The best Disney World Resorts can take your family vacation to new heights, with many exciting amenities and attractions within these one-of-a-kind resorts. Disney always makes sure that your resort experience is as unforgettable as its world-class theme parks. From live animals outside your resort window to spacious villas overlooking the water, expect the unexpected when you stay on Disney property during your vacation!
The Best Disney World Resorts
Table of Contents
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a Pacific Northwest-themed property that connects to nature. It begins the instant you go on the property. Make sure to visit Boulder Ridge Villas with the family; it’s themed after America’s National Parks and has personal connections to Walt’s affection for the American West.
Two cars from Walt’s small rideable train are on display on this magnificent property. Guest have many options when it comes to dining, such as an all-you-can-eat buffet, pool bar, and room service. Wilderness Lodge feels like a paradise and is one of the best Disney World resorts to visit.
Disney Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened on October 1, 1971, and is one of two original Walt Disney World hotels. The resort is on the monorail loop along with Polynesian Village and Grand Floridian. These premium resorts are not only close to Magic Kingdom, but they also have an amazing view of the fireworks. The Contemporary is one of the best Disney World Resorts because there’s a walking path to Magic Kingdom and a monorail runs through the middle of the building.
The resort is also one of the best Disney World Resorts because of their outstanding dining options, such as California Grill and Chef Mickey’s, which offers delicious food in the company of characters.
Insider Tip: The Contemporary and The Grand Floridian are the only resorts to offer private Cabana rentals. You can have a shaded area with lounges and seating to enjoy your pool time with these rentals. Some of the areas also have TVs and places to plug into your gadgets. They also come with non-alcoholic drinks, fruit, and an attendant. It’s a fabulous treat and a way to pamper the whole family while you relax.
Read More: Sliding Through 10 Of The Best Water Parks In The US
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian is one of the most iconic resorts with its tropical atmosphere, overwater bungalows, and volcano waterslide towering above the main pool. A notable portion of the resort is renovated and re-themed with “Moana” inspiration and will be open in 2021. The Villas feature studios that house five people and have two bathrooms. The larger suites can sleep up to eight people. They also have spacious overwater bungalows with spectacular views.
Visitors can get the best experience of the Polynesian, which includes Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and a tiki bar. “Lilo and Stitch” character dining takes place on the resort’s beach.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge to see different animals out of the park! Animal Kingdom Lodge has more than 200 birds and animals, including gazelles, zebras, giraffes, ostrich, and much more. Outdoor viewing areas are found throughout the resort. If you’re an animal lover, this is one of the best Disney World Resorts to visit.
Animal Kingdom Lodge has a main resort/DVC combination resort and a second all-DVC resort. Jambo House is the central lodge that has the hotel resort and a DVC property. The neighboring Kidani Village is completely DVC. Viewing areas are scattered throughout both resort areas for your enjoyment!
Sanaa in Kidani Village is the only restaurant on site where you can enjoy animal views while you eat. Sanaa is known for its Indian-style Bread Service of assorted naan bread served with nine different dipping sauces. Place an order for bread service or any of Sanaa’s other mouth-watering appetizers to go to the resort and enjoy viewing the animals.
Read More: Saving For Disney: A Vacation For All Families!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
The luxurious Grand Floridian is one of the best Disney World resorts, and its glorious Victorian lobby is a gorgeous addition to any Disney World trip. It must be seen in person to appreciate! While enjoying the grand lobby views, shop at various luxurious boutiques, including Basin White for soaps and bath products, resort clothing shops, and much more.
Many of the Grand’s upscale dining locations feature luxurious decor, but consider a reservation at the all-day Grand Floridian Cafe for a casual meal in a Victorian setting or mobile order from the quick service restaurant, Gasparilla Island Grill, for last-minute plans. The Beauty and the Beast-themed Enchanted Rose lounge is a sophisticated way for adults to end a Magic Kingdom day.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Saratoga Springs is a Disney Deluxe Villa resort and a DVC resort. This resort has a “1880s, Victorian, upstate New York lakeside retreat” theme. Saratoga Springs has 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom villas spread out across a vast 12 buildings with 1,260 studio rooms as well. It’s all located across the lake from the exciting commercial development known as Disney Springs! Saratoga offers a spacious living room, full kitchenette, in-room laundry, dry cleaning services, and a fitness center located in the main building.
Interesting Fact: Surrounded on three sides by golf courses, Saratoga Springs is the only Disney resort with direct access to the military-only Shades of Green. Saratoga Springs has been renovated, making this resort the perfect choice for golfers, and it is one of the best Disney World Resorts!
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort features a Spanish colonial design and overlooks the stunning man-made lake, Lago Dorado. Beautiful Mayan-themed suites can sleep up to six people comfortably. This fantastic resort also offers a free shuttle to the theme parks. Indulge in tapas and other authentic cuisines at the on-site restaurant, then take a dip in the Mayan pyramid pool, which also houses a huge 22-person hot tub. Coronado is one of the most beautiful and best Disney World Resorts to explore with the entire family.
Read More: How Young is Too Young for a Visit to Disney?
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Old Key West Resort takes guests back to a past era in South Florida. Many areas are beautifully decorated with wood and subtle colors, and you have the option to upgrade to spacious suites for larger families. The resort design has a laid-back feel of the property! Head outside to the pool and have a nice cool dip. After swimming, make sure you try the delicious fried chicken at Olivia’s, the on-site American Caribbean restaurant. Old Key West is one of the best Disney World resorts with an added South Florida flair!
Interesting Fact: Old Key West was the first DVC resort. Disney created a family atmosphere and posted pictures of families who have bought DVC memberships. These pictures are publicized in the hallway between Olivia’s Café and the general store.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort naturally takes a nautical turn with its royal blue and white color pallet, topped off with rich woods and intimate lighting. Water is the theme since this location is enveloped in Disney’s signature lagoons and pools. Waterslides, a lazy winding river, hot tubs, a kiddie splash area – you name it, and this luxurious hotel has it. Don’t miss the on-site steakhouse, which offers delicious cuisine.
Insider Tip: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is just a 1/3 mile walk to EPCOT, making it one of the best Disney World Resorts to stay at.
Read More: 10 Of The Best Amusement Parks In The World
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter
Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter showcases New Orleans with all the exciting features you would expect, such as jazz music and Mardi Gras-themed restaurant menus with hot, sweet beignets. Set on the Sassagoula River, guests can take a boat to Port Orleans Riverside to access the backwoods cottages for a more secluded resort stay. Accommodations include a large pool with a sea serpent slide, as well as cobblestone roads for horse-drawn carriage rides in the evenings.
Boatwright is the only sit-down restaurant located at this resort. The restaurant is envisioned like a shipbuilding hall and contains an early construction model of the ship’s bottom. As you would expect, the menu reflects New Orleans cuisine and includes items such as Voodoo Chicken, prime rib, and Cajun-style fish. Port Orleans is one of the best Disney World resorts for anyone who wants a Mardi Gras-style vacation!
Your entire family will thank you for booking a vacation at any of the best Disney World resorts in this guide. With world-class features such as huge pools and surprise visits from Mickey and friends, you will never book a hotel outside of Disney again! Make the most precious family memories and get your money’s worth at any of these Disney resorts.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Looking for water parks to visit with the kids, check out Top 12 Waterpark Resorts To Visit With Kids.
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