Our Favorite Disney World Resort Hotels and Why We Love Them

Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort is undoubtedly one of my favorite parts of any Disney vacation. Lounging by the pool, taking a stroll around the hotel to admire décor, hitting the pool bar for drinks and enjoying the eateries at the resort I’m staying in are all resort must do’s for my vacation. You cannot go wrong staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. Resort guests are right in the middle of the action and immersed in a different world from the time vacation starts to when they drive off the property when vacation is over. Though we love them all, this article features seven of our top picks that range in price and location across the Walt Disney World property.

1. Art of Animation – Value Resort

This brightly colored and expertly themed resort is what kids probably imagine a Walt Disney World Resort to be.  Massive Disney characters from classic Disney films dot the property and everything from pools, to rooms to resort sections are themed with Disney animation. Watching kid’s faces as they walk under a massive Timon, Pumba and Simba in the Lion King resort section or when the hop into the Finding Nemo Pool is absolutely magical. This value resort has guest rooms that fit two person families on up to guest suites that can accommodate families of six. Prices range depending on season, but generally cost under two hundred dollars per night for a four-person room.

2. All Star Sports – Value Resort

All Star Sports is an awesome resort option for guests looking to spend time at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex during their visit.  My family books this resort for Disney race weekends when we have registration packet pickup to complete and want to tour the runner’s expo at Wide World of Sports. The resort is decorated with themed Disney sports décor and has two pools for guests to enjoy.  The low price is my all-time favorite detail of this resort; the price has consistently been the cheapest resort on the property for my family. Save money on a resort room at All Star Sports and spend the money you saved on Disney dining or other little extras around the property.

3. Port Orleans French Quarter – Moderate Resort

The charm of New Orleans is evident as soon as guests walk in the check in line at this moderate resort. From the architecture to decor, to the lobby music and pools, old southern charm is what this resort is all about.  The fun pool earns this resort a space on the top seven list.  With a waterslide, cascading waterfall and dozens of musical jazz band alligator statues posed around the pool area, you may just have a difficult time leaving the pool to go to the parks.  A water taxi that transports guests to Disney Springs services a nearby dock at the resort and makes hitting Disney Springs for a drink or dinner a snap.

4. Caribbean Beach Resort – Moderate Resort

The resort theming at Caribbean Beach is so beautiful and realistic. I enjoy spending time by the pools, and exploring the property during my stay at this report. Each section of this resort is named after islands in the Caribbean. Flavorful island food is served up in the Centertown building near the pool. Between the bar, Island Market, a food truck and the table service eatery Spyglass Grill, you are sure to find a delicious dinner option for your family. The pool looks like a scene straight of Pirates of the Caribbean. The remnants of an old fort is the backdrop for the pool that includes two waterslides and a nearby splash pad.

5. Contemporary Resort – Deluxe Resort

One of the original Disney resorts, The Contemporary is about as classic as they come.  This futuristic design was groundbreaking during the 1970s when it opened. The sleek design of the A-frame building was amazing to visitors.  Decades later, this deluxe resorts offers the perfect place for guests to relax poolside, enjoy unmatched dining and soak in all the Disney nostalgia. My family loves visiting this resort for dinner. Watching the monorail run through the resort and exploring the shops and quick service eateries nearby.

6. Animal Kingdom Lodge – Deluxe Resort

A resort with wild animals roaming the property, was not going to escape this resort list. Located near the Animal Kingdom, this deluxe resort is home to African animals like giraffes, warthogs, zebra and deer. Inside, incredible dining opportunities abound and the décor exudes African beauty with artifacts and photos displayed across the lobby. We recommend that guests at this resort take a day to enjoy the pool and spa on the property. Of course, log plenty of animal observation time in the comfortable rocking chairs at the back of the resort.

7. Polynesian Village Resort– Deluxe Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a chart topper for us. From the convenient monorail platform out front to the Hawaiian dining opportunities and the volcano-centered pool – we love this resort. The Great Ceremonial House is the lobby of the resort and is themed to the max with South Seas flavor. Speaking of flavor, do not miss dinner at Ohana, a bottomless Hawaiian meal on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial house. Grab a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lani or a Lapu Lapu cocktail served in a hulled out pineapple. Sit on the edge of Bay Lake to take in a phenomenal view of the castle and enjoy this resort to its fullest.

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels.  They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE!  It’s genius!