day at The Magic Kingdom.
Moderate Resorts
Next up on our rankings are the moderate Disney resorts. These are considered a “step up” from the Disney value resorts. While they offer the same major perks as the value resorts, they come with the added benefit of being more updated, closer to the parks, and often quieter for guests.
1. Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
By almost any measure, the French Quarter is our favorite moderate Disney resort. It’s charming, cozy, and a worthy exchange for the price. (Not something you can say about all Disney experiences!)
The resort is the smallest of the moderate resorts (and much smaller than the value resorts), which gives the French Quarter an intimate feel. It’s a little more grown-up than some of the other resorts, but it still keeps fun aspects (like distinctly Mardi Gras-inspired décor, for one) that make it uniquely Disney. The only thing this resort lacks is a table service restaurant – though their quick service is quite good. And with Port Orleans – Riverside right next door, you aren’t too far away from further food options.
Unlike many other resorts, French Quarter is small enough to only have one easy-to-access bus stop. That means you won’t be sharing with any other Disney resorts or run the risk of your bus getting filled at a previous spot. Port Orleans also offers a complimentary river service taxi to Disney Springs, which is perfect if you want to explore the shopping or dining there.
2. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Caribbean Beach is a divisive option for many Disney guests. For some, it’s the perfect moderate Disney resort because of its location and convenience. However, others are put off by its lack of prime options for transportation and theming.
Nevertheless, Caribbean Beach boasts access to two Skyliner stops – one attached to the resort and the other at the nearby Riviera Resort. There are several room options, including a standard room and a 5th sleeper standard option that comes with a child-sized pull-down bed. The rooms are clean if somewhat generic, which goes for the resort as well. The Caribbean theme can fall into generic Florida instead of adventurously exotic. It’s not bad – but not particularly Disney, either.
On the downside, the resort is huge! The bungalow-style buildings are cute and aesthetically charming, but the two-story design means there are a lot of them. It can be quite a hike from your room to the lobby. The food options are decent, but there’s nothing exceptional. However, the proximity to the Riviera comes in handy here, as you can easily walk over to that resort for more exciting dining.
3. Disney’s Coronado Springs
Coronado Springs is the moderate Disney hotel most often used by conference guests (as it’s attached to the convention center), which is reflected in some of the amenities – like the sports bar and two fitness centers (the only moderate resort to boast even one). The rooms are modern, and Coronado Springs offers standard rooms as well as 1 bedroom suites if you are looking for a larger room option.
The Dig Site pool is probably the best at a moderate resort because it’s a pool complex themed around Mayan ruins, including a 50-foot pyramid and a Jaguar-shaped waterslide.
The recently renovated Gran Destino Tower is the best option for a swankier stay, though it was built primarily for those convention guests who want something with especially modern theming. There are some great dining options at the resort, including Toledo – Tapas, Steak, and Seafood, that are hard to beat.
However, this Disney resort is another huge one. It’s laid out in a sprawl that can take time to navigate. It’s so big that it has multiple bus stops, adding more time to your commute into the parks. Coronado Springs isn’t close to any park in particular, either. The location and bus situation doesn’t offer any advantages to rope-dropping any of the parks
4. Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Port Orleans Riverside offers some of the cheapest moderate Disney resort rooms…but that comes with a few caveats.
Located right next to French Quarter, Riverside feels like a quieter, more majestic cousin to that resort. The resort rooms are divided into two themes – stately Magnolia mansions and Alligator Bayou cottages that house your rooms. For a little more, you can book a Royal Guest Room that offers a chic theming (classic Disney princesses) and a larger layout than a standard room. However, the rooms need refurbishment, which affects the hotel’s ranking on our list.
While beautiful, the resort is spread out. You’ll need to be prepared for a bit of a walk to get back to the lobby or the restaurants. Like French Quarter, Riverside offers a complimentary water taxi service to Disney Springs. While it is near the bottom of our list, it’s still a lovely resort if you want a quieter stay on Disney property.
5. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness are hard to categorize. The cabins are closer to villa-style accommodations at a moderate price. Their location – that is, proximity to nature away from the parks – can make them both appealing and a really hard sell. It all depends on what you’re after!
Each cabin sleeps up to six people. They come equipped with a kitchenette, large table, and living area with a couch, television, and complimentary wi-fi. While they are more expensive than the other moderate hotels, they can easily be split across a larger group and cut down on costs. As the Cabins are located at the Fort Wilderness campgrounds, they offer many recreational activities from a nightly campfire hosted by Chip and Dale to a spacious pool, archery lessons, fishing, canoeing, and hiking trails. There’s also a working ranch that offers horseback riding or carriage rides.
Deluxe Disney Resort Hotels and Villas
Most resorts on Walt Disney World property fall into the Deluxe Disney resort hotel category or, similarly, the Deluxe Disney Villa category. We’re separating these two categories to offer a more objective and thorough review of why we’ve ranked them in the order you’re about to see.
Overall, these two categories make up the largest percentage of Disney resorts, and there’s a lot to cover in their rankings. These resorts offer more to guests than the Moderate or Value resorts. Often, they include better transportation, better dining, and larger rooms.
