10. Disney's All-Star Movies
The rooms itself are small and will be accessed by a door that leads outside (rather than an interior hallway). The rooms have received an update, and in my humble opinion, looks much better. There is a king sized bed and a table/pull down queen much like there is in the Art of Animation. I thought they were much cleaner than my stay in 2017, and the staff was very friendly.
9. Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge
Perhaps the most picturesque Resort on the list. The lobby is looks like a pacific northwestern lodge and is truly magnificent. There are giant fireplaces and seating which makes it feel like home. The start of a little creek is formed from the lobby area and runs all the way down to Bay Lake. While the pool wasn't open during our visit, the rock work surrounding it makes it look like you are in a natural springs, oh and there is a slide.
I haven't had a good meal here, but I admittedly have only been to Roaring Fork. I haven't been to Whispering Canyon Cafe which is known to be a very fun restaurant. But the newest option, Geyser Point Bar and Grill looks to be a very good restaurant. Anyplace that serves sandwiches with waffle fries is a hit in my book, looking forward to trying it.
The rooms in the hotel itself are more spacious than standard studio rooms on property, and there is a cool bunk bed option. I actually stayed at the Boulder Ridge Villas here, and had a less than stellar visit, but a lot of the negatives were due to the fact that there was a tropical storm at the time. The biggest downside was how far away from the actual lobby and food options you are. We were on the 4th floor at the end of the building and it was about a 9 min walk to Roaring Fork. The lobby of Boulder Ridge is again stunning.
I haven't had a good meal here, but I admittedly have only been to Roaring Fork. I haven't been to Whispering Canyon Cafe which is known to be a very fun restaurant. But the newest option, Geyser Point Bar and Grill looks to be a very good restaurant. Anyplace that serves sandwiches with waffle fries is a hit in my book, looking forward to trying it.
The rooms in the hotel itself are more spacious than standard studio rooms on property, and there is a cool bunk bed option. I actually stayed at the Boulder Ridge Villas here, and had a less than stellar visit, but a lot of the negatives were due to the fact that there was a tropical storm at the time. The biggest downside was how far away from the actual lobby and food options you are. We were on the 4th floor at the end of the building and it was about a 9 min walk to Roaring Fork. The lobby of Boulder Ridge is again stunning.
8. Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Saratoga Springs is a very nice resort. It's theme is upstate New York on a race track, so every so often you'll hear the "first call" (the bugle that plays before horse races).
The food here is very hit or miss. I've had good food from the quick service location Artist's Pallet, but pretty mediocre food at The Turf Club Bar and Grill. It is unfortunate that the main refillable mug location is at Artist's Pallet as most of the rooms are a pretty far walk.
This is a Disney Vacation Club resort, which means the rooms are bigger than normal. The deluxe studio doesn't have a kitchen, but is pretty spacious, and the 3 bedroom grand villas are actually two stories which is awesome.
Also it's huge resort with 5 bus stops, which doesn't bother me, but may take a tad bit longer getting to the parks. It takes only about 7 mins to get to Epcot. Saratoga Springs also has a water shuttle service to Disney Springs.
7. Disney's Art of Animation Resort
This resort is awesome. By far the best Value Resort on Disney property, but also the most expensive in that category. It's lobby's layout is similar to the All Stars and identical to Pop Century's but has an incredible mural of rough animations cells all the way down to finished film cells from The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Finding Nemo. On the opposite wall you have many different shades of colors representing a pallet. This lobby is not to be missed, and just like they did at Hollywood Studios, animation classes are held everyday for both kids and adults!
The main pool, the Big Blue Pool is the largest pool on Disney property and also probably the busiest. I had a very hard time finding a spot to put my stuff while I swam. But the pool is so much fun! There is an adorable splash pad for toddlers that makes it look like Marlin and Nemo's sea anemone.
And the building's are themed to whatever section your building was in. I was most impressed with the Cars section. The theming was excellent and matched the quality of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Most of the Resort are family suites, excluding The Little Mermaid section which is normal Value Resort room.
