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We’ve Stayed at Every Disney World Hotel. These Are the BEST.

By Sara McOmber 4 Comments

You’ve got the theme park tickets. You’ve got the park pass reservations. You’ve even got your flight details all figured out. But what you NEED to secure now is a Disney World hotel room. Out of all the different options you have to choose from, which resort is actually the BEST of the BEST?

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

We’ve stayed at every single hotel in Disney World , and we’ve figured out which one is right for YOU!

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The best Disney World hotel for you will depend on your priorities for your vacation — are you trying to stick to a budget? Looking to splurge for a special occasion? Traveling with a big group? Pretty much only here for the food? No matter what you’re after, we know the right hotel for you.

Best “Bang-For-Your Buck” Hotel: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, check out Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside Resort or Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter .

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

These twin resorts are pretty affordable (rooms start around $280 per night) since they’re moderate resorts, but they have some great benefits.

Port Orleans — Riverside

One of our favorite things about these hotels is that you have boat access to Disney Springs ! After a day in the parks, you can hop on a boat to visit the shopping and dining district, grab a bite to eat, and pick up a souvenir. And at the end of the evening, you don’t have to wait for a bus to take you home!

Port Orleans — Riverside Room

The food options at Port Orleans are pretty good, with the Riverside Mill Food Court , Scat Cat’s Club — Café and Lounge , and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory . The food courts feature dishes inspired by New Orleans cuisine, and Scat Cat’s is where you’ll delicious beignets!

We love the atmosphere of both hotels as well.

Click here for a room tour of Port Orleans — Riverside.

Best hotel for a family on a budget: disney’s pop century resort.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is our favorite value resort for budget-friendly vacations because it’s one of the cheapest options in Disney World and it still has some great perks.

Pop Century Resort

Rooms start at just $174 per night ! The hotel has fun decorations, with each area themed to a different decade. You can walk across Hourglass Lake to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which gives you access to even more amenities .

Pop Century

Pop Century is also on the Skyliner route, so you’re able to get to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios faster ( plus the Skyliner is practically a ride in itself ).

Click here to learn more about the Disney Skyliner.

Best hotel for “bougie on a budget”: gran destino tower at disney’s coronado springs resort.

If you’re gonna be spending the money on a Disney World resort, you might as well be getting the best bang for your buck, right? So let’s talk about a Disney hotel with DELUXE offerings at a moderate price . Rooms here start at around $250.

Coronado Springs Resort Gran Destino Tower

The Gran Destino Tower opened at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in 2019 but it has a very different vibe than the rest of the hotel. It feels more luxurious and fancy than the rest of Coronado, with great views from the guest rooms (including some with water or fireworks views!), incredible dining options, and the option to book a club-level room.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Toledo: Tapas, Steak, and Seafood is located at the top floor of this tower, with very tasty Spanish food like the The Toledo Tapas [Candy] Bar Dessert, the Filet of Beef (with a date jam and sherry vinaigrette), and the artisanal Charcuterie and Cheeses board (meant to share between two people).

If you stay at the tower, you’re still within walking distance of the main Coronado Springs resort, giving you access to even MORE dining , like El Mercado de Coronado Quick Service , Rix Sports Bar and Grill (with TONS of TVs for sports-ball watchin’), and, my personal favorite, Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa de Lago .

Sangria Flight at Three Bridges

If it’s storming out, use Gran Destino’s hidden passageway that connects the tower to Coronado’s El Centro lobby (via a short, covered walkway).

Although it  feels  deluxe, remember that the Gran Destino Tower is still considered a moderate resort, so you won’t really get access to the extra deluxe-level perks like Extended Evening Hours .

Click here for five HIDDEN tips about the Gran Destino Tower.

Best hotel worth splurging on a room upgrade: disney’s animal kingdom lodge.

We’re BIG fans of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . This deluxe hotel has beautiful theming, incredible dining options, and the BEST views of any other resort on property . That’s because the resort surrounds a Savanna area, where giraffes, zebras, and other animals hang out all day! In fact, there are over 200 African wildlife species here.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Paying the extra cost for a Savanna View room is totally worth it at this resort. The Savanna View rooms will give you the ability to look out your balcony each day to watch the animals grazing about . Go on a mini safari from the comfort of your room!

Savanna View at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are lots of great activities to do at this resort, too. You can grab a Wildlife Field Guide from the front desk and head outside to one of the many Savanna viewing areas, book a Starlight Safari tour for after the sun sets, take part in face painting and musical demonstrations, and more. Just ask the front desk for a copy of the resort’s schedule.

Some of our favorite restaurants are located at Animal Kingdom Lodge, like Sanaa , Jiko — The Cooking Place , and Boma .

Dining at Jiko — The Cooking Place

The rooms here are definitely on the pricey side, though, starting at $469 per night . Note that you’ll also sacrifice in the transportation department if you choose to stay here — because it’s located close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it’s pretty far away from the other three parks. The only transportation option is buses (no Monorail or Skyliner).

Click here for the complete guide to eating at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Best hotel for pool fans: disney’s yacht and beach club resorts.

The BEST pool in Disney World is definitely Stormalong Bay , which is really more of a water park than a pool. It’s so good that it can’t even be contained in one resort — guests at both Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts can use it.

Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay has three acres of activities for families to enjoy , including one of the highest hotel pool slides in Disney World, a sand-bottomed pool, a lazy river, and three whirlpool spas. If your priority is pool time, there’s no better place to be.

Both the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are in the deluxe category, so rooms are pretty expensive, starting at $543 a night . Make sure you keep in mind the long closure planned for Stormalong Bay from January 2025 to May 2025. Although other pools at the resorts will still be open, you really don’t want to plan your visit for that time and miss out on the awesome water park/pool experience.

Click here to learn more about the Stormalong Bay CLOSURE.

Best hotel for easy access to magic kingdom: disney’s contemporary resort.

Although any of the Magic Kingdom-area resorts give you pretty good access to the most popular Disney World theme park, there’s one that stands out above the rest: Disney’s Contemporary Resort is about a 10-minute walk away from Magic Kingdom’s front entrance (if that)!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Guests walking from the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom even have their own security station, so they don’t have to go through the main security at the front gate.

Don’t want to walk? You can hop on the Monorail (which has a station INSIDE the Contemporary) and ride it straight to the park without any stops in between.

Monorail at the Contemporary Resort

The location of this hotel makes early mornings, afternoon naps, and late nights much easier to manage. While everyone else waits in long lines for buses back to their hotels after the Happily Ever After fireworks show, you can stroll straight to your hotel room.

A location like that isn’t cheap — rooms at the Contemporary start at around $550 per night.

The other Magic Kingdom Monorail Resorts also have walking paths to the park, but none are as close as the Contemporary.

Click here to tour the new  Incredibles -themed rooms at this hotel.

Best hotel for easy access to disney’s hollywood studios and epcot: skyliner hotels and epcot-area hotels.

But what if your favorite Disney World park ISN’T Magic Kingdom? If you’re a big fan of Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, make sure you stay in one of the Skyliner hotels . (For those Animal Kingdom fans out there, the best option will of course be Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge !)

Disney Skyliner EPCOT Station

The Skyliner has stations at Disney’s Riviera Resort , Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort , and Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts . (There’s one station located between Pop Century and Art of Animation, within easy walking distance of both.) That means you have your choice of value resorts (Pop Century and Art of Animation), a moderate resort (Caribbean Beach), or a deluxe resort (Riviera).

Skyliner Station

From any of these hotels, you can hop on a Skyliner gondola and ride it to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT . The main hub station is at Caribbean Beach, so if you’re not staying at that hotel then you’ll need to ride the Skyliner there and switch gondolas to get to your destination.

Caribbean Beach Skyliner Station

We’ve found that the Skyliner is generally quicker and has a shorter wait time than the Disney buses, plus it’s unique and fun to ride. Keep in mind that it will close if there’s bad weather in the area (you do NOT want to be up in the air in one of those gondolas during a storm), and in that case, Disney will offer buses instead.

Skyliner over Caribbean Beach

The EPCOT-area resorts — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club — provide an added level of convenience with their location (since they’re only STEPS away from EPCOT’s International Gateway , which is the back entrance to the park). You can also walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from these hotels, but you’ll want to factor in an extra 20-ish minutes of travel time, which could end up feeling even LONGER at the end of the day when your feet are aching and all you want to do is teleport home.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

The Swan and Dolphin AND Swan Reserve Hotels also have the convenience of being within walking distance to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (as well as a water taxi service that comes by to pick up guests every 20 to 25 minutes) — but their big downfall lies in their transportation to the other two parks.

Looking great!

Swan and Dolphin, and the Swan Reserve, use buses to take you to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, and their buses can be slower than Disney’s bus system (not to mention that if you take a bus over to Magic Kingdom from the Swan and Dolphin or Swan Reserve, you’ll be dropped off at the Ticket and Transportation Center instead of the front gate of the park, meaning you’re still going to have to take a ferry boat or Monorail the remainder of the way to Magic Kingdom).

Wait. Is It OK That We’re Doing This on the Disney Skyliner?

Best hotel for kids: disney’s art of animation resort.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has hands-down the best Disney theming of all the hotels. Some other hotels have great  subtle Disney decor, but Art of Animation has huge, larger-than-life statues of Disney characters, a giant mural of sketches done by Disney animators in the lobby, and bright, colorful decor in all the rooms.

Art of Animation

There’s a big  Finding Nemo -themed pool in the center of the resort as well!

Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation

There are four sections of the resort, themed to different Disney movies:  Cars ,  The Lion King ,  The Little Mermaid , and Finding Nemo .

Lion King area

This is the most expensive value resort, but standard rooms still start at around $200 per night . Family suites at the  Cars and Finding Nemo sections are more expensive but much roomier (plus they have little kitchenettes).

All that space under the bed!

Art of Animation is even dog-friendly , so your WHOLE family can join in on the fun!

Click here to tour a  Lion King -themed family suite at Art of Animation!

Best hotel for non-theme park activities: disney’s fort wilderness resort & campgrounds.

If you’re looking for a hotel with TONS of fun activities , Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds is it. There’s so much to do here that doesn’t require a park ticket, like horseback riding, archery, trail walking, bike rentals, golf cart rentals, fishing, campfires, and more.

Fort Wilderness

Here’s a list of the outdoor activities:

• Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
• The Archery Experience
• Pony and Wagon Rides (Tri-Circle-D Ranch)
• Canoe and Kayak Rentals
• Basketball and volleyball courts
• Segway tours
• Bike and Golf Cart Rentals
• Jogging Trails
• Playgrounds
• Movies Under the Stars

This spot also has some solid dining options , including the recently revamped Trail’s End Restaurant , Crockett’s Tavern , and the popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner show.

Cabin rentals start at about $450 per night .

The cabins at Fort Wilderness are getting major MAKEOVERS!

Best hotel worth the splurge: disney’s grand floridian resort & spa.

If you’re looking to splurge — and we mean really SPLURGE, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa can’t be beat when it comes to luxury.