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
There’s no way around it – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the overall winner of the best deluxe Disney hotel by a mile. Stepping into this resort is like stepping into the swankiest version of The Animal Kingdom. The rooms are well-themed and luxurious. The common spaces are gorgeous and immersive in a way that few other hotels come close to accomplishing. Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the best dining options available at any price point, including The Mara, Victoria Falls Lounge, Boma, Sanaa, and Jiko.
The best part, however, is that Animal Kingdom Lodge has access to four distinct savannahs where live animals graze and wander right outside your window. If you wanted to, you could spend a whole weekend just watching the wildlife without stepping into a theme park.
Is the Animal Kingdom Lodge perfect? Well, almost. The biggest drawback to this deluxe resort is the location. While close to Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, it still requires bus transportation to any of the parks. However, it’s also often the least expensive of the deluxe resorts!
2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort rides that perfect line between kitschy tiki aesthetics and modern high-end décor. One of two original resorts that opened with The Magic Kingdom in 1971, Polynesian Village is laid out as a series of long houses with a centralized lodge in the middle. The new Moana-themed rooms do a wonderful job keeping with those modernized aesthetics without taking away from the South Pacific theming.
Our favorite thing about this Disney hotel is its wide appeal – families seeking a location close to Magic Kingdom, adults looking for fun theming and even more fun vibes, and the older demographic who enjoy a quiet pace and lush scenery.
The Polynesian is also home to Disney’s best bar – Trader Sam’s – and character dining at Ohana restaurant. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer any other distinctive dining options that other deluxe resorts are known for.
Like Disney’s Contemporary Resort and The Grand Floridian Resort, The Polynesian Resort is directly on the monorail line to The Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. It’s the fastest complimentary transportation to those parks Walt Disney World has to offer.
3. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
One of the less expensive deluxe Disney resort options, Wilderness Lodge isn’t any less luxurious. Wilderness Lodge does have the most beautiful lobby of the deluxe Disney resort hotels, with those gigantic ceilings and wide spaces. It feels very natural and homey, especially when you’re sitting cozy near the giant fireplaces in the evenings.
While it’s only a boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom, most of the transportation will be by bus. Ultimately, we’d recommend this one for a winter stay, as their Christmas décor shouldn’t be missed.
4. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
(Photo: Unsplash)
This deluxe Disney resort is delightfully relaxed. The atmosphere is perfect for a laidback vacation with some gorgeous outdoor scenery. Stormalong Bay, the resort’s pool, has a lazy river that furthers the relaxed vibes of Beach Club. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to say about the rooms other than they’re serviceable without being memorable.
The resort is known for its great dining options. Yachtsman Steakhouse consistently ranks well on popular dining options, and Beaches & Cream – the ice cream parlor – has been drawing in crowds for years. The resort is within walking distance of EPCOT, which is convenient for anyone who plans to spend their time there.
5. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
The hotel feels very vintage in a way that is hard to describe. Its romantic atmosphere shouldn’t work at a family-oriented Walt Disney World resort, but Boardwalk Inn does it so well! It’s got a distinct Coney Island vibe (compared to the fancier theming of nearby Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts). Boardwalk Inn is close to the Disney Boardwalk, which offers fun nightlife and evening strolls by the shops and restaurants in that area.
Also located adjacent to EPCOT, it’s easy to walk to the International Gateway for entry, bypassing many of the lines. It also gives you quick access to the Skyliner for transportation to Hollywood Studios.
6. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
As a flagship resort at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened in 1971 with The Magic Kingdom. As such, the hotel features a hodgepodge of design elements that reflect those early decades (some better than others). We love the lobby with its homage to Disney artist Mary Blair and the early days of the Magic Kingdom. However, except for the Bay Tower, the rooms are pretty bland.
Many people love Chef Mickey’s, and while it is a good option for character dining, the food isn’t up to par compared to many other luxury resorts. Still, there’s nothing like looking out your window to see The Magic Kingdom (walkable from the hotel) or the monorail zooming by your room.
Like Disney’s Polynesian Resort and The Grand Floridian Resort, The Contemporary Resort is directly on the monorail line to The Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. (Again, the fastest available transport.)
7. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
When talking about Yacht Club, it’s hard not to compare it to the nearby Boardwalk Inn and Beach Club (both of which are more fun than this one). By comparison, Yacht Club feels a bit more stodgy and rigid. It lacks much of the whimsy you come to expect from Disney resorts. However, this may appeal to those looking for a more grown-up atmosphere during their vacation stay.
It shares a pool – Stormalong Bay – with the Beach Club, which is widely regarded as the best pool on Disney property. It’s also a slightly lower cost than Boardwalk Inn, which helps when you’re planning a lengthy stay. Yacht Club is another resort adjacent to EPCOT, making it an easy, leisurely walk to the park entrance.
8. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
While the Grand Floridian is Disney’s most expensive resort…it doesn’t impress us that much. The rooms are nice, but they don’t have the “wow factor” many other Disney resorts offer. The Victorian theme doesn’t feel authentic – or even kitschy theme park authentic – in the way you’d expect from Disney’s most grandiose resort. While we do like the new Beauty & The Beast-inspired lounge, there isn’t any other reason to visit this resort, much less stay here.
