Resort Guides
Find Your Perfect Disney Resort
Honest, detailed guides for every Walt Disney World resort — from the grand deluxe hotels to the budget-friendly value resorts. I've stayed at them all so you don't have to guess.
Deluxe
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
$$$$$Disney's flagship luxury resort Victorian elegance meets theme park magic.
- Monorail access to Magic Kingdom
- Victoria & Albert's fine dining
- Beach pool with zero-entry
Steph's tip: Book the monorail-view room for the most magical wake-up call. The lobby Christmas tree in November is worth a visit even if you're not staying here.
Monorail, boat to Magic Kingdom, bus to all parks
Honeymoons, anniversaries, and families who want the ultimate splurge
Deluxe
Polynesian Village Resort
$$$$Tropical paradise with monorail access and the best pool bar on property.
- Monorail & boat to Magic Kingdom
- Lava Pool with waterslide
- Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Steph's tip: Trader Sam's fills up fast get there right when it opens. The Ohana breakfast is worth every penny for little ones who love character dining.
Monorail, boat to Magic Kingdom, bus to all parks
Families who love the pool scene and want quick Magic Kingdom access
Deluxe
Wilderness Lodge
$$$$Pacific Northwest theming with a cozy, rustic feel unlike any other resort.
- Stunning log cabin lobby
- Geyser erupts daily
- Boat to Magic Kingdom
Steph's tip: The geyser erupts every hour on the hour grab a spot on the lower level for the best view. The roaring fireplace in the lobby is perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Boat to Magic Kingdom, bus to all parks
Nature lovers and families who want a quieter, more relaxed vibe
Deluxe
Animal Kingdom Lodge
$$$$Wake up to giraffes outside your window — the most immersive resort on property.
- Savanna views with live animals
- Jiko and Boma signature dining
- Uzima Springs pool
Steph's tip: Request a savanna-view room — it's worth every extra dollar. Head to the lobby overlook at dusk when the animals are most active. Boma breakfast is one of the best on property.
Bus to all parks
Animal lovers, foodies, and families who want a truly unique resort experience
Deluxe
Beach Club Resort
$$$$New England seaside charm steps from EPCOT and the best pool on Disney property.
- Stormalong Bay — Disney's best pool
- Walk to EPCOT International Gateway
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
Steph's tip: Stormalong Bay is the crown jewel — a lazy river, sand-bottom pool, and waterslide all in one. The walkable EPCOT access makes Food & Wine Festival nights incredibly easy.
Walk or boat to EPCOT, bus to all parks
EPCOT fans and families who want the ultimate pool experience
Deluxe
BoardWalk Inn
$$$$1930s Atlantic City boardwalk vibes with walkable access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
- Lively boardwalk entertainment district
- Luna Park pool with clown waterslide
Steph's tip: The BoardWalk itself is a destination — grab a funnel cake and stroll at night. Having both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios within walking distance is a huge perk during busy seasons.
Walk or boat to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios, bus to all parks
Adults and couples who love nightlife, dining, and walkable park access
Deluxe
Contemporary Resort
$$$$$The iconic A-frame tower with the monorail running through it — a true Disney classic.
- Monorail runs through the building
- Walk to Magic Kingdom
- California Grill rooftop restaurant
Steph's tip: California Grill is the best place on property to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks — reserve a table for the show. The monorail running through the lobby never gets old.
Monorail and walk to Magic Kingdom, bus to all parks
Disney history buffs and families who want the closest possible access to Magic Kingdom
Deluxe
Yacht Club Resort
$$$$Nautical New England elegance next door to Beach Club — and sharing the legendary Stormalong Bay.
- Shared access to Stormalong Bay pool
- Walk to EPCOT International Gateway
- Yachtsman Steakhouse fine dining
Steph's tip: Yacht Club and Beach Club share Stormalong Bay — so you get the same incredible pool at either resort. Yacht Club tends to feel a bit quieter and more adult-oriented. The Yachtsman Steakhouse is a must for a special dinner.
Walk or boat to EPCOT, bus to all parks
Adults and couples who want a sophisticated atmosphere with the best pool on property
Deluxe
Riviera Resort
$$$$European Riviera glamour with Skyliner access and some of the best dining on property.
- Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
- Topolino's Terrace rooftop character breakfast
- Bar Riva rooftop pool bar
Steph's tip: Topolino's Terrace character breakfast is one of the most underrated character dining experiences on property — book it the moment your window opens. The rooftop views at sunset are absolutely stunning.
Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios, bus to all parks
Foodies and EPCOT lovers who want a gorgeous resort with Skyliner convenience
Deluxe
Fort Wilderness Resort
$$$Rustic campground magic with cabins, trails, and a campfire singalong with Chip and Dale.