Disney’s Grand Floridian

This hotel is within walking distance to Magic Kingdom , and it has Monorail and boat access to that park as well.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

There are some truly fantastic restaurants here, such as Narcoossee’s , Citricos , and the extraordinarily fancy (and expensive) Victoria & Albert’s . (If you want the truth, though, our favorite thing to eat might be at the quick service Gasparilla Island Grill — their mac and cheese is to DIE for.)

You wouldn’t want to be late for your fancy meal at Victoria & Albert’s

The rooms feel luxurious and boast great views, especially if you get a beach-view room. The lobby is stunning, and in the wintertime, it’s home to a life-sized gingerbread house !

Gingerbread house 2022

Rooms start at $794 per night , so it’s not budget-friendly at all. But even if you don’t stay here, we highly recommend visiting just to dine at one of the restaurants or visit the beautiful lobby.

Click here to tour the new resort studios at Grand Floridian!

Best hotel for foodies: disney’s polynesian village resort.

We all know that the best thing about Disney World is the food, right? So why mess around with all these other hotels when there’s one resort that’s CLEARLY the best when it comes to food?

Polynesian Village

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is GREAT for food fans because of the variety of spots where you can get a treat or full meal as well as their unique island-themed eats. You’ll find Kona Cafe , ‘Ohana , Pineapple Lanai , Tambu Lounge , and (of course) Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto .

Tonga Toast

‘Ohana is a must-try at least once , and make sure you taste the famous ‘Ohana noodles and bread pudding while you’re there. Here’s a hot tip: You can get both of those dishes at Tambu Lounge if you’re not able to secure a reservation for ‘Ohana!

‘Ohana

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a super fun bar that serves light bites and themed drinks in a lively, exciting atmosphere.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Rooms at this hotel start at $662 per night .

Other hotels with excellent dining options include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (with Jiko — The Cooking Place, Sanaa, Boma, and The Mara), Disney’s Contemporary Resort (with Contemporary Grill and Steakhouse 71), and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, French Quarter and Riverside.

The Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Best hotel for character dining: disney’s riviera resort.

The Polynesian Village Resort is the best for dining in general, but if you want the best CHARACTER dining, we’d stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort !

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera is an upscale Italian restaurant by night, but by day it’s a character breakfast meal!

Topolino’s Terrace

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy are dressed as artists of the Riviera: Mickey is a painter, Minnie is a poet, Daisy is a dancer, and Donald is a sculptor.

Our favorite breakfast eats are the Quiche Gruyère and Smoked Salmon , but the pastries that come in a little paint can are usually a big hit with the kids.

This is the cheapest deluxe resort, with rooms starting at around $440 a night , but the rooms in the tower are very small, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with a larger group!

Go inside a tiny and expensive Riviera Resort tower room!

Best hotel for easy walking access to the parks: disney’s boardwalk inn.

There are Monorail resorts and Skyliner resorts, but how about those WALKING resorts? The king of all walking resorts has to be Disney’s BoardWalk Inn . From this hotel, you can be in EPCOT in about five minutes (via the park’s International Gateway), or take the longer 15- to 20-minute stroll over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios .

The BoardWalk

Not only is it super close to two parks, but the BoardWalk is undergoing some MAJOR renovations to the rooms and lobby area, bringing a more light and airy feel. There are lots of new and upcoming restaurants too, like Carousel Coffee , the BoardWalk Deli , The Cake Bake Shop , and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs .

The BoardWalk is home to some super fun nightlife, too, at the AbracadaBar and JellyRolls Dueling Piano Bar .

AbracadaBar

Rooms at this hotel start at around $600.

Look inside the NEW rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Best hotel for gorgeous views (inside and out): disney’s wilderness lodge.

The lobby at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge never ceases to take our breath away. There’s SO much to explore in this hotel!

Wilderness Lodge

There are fun details all around — check out the fireplace, upper walkways, totem poles, and even the REAL stream running through the lobby! (As an added bonus, you can sometimes find Disney characters greeting guests in the lobby!)

When you step outside, the fantastic views continue with gorgeous outdoor areas, including a working geyser .

Geyser at Wilderness Lodge

Rooms here start at around $450 a night , and don’t forget that it has boat access to Magic Kingdom.

Click here to tour a room at Wilderness Lodge!

Best hotel for golfers: disney’s saratoga springs resort & spa.

This is a very specific category, but we know there are some golfers out there who want a relaxing time on the course while everyone else rushes to the parks!

Disney Golf

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is located at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa , making this resort a great one if you’re looking to spend some of your mornings or afternoons out on the course and want easy access.

Click here to tour a room at Saratoga Springs!

Hotels to avoid.

We’ve talked about the BEST hotels…but what about the ones you should AVOID?

Avoid If You Want Easy Access to the Lobby and Other Hotel Amenities: Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is an incredibly large hotel that is very spread out, so much so that you’ll likely need to use a car or theme park buses just to get from your room to the main lobby or to other neighborhoods within the resort.

Old Key West

The sprawling nature of the resort makes it very quiet and quite beautiful across the grounds, so if you don’t mind waiting for a bus (or taking a long walk!) this could be perfect for you.

Old Key West Resort — Deluxe Studio Room.

However, it can be a pain if you want to get somewhere quickly or need to be at a restaurant at a certain time for reservations.

Click here to learn more about Old Key West.

Avoid if you want a strong “disney” feel to your hotel: disney’s coronado springs resort.

While Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is beautiful in its own way, the theming is less in-your-face “Disney!”. So, if you’re looking for Disney characters to be everywhere and have that strong sense of whimsy, this isn’t the spot.

Coronado Springs

The resort is popular for conventions and other more “adult” events, making it a good pick for guests seeking a more “adult” vibe.

Click here for the complete guide to eating a Disney’s Coronado Springs.

Avoid if you want peace and quiet: disney’s all-star resorts.

All three of the All-Star Resorts — Movies, Music, and Sports — tend to get incredibly busy with lots of families due largely to their relatively low prices (these are definitely the cheapest hotels in Disney World, with rooms starting at $128 per night ).

All-Star Resorts

These hotels are also top picks for school cheer and sports competitions when they take place, making it extra noisy at times.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

While the theming is fun and many rooms have been nicely remodeled, if you’re looking for a relaxing resort stay, the noise may be worth avoiding here.

Click here to learn more about the All-Star Resorts.

There are so many different hotel options at Disney World, and truly the best option will depend on your group’s priorities. We hope this helps you narrow down your top picks!

Stay tuned to DFB for more planning tips and updates on all the latest Disney news.

Click here for even MORE information about all the Disney World hotels!

Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels?

Ranking of all of disney world’s hotels, the “i’m so tired; just tell me what to do” guide to choosing the perfect disney world hotel, 13 critical things you’re forgetting about when booking a disney world hotel, 8 gadgets you need for your disney world hotel room, the surprising things you won’t find in your disney world hotel room, the secret way to stay in disney world’s hotels for less, what's new at the disney world hotels, all about disney world's resort hotel refillable mugs, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney world hotel news right in your inbox click here to subscribe.

Which Disney World hotel is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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August 27, 2023 at 2:24 pm

Great advice! We have decided that we like all the WDW resorts! Our favorites are the DVC Boardwalk Villas and DVC Polynesian studio units, followed by the DVC Grand Floridian Villas and the DVC Wilderness Lodge Villas. We like the DVC villas because we can have leisurely breakfast in our room each morning and save a ton of time.

August 27, 2023 at 8:39 pm

Great breakdown, just wanted to add an extra thought. The cabins at fort wilderness are amazing for children and adults with sensory issues. The intensity of a Disney day can be so overwhelming and the cabins offer a place to truly decompress and recharge those batteries. Love all your stuff and could t do Disney without you all. Thanks

August 28, 2023 at 12:09 pm

Best hotel is The Yacht Club. Best pool, best fireworks view, close to transportation, good lounge, best steakhouse, incredible cast members. We also enjoyed using the largest condo that sleeps 12 at the Boardwallk. It was front facing and we could see all the fun happening. We were DVC members for years. It’s the thing to do if you love Disney Everything.

September 1, 2023 at 12:59 pm

Just a comment…if you board the monorail at the Contemporary, you will be going in the clockwise direction and will have to make all stops before the Magic Kingdom. So be prepared to make all those stops if you decided to go this way instead of walking. When returning from the Magic Kingdom, the first stop will be the Contemporary hotel.

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18 Best Disney World Hotels for an Extra-magical Vacation

Wondering where to stay at Disney World? From iconic Disney hotels to luxurious off-property resorts, these are the best hotels near Disney World.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

When Disney World first opened 50 years ago, the resort had just one theme park and two hotels. Today, the massive resort complex is home to more than 20 themed Walt Disney World hotels and four of the world's most popular theme parks. As Travel + Leisure 's on-staff theme park expert and a frequent Disney World visitor, I've stayed at over 10 Disney resorts and visited countless others spanning every budget, style, and location to determine the top picks for every traveler. With that in mind, planning a Disney World vacation might seem overwhelming, but don't worry — we've rounded up 18 of the best hotels near Disney World to help you get started.

First, you'll need to decide if you want to stay at an official Disney World hotel or a nearby property. "Staying at a Disney resort is literally staying in the magic," says Sue Pisaturo, president and founder of Small World Vacations. There are lots of perks to staying on property; as Pisaturo explains, "You'll be treated to unparalleled, legendary Disney service, convenient transportation to the theme parks, extra time in the parks, an array of shopping and dining options including select character meals, themed pools for an easy afternoon break, and fun recreational activities. "

Before you book a room, there are a few things you should know about Disney World hotels. Disney categorizes their on-site hotels and resorts as Deluxe, Deluxe Villas, Moderate, Value, and Campgrounds. All Disney resorts offer benefits including complimentary transportation to the theme parks , early park entry, and, of course, Disney-level theming and service, as Pisaturo mentioned. Deluxe properties tend to be the most expensive, the closest to the theme parks (although this isn't always the case), and the most luxurious. Guests staying at a resort in the Deluxe category can enjoy extended nighttime hours in the theme parks, too. There are also area hotels that are not owned by Disney, like the Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria, that offer some of the same perks found at Disney hotels.

