Let’s talk about one of the most exciting…and most challenging parts of planning your Disney World vacation: choosing your resort. Where you stay is more than just a place to sleep; it’s your home base, your escape from the park hustle, and a huge part of the overall experience. To make the most of it, you should consider the options available among the Disney World Resorts!
With over 25 unique Disney World Resorts, the options can feel endless. But don’t you worry! We’ve stayed at, explored, and researched them all to bring you the ultimate breakdown. Whether you’re on a tight budget or planning a once-in-a-lifetime luxury splurge, we’ll help you find the perfect home away from home.
First, a quick refresher on why we love staying “in the bubble.”
The Perks of Staying On-Site
- Early Theme Park Entry: Get a 30-minute head start in every park, every day. This is a game-changer for riding popular attractions!
- Complimentary Transportation: Leave the driving to Disney! The network of buses, boats, the Monorail, and the Skyliner is free and part of the fun.
- Total Immersion: The magic doesn’t end when you leave the parks. The incredible theming and legendary Disney service continue 24/7.
- Dining & Shopping Perks: You can book your dining reservations for your entire trip (up to 10 days) 60 days from your arrival date, giving you a leg up! Plus, you can charge purchases back to your room with your MagicBand or phone.
Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive in!
Value Resorts: Magic on a Budget
Perfect for: Families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks and want a fun, clean, and budget-friendly place to crash. The larger-than-life theming is a huge hit with kids!
Choosing the right accommodations is key to maximizing your experience at Disney World Resorts!
Our Top Pick: Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Vibe: A blast from the past, celebrating pop culture from the 1950s to the 1990s.
- Best For: Anyone looking for the absolute best bang-for-your-buck on property.
- The Highlights:
- Disney Skyliner Access: This is the #1 reason to choose Pop Century. Having walk-on gondola access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios is a Deluxe-level perk at a Value price. It’s a total game-changer.
- Recently Renovated Rooms: The rooms are modern, functional, and smart. They feature a queen bed and a second queen-sized Murphy bed that folds up into a table, giving you much more floor space during the day.
- Fun Theming: From giant Rubik’s Cubes to massive yo-yos, the colorful, nostalgic icons make for amazing photo ops.
Best for Families: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Vibe: Like stepping directly into your favorite animated movies.
- Best For: Larger families or groups who need more space without jumping to a Deluxe price.
- The Highlights:
- Family Suites: The majority of this resort is made up of family suites themed to The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo. These suites sleep up to six people and include a master bedroom, a kitchenette, and two full bathrooms.
- The Big Blue Pool: The main pool, themed to Finding Nemo, is the largest resort pool at Walt Disney World. It even has underwater speakers!
- Disney Skyliner Access: Just a short walk across the Generation Gap Bridge from Pop Century, Art of Animation also enjoys incredible Skyliner access.
The Originals: Disney’s All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, & Sports)
- Vibe: A pure, unapologetic dose of Disney fun with massive, colorful icons.
- Best For: Travelers on the strictest budget, school groups, and families with kids who will adore the in-your-face theming.
- The Highlights:
- Most Affordable: These are consistently the lowest-priced resorts on property, making a Disney vacation accessible to more families.
- Recently Updated Rooms: Like Pop Century, many rooms at the All-Stars have been updated to the new, more functional queen/Murphy bed layout.
- Family Suites at All-Star Music: A lesser-known tip! All-Star Music also offers family suites that are a bit more affordable than the ones at Art of Animation.
Pro Tip: Before booking any resort, always check for property renovations or skyliner closings.
Moderate Resorts: The Sweet Spot of Theming and Amenities
Perfect for: Guests who want a more immersive, detailed theme, upgraded amenities like pools with slides and table-service dining, all without the Deluxe price tag.
Our Top Pick: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Vibe: A romantic, charming escape to New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter.
- Best For: Couples and families looking for a smaller, more intimate resort that’s easy to navigate.
- The Highlights:
- Incredible Atmosphere: With cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and lush magnolia blossoms, the theming is transportive and beautiful.
- Mickey-Shaped Beignets: Need we say more? The Scat Cat’s Club Café serves up these warm, powdered-sugar-dusted treats all day long.
- Boat to Disney Springs: Enjoy a relaxing, scenic boat ride down the Sassagoula River straight to the dining and shopping of Disney Springs.
A Southern Gem: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Vibe: The rustic charm of the Louisiana bayou and stately southern mansions.
- Best For: Families who want more recreation options and a sprawling, beautiful property to explore.
- The Highlights:
- Royal Guest Rooms: Make your little one’s dreams come true by staying in a special room “hosted” by Princess Tiana and her royal friends. They feature stunning details like fiber-optic firework headboards.
- Ol’ Man Island: The main pool complex is located on a 3.5-acre island with a fun waterslide, a kiddie pool, and even a fishing hole.
