One of the toughest decisions you have to make when planning a Walt Disney World vacation is where to stay. I love to try different resorts and love to explore each one! Here are my Top 10 Resorts Not to Miss in Walt Disney World:
1- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort- here you will feel like you are a character in your favorite Disney and Disney Pixar movies. From Little Mermaid to Cars to Lion King and Finding Nemo, excitement and amazement are around every corner. The spacious Family Suites are great for larger families to spread out and I love swimming in The Big Blue Pool!
2- Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts- there are so many things I love about these two resorts. For families, I absolutely love Stormalong Bay, Cape May Cafe and Beaches & Cream. If you are headed to WDW on an adult-trip, you can not beat the quick, 5-minute walk into Epcot’s World Showcase or a stroll over to the other side of Crescent Lake for the fabulous nightlife at The Boardwalk.
3- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort- now that construction is just about complete, the Polynesian Village Resort provides everything you need for a great family vacation- spacious rooms, an amazingly themed pool- complete with volcano slide, delicious dining options and places for adults to relax and unwind. Not to mention, you can have a front and center seat for Wishes on the beach.
4- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa- this resort holds a very special place in my heart, as it was my “home” for many years growing up. This is where my family has stayed the most and nothing beats the floral smell that welcomes you into the breathtaking lobby. Don’t let Disney’s flagship resort intimidate you…there is fun for the whole family waiting here, including the Perfectly Princess Tea Party, Pirate Adventure Cruise, Alice in Wonderland themed splash area and zero-entry pool featuring a twisting waterslide. Fabulous dining options and close proximity to the Magic Kingdom make it one of my favorites.
5- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- is there any better way to start your day than to wake up, step out on your balcony, and be greeted by African safari animals? If you said “no”, then you definitely want to consider Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for your next trip. Unique dining options and experiences are all nestled into this picturesque resort.
6- Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside- this is one of my favorite resorts for aesthetics. The grounds are absolutely beautiful! As you walk through lush, manicured walks through the Magnolia Bend Mansions down to the Alligator Bayou, you will feel like you stepped back into the days of Mark Twain and steamboat travel. It is at this resort that you will find the impressively themed Royal Guest Rooms, complete with touches from Princess Tiana and all her friends. End your day with a private fireworks show on your headboard. It’s truly magical!
7- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort- although this resort is the largest on Disney property, its rooms are divided up into villages representing different areas of the Caribbean. You can’t help but put a smile on your face as you walk through this colorful resort, complete with secluded spots to sit, relax and take in the island way of life. Many of the rooms here are themed after “Finding Nemo”, but, there are also unique, Pirate-themed rooms here that feature a “Pirates of the Caribbean” feel.
8- Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter- the sister property to Port Orleans Riverside, you will feel like you stepped into New Orleans over at the French Quarter. The lively Big Easy awaits as you stroll down cobblestone walks and imagine the smell of magnolia blossoms in the air. This resort also screams romance…so if you and a loved one are planning a trip to Disney, this moderate resort is where you will want to be! Did I mention you can also find delicious beignets here?!?!
9- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort– this is another resort that I recall vividly staying at in my earlier years. The cabins here are super spacious and sleep up to 6 adults, which is also great for larger families. You also have use of a full kitchen in your cabin and access to two of my favorite dining spots- the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. The resort will make you one with the great outdoors, and if you are like me and don’t overly enjoy roughing it, consider this a great way to go glamping!!!!
10- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort- although this resort is current experiencing a transformation over at its sister Villas, we love Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for its majestic lobby and natural feel. Follow the bubbling hot spring that begins in the lobby outside as it is transformed into a gushing waterfall that flows into the swimming pool. And don’t miss Fire Rock Geyser, a 120-foot geyser that erupts each hour during the day. It’s truly impressive!
Whenever anyone asks me what resorts I’d recommend, these are always top of my list. Hopefully I have helped provided a little first hand experience into your early trip planning process. If you are ready to take the leap and book your next magical vacation, email me at tricia@worldofmagictravel.com. With over 30 years of traveling to Walt Disney World, I can help create the most magical vacation for you and your family!
What is your favorite resort? We’d love to hear!
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