From safari-inspired luxury hotels to guest-favorite properties celebrating 50 years of magical memories, here are 18 of the best Disney World hotels.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Start each day by greeting giraffes, zebras, and other animals when you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . With an African safari feel, this resort offers an experience unlike anything found elsewhere in the United States. The Deluxe resort is located near Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, but it feels like it's part of the park thanks to the animal programs and savanna-view rooms. Other on-site amenities include themed pools and unique dining experiences showcasing African flavors. I've stayed at this hotel several times in the past three years alone, and it is consistently great — the magic of waking up to the sight of a giraffe outside your window truly never gets old.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

One of two Disney World hotels dating back to the theme park resort's opening 50 years ago, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a guest favorite, loved for its Polynesian-inspired design and proximity to Magic Kingdom Park. The Polynesian Village Resort has great dining options: Trader Sam's Grog Grotto (a personal favorite) serves up tiki drinks with a touch of Disney magic, Dole Whips are available at Pineapple Lanai, and guests rave about the breakfast and dinner at 'Ohana. Visiting the theme parks is easy thanks to the Deluxe hotel's monorail stop, and you can even spot the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach. Recent additions include overwater bungalows and "Moana"-themed guest rooms.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

With decor inspired by the country's majestic national park lodges, Disney's Wilderness Lodge offers rustic luxury with comfortable rooms and lots of character. The Deluxe resort provides boat transportation to Magic Kingdom (and bus transportation to other parks), as well as several eateries with crowd-pleasing American menus. Themed pools and outdoor areas that draw inspiration from U.S. national parks give this Disney World hotel a unique atmosphere you won't find elsewhere.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Nautical and sophisticated, Disney's Yacht Club Resort offers easy access to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios — both a short walk, boat ride, or Skyliner trip away. This Deluxe resort has one of the best pools at Disney World: Stormalong Bay is a three-acre themed pool area with a lazy river, waterslide, and more. Like its name implies, the resort has an old-school New England yacht club theme that is elegant without feeling stuffy, and it has great views of the charming BoardWalk Inn across the lake. I've stayed here once, and it's at the top of my list for my next Disney World trip thanks to its upscale theming and prime location.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort opened over 50 years ago, and guests still love its iconic A-frame main tower. The modern Deluxe resort has a fantastic location — the monorail runs right through the middle of the hotel, and you can walk to Magic Kingdom Park — and plenty of great amenities, including fun pools and fantastic views. California Grill is a guest-favorite restaurant, and Chef Mickey's offers a character breakfast that's the perfect start to a Disney-filled day. The resort got some updates just in time for Disney World's 50th anniversary, including a new dining venue, Steakhouse 71, and reimagined guest rooms with a theme inspired by "The Incredibles." Over the past 20 years, I've stayed here over five times, most recently in April 2023, so this resort has tons of happy memories for me. I stayed in a club-level room during my recent trip, which provided access to the lounge where guests can enjoy free snacks (we had sushi, charcuterie, and more!) and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

Like a few other properties on this list, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts aren't Disney-owned properties, but their close proximity to the parks and on-site Disney resort benefits make them worth checking out. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy members will be happy to know that they can earn (or use) points here because these are Marriott-managed hotels. Guests can enjoy perks like early entry and extended hours at Disney parks and complimentary transportation (you can even walk to Hollywood Studios or Epcot from these hotels). These hotels offer a range of suites and guest rooms, plus, the new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve offers an even more upscale vibe and fresh design.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Checking into Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa feels like stepping into a seaside Victorian resort (with a sprinkle of Disney flair, of course). "If you're looking for the most elegant, top-of-the-line hotel - Disney's Grand Floridian, a Deluxe resort, is the jewel in the crown," says Pisaturo. This lovely Deluxe resort is just one stop away from Magic Kingdom Park on the monorail, and you can see the nighttime fireworks or the Electrical Water Pageant for a magical end to a day at the theme parks. From the resort, you can walk (or take the monorail) to the Magic Kingdom, hop on the monorail to Epcot, or grab the buses to the other Disney parks. There are several dining options, including a "Beauty and the Beast"-themed lounge, Enchanted Rose, plus pools, a spa, and more. Fine dining restaurant Victoria & Albert's reopened in 2022, and upscale American eatery Narcoossee's just reopened this spring.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Tucked away in a picturesque residential setting, yet just a short drive from the Disney World theme parks, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort offers five-star luxury with upscale accommodations, an outstanding food and beverage program, and incredible amenities. The AAA Five Diamond resort has a beautifully landscaped family pool complex with waterslides and a lazy river, plus an adults-only pool oasis (a rarity at Disney World). From the calming spa to the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando to the Michelin-starred rooftop Capa steakhouse and lounge, adults will love the luxe amenities. Plus, the Kids for All Seasons program offers supervised children's activities, so parents can enjoy some much-needed alone time. And there's plenty on property for Disney fans, too, including a character breakfast, rooms with views of the theme parks and nightly fireworks, and perks like early entry to the Disney parks. I personally loved the luxe amenities and relaxed ambiance at this resort when I stayed there in September 2021 — read my review of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando to learn more about this standout property.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Since its refurbishment and the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort has become one of the top choices in the Moderate resort category. Located near Disney's Animal Kingdom, this Spanish-, Mexican-, and American Southwest-inspired hotel has one of the best pools on property, with a 50-foot pyramid centerpiece and a 123-foot waterslide (the resort also has the largest hot tub at Walt Disney World, plus three other pools spread across its sprawling grounds). We recommend staying in the Gran Destino Tower for easy access to the restaurants and resort transportation — with nearly 2,000 rooms spread out in many buildings across the resort, some are a bit of a walk from the main tower. I've stayed at Coronado Springs a couple of times, and I think it offers very solid value for the price. I really enjoyed rooftop restaurant Toledo — Tapas, Steak, & Seafood and Dahlia Lounge, which offer upscale Spanish flavors with a great view.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Located in the Bonnet Creek area near the Disney theme parks and Disney Springs, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers a luxe stay with perks like transportation to the parks, early theme park entry, and rooms with theme park views. The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, award-winning Bull & Bear restaurant, Waldorf Astoria Spa, and beautiful pools are among the amenities that make this a top choice for a hotel near Disney World.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

With hotel areas themed to "Finding Nemo," "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," and "Cars," Disney's Art of Animation Resort is ideal for families with young kids (and nostalgic adult guests). This Value resort offers great bang for your buck — guests can take advantage of bus and Skyliner transportation to the theme parks, plus several pools. Family suites themed to the above Disney and Pixar animated movies can sleep up to six guests, so the whole family can spread out and relax after days of riding Space Mountain and waving to Mickey Mouse.

Disney's Riviera Resort

One of Disney's newest hotels, Disney's Riviera Resort transports guests to the European coast with Mediterranean decor and dining influences inspired by Walt Disney's travels. This Deluxe Villa property is located in the Epcot resort area, connected to both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot via the Skyliner. Topolino's Terrace is a standout dining option, offering a delightful character breakfast featuring Mickey and friends (and French and Italian flavors) in a beautiful rooftop setting.

Disney's Beach Club Resort

Garth Vaughan/Disney World

Located right next to Yacht Club, Disney's Beach Club Resort is another great Deluxe option. And it's Pisaturo's personal favorite: "It's a beautifully themed resort with an amazing pool with a sand beach, pirate ship slide, and a lazy river. You can walk or take a boat to Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Boardwalk. It offers a variety of dining choices including a character breakfast with Minnie Mouse. There are regular rooms, villas, and club-level access. It just feels like home."

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

Jeff Herron/Courtesy of Marriott International

Located near the Waldorf Astoria in the Bonnet Creek area, the JW Marriott offers tons of family-focused perks, including family loft suites, the Hidden Garden Kids Club, and more. A rooftop terrace features views of Disney's nightly fireworks, and the spa offers relaxing treatments — much needed after a few long days in the parks.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Located just a short walk from Epcot, Disney's BoardWalk Inn looks like a turn-of-the-century Northeastern boardwalk complete with string lights, candy-striped awnings, and a vintage feel. Luna Park Pool is a favorite with a 200-foot-long water slide, plus a whirlpool spa and kiddie pool. The Deluxe hotel also has several restaurants and bars to choose from, including magician-themed AbracadaBar and dueling piano bar, Jellyrolls. The resort offers easy access to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios via boat, Skyliner, and walking paths, plus bus transportation to the other parks.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

If you're looking for a moderately priced Disney resort that's big on amenities, you may want to check out Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort . The sprawling property has sections themed to Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba, each with its own pool and lakefront beach area. The Moderate resort's main Fuentes del Morro pool is themed after a Spanish fort and has water slides, cannons, and a shipwreck play area. This resort is also on the Skyliner route, so guests have easy access to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot (and free bus transportation to the other parks).

Disney's Pop Century Resort

As one of the best Value resorts at Disney World, Disney's Pop Century Resort offers kitschy-cute theming, modern rooms, and convenient access to the parks. The resort is located on the Skyliner route, making it easy to get to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot, and it offers bus transportation, too. Although dining options are limited to a food court and pool bar, there are several pools to splash around in between park visits. I picked Pop Century for a Disney girls trip a couple of years ago, and we enjoyed the clean, recently refreshed rooms, affordable price, and nostalgic vibe.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Disney's Port Orleans Resort is split into two Louisiana-themed sections: the New Orleans-inspired French Quarter and Bayou-themed Riverside. Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter wins for us with its Mardi Gras vibe, Mickey-shaped beignets, and festive Double Doubloon pool. Transportation options from this Moderate resort include a water taxi to Disney Springs and buses to the theme parks.

Related Articles

• Resorts / Walt Disney World

Which Walt Disney World Resorts Are the Best?

by David Mumpower · July 8, 2024

Disney evangelists like me often describe Walt Disney World resorts as triumphs of Imagineering.

These impeccable hotels immerse guests in remarkable illusions, persuading people to believe that they’re on exotic vacations.

Photo: Disney

You may believe you’re transported back in time to Ernest Hemingway’s Key West, Florida, or that you’re vacationing on the South Seas.

Remarkably, you believe this even though you’re staying only minutes from a Disney World theme park.

Not coincidentally, critics rave about all the stunning hotels…but which one should you pick?

Which Walt Disney World resort is the best? Here’s a ranking according to one of the most trusted publications.

9. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

First, let’s discuss the source, which is U.S. News & World Report.

I’m particularly fond of this publication since it was my father’s favorite.

While the magazine industry has died, U.S. News has remained relevant due to its popular lists, especially the ones for tourism.

You can read the full list here , but I’ll provide additional details since it’s a bit sparse.

Photo: disney tourist blog

The other thing to know is that no Value Tier resort makes the list.

Similarly, Coronado Springs claims the only spot for any resort in the Moderate Tier.

As a vocal supporter of Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter, this thought offends me, but here we are.

I’m confident that what differentiates Coronado Springs is its relatively new expansion building, Gran Destino Tower.

Photo: Christy Weinberg

Disney felt so confident in its quality that NBA superstars like LeBron James lived here during the NBA’s Bubble season.

Coronado Springs offers impeccable restaurants and arguably Disney’s most unique pool, The Lost City of Cibola.

8. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

In 1971, Disney opened its first two American resorts.

When Disneyland had opened, Walt Disney lacked the money to build the Disneyland Hotel.

Bay Lake Tower

The company wasn’t about to make that mistake again. So, it built the Contemporary and the Polynesian.

Both of these resorts have stood the test of time as testaments to the brilliance of Imagineering.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Atrium

At the Contemporary, a monorail literally goes through the middle of the building.

Right below the monorail’s tracks, you’ll discover the Grand Canyon Concourse, a hub for shopping and dining.

This space hosts Chef Mickey’s, Contempo Café, Bay View Gifts, Fantasia Marketplace, Fantasia Gift Shop, the Outer Rim Lounge, and even an arcade!

Even better, you’re just a monorail ride or a ten-minute walk away from Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

In fact, some hotel rooms include a breathtaking view of the theme park. You can watch the fireworks from your hotel room!

7. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Entrance

To whomever voted for this list, I’m gonna have to ask you to step outside.

Seriously, these are fightin’ words! As I’ve stated on my occasions, the Polynesian is my favorite Disney resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Lava Pool

While I’ve stayed at almost every official Disney World hotel, the Polynesian towers above the rest due to its serene island vibe.

Disney has recreated the magic of the South Seas at a spot so close to Magic Kingdom that you can see it across the water.