Honestly, if it were easier to get to the bus from your room, this Resort ranking would be a lot higher. It will be interesting to see how much the Skyliner impacts the transportation situation.
6. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Gran Destino Tower
(Photo credit: Disney Park Blog)
The only Moderate Resort that I've stayed at was at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and I was really impressed with it. The former lobby space was beautiful and huge, but I believe that the new check in for everyone is at the Gran Destino Tower (not 100% sure though). This resort has one of the best retail spaces that I've seen (Panchito's) paired with the worst food at any Disney resort I've stayed at (Pepper Market, Maya Grill, Rixs). Both Rix and the Pepper Market actually have nice themed seating areas but the food is not well prepared nor is it held to a high standards. My chorizo was cold and the replacement wasn't any better.
However, it has gotten a new life in terms of food with the brand new Gran Destino Tower and the beautiful Toledo.
The rooms at the Gran Destino Tower are pretty spacey and has everything centrally located either in the Tower or connected to the convention center.
I stayed in the Casitas portion of the resort which is closest to the old lobby area/restaurants. The room was rather large, was comparable to a DVC studio at the Boardwalk Inn. I really like the sliding door to the bathroom area. Overall though I really loved the room I was staying and loved how close the Casitas was to the bus stop.
Like other big resorts, there are bus stops around the resort and it is a bit of a walk to the lobby area, but not as far of a walk as some rooms at Old Key West or Saratoga Springs.
5. Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas
Some of the best places to stay are in the Epcot Resort Area. One of those places is the Boardwalk Inn and Villas. Not only does the Boardwalk have incredible restaurants and nightlife, it is also the closest resort to Disney's Hollywood Studios and second closest to Epcot. This also has a Friendship Boat stop which services: Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Swan and Dolphin, the Boardwalk, the Yacht and Beach Club, and Epcot.
You have many food and drink options at the Boardwalk, but some of the best are: the Flying Fish Cafe, Boardwalk Bakery and Abracadabar.
The rooms are very nice and are rather spacious.Some of the rooms have a great view like this:
But you'll more than likely end up with views like this:
(Photo credit: Touring Plans)
They have a very nice pool area, but its the slide that makes this pool standout. When you ride the slide you come out of a clowns mouth and into the pool. It's actually a really cool slide, but at night the eyes of the clown glow and is one of the most unnerving sights at Walt Disney World. We had a room overlooking the clown and I kept the shades constantly closed.
Below: The terrifying clown slide.
If you stay in the Villas, they have a full kitchen like the rest, but have been renovated and look very nice. Love the update to the bathroom, including the shower. One of the biggest draws when staying at the Villas, you have an exit near the walkway to Disney's Hollywood Studios which is by far the fastest way to get there (way faster than the boat).
4. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
(Photo credit: Disney Park Blog)
While I have never stayed at the Contemporary itself (my dream resort stay!), I was lucky enough to stay in one of the 3 bedroom grand villas (theme park view) at Bay Lake Tower and it was one of the most magical places to stay in all of Walt Disney World. The 3 bedroom grand villas here are all located at the top of the building both back and front. If you look at the building they are the penthouse looking two floor rooms at the top.
Just thinking back to it, I get teary eyed having been able to sit on the balcony eating cereal and looking over Tomorrowland. It is truly special.
The 3 bedroom itself is two stories and has two entry points, one on the master bedroom floor and the two bedrooms up top has a dedicated entry.
Only downside (which isn't that much of a downside because the Contemporary is awesome) but you need to head by elevator to the 4th floor to the walkway to the contemporary for anything. There is no food, no merchandise location, no refillable mug locations (priorities) at Bay Lake Tower. BLT does have the Top of the World lounge which has good appetizers and drinks in the evening but no regular food service.
