Walt Disney World Resorts You Must Check Out If You Haven’t Already

It goes without saying that the four fantastic theme parks are the main reason people travel to Walt Disney World Resort. That said, there is quite a lot else to see on Disney property, and most of it goes completely unnoticed by the average vacationer. If you’ve visited Disney World a number of times, you might be looking to find new ways to experience this incredible resort. There are, of course, the two water parks, and Disney Springs is a fun way to spend an evening or two. Golf courses and mini golf are also fun ways to fill time. Another option? Visiting the many lovely resorts on property. Not sure which resorts are worth visiting? Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. Make time to see a couple on your next trip!

 

1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

First on our list is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. While the spa in this hotel may not be open at the moment, there is still plenty to see and do. Hop on the monorail and ride over, making sure to take in the sights as you ride along. Once you arrive, do a bit of shopping at the handful of lovely little shops located in the beautiful lobby area of the resort. Grab a meal at the amazing Narcoossee’s, or keep things casual at the Grand Floridian Cafe. Finish your time in this amazing resort with a stroll through the well manicured grounds.

2. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Another fabulous monorail stop, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is also well worth visiting. Ride the monorail over or take a stroll from Magic Kingdom park. Once there, enjoy breakfast with friends at Chef Mickey’s, go on a fun fishing excursion, or have a relaxing dinner with an amazing view of the Magic Kingdom at California Grill. If you time your California Grill dinner right, you might even be able to catch the Electrical Water Pageant while you eat. Otherwise, make sure to see it after you eat. 

3. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Prefer to hop off the path of the monorail? Why not take the Skyliner instead? Doing this will eventually land you at Disney’s newest hotel, the Riviera Resort. Be sure to stroll around this resort and take in the artwork both indoors and out. Take extra time to find the gorgeous mosaics in the breezeway outside. Grab a coffee or a sweet treat at the adorable coffee shop in the lobby area and sit outdoors while enjoying your pick-me-up. When meal time rolls around, head to Toppolino’s Terrace for an amazing character breakfast or dinner with an incredible view of the surrounding Disney property.

4. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Another fantastic option on the Skyliner route is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Technically, this is merely a Value Resort (versus the higher-end Moderate and Deluxe Resorts). However, we think this particular Value Resort has enough character to hold its own when it comes to resort stops. You’ll definitely want to stroll the grounds and check out all the fun and colorful character sculptures and scenes, making sure to snap plenty of photos along the way. The food at Landscape of Flavors is some of the best quick-service food around, so make sure to stop in. You might also want to walk across the bridge to see what Pop Century Resort has to offer while you’re in the area.

5. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is easily our top pick when it comes to resort day visits. This is the ultimate RV campground, offering all kinds of amenities and activities. We highly recommend the grab-and-go food from P&J’s, especially the fried chicken. After eating, check out the fun playgrounds, try your hand at archery, rent a bike, or hop on a horse for a guided trail ride. When the day is done, be sure to head down to the beach to see the Electrical Water Pageant pass by.

6. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The Yacht Club is a bright and airy place with a relaxing ocean theme that anyone would feel comfortable in. This is another Skyliner resort, meaning it’s super fun and easy to get there. We love the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop found next door at Beach Club Resort, and highly recommend it for both a meal and an amazing ice cream dessert. (We especially love the Kitchen Sink Sundae.) Prefer something a bit more sophisticated? Yachtsman Steakhouse is absolutely wonderful! After enjoying a bite to eat, make sure you take the time to stroll around the resort, taking in the classy decor, then continue your walk over to the nearby BoardWalk for a bit of fun there.

As you can see, there are a number of amazing resorts to visit and explore on Disney property. In fact, this list is just the tip of the iceberg, meaning there will be plenty more to check out even after you’ve made your way through our top 6 picks. Some people even make a point of setting aside an entire day (or two) of each trip just to explore new resorts! Which ones will you choose to see?