My happy place as a tourist is entering the Great Ceremonial House, browsing the aisles at BouTiki, and then grabbing a Dole Whip.

In fact, I once had to tell a MickeyBlog editor that I couldn’t write an assignment because I was sipping a Dole Whip at the Lava Pool at the time.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

My love for this place is total, and I highly recommend it to all!

6. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Last month, I listed this property as having one of the best hotel lobbies .

Disney pros know that the best way to take a break from Disney’s Hollywood Studios is to hop on the Disney Skyliner and go here.

You can leave the park and be sitting down at the hotel in 15 minutes.

Since there’s a bar and restaurant within a short walk of the lobby, it’s an ideal hangout spot .

Of course, that’s just a small part of what the hotel offers. You’ll also find a dynamic pool, an interactive water play area, and a view of multiple parks.

Also, the Disney Skyliner station here guarantees that you’re never more than a few minutes away from two Disney parks.

Disney Skyliner

You can hop on the Skyliner and be at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios within two minutes of exiting the gondola!

5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Here’s another one of my favorite places to kick back and relax at Disney World.

The hotel lobby of Wilderness Lodge represents a different time, an era when families would plan two-week summer vacations.

They’d pack their things and head to the majestic national parks, staying at lodges along the way.

The spirit of this ideal remains at Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s most rustic Deluxe Tier resort.

The moment you enter the lobby, you’ll notice you’re in unique surroundings. Everything you see is made of wood.

There’s also a floor-to-ceiling fireplace that you cannot help but notice.

During the winter, there’s nothing better than sitting by this chimney and soaking up the magic of the holiday season at Disney.

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Photo: Trip Advisor

You won’t be surprised to learn that Disney hired the same architect for Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I say this because one feels like the spiritual successor to the other, although it’s a chicken and the egg debate about which came first.

Photo: DVC Shop

Wilderness Lodge is older at Disney World, but it pays tribute to a more recent tourism era.

Meanwhile, Disney has transported countless antiquities from the continent of Africa to create an authentic safari lodge.

The architect in question, Peter Dominick , used what he learned at Wilderness Lodge to create an even more impressive space here.

Animal Kingdom Lodge hosts what I consider to be the most tranquil of Disney lobbies.

I’ve cat-napped here more than anywhere else at Disney, but the calmness of the place extends far beyond the lobby.

Like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the nearby hotel hosts several distinct animal habitats.

Credit: Disney

So, while you visit the resort, you can watch the animals participate in their daily routines.

The best part is that some hotel rooms offer Savannah View, which allows you to watch the animals from your hotel room!

You’ll never forget drinking your morning coffee while the animals frolic in the background.

3. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

New Tiana Bus in Disney World

U.S. News clearly values logistics above everything else, as most of the resorts listed here include unique transportation.

In fact, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Coronado Springs are the only two properties lacking alternative means beyond buses.

Everywhere else will take you to a Disney park via gondola, monorail, or boat.

Then, we have the BoardWalk Inn at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

When you stay here, you exit the hotel and are in the entertainment complex.

From there, you can drink, dine, and shop to your heart’s content.

Once you’re done, you’re only a five-minute walk from the International Gateway at EPCOT.

Before that, you can hop on the Disney Skyliner to head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead.

So, the convenience of a hotel stay here is off the charts!

2. Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort

Technically, U.S. News listed these properties individually, with Disney’s Yacht Club ahead of BoardWalk Inn.

However, I’m listing them together because they’re basically the same place.

Both reside on the waterway beside the International Gateway, which is important.

You can ride a boat to and from EPCOT, as well as Hollywood Studios. There’s no need, though.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Merchandise

You can also walk, and it’s an even shorter distance from Beach Club than BoardWalk Inn.

I’d estimate that BoardWalk and Yacht Club are about equidistant, although I’ve never timed that.

Disney has created a beachy feel at Yacht & Beach Club, with nautical elements comprising most of the theming.

Still, the star of a hotel stay here remains exclusive access to Stormalong Bay, Disney World’s best pool.

This place is a mini-water park, and its sand-bottom pools recreate the sensation of swimming in the ocean.

Oh, and the restaurants here are exceptional as well. I’m squarely on Team Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.

Cape May Café’s Minnie Mouse character breakfast is also divine.

When you want all sorts of exceptional amenities without leaving your hotel, Yacht & Beach Club is ideal.

1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

In an unsurprising development, the crown jewel of official Disney World hotels tops the U.S. News list…kind of. I’ll explain in a moment.

Still, you should know by now why most people prefer staying at the Grand Floridian (not me because I’m #TeamPolynesian) when possible.

The hotel lobby represents Victorian elegance with all its finery.

You’ll even find a hotel piano here where Cast Members occasionally play classic Disney tunes.

Enchanted Rose Lounge

The old-timey elevator will carry you to the second floor, where you’ll discover a state-of-the-art Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge.

You’ll also discover several excellent, admittedly high-end stores on the second floor, plus an occasional character greeting!

Photo: Kent Phillips || Victoria & Albert’s

However, you can stay on the first floor to dine to your heart’s content.

The Grand Floridian hosts many of Disney’s finest restaurants, including the revered Victoria & Albert’s, which recently received a Michelin Star !

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Pool

As you roam the hotel grounds, you’ll be inundated with luxury features and amenities, including my favorite one.

Disney has created a water play area element themed to the Mad Hatter.

A gigantic hat will gradually fill with water. It’ll eventually tip over, causing everyone beneath it to squeal with delight.

Little touches like this abound at Disney World!

Another Option: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

Credit: Four Seasons

Finally, let’s discuss the elephant in the room. Disney doesn’t own the Four Seasons in Orlando.

Then again, neither does Four Seasons . A company paid $610 million for this resort, which speaks volumes about its quality.

Photo: Four Seasons

You could argue – and many have – that Disney doesn’t operate the best Disney World hotel.

Instead, an unheralded company that started as – I kid you not – a root beer stand now runs the most exclusive property in Orlando.

This is one of the few places I’ve never stayed, although a dear friend spends at least a week here a year.

He assures me that this facility is the plushest on the Disney World campus, which makes sense.

The resort’s palm pathway is illuminated in holiday lights to celebrate the season.

You’ll find the Four Seasons nestled on the grounds of Golden Oak , Disney’s exclusive private neighborhood.

Homes there started at $1.4 million a decade ago. You’d be hard-pressed to find one for less than $5 million today.

Many cost $10+ million, which reinforces the fact that the value of the Four Seasons is equally enhanced.

When money is no object, THIS is the place to stay.

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The 12 Best Hotels in Disney World

With more than 25 official Walt Disney World hotels and countless more within just a few miles of the resort, the choices for where to stay can make you feel as though you’ve spent a little too long on the spinning teacups in the Magic Kingdom. But just like Cinderella’s glass slipper, we’re sure you can find the perfect fit, no matter your budget or style preferences. We’ve narrowed it down to our favorites on (and very near) Disney property with something for everyone, whether you've got a Cars -obsessed youngster, are a business traveler looking to cash in points, or want to escape into the wilderness. Added perk: all of these hotels and resorts offer 30-minute early access to all four Disney theme parks—plus, many grant extended evening hours, letting you explore for two more hours after everyone else goes home.  

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Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Arrow

The warm glow of tiki torches welcome you to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where the landscape overflows with lush tropical plants and hidden lagoons that recall the South Pacific. This was one of Disney World’s first hotels to open, in 1971, and it has hung on to its campy tiki vibes ever since. Best to put on a flower lei, grab a pineapple Dole Whip, and lean into it.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort Arrow

Popular among families with young children for its over-the-top theme and larger-than-life characters, Art of Animation got a big upgrade recently thanks to the new Disney Skyliner station in its backyard, connecting guests Disney parks like Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Rooms here have brightly colored furnishings with distinct themes, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo, and photo-op-ready character statues scattered across the grounds. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Arrow

It’s impossible to talk about Animal Kingdom Lodge without first mentioning the 74-acre animal reserve that wraps around the resort. About 200 animals live on the property—and yes, they're visible from the guest rooms and public viewing stations. Spring for a savanna-view room, and you might wake up to the sight of a giraffe or a gazelle grazing outside your balcony. Suffice it to say: This hotel offers an experience unlike any other in the state. 

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Arrow

The Four Seasons Orlando makes a dramatic entrance. Hidden behind the gate of Disney’s upscale Golden Oak neighborhood, the 17-story luxury hotel towers in the distance as you wind through the well-manicured streets. Inside, you’re greeted with fireworks; more than 30,000 crystals hang from a chandelier, forming a dozen bursts of light. Rooms feature absurdly comfortable beds and abundant closet space. The desk is staffed by Disney cast members who will assist with any questions during your stay.

Disney's Riviera Resort Arrow

The Riviera Resort brings a blend of sophistication and flair to the Disney World hotel scene with original art created just for the resort (think Van Gogh with Disney characters) adorning the walls. Rooms range from cozy studios to a three-bedroom grand villa that will fit the extended family. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the rooftop Topolino’s Terrace, where you can meet Mickey for breakfast or catch the Epcot fireworks with dinner.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando Arrow

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando echos its under-renovation New York counterpart , with casual elegance suited to its Central Florida setting. Guest rooms have plush bedding and bathrooms are spacious and well-designed, with separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs—a plus for families with young children—and plush spa robes. Get outside to enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by acclaimed course architect Rees Jones, or the serene, cabana-lined pool, where attendants are on hand with Prosecco popsicles. 

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Arrow

Your gaze naturally travels upward when you enter the Wilderness Lodge—to the six-story-tall bundled log columns, the massive stone fireplace in the corner, and the pair of carved totem poles that flank the expansive lobby. There’s even a bubbling hot spring that flows from the lobby out to the grounds. The resort feels isolated, but it's actually just a short boat ride to the Magic Kingdom, giving you the best of both worlds: convenience and relaxation. 

Disney's BoardWalk Inn Arrow

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is designed in the spirit of a grand and elegant hotel in turn-of-the-century Atlantic City, and the theme is executed to perfection, starting with the carousel horses that welcome you just inside the front doors. But the best part might be proximity to restaurants and entertainment along the waterfront boardwalk, as well as the short walk to Epcot’s back gate, so you can start eating and drinking around the world post haste.

Disney's Contemporary Resort Arrow

The most modern of Disney World’s hotel offerings, The Contemporary is also its oldest, one of two hotels located at Walt Disney World when the resort opened in 1971. Rooms in the main tower were recently refurbished to feature touches from Disney’s The Incredibles franchise, which reflects the hotel’s midcentury theme. Kids will love seeing the super suits “hanging” in the closet, but the overall effect is subtle, adding just the right amount of whimsy.