(Top of the World Lounge; Photo credit: Disney Park Blog)
PRO TIP (For Disney Vacation Club Members): If you get to Walt Disney World on your travel day and want to watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom but don't want to use a park admission, go to the Top of the World Lounge and watch them there. They pump in the synchronized soundtrack and you get an amazing view of the fireworks. If you are staying at the resort you can use your magic band to get you to the top floor. If you are not staying at Bay Lake Tower and want to get to the Top of the World Lounge you will need to check in at the podium on the north side elevators. They will need to see a valid photo I.D. as well as your Disney Vacation Club card. The best way to get there would be to take the bus to the Magic Kingdom and take the walkway to the Contemporary.
3. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
(Photo credit: Disney Park Blog)
The spirit of aloha is truly alive with this resort. If you have ever gotten the chance to visit Hawaii, you'll feel as though you've never left at the resort. As soon as you walk in you are greeted with a lei and treated to a updated lobby. Gone is the huge fountain and in its place, just seating, but there is a statue of Maui, the original Maui used in the 1970's. This is one of the 2 original hotels (not including the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground) and holds a very special place in many WDW fans hearts.
The Polynesian has the best resort restaurants, food court and bars on property with Ohana, Capt. Cooks, and Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. Ohana has the best character breakfast meal which includes Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch, as well as the best resort dinner which is an all you care to enjoy Hawaiian churrascaria (think fogo) with amazing P.O.G. (Passion Fruit/Orange/Guava) juice, which is the nectar of the gods, so good!
My beloved Tonga Toast (at Captain Cooks)
Captain Cooks has great fare during the day and a great option for a quick bite, but the star hear is the Tonga Toast. Yes friends, I've gone on about the tonga toast before so all I will say is that it's not to be missed. And the pretty well hidden Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is hands down the best lounge and bar at Walt Disney World.
The drinks are amazing and there are small plates offered, but the thing that makes this location one of a kind is the theming and atmosphere. Trader Sam is of course the head-salesman at the end of the Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom, and skipper-like servers and bartenders will serve you and make lighthearted conversation, while the bar comes alive around you. I could make a post just on this alone, but make sure you make time for Trader Sam's as it can fill up fast!
(Photo credit: someone on flickr; let me know and I'll credit you!)
Seriously, LIT is the only word to describe my time at Trader Sam's
The rooms are not adjacent to the lobby and are linked by uncovered pathways to your perspective building or "longhouse". Some of these are quite a bit of a walk to the lobby, which can be a real drag if you are heading out in the rain.
The rooms are standard and there are DVC options at the resort, but not many. The deluxe studio is one of the biggest on property (second to be exact) and has one full bathroom and a half bath, as well as a queen bed, pull-out queen sofa, and the really adorable child size sleeper for one.
Hallowishes 2018 from the Polynesia beach/bungalows
PRO TIP: If you get to Walt Disney World on your travel day and want to watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom but don't want to use a park admission, go to the Polynesian Beach and watch them there. They pump in the synchronized soundtrack and you get an amazing view of the fireworks. I actually enjoy this spot more than watching them at both Bay Lake Tower or the Contemporary as it's much more relaxed. YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY ANYTHING, OR MAKE A RESERVATION IT'S ABSOLUTELY FREE. Might need an Uber or Lyft from your resort though.
2. Disney's Beach Club Resort and Villas
Now we get to my sentimental top two resorts, starting with the Beach Club. Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort are two different resorts, but they are connected. They share the same main pool, Stormalong Bay, but have different restaurants and shopping. The Beach Club is Blue in color and is the closest resort to Epcot; In fact I timed one of my walks and it took me five minutes to make it to the back entrance of Epcot. The Beach Club is also home to the Beach Club Villas.
The rooms and the whole resort is, well, beach themed. It conveys a seaside retreat in the summer, and takes itself a little more laid back. The Villas are not that far away from the lobby and offer it's own quite pool. The shop at the Beach Club is paired with the market place which serves quick service food, which has very similar options and feel to Artist's Pallet at Saratoga Springs. There is also Cape May Cafe which offers a character breakfast in the morning with some seafood options and an all you can eat seafood buffet in the evening.