Like Disney’s Polynesian Resort and The Contemporary Resort, The Grand Floridian is directly on that ever-swift monorail line to The Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
9. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Why is Walt Disney World’s newest resort at the bottom of our list? Well, primarily, this is because it’s not exactly a vacation resort as much as a full vacation experience of its own. Galactic Starcruiser is a two-night say aboard a Star Wars-centric resort that puts you inside your own science fiction story.
Your days on board the Halycon (the fictional “cruise ship” that your adventure takes place on) are booked up with experiences and story elements to enjoy. You won’t have time to spend in the parks outside of a morning “excursion” into Hollywood Studios. If you want to book a full Walt Disney World vacation, then the Starcruiser is typically not the place to start.
Deluxe Disney Villa Resorts
The Deluxe Villa Resorts are a special kind of Disney hotel separate from the other categories we’ve discussed. Villas are larger than the standard rooms in other hotels and typically have a kitchenette so guests can do their own cooking in the suite. They often have other perks as well, like a launderette.
1 & 2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House & Kidani Village
We’ve said it before, but when it comes to deluxe accommodations, Animal Kingdom Lodge manages it all. Great dining. Great views (those savannahs with live animals!). Great pricing. And great rooms. The deluxe Disney villas are no exception. The Animal Kingdom villas are available in both sections of Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House & Kidani Village. Both villas offer room types that sleep up to 12 people and have very similar views of the savannah and animals. The largest villas at Jambo House also come with a game room, and that side of the resort offers marshmallow roasting at night along with other activities.
3. Disney’s Beach Club Villas
If you want a laidback vacation, Beach Club Resort is the place to be. They have Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom Villas, and 2-Bedroom Villas available. You’ve also got the convenience of staying close to EPCOT (and quick access to the Skyliner at EPCOT’s International Gateway) and access to Stormalong Bay, the best pool on Walt Disney World property.
4. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Located directly over the water (and with their own private plunge pools), The Polynesian bungalows are the most gorgeous accommodations in all of Walt Disney World. They also come with a price tag that reflects their uniqueness and style. The Deluxe Studio rooms are more affordable and still offer a taste of that luxury.
5. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The villas at Bay Lake Tower are arguably the best accommodations at the Contemporary. Attached to that resort via a sky bridge, guests have access to all amenities at The Contemporary (including the pool and numerous dining establishments) as well as having their own pool.
You have access to plenty of dining – including Chef Mickey’s and Steakhouse 71 – as well as quick transportation to the Magic Kingdom via the monorail or a short walk. The newly renovated rooms are The Incredibles themed and a step up from the standard rooms at the rest of the resort. Ultimately, if you are going to stay at the Contemporary, this is absolutely the way to do it!
6. Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Looking for Atlantic City vibes with luxury accommodations? Boardwalk Villas manage that perfectly. Boardwalk has Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom Villas, and 3-Bedroom Villas on the property. It also has access to EPCOT via a short walking path to the International Gateway as well as the nearby Skyliner stop. Because it’s more expensive than the Beach Club villas, we ranked this one a little lower on our list.
7. Disney’s Riviera Resort
One of the newest resorts on Walt Disney World property, Riviera Resort only offers suite and villa accommodations. The theming is light with a supposed “European Riviera” style. Overall, this resort is bland. It doesn’t feel much different than any other high-end resort, and without that Skyliner access, it wouldn’t be ranked as highly as it is.
8. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
If you want to get away from it all, the villas and luxury cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are going to appeal to you. Copper Creek Villas and Cabins manage to feel worlds away from urban life while still so close to The Magic Kingdom. They really are the best of both worlds!
9. Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
These are the cozier option for Wilderness Lodge villas with a slightly retro and rustic design. While they are just as nice as the newer Copper Creek options, we’d rank Boulder Ridge just below those in terms of luxury and updates.
10. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Conveniently located next to Disney Springs, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa lets you stay close to all the shopping and dining while being tucked away from the action of the parks. There are no standard rooms here, as all are designed for villas or studios. Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas, 3-Bedroom Villas, and Treehouse Villas are available.
The winner at this resort is obviously the three-bedroom treehouse villas. While the rest of the resort feels Victorian-inspired, these treehouses would feel right at home nestled next to Wilderness Lodge, given how well they manage to balance rustic style with luxury.
11. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
These villas are posh and certainly live up to the luxury of their name. The Grand Floridian offers Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas, and 3-Bedroom Villas. Their proximity to The Magic Kingdom puts them in a prime location for guests who want to be close to the action. However, we prefer the villas at the similarly priced Contemporary or Boardwalk Inn for the same convenience and amenities.
12. Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Old Key West Resort is a great place to spend a relaxing vacation without the bustle of the parks. It’ll likely appeal to older guests who want to escape the noise. The rooms are usually bigger than the other villas and – since they are a bit further away – less expensive than others.
That’s it for our definitive guide to ranking the Walt Disney World Resorts! We hope it’s helped you narrow down where you want to stay on your next vacay.
What’s your favorite place to stay on Disney property? Let us know in the comments!
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