Disney's Beach Club Resort Arrow

You may question whether you’re still in Central Florida when you pull up to the Beach Club Resort, which was designed in the image of a New England beach club. Though modern, the lobby presents itself as a Victorian seaside cottage, and a cool blue-and-beige color palette carries across the sprawling resort. The location makes it a particularly good option if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at one of Epcot’s seasonal festivals.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Arrow

The Swan and Dolphin Resort contains two separate hotels operated by Marriott; the Swan is part of the Westin brand, while the much larger Dolphin is part of the Sheraton brand. And though the resort isn't actually on-site, it's about as close as you can get. The resort houses 17 restaurants and lounges, including four signature restaurants. Start your day at Fresh for Mickey, which serves waffles and fresh-pressed juice, and wind down at Todd English’s Bluezoo.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Arrow

From the live jazz orchestra on the balcony of the soaring, Victorian-inspired lobby to the scent of green clover and aloe that wafts from its doors, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa knows how to make an impression. As Disney World’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian is its most opulent—and most expensive. Nowhere is the extravagance of the Grand Floridian more present than at Victoria & Albert’s, Central Florida’s only restaurant with a AAA Five Diamond rating.

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The Best Disney World Hotels

Your ultimate guide to choosing a home base at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

As a lifelong fan of The Most Magical Place on Earth, I've visited Walt Disney World dozens of times throughout various life stages and have personally stayed at most of the on-site hotels, getting to know the pros and cons of each. I also regularly attend Walt Disney World events to cover Disney news and updates for Good Housekeeping . When I chat with friends and family about planning their visits — whether they're first timers, returning after many years or are looking for advice based on their travel party — I've found it helps to focus on aspects like which parks they plan to visit most frequently, whether they care more about location or room size, if they plan to spend time enjoying the hotel property, any dining preferences and of course, how much they're willing to spend.

So, where to start? All Disney hotels are broken up into three main categories: Deluxe Resorts, Moderate Resorts and Value Resorts. Deluxe Resorts typically have larger rooms, better locations and more on-site dining options. Value Resorts are more affordable, but generally have smaller rooms, more crowded common areas and a longer commute to the parks. Moderate Resorts fall in between. Within the Deluxe category, you'll also find Deluxe Villa Resorts. These are technically part of the Disney Vacation Club (Disney's timeshare program), but the rooms are typically available for any guest to book and often feature more space and amenities.

How to Choose a Walt Disney World Hotel

• Theme: Disney is known for its attention to detail, and the vibe of each hotel can certainly influence your stay. Some resorts have a tropical or beach theme, while others offer quiet luxury or whimsical touches. And while some have heavy Disney influences, which may be perfect for little fans of the films, others simply include subtle nods with a more grown-up feel.
• Location: Disney World is huge — in fact, it's larger than Manhattan in New York City — and the hotels are very spread out. If proximity to a specific one of the four parks is a priority, you'll want to consider resorts near that location. Some hotels are even walkable to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
• Rooms: Most standard rooms sleep up to four of five people and may feel a bit tight for families, but there are also suites and villas available. If you plan to spend all day out of your room and only need a place to sleep, room size may be the best place to compromise.
• Transportation: All Disney-owned properties provide shuttle buses to the parks, which run about every 20 minutes (though it could be more or less depending on crowds and time of day). Certain hotels have unique and convenient options available to nearby theme parks, including boats, monorail transportation and Disney's Skyliner gondola system.
• Dining: Especially if you have children, pay close attention to each hotel's restaurants and quick-service offerings. Some resorts have food courts or grab and go spots, which may be convenient when you're heading out in the mornings or coming back in the evenings. Others stand out for their top-notch dining, making them a good pick for foodies.
• Pools and Recreation: If the theme parks are your priority, this may not seem like something worth considering, but it's good to be aware that the pool complexes vary greatly between each property, especially if you have a baby or toddler and plan to take naps at the hotel (it helps to have a playground or other activities for the older children). Also note that Deluxe Villa Resorts tend to have scheduled activities for kids throughout the day.
• Disruptions: Check whether construction, events or changes in transportation may affect your stay during the time of your visit. Some disruptions may be marginal (like traffic restrictions during a run Disney marathon), while others can affect your stay (like pools being closed for renovations). Disney shares any alerts on its booking pages for the specific hotels.

RELATED STORY: Disney World Tips and Secrets to Know Before Your Visit

Getting Started: How to Narrow Down Your Options

• If you're traveling with young kids : Consider a property with quick and easy access to the parks plus fun on-site pools and recreation, like Disney's Polynesian Village Resort , Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort .
• If you're traveling with adults: All Disney resorts are kid-friendly, but some are more ideal than others for anyone not traveling with kids. We recommend opting for a more stylish, modern hotel that doesn't always scream "Disney" and has great dining options, like Disney's Coronado Springs Resort , Disney's BoardWalk Inn or Disney's Riviera Resort .
• If you're looking for a luxury stay: Check out Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort which both feature elegant decor and unparalleled service.
• If you're looking for a budget-friendly option : Choose a Value Resort that's further from the parks yet still gives you Disney perks, like Disney's Art of Animation Resort or Disney's All-Star Movies Resort .
• If you're looking for a happy balance : Think about whether location, amenities or rooms matter most to help you find an option that's not the priciest yet not the cheapest. Standout options include the Swan or Dolphin for a great location that's not owned by Disney; Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa for a Deluxe Resort that's further from the parks; and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort for a Moderate Resort pick.

You can read even more about what to consider when choosing your resort (and picking your room) at the end of this guide, along with some recommendations for hotels that are just off of Disney property. But first, here is everything you need to know about our top picks for the best hotels at Walt Disney World.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

One of the original Walt Disney World hotels, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort — often referred as "the Polynesian" — is a South Pacific-themed property with tropical vibes. It's one of the priciest hotel options and books up quickly during busy travel times, but it certainly lives up to the hype. Located across a lagoon from Magic Kingdom, it also offers stunning views and you can watch nightly fireworks from its beach.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Families with young kids. Between its proximity to Magic Kingdom, variety of dining options and on-site activities, the Polynesian is the perfect hotel for children and adults to all have a great time together. Because it's pricey, it's best suited for those who plan to spend significant time at the resort and enjoy all that it has to offer.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: The hotel is spread out into a variety of buildings. The main building is where you'll find the front desk, restaurants and shops, while the surrounding buildings house the guest rooms. Note that you make a reservation based on room type and view, so you won't know which building you're in until you check in. Expect to do some walking around the property, but nothing feels too far away.

GUEST ROOMS: The Polynesian is considered both a Deluxe Resort and a Deluxe Villa Resort, meaning it has both rooms and villas available. The rooms were "reimagined" just a few years ago and now have a Moana-inspired aesthetic. A standard room typically starts around $600-$650 a night and goes up during busier travel times, where you can expect the cheapest rooms to cost around $800. For about the same price as a regular room, you can get a Deluxe Studio villa, which is a bit smaller but has a kitchenette and flexible sleeping areas for families (i.e., a Queen-size bed, a Queen-size pull-down bed and a single pull-down bed). Upgrade options include views of Magic Kingdom from your room and Club Level, which gives you access to a private lounge and concierge services. Suites and bungalows on the water are also available at the Polynesian, but be aware that they are pricey and sell out quickly.

DINING: There are over 10 options on site ranging from bar service to quick meals to sit-down dining, most of which have Asian-fusion and American dishes. In fact, the restaurants often draw in visitors that aren't staying at the hotel. Standout options include Capt. Cook's for a quick bite, Kona Cafe for a sit-down meal, 'Ohana for a character breakfast and Trader Sam's for cocktails.

GETTING AROUND: One of the best perks of staying at the Polynesian is access to the monorail, which takes you to Magic Kingdom directly as well as to EPCOT with a quick transfer at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center. (Note that the Ticket & Transportation Center is right next to the Polynesian, so if you're staying in a villa then it may be just a quick walk to get onto the EPCOT monorail line.) You can also access Magic Kingdom by a short boat ride across the lagoon. If you want to head to the Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom theme parks (as well as other Disney properties like Disney Springs and the water parks), you can take a Disney bus from the hotel.

POOLS: The main pool is volcano-themed with a water slide and has a zero-depth entry, so it starts shallow and gets deeper as you walk in. The splash pad by this pool is one of the best you'll find on Disney property and is a huge hit with younger kids (in fact, mine seemed to enjoy it more than the theme parks!). There's also a quieter, no-frills leisure pool.

RECREATION: Kid-friendly activities occur throughout the day, including hula hooping, dance parties, move nights and more. There are also activities for an added cost, like creating tie dye Mickey shirts. And because it's on the water, there are fishing options and motorized boat rentals. At night, you can watch the electric light parade on the water, which is great for little ones that can't stay awake for fireworks.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Inspired by hit Disney and Pixar movies, Disney's Art of Animation Resort immerses you into the films through its themed rooms and courtyards. It mainly features family suites instead of standard hotel rooms and it's spread out into four sections, based on the movies Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Families looking for more in-room space and convenient amenities while getting the best bang for their buck. It's also a pet-friendly hotel, making it a great options for families traveling with their dogs.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: There are four areas of the resort based on the four featured movies. Visitors tell us they love touring the property because of the attention to detail and surprises at each section. The main building is centrally located, which is where you'll find the front desk, bus transportation and dining options. Note that because the property is so spread out, it can take you a while to get from your room to the main area, depending on which room you book. It also may feel crowded at times with a high volume of guests.

GUEST ROOMS: The Little Mermaid rooms start around $200 and can sleep up to four people. Suite options are located in the Cars, Finding Nemo and Lion King sections. Each suite starts around $450-$500 and sleeps up to six people. They feature a bedroom with a Queen-size bed and a living room with pull-down beds over the table and sofa. The suites also have a kitchenette with a mini fridge and microwave. Finding Nemo is the most central location, so you'll pay a bit more for one of these suites.

DINING: Because it's a Value Resort, you won't find as many restaurants as you would at a pricier Disney hotel. There's a food court in the main building for things like burgers, pizza and salad.

GETTING AROUND: One of the best reasons to stay at the Art of Animation is its access to the Skyliner, a gondola system that takes you to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Just note that lines to get on the Skyliner can get long at busy times, plus it doesn't run if there's lightning in the area. Bus transportation is available to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and the water parks.

POOLS: The Big Blue Pool (in the Finding Nemo area) is the largest resort pool at Disney World. It features zero-depth entry and has decorations from Finding Nemo throughout, plush a splash pad area. The Cars and The Little Mermaid sections have smaller leisure pools.

RECREATION: An underwater-themed playground in the Finding Nemo section offers kids a unique (and dry!) place to play. Art of Animation also has fun activities like pool parties, movie nights and an arcade on site.

Disney's Beach Club Resort

With a casually elegant New England vibe, Disney's Beach Club Resort is located next to Disney's Boardwalk and EPCOT's International Gateway entrance (which is towards the back of the park and less crowded than the front entrance). It also stands out for having the best pool area at Disney, including high water slides, a sand-bottom pool and a lazy river. It shares the pools with its sister hotel, Disney's Yacht Club Resort , which is an equally good hotel option depending on what's available when you book. (Plus, the Yacht Club is dog-friendly if you plan to bring your pet.)

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This resort is most ideal for visitors that prefer being closer to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios instead of Magic Kingdom. It's especially great for those that like to enjoy pool time given the large size and vast offerings available in its pool facility, which is strictly limited to guests staying at the hotel. Visitors describe it as having a laid back yet luxurious atmosphere.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: The Beach Club Resort is one main building that is spread out over the property and connects with the Yacht Club and the Beach Club Villas. The back of the hotel faces a wide walkway along the water, which has a sandy beach area that's perfect for relaxing. Not only does this walkway offer picturesque views of the Boardwalk resort area, it also leads to EPCOT, the Skyliner, boat transportation and the Boardwalk.