Unfortunately at the time of writing, Beaches and Cream is closed for a major refurbishment until November, but it is a not to be missed soda fountain/diner. I will regularly go out of my way to get a some ice cream sundaes and their hot food is just as good. While it may seem simple, the grilled cheese and tomato soup is so tasty, and to pear it with a oreo shake, what could be better? This is the home of the famous "Kitchen Sink" which includes: scoops of all flavors of ice cream, all the toppings in house, an ENTIRE CAN OF WHIPPED CREAM (this is emphatically shouted) and some cherries on top!
Stormalong Bay is the best pool on Disney property, and at this point I'm comfortable in saying that this is a fact. The main pools are interconnected, there is a mini-lazy river and three hot tubs. For the Kiddos there is a zero depth entry that is also sand bottom and really fun for smaller ones. I remember spending a good amount of time here as a child. The slide is the largest pool slide on property and accessed across the pathway in the wrecked pirate ship on Crescent Lake. Climb the spiral staircase up about two and a half stories and there you will find the entrance to the slide. The big slide will empty out into the main pools back across the pathways.The kiddie slides are located on the ship as well.
All of this, plus the Friendship Boats!
1. Disney's Old Key West Resort
If you've ever visited WDW with me, or talked about Disney with me, You'll know how much I love this resort, and how many memories I have here.
Old Key West, like Saratoga Springs, is a Disney Vacation Club resort, in fact it was the first one. It has some of the largest rooms on property, with the largest being the massive two story 2,022 sq. ft. three bedroom grand villa. The lobby is known as the Hospitality House, and serves as the main resort area at Old Key West. It also includes a water shuttle to Disney Springs and 5 bus stops.
The bus service is very spotty at Old Key West. I've had continuous buses regularly and I've had to wait 35 minutes for a bus. Since the resort is so large there is a great chance that your bus might be pulling up as you are in sight, but you might have to run. This is not ideal, especially if you've got a family in tow, but there is bus wait times/estimated arrivals so you can check it from your room which makes this a whole lot more manageable. This is the shortest bus ride to Epcot though. I timed it from leaving the Hospitality House to Epcot and it was a 5 minute bus ride!
The rooms are overlooking the Lake Buena Vista golf course. In fact if you have a tee time set, Disney will actually give you a lift over to the clubhouse (by Saratoga Springs) for free. The golf course makes for some spectacular sunrise and sunsets at Old Key West and, for the most part every room has a great view of the golf course.
The guest room buildings are all pastel and stairs to the guest rooms. Again, all the rooms have a unique layout, but the most unique being the three bedroom grand villa. This villa has one king bed, five queen beds (one is a pull out) and three bathrooms. All Villas include a washer/dryer and full kitchens.
Since the resort is so large, it has four pools scattered around, with the main pool being by the lobby. Old Key West is recognizable by the lighthouse next to the pool area that serves as the only sauna on property open to resort guests. This pool is not huge by most standards, but very nice and usually quite unless the pool games are going on. There is a pool slide here and it is shaped in the form of a sandcastle. There are so many activities here like shuffle board, foosball, a four person surrey bike.
There are two lesser known about events here that happen weekly.
A resort tour "Legends of Conch Flats". "This complimentary, 45-60-minute walking tour for Members and guests of all ages explores resort’s Hospitality House, revealing how Walt Disney Imagineers blended historical fact and charming fiction to create this tropical oasis. The tour departs Papa’s Den (adjacent to the lobby) on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. No advance registration necessary. Participants receive an exclusive pin (pictured above) celebrating Conch Flats, the imagined setting of the resort that put Disney Vacation Club on the map."
Olivia's Cafe is the most underrated table service restaurant in Walt Disney World. Even when staying at other resorts, I try to make the time to eat at Olivia's. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner all do not disappoint. The brunch served on Saturday and Sunday is awesome. My favorites are the Banana Bread French Toast with banana-rum syrup and coconut whipped cream and the Southernmost Buttermilk Fried Chicken with mash potatoes and gravy!
In my opinion, the best resort on property, and a great resort for some extra space!
Hopefully this gives you some better insight in choosing or visiting one of these resorts!
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