- Sister Resort Access: You can easily walk or take the boat between Riverside and French Quarter, giving you access to the amenities of both resorts.
Best Kept Secret: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Vibe: A sophisticated blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures, set around a sparkling lake.
- Best For: Adults, couples, and families with older kids who appreciate Deluxe-level amenities at a Moderate price.
- The Highlights:
- Gran Destino Tower: This recent addition feels like a full-fledged Deluxe resort. The rooms are gorgeous, and the views are spectacular.
- Incredible Dining: This resort is a foodie destination! Enjoy rooftop dining at Toledo, delicious cocktails at the Dahlia Lounge, or grab a bite over the water at Three Bridges Bar & Grill.
- Amazing Main Pool: The Dig Site pool area is one of the best on property, featuring a 50-foot Mayan pyramid with a massive waterslide.
A Unique Escape: The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Vibe: A rustic, outdoorsy retreat in the middle of the woods. It feels a world away from the theme parks.
- Best For: Larger families (sleeps 6) or anyone who wants the comforts of home, including a full kitchen.
- The Highlights:
- Your Own Private Cabin: Each free-standing cabin has a bedroom, full bathroom, living area, patio with a grill, and a fully equipped kitchen. This can be a huge money-saver! For more tips on saving cash, check out our Ultimate Disney World Guide for 2025-2026.
- Endless Recreation: You can go horseback riding, rent canoes, try archery, and so much more.
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: A legendary dinner show that’s a must-do for many families.
Deluxe Resorts: The Ultimate in Luxury and Location
Perfect for: Guests celebrating a special occasion or those for whom convenience, location, and top-tier amenities are the highest priority.
The Monorail Loop: Grand Floridian, Polynesian, & Contemporary
- Vibe: The pinnacle of classic Disney luxury, right on the doorstep of Magic Kingdom.
- Best For: Families with young children who want the easiest possible access to Magic Kingdom.
- The Highlights:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Walk to Magic Kingdom! This iconic A-frame resort is the only one with a walking path to the park. The vibe is modern and sleek, and the views of the fireworks from California Grill are legendary.
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: An immersive, tropical paradise. With its lush grounds, amazing lava pool, and access to Dole Whip, it’s a fan-favorite for a reason. You can’t beat the South Pacific vibe.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: The flagship resort. It’s the definition of Victorian elegance and sophistication, with world-class dining, a beautiful spa, and an opulent lobby.
The EPCOT Resorts: Yacht Club, Beach Club, & BoardWalk Inn
- Vibe: A charming, elegant seaside escape on Crescent Lake.
- Best For: EPCOT lovers and park-hoppers. This is the best location for foodies who want to be steps from the World Showcase and its many festivals.
- The Highlights:
- Walk to Two Parks: You can walk to the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT in minutes and take a leisurely stroll or boat ride to Hollywood Studios. It’s an unbeatable location, especially during the EPCOT festivals we break down in our Complete Guide to EPCOT Festivals.
- Stormalong Bay: The Yacht & Beach Club share this 3-acre water wonderland, which is more of a mini water park than a pool. It has a sand-bottom pool, a lazy river, and a massive shipwreck waterslide.
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: Relive the charm of a turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk. In the evening, the boardwalk comes alive with street performers, midway games, and great dining and nightlife options.
The Destination Resorts: Animal Kingdom Lodge & Wilderness Lodge
- Vibe: Awe-inspiring, immersive lodges that feel like a vacation in themselves.
- Best For: Guests who want a truly unique experience and don’t mind being a little further from the park action.
- The Highlights:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A truly breathtaking resort. The main draw is the four savannas that are home to over 30 species of African wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest, roaming freely. Book a Savanna View room—it’s worth every penny. It also has some of the best dining on property (Jiko, Boma, Sanaa).
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Feels like a majestic National Park lodge in the Pacific Northwest. The 8-story lobby with its towering fireplace is a marvel. A peaceful boat ride takes you directly to Magic Kingdom, and the cozy, rustic atmosphere is a perfect escape.
Deluxe Villas: A Home Away From Home
These Disney Vacation Club properties can be booked by anyone and offer multi-room accommodations with kitchens and washer/dryers—perfect for larger families or longer stays. Our top tip is to look into renting DVC points to get these rooms at a significant discount!
- Top Picks: Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary (walk to Magic Kingdom), BoardWalk Villas (walk to EPCOT), and Disney’s Riviera Resort (a gorgeous, modern resort on the Skyliner).
Looking for a reliable company to purchase DVC points? Check out David’s Vacation Club Rentals or DVC Rental Store.
Phew! That was a lot, but we hope it helps you find the Disney resort of your dreams. Every single one offers a unique kind of magic.
What’s your favorite Disney resort, or which one are you dreaming of staying at next? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