GUEST ROOMS: All rooms have recently undergone renovations, making them feel fresh and new. Like the Polynesian, you can choose between regular rooms and Deluxe Studios at the starting price, which typically is between $500-$550 a night during the less-busy times. There are a variety of suites available (including 1- and 2-bedroom villas), along with pricier water views and Club Level rooms.

DINING: Though the food is delicious, the lack of dining options for a Deluxe Resort is one of the main callouts people have about this hotel, especially because it leads to longer waits. However, there are more restaurants right across the bridge on Disney's Boardwalk. Your best options at the Beach Club are Cape May Cafe (a buffet for breakfast and dinner, which features characters during breakfast), Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (a '50s-style grill with Instagram-worthy ice cream options) and Beach Club Marketplace (an on-the-go option).

GETTING AROUND: Location wise, the Beach Club is one of the best spots at Walt Disney World. It takes just a few minutes to walk to EPCOT, or you can opt for a quick boat ride. You can even walk to Disney's Hollywood Studios in about 20 minutes, or you can take a boat or the Skyliner to get there. For everything else, there's bus transportation.

POOLS: Stormalong Bay is a three-acre water recreation area that has a sand-bottom pool so you feel like you're at the beach, a shipwreck-themed water slide that's 230-feet long and a lazy river with inner tubes. There's also a sandy area for playing and mini water slide for younger kids, plus three leisure (i.e., quiet) pools shared between the Beach Club and Yacht Club.

RECREATION: Besides the pool, the Beach Club has plenty to do. There are volleyball courts and even nearby golf and mini golf courses. There's also an arcade and water activities like boat rentals and fishing. Like other Disney hotels, it offers movie nights and campfires to roast marshmallows.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Operated by Marriott with a prime location on Disney property (just steps away from Disney's BoardWalk), the Swan and Dolphin hotels are considered Deluxe Resorts but are priced closer to Disney's Moderate Resorts.

Though they're not technically Disney hotels, you still get preferred benefits (like extended park hours and advanced dining reservations). In fact, the property was a recent winner in our Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards for the perks guests experience while visiting Disney. You can even earn (and redeem!) Marriott Bonvoy points during your stay.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Visitors who want to stay at a hotel on Disney property, but are okay giving up some of the Disney theming to save money. It's pricier than non-Disney hotels located just off the property, but the location and Disney perks make it worth that extra cost. It's also ideal for people who plan to spend a good amount of time at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, since it's easier to get to these parks than Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: The property is made up of three hotels. The Swan is a bit smaller and quieter, while the Dolphin (which is connected by a pathway) has more rooms, restaurants and activities. Both of these properties have meeting spaces and often host business travelers attending conferences. The Swan Reserve is a newer building located across the street from the Swan. Its rooms are more upscale than the Swan and Dolphin, but the location is just a bit further from the parks.

GUEST ROOMS: Rooms at the Swan and Dolphin start around $250-$300 a night, with costs increasing during busier times. (It doesn't follow the same price structure as Disney, so prices may skyrocket when there are just a few rooms left.) Otherwise, higher room rates get you better views, including views of EPCOT's fireworks. One differentiator between the two hotels is that Dolphin's standard rooms have two Double beds, while Swan's have two Queens, making it easier for families to share. Swan Reserve rooms are a bit pricier, starting around $350. The three hotels also have suites available.

DINING: With 23 restaurants and lounges, Swan and Dolphin stand out for their variety of onsite dining options. Some of the restaurants are popular chains — like Shula's Steak House, Il Mulino and Rosa Mexicano — but there are still grab and go offerings if you prefer a quick meal.

GETTING AROUND: Located just between EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, it's about a 15-20 minute walk to each. You can also take a Disney boat to both parks, which is usually preferred by guests. The one downside is that the buses that take you to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs are not part of the Disney shuttle service, though they're still complimentary through an outside company. If you're heading to Magic Kingdom, the bus will take you to Disney's Ticket & Transportation Center, where you can transfer to the monorail or a boat. Alternatively, some guests to choose to walk to a neighboring Disney hotel (like the Boardwalk Inn or Yacht Club) to catch a bus to the park.

POOLS: There are five pools between these two properties, including a large grotto pool, lap pools, a kiddie pool and more. The Swan Reserve also has a smaller pool.

RECREATION: Camp Dolphin is a drop-off evening kid's club for children ages 4-12, but you can access the playroom throughout the day for toys and games. There's also a playground and arcade on site.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

While all Disney hotels are considered kid-friendly, sometimes you want a hotel that just feels more grown up. Coronado Springs is a great option with its new-ish Grand Destino Tower that looks and feels like a swanky adult hotel. Disney describes its design as "romantic paradise" and it has unique bars on site, including rooftop and waterfront spots. The theme for this resort is a blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American Cultures.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Adults that prefer a modern hotel over being walking distance to the parks. It's a great option for both business travelers and vacationers, including solo travelers and couples. Because it's classified as a Moderate Resort, it's priced lower than Deluxe Resort properties, yet still feels luxurious.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: Like many Disney World resorts, this property is spread out with smaller neighborhoods of buildings, dubbed the Casitas, Ranchos and Cabanas. However, the Grand Destino Tower (i.e., the main building) is the best option for adults because of its modern vibe and central location. This hotel has a big lake in the center so the small areas are more spread out than at other Disney properties. Coronado Springs also has a meeting facilities on site, so it's often used for conventions and events.

GUEST ROOMS: Rooms in the outer buildings start around $250-$300 a night, while rooms in the Grand Destino Tower start around $350-$400. Another reason the Grand Destino Tower is great for grown ups is because the decor in the rooms feels more adult-ish than some of the other themed Disney rooms. Suites and rooms with Club Level access are available.

DINING: If you're into Spanish-inspired cuisines, Coronado Springs is the spot for you with a variety of sit-down restaurants. It also has some unique bars, including Three Bridges Bar & Grill, an open-air spot right on the water and Dahlia Lounge, with excellent views from the roof of the Grand Destino Tower. There's also a quick-service spot in the central location where you can grab food on the go.

GETTING AROUND: Coronado Springs isn't walking distance to any Disney parks, and bus transportation is the only available option. The buses make stops throughout the resort (so you won't have to walk too far to catch one), plus you get complimentary self-parking if you prefer to have your own car.

POOLS: A Mayan-themed pool complex (called "The Dig Site") is perfect for those with kids thanks to its water slide, kiddie pool and more. The hotel also has three leisure pools — one at each of the three hotel sections.

RECREATION: There are plenty of options for kids, including a playground, arcade, movie nights and campfire activities. For adults, there are painting classes offered.

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

Disney's All-Star Resorts are made up of three adjacent properties with varying themes: All-Star Movies Resort, All-Star Sports Resort and All-Star Music Resort. The All-Star Movies Resort is a great option for Disney fans with fun decor throughout. It doesn't have the prime location or all of the bells and whistles found in the pricier Disney hotels, but it offers a great value for staying on Disney property.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Families who want the convenience and ambience of staying at a Disney property without having to spend a fortune on their hotel room. If you plan to spend most of your time in the parks and not in your room — and don't mind having less dining and transportation options — it may be worth opting for a less pricey hotel.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: A red carpet greets you when you show up to check in, starting your stay off on the right foot. The buildings are spread out into various areas based on movie themes: Toy Story, Fantasia, Love Bug, 101 Dalmatians and The Mighty Ducks. It's connected to the other two All-Star Resorts with a trail, but each property has its own lobby and food court.

GUEST ROOMS: All rooms are pretty much the same at this hotel and can sleep up to four adults. You get to choose between a standard room or a slightly more expensive preferred room, which is based on proximity to the main building with the food court, front desk and bus stops. Rooms start around $130 a night, depending on the timing and availability.

DINING: There's a food court in the main building with American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's also a pool bar with limited food options by the main pool area.

GETTING AROUND: Bus transportation is the only option available, and visitors say the bus stops can feel crowded at times. Though it's not as convenient as staying at a pricier hotel on Disney property, you still get Disney-provided transportation, which is a step up from staying off of Disney property.

POOLS: The main pool is inspired by the movie Fantasia and has a Sorcerer Mickey fountain sending water into the pool below. It also has a splash area and kiddie pool for the little ones. There's another pool in the Mighty Ducks section that's designed to look like an ice hockey rink.

RECREATION: Like other Disney properties, this one offers a playground, arcade, movie nights and campfire activities on site.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

With a relaxing, paradise vibe, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is inspired by the islands of Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba. It stands out for both its mid-tier pricing and being the central hub of the Skyliner transportation system.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Families looking for a middle ground between the pricey Deluxe Resorts and budget-friendly Value Resorts. It's also ideal for people that plan to spend most of their time at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios; it's the only hotel where you don't need to transfer on the Skyliner system because it's the central transfer spot.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: Like all of Disney's Moderate Resort properties, it's spread out pretty wide, but has bus transportation that stops throughout the property. This location is divided up into five "villages" for each of the five island inspirations. While some are closer to the main area with dining and recreation, others are closer to the Skyliner station. The property is also walkable to Disney's Riviera Resort, the newest Deluxe Resort, which has stunning scenery and fan-favorite dining options.

GUEST ROOMS: Standard rooms start in the $275-$300 range, with prices increasing based on preferred location and better views. The rooms typically sleep four people, but you can opt for a fifth Sleeper room that has a child-size pull down bed. The rooms aren't as spacious as Deluxe Resorts, but they do include a beverage cooler plus a small table and chairs.

DINING: In the main area (called Old Port Royale), you can find both quick service and grab-and-go options, as well as Sebastian's Bistro, a sit-down restaurant with Caribbean cuisine. There are also quick poolside options.

GETTING AROUND: Caribbean Beach is the central station for the Skyliner Transportation system. It's where the three lines meet up for guests to transfer, meaning you can go directly to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT without having to switch gondolas. (Just note that the Skyliner is the least reliable form of transportation at Disney because it's prone to pauses in service when there's lightning in the area or mechanical issues.) For Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and water parks, you can take Disney's bus transportation.

POOLS: The main pool is themed after a Spanish fortress and has two waterslides, water cannons and a play area for younger kids. There are also five leisure pools — one in each of the five villages.

RECREATION: Activities include movie nights, campfires, fishing and volleyball. There's also a playground and an arcade for kids on site.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For an elegant ambience that'll have you feeling like Disney royalty, Disney's Grand Floridian is a Victorian-themed property that combines stunning architecture, top-notch dining and convenient access to Magic Kingdom. It also has unique shops, a full-service spa and a PhotoPass studio on site, offering an even more elevated experience during your stay.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who prefer a fancy hotel feel while still being at the heart of Disney's Magic Kingdom area. Families who return to this hotel with each Disney World visit say it's because the service is impeccable, plus there's a sense of calm when you return after a long day at the parks. It's also ideal for foodies who enjoy having fine dining options easily accessible.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: This hotel is made up of one main building surrounded by smaller outer buildings, which aren't too spread out like they are at other hotels. The main building has an open two-story lobby, where you'll find the stores and restaurants. There's also a convention center and wedding pavilion on site.

