Top Disney World Resort Hotels To Book For Disney's 50th Anniversary

2. Disney’s Art of Animation

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the newest and arguably most premium addition to the lineup of Walt Disney World Value Resorts. In fact, it’s really in it’s own category type—known as a “Value Plus” Resort. That’s because, in addition to the innovative techniques at work at this resort, which include energy efficient practices and green conservation utilization (and even the use of real silverware at its food court) the majority of the rooms here are actually family suites.

With the exception of All-Star Music, Value Resorts are not typically known for offering family suite accommodations. But if you’re coming out here for all the 50th Anniversary happenings and are looking for spacious rooms (even the standard rooms are slightly larger than usual Value Resort standards) then this convenient Epcot Area resort may just be the one for you. Themed after such classics as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo, guests will enjoy the larger-than-life icons adorning the resort and the continued décor motifs within the various buildings and rooms within those buildings.

The Landscape of Flavors food court is one of the best of the best, even rivaling those of Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. And let’s not forget about the Nemo-themed Big Blue Pool, which is currently the largest resort pool in all of Walt Disney World. While we can go on and on with the amenities, recreations, and other noteworthy attributes packed into this place, perhaps one of the newer additions to this resort’s uniqueness gives it primary standing as a convenient option for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

For this resort also happens to be on the new Disney Skyliner gondola line—making for fast and easy navigation to nearby Epcot and Hollywood Studios. And again, continued complimentary shuttle services are available throughout the day to take you to all your other desired Disney destinations.

1. Disney’s Riviera Resort

The grand opening for this newest edition to the Disney Vacation Club line of properties is less than a month away! Nevertheless it’s already garnering plenty of reservations. Located within the Epcot Resort Area, Disney’s new Riviera Resort is undoubtedly the next big thing among Walt Disney World Resorts. The hotel and surrounding property grounds follow a themed motif modeled after Walt Disney’s own nostalgic family vacations and travels around the European Riviera, which in part fueled many enchanted fairytale inspirations Walt Disney himself drew on when creating some of his most memorable and timeless masterpieces.

For resort guests, this adds a sense of classic Disney paired perfectly with an exotic escape to Europe. Various onsite recreations and amenities help to bring this all-around fairytale dream to life as well as enhanced dining opportunities including the highly anticipated opening of a new signature rooftop dining venue—Topolino’s (which is the name Mickey Mouse goes by in Italian).

There are plenty of other attributes guests are already eager to experience in the way of dining and otherwise, including a brand new intimate room designation—Tower Studios, designed for two adults. Other room designations follow the normal Deluxe Resort trend, with options for standard or villa accommodations being some of the options. And if trying a new resort wasn’t enough of a fascinating draw, something else that’s grabbing the attention of perspective guests is the resort’s close proximity to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. And yes, Disney’s Riviera will too be on the new Disney Skyliner gondola line, adding the perfect touch of convenient commuting to your enchanted European escape. 

In addition to Disney’s new Riviera Resort, there are various other resorts currently in construction, including the highly anticipated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser two-night land cruise experience (to be located in the Epcot Resort Area) and the still elusive Reflections Resort (to open within the Magic Kingdom Resort Area). But at this time we do not have confirmed or slated dates on whether these new accommodations will be available at the time of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

Also note that while the resorts we highlighted here are in fact more accessible to the various Parks, keep in mind that any stay on Disney property merits elevated services, including complimentary buses to parks (which are also upgrading experiences for guests as it is). There’s also the benefit of arranging personalized Minnie Van transportation services via Lyft with special drop off locations that are exclusively within Disney property range. Just remember, wherever you decide to stay on Disney property, you can count on magical memories to last a lifetime.