- Chip and Dale campfire singalong nightly
- Boat to Magic Kingdom
- Tri-Circle-D Ranch horse experience
Steph's tip: The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is one of the most fun dining experiences at Disney World — book it as early as possible, it sells out months in advance. The evening campfire with Chip and Dale is pure magic for little ones.
Boat to Magic Kingdom, bus to all parks
Families who love the outdoors and want a completely different Disney resort experience
Deluxe
Saratoga Springs Resort
$$$Upstate New York horse country theming steps from Disney Springs — a hidden gem for value seekers.
- Walk to Disney Springs
- The Turf Club Bar & Grill
- High Rock Spring pool with waterslide
Steph's tip: Saratoga Springs is one of the most underrated resorts on property. The walk to Disney Springs is a huge perk, and the theming is genuinely beautiful. Studio rooms here can be a great value compared to other deluxe options.
Walk or boat to Disney Springs, bus to all parks
Families who want deluxe theming at a more moderate price, especially with Disney Springs access
Moderate
Port Orleans Riverside
$$$Southern charm along the Sassagoula River one of the most beautiful moderate resorts.
- Royal Guest Rooms with princess theming
- Ol' Man Island pool complex
- Boat to Disney Springs
Steph's tip: Request a Royal Guest Room for the kids the headboards light up at night! The boat to Disney Springs is a lovely way to spend an evening.
Bus to all parks, boat to Disney Springs
Families with princess fans and those who want a peaceful, scenic resort
Moderate
Coronado Springs Resort
$$$Spanish colonial theming with the best pool of any moderate resort.
- Gran Destino Tower rooms
- Dig Site pool with pyramid waterslide
- Three Bridges Bar & Grill
Steph's tip: The Gran Destino Tower rooms are worth the upgrade the views from the upper floors are stunning. Toledo restaurant has some of the best food on property.
Bus to all parks
Adults and couples who want a more sophisticated moderate experience
Moderate
Port Orleans French Quarter
$$$Compact and charming New Orleans theming — the coziest moderate on property.
- Doubloon Lagoon pool with sea serpent slide
- Boat to Disney Springs
- Sassagoula Floatworks food court
Steph's tip: French Quarter is smaller and more manageable than Riverside — great if you don't want to hike to your room. The beignets at the food court are a must every single morning.
Bus to all parks, boat to Disney Springs
Couples and smaller families who want a quieter, more intimate moderate experience
Moderate
Caribbean Beach Resort
$$$Colorful Caribbean village theming with Skyliner access — a moderate that punches above its weight.
- Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
- Centertown Market food court
- Fuentes del Morro pool
Steph's tip: The Skyliner access is the big selling point here — it makes EPCOT and Hollywood Studios incredibly convenient. The resort is large so request a room close to the main building.
Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios, bus to all parks
Families who want Skyliner access at a moderate price point
Value
Pop Century Resort
$$Retro pop culture fun with Skyliner access the best value resort on property.
- Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios
- Hippy Dippy Pool
- Everything POP food court
Steph's tip: This is my most-recommended value resort. The Skyliner access makes it feel like a moderate at a value price. Book early it sells out fast!
Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios, bus to all parks
Budget-conscious families who want Skyliner access and a fun, energetic vibe
Value
Art of Animation Resort
$$Larger-than-life Disney animation theming with family suites that sleep 6.
- Family suites sleep up to 6
- Skyliner access
- Big Blue Pool
Steph's tip: The family suites are a game changer for families with multiple kids. Having a kitchenette saves so much money on snacks and breakfast.
Skyliner to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios, bus to all parks
Larger families who need the extra space of a suite without paying deluxe prices
Value
All-Star Movies Resort
$Giant movie icons and classic Disney film theming at the most budget-friendly price point.
- Lowest price point on property
- Fantasia Gardens pool
- Cinema Hall food court
Steph's tip: If you're on a tight budget and just need a clean, safe place to sleep, All-Star Movies delivers. Spend the savings on extra park days or a special dining experience.
Bus to all parks
Budget-conscious families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks
Value
All-Star Music Resort
$Music-themed fun with family suites that sleep 6 at an unbeatable value price.
- Family suites sleep up to 6
- Guitar-shaped pool
- Intermission food court
Steph's tip: The family suites here are a hidden gem — you get the extra space of Art of Animation at a lower price. Perfect for families with multiple kids who need room to spread out.
Bus to all parks
Large families who need suite space without the Art of Animation price tag
Value
All-Star Sports Resort
$Sports-themed value resort — simple, affordable, and great for families on a budget.
- Lowest price point on property
- Surfboard Bay pool
- End Zone food court
Steph's tip: All-Star Sports is the most no-frills option on property — and that's perfectly fine if the parks are your priority. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and buses that run on time.
Bus to all parks
Sports fans and budget travelers who want to maximize park time over resort time
Not sure which resort is right for you?
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