GUEST ROOMS: The Grand Floridian has a wide range of room offerings, with its standard rooms in the outer buildings starting in the $700-$750 price range. You can pay more for rooms with theme park views, plus there are suites and villas available, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms. The rooms and suites in the main building are all Club Level, meaning you get access to the exclusive lounge and concierge service, but they can start at over $1,000 per night.

DINING: The restaurants at the Grand Floridian are so popular that guests from other hotels often visit just for the dining experiences. Victoria & Albert's is considered the best (and most expensive) restaurant at Disney World, with a $295 prix-fix menu. Narcoossee's is another highly-acclaimed seafood spot for dinner, with stunning views of the fireworks. Cítricos has a whimsical vibe inspired by Mary Poppins Returns, and is described as having "Florida cuisine with Mediterranean flavors." There are also more casual restaurants, like the Grand Floridian Cafe and Gasparilla Island Grill.

GETTING AROUND: It's just one stop away from Magic Kingdom on the monorail, plus you can take the boat across the lagoon or walk from a newly-finished path that takes about 15 minutes to reach the park. Access EPCOT from the monorail by transferring at the Ticket & Transportation Center, and use the bus for the other parks and attractions.

POOLS: The main pool has a zero-depth entry and a natural springs theme with waterfalls and a waterslide. Next to the pool is an Alice in Wonderland -inspired splash area for kids with smaller slides and plenty of fountains. There's also a separate leisure pool.

RECREATION: A variety of water-based activities are offered, including boat rentals, fishing and specialty cruises for an added cost. There are also campfire activities, movie nights and an arcade. Not to mention, a full-service spa and salon for adults.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

As the name implies, this hotel is inspired by Saratoga Springs, New York (specifically, the race tracks) and has a charming feel throughout the property. It's also one of the most underrated hotels at Disney World. It's not located right next to any of the theme parks, but it makes up for the location with it's spacious rooms and on-property offerings for an excellent value. It also typically has good availability, making it easy to get a room with short notice.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Multi-generational families or anyone that would benefit from more space (including a full kitchen, living room and dining area) without spending several thousand dollars per night. It's also great if you plan to take breaks and spend time at the hotel, or if you're traveling with a baby and want to have a separate sleeping area.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: It's a large property with rooms spread out into five sections. Some are closer to the main area (with lots of recreational offerings), while others are closer to Disney Springs. You'll find pools and playgrounds spread out throughout. There's also a Treehouse Villa area, which is more secluded on the property, and a golf course on site.

GUEST ROOMS: Unlike most Disney hotels with standard rooms, this property is entirely made up of studios and villas. The smallest villa is a Deluxe Studio, which is a bit cramped but is well-laid out with a kitchenette and seating area and starts around $400 a night. There are also one-bedroom villas (starting around $600) and two-bedroom villas (starting around $830), which have full kitchens, washer/dryers, dining areas and living rooms. So if you're traveling with grandparents, it may be worth it to get a two-bedroom villa instead of two separate rooms at a Deluxe Resort near the parks. There are also limited three-bedroom villas available, plus Treehouse Villas, which offer a unique stay in a woodsy area but are further from the activities.

DINING: It's mostly made up of quick-service spots, both in the main area and by the pool. However, it's right by the restaurants at Disney Springs , which offer seemingly endless dining options. And because most rooms have fully-equipped kitchens, you can conveniently eat in the rooms at your leisure.

GETTING AROUND: While most Deluxe Resorts have convenient access to the theme parks, this one's a bit further away so you'll need to take bus transportation. The buses stop throughout the property so you don't have to walk to one central pickup spot. And though it's walkable to Disney Springs, you can also take a scenic boat ride from the hotel.

POOLS: There on two main pools on property, both of which have waterslides and zero-depth entries. The first is the High Rock Spring Pool, which is located near the main area and has a separate Donald Duck splash area for kids. The second one is the Paddock Pool, located near a bulk of the rooms and has a play area for kids with smaller slides and fountains. There are three leisure pools spread out over the other areas on the property.

RECREATION: This resort offers plenty of fun experiences during your stay, including surrey and bike rentals, a playground, an arcade, basketball and tennis courts, a golf course, fishing and more. There's also a "Community Hall" — i.e., an indoor facility with ping pong, arts and crafts, video games and other activities.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Anyone that's stayed at the Four Seasons in Orlando will tell you they loved the property so much, they didn't even want to leave the hotel to go to the Disney parks. While that may be true, it's still a can't-beat home base when you're visiting Walt Disney World. Everything about it exudes high-end luxury: The rooms, the service, the scenery, the dining and more. Though it's not technically a Disney resort, it's located within the property close to the Magic Kingdom area.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone looking for a luxury getaway while visiting Disney World. It's equally good for families with young kids and couples trips. It costs more than staying at any Disney hotel, but it creates once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For some, a great option is to split their stay with a few days at this resort and a few days at a Disney-owned property.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW: The hotel is a 17-story building with a picture-perfect lobby. You'll find the restaurants, stores and spa on the first floor and lower level. There's an adjacent meeting and event space, while the rest of the property is a paradise of pools and activities.

GUEST ROOMS: Rooms start at over $1,000 a night, plus there are a variety of options for suites. Costs vary depending on the view from your room, with the park view being the best option since you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the comfort of your balcony.

DINING: The standout restaurants include Capa, a Michelin-starred rooftop steakhouse with Spanish-influenced cuisine, and Ravello, an Italian restaurant for breakfast and dinner. On select days, Ravello hosts a can't-miss character breakfast with Goofy, Mickey and Minnie in their golf apparel. There are also cafes, grills and bars on property, plus the in-room dining has top-notch options for the whole family.

GETTING AROUND: Though it's not provided by Disney, the hotel offers shuttle service to the parks on a set schedule. Just note that the shuttle can't bring you directly to Magic Kingdom, so you'll have to transfer to a boat or monorail at Disney's Ticket & Transportation Center. For direct access, you can opt for a Minnie Van , Disney's personal ride service in Minnie-themed cars powered by Lyft.

POOLS: The pool complex at the Four Seasons could quite possibly be the highlight of your stay. Called Explorer Island, it's made up of a breathtaking lazy river, a large family pool, a splash zone with "ruined" columns, two thrilling water slides and an adults-only pool area.

RECREATION: Besides the pools, you'll find plenty to do for both kids and adults. On-site activities include a playground, rock-climbing wall, volleyball courts, tennis courts, pool tables, bocce ball and more. There's an arcade hangout for older kids and a complimentary kids' club for the little ones. Standouts for the adults include its spa and picturesque golf course.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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3 Disney World Hotel Scams I’ll Never Fall For Again

We’re not ashamed in the least bit to tell you all about the terrible experiences we’ve had at Disney World!

Not everything is always going to go right on our vacations and it can start out as something as simple as not packing the right gea r to finding some unwanted roommates in our Disney World hotels. But, since we’re not into gatekeeping things from our friends, you’ve come to the right place to find about a few Disney World hotel scams we’ve fallen victim to so you (hopefully) don’t make the same mistakes!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by Regina George (a.k.a. your Disney World hotel). In all seriousness, the feeling you get when you realize you’ve likely fallen victim to a hotel scam isn’t fun in the slightest and can really leave a bad taste in your mouth and truly overshadow the rest of your vacation.

We’re walking you through some of the most common Disney World hotel scams we’ve personally encountered so you can plan ahead and save yourself some money and hurt feelings!

Overpaying For Convenience Items

We’re EXTREMELY thankful that the convenience items exist at all in most Disney World hotel shops. However, that magic usually comes with a hefty price tag. We can’t begin to count the times we’ve needed things like band-aids, baby diapers and wipes, headache medicine, phone charging cables, and feminine products on the fly, and our quickest solution was — you guessed it — the merchandise store inside our hotel!

Here’s what you can take away most from our mistake: Pack early, and recheck your packing list. While most of us really do have intentions of packing ahead to ensure we do have everything we need to bring on our vacations, there are a lot of times when that just simply isn’t our reality! We’d recommend making a list, checking things off of it as you put them into your bags and suitcases and double-checking everything you’ve packed (maybe twice).

For all those little inconveniences like medicines and band-aids that typically aren’t a top priority until the moment you need them, we’ve got a great solution for you!

We found these travel first aid kids incredibly compact for as much as they hold and they’re built for practically any minor emergency you could encounter while on your trip. We’ve personally tested these kits and they’re totally worth the investment to protect you and your family before a need arises!

Paying Full Price For Bottled Drinks

To this day, we STILL fall victim to this scam time and time again! It’s almost too easy!

Stop paying full price for bottled drinks like sodas, water, and POWERADE at snack stands and kiosks if you’re someone who typically gets merchandise discounts. This tip will usually apply to folks who are Disney World Annual Passholders or Disney Vacation Club members. When you purchase these drinks in a merchandise shop, ask the Cast Member at the register if your purchase qualifies for a discount and most of the time, this will apply to even something like this! But please be aware this discount only works if you’re purchasing these bottled drinks as merchandise from a store as the kiosks can not honor the same discount.

Buying Bottled Water

While we’re on this subject…why are you buying bottled water anyways? We get it — certain bottled waters taste differently but if that really doesn’t matter all that much to you, hear us out!

Most quick-service restaurants will give you a cup to fill with water for free and we’ve even spotted refillable water stations around a few of the Disney World hotels as well. If you’re not opposed to getting your own water, you can really help save yourself and your budget.

We’re constantly giving you tips and tricks for your next Disney World vacation! Be sure to stay tuned with us at AllEars for more!

The Single Best Thing We’ve Bought For Disney World This Month

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What Disney World hotel scams have you fallen victim to over your Disney World visits? List them in the comments and we’ll commiserate together!

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5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Stay in a Disney Deluxe Resort

by David Lee | Aug 27, 2024 | Walt Disney World , Walt Disney World Resorts

Choosing a hotel to stay in is one of the biggest decisions you have to make when planning a Disney World trip. And they sure don’t make it easy. There are countless options both on and off property across a wide budget range, from simple motels to luxury resorts. 

At the top of the Disney-operated hotels are Deluxe Resorts . These properties are the cream of the crop. They feature immaculate theming, beautiful rooms and views, award-winning dining, fantastic amenities, and convenient locations.

Reasons to Avoid Disney Deluxe Resorts

So staying at a Deluxe Resort is a no-brainer when you want to make sure you have a great Disney World vacation, right? Well, not so fast. Yes, these hotels are amazing. And there’s a good chance that you will have a great time staying at them. 

However, they may not be the right choice for you and your trip. And rather than potentially being disappointed due to your high expectations, read through these 5 reasons why you should NOT stay at a Deluxe Resort.

They Are Expensive

All the benefits listed above come at a cost. Want to be able to walk or take the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary? Want access to Stormalong Bay, the amazing pool located at the Yacht & Beach Club? Want to see real animals on the savannah from your balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

You bet there’s a high price tag for that. And since this is Disney World, it’s a very high price tag.  Depending on your room type and time of year, each night can cost from several hundred dollars to over a thousand. 

If you have the budget for that, great! But many of us probably don’t want to always shell out that much for a hotel. Personally, I’d rather allocate some of that money towards other things like food, souvenirs, or park tickets. Which brings me to my next point…

You May Be Spending All Your Time at the Parks

The four theme parks are typically the main attractions at Disney World. And these parks might be the primary focus of your next trip. If you are planning a park-heavy trip where you’ll be in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom every day (or almost every day), you may not want to stay at a Deluxe Resort. Why spend a ton of money to stay at a nice hotel if you aren’t going to be there much and be able to take advantage of its amenities?

In this case, a Value Resort may be exactly what you need. This worked out perfectly for one of my trips. All we needed was a place to sleep and a basic pool to cool off in after some long days in the parks, and All-Star Music was a perfect fit for that visit.

You Can Enjoy the Deluxe Resort Dining Without Staying There

One of the perks of staying at a Deluxe Resort is you have quick access to the excellent onsite dining options. Some of my favorite restaurants, like ‘Ohana and Topolino’s Terrace, are located at the resorts vs. the parks. 

Do you want to know the best part? Unlike pools, you don’t have to be a guest of a hotel to eat at any of its restaurants!  That means even if you are staying at a Value Resort or even an off-property hotel, you can still enjoy the plethora of delicious restaurants available at the Deluxe Resorts. On a recent visit where I stayed at the Dolphin for a conference, my co-worker and I were able to enjoy all of these Deluxe Resort restaurants during our week:

• Kona Cafe at the Polynesian
• Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club
• Ale & Compass at the Yacht Club
• Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera

Staying at a cheaper resort can be a great way to allocate your budget for some splurge dining. Just be sure to get your reservations in for the popular restaurants!

You Want More Kid-Friendly Theming

If you’re traveling with young ones, you may want theming that’s more in-your-face Disney. Despite its close proximity to the Magic Kingdom, the Victorian-style design and architecture of the Grand Floridian may not be the most appealing to kids.

However, the Value Resorts have arguably the best kid-friendly theming, with Art of Animation leading the pack. This resort has larger-than-life characters from popular Disney and Pixar films located around the property, complementing the in-room theming.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Photo by Danny Shuster

All-Star Movies is another great option that has theming and massive character sculptures from several favorite Disney films that’s even more budget-friendly than Art of Animation. All Value Resorts feature oversized characters and objects as part of their fun and inviting theming. My 3-year-old absolutely loved the giant yo-yo staircases we’d take to our room at Pop Century. So while Deluxe Resorts may have impressive theming and details, they’re typically not the things that kids would be interested in.

You Want to Use Points to Book a Hotel

I’m probably not the only person who wishes that Disney had some sort of hotel loyalty program like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy.  But let’s be real. Disney will likely never implement a program like this. (And we’ll still keep going back, right?) However, other travelers who have a ton of points saved up may want to redeem them for a Disney trip. 

Now, here’s a little secret: you  can  get the best of both worlds by using Marriott points and getting some benefits of staying at a Deluxe Resort. Instead of staying at a Disney World-owned property, you can pick the Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve, which are located right by EPCOT. This puts you in walking distance of the other EPCOT Resort area hotels, the Disney BoardWalk, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, while they aren’t Disney-owned, you can still qualify for the Deluxe-exclusive perk of Extended Evening Hours when staying there.

As for other point options, if you don’t mind being a little bit more removed, there are a plethora of hotels belonging to all sorts of chains around Disney World where you can cash in your points.

So while Deluxe Resorts provide some of the best hotel experiences Disney has to offer, you definitely don’t need to stay at one to have a great vacation. In fact, depending on your personal situation and preferences, it could be a huge mistake staying at one. As always, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons before making your hotel decision for your next Disney trip!

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Helios Grand Hotel at Universal’s Epic Universe Luxury Resort: Rooms, Restaurants & Perks

Universal Orlando Resort has shared a first look at Loews Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room luxury in-park resort overlooking Epic Universe, their third theme park in Florida that opens in 2025. This sneak peek shares concept art & info about guest rooms, restaurants, retail and everything else in the upcoming accommodations–including how perks and tiers are changing with the arrival of this new property.

Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort’s third theme park, just down the road from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, as well as Volcano Bay Water Park. Once fully built out, the new theme park campus would essentially double Universal Orlando Resort’s existing footprint. It won’t be that big in 2025–that build out is years, if not decades, down the road.

Epic Universe will transport guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 experiences that include attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping to create an unforgettable adventure located at Universal Orlando Resort. For a big picture overview of the entire park, see our  Universal’s Epic Universe Preview , which unveiled all of the lands and much more. Against that backdrop, let’s introduce Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel…

Helios Grand Hotel is brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co. The new luxury resort is a majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape rising above the lush gardens and scenic waters of Celestial Park at Epic Universe.

Designed to blend immersion and relaxation to create a hotel stay like no other, this palatial resort features tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, divine dining options, a stunning rooftop bar and the hotel’s very own dedicated entrance to the new theme park.

Bringing Universal Orlando’s resort portfolio to a total of 11 hotels and 11,000 guest rooms, Universal Helios Grand Hotel builds upon Universal’s more than three decades of expertise in world-class entertainment and creative theming – combined with Loews Hotels’ hospitality and service excellence – to set a new standard in immersive hotel experiences.

Only at Universal Helios Grand Hotel can guests unwind in the serenity of a sunlit retreat in one moment and then within minutes find themselves in the heart of exhilarating theme park adventures. Universal Helios Grand Hotel is so much more than just a place to stay; it’s the crown jewel of Epic Universe and the pinnacle of Universal Orlando’s hotel experiences.

According to Universal Orlando, as soon as guests step into this radiant sanctuary, they will be transported to a fantastical world within the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with beautiful details of celestial patterns, dazzling constellations and elegant yet casual Mediterranean design elements. ( All their words, not mine. )

Through the lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows is a vista of Celestial Park – boasting some of the best views of Epic Universe in the entire hotel and showcasing the park’s brilliance by day and night.

Here’s everything that Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers:

Serene Guest Rooms and Spacious Suites  – Bright, inviting and warm, the guest rooms and suites of Universal Helios Grand Hotel evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden – with many of the rooms offering fantastic views of Epic Universe. And unique to Universal Helios Grand Hotel are the imaginative  How to Train Your Dragon  Kids’ Suites, where little ones can take to the skies and rest amongst dragons in a colorful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk.

Dedicated Entrance to Universal Epic Universe  – Located off the lobby is the hotel’s dedicated entrance into Epic Universe – an unparalleled amenity for guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel that provides direct, convenient access to and from the theme park  (valid theme park admission required) .

Bar Helios  – A sparkling and stylish rooftop lounge, Bar Helios at Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers a delectable menu of creative tapas and familiar favorites, thoughtfully-handcrafted specialty cocktails, and unmatched 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond – making this the perfect spot for guests to kick back in the evening after a busy day in the parks.

Resort-style Pool  – The oasis of the zero-entry pool is the ultimate spot for rest and relaxation – complete with underwater speakers, poolside cabanas available for rent, a hot tub, poolside movies, recreational activities and more.

Guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel can also enjoy:

• a complimentary state-of-the-art  fitness center  featuring a variety of strength and cardio equipment;
• a  game room  for guests to blast, zap and race their way through a collection of arcade games with the purchase of a game card;
• a  Universal Orlando Resort Store  for guests to purchase everything from sundries and necessities to Universal Orlando merchandise; and so much more.

Guests looking to have a meal or grab a quick snack in between visits to the parks can choose from a variety of unique dining options, including:

• Flora Taverna  – a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and lobby bar with a light and airy atmosphere – featuring an open-style kitchen with live cooking, Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza ovens, and al fresco seating overlooking the beautiful scenery of Celestial Park;
• Aurora Market  – a contemporary coffee shop and market offering freshly-roasted coffees, delightful grab-and-go food items and enticing snack and dessert options from morning to night;
• Lotus Lagoon  – a poolside bar and grill where guests can cool off with refreshing cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy casual fare options like burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.

Staying at any Universal Orlando hotel is the best way to experience all that the destination has to offer and comes with exclusive theme park benefits. Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, receive Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions at the theme parks, which will expand to include Universal Epic Universe with the park’s opening in 2025. Early Park Admission will offer up to one hour of priority access before the park opens with valid theme park admission.

Universal Orlando hotel guests can also take advantage of complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more.

The addition of Universal Helios Grand Hotel also brings three reimagined hotel categories to Universal Orlando – designed to make it even easier for guests to choose the hotel that best fits their preferred style and budget:

Signature Collection – Offering full-service amenities, distinguished service, exceptional dining and more:

• Universal Helios Grand Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Prime Value Hotels – Offering a mix of services and amenities made for comfort

• Universal Aventura Hotel
• Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025)
• Universal Terra Luna Resort  (opening February 25, 2025)

Value Inns and Suites – Offering fun, affordable options offering standard rooms and spacious suites with kitchenettes.

• Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
• Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

Turning to commentary, let’s start with the perks and changes to hotel tiers. Fans might be stunned to learn that Universal Helios Grand Hotel won’t offer Unlimited Express Pass. This has been confirmed by Universal Orlando on social media : “While Universal Helios Grand Hotel will not include Universal Express Unlimited, Guests can take advantage of other incredible exclusive theme park benefits.”

Regular readers of this site won’t be too surprised. We’ve speculated for a while that Helios Grand Hotel wouldn’t offer it or that Epic Universe wouldn’t… or both . I would’ve bet on the latter–that no hotel would offer Unlimited Express Pass to Epic Universe. So it’s slightly surprising that Helios Grand Hotel won’t offer Express Pass at all, not even to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.

As I’ve been saying for a while, I don’t know why Universal first opted to offer Unlimited Express Pass to its Premier Hotels, but my shot-in-the-dark guess is a deal with Loews to get that hotelier on board. Accordingly, I would also  guess that the only theme parks subject to such a contractual agreement would be the ones in existence at the time.

Likewise, I’ve warned fans that Universal would not make the same deal in the 2020s that it did in the late 1990s, which is precisely why Sapphire Falls doesn’t offer Express Pass. Universal Orlando is now already established as a bona fide theme park heavy hitter, and there is no need  to dangle such a park to get a commitment from Loews. The hotelier couldn’t get a sweetheart deal this time–it’s Universal with the leverage now.

Once again, the mistake fans continue to make is assuming that Universal is any different than Disney as a business. It feels necessary to reiterate this, because there’s this misguided notion that Universal is more guest-focused than Walt Disney World. The idea that Comcast, of all companies , actually cares about consumers and offers better value, perks, or whatever out of the kindness of its heart is ludicrous.

Honestly, I’m  pleasantly  surprised here that Early Park Admission is being expanded to Epic Universe. I wouldn’t necessarily have bet on that (Helios Grand getting the perk at the existing parks seemed like a given), and expected that Universal Orlando would instead try to monetize early access in the same way they do at Super Nintendo World in Hollywood. So that is a small victory at the very least.

Another surprise to me is that Sapphire Falls is moving up to the top tier. We really like Sapphire Falls, and felt that it punched above its weight with its categorization before. However, I also think it’s well below the other options in that top tier. More importantly, it’s the only one of the currently-operating existing hotels that does not offer Unlimited Express Pass at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

So there’s the question of whether Sapphire Falls is getting Unlimited Express Pass for the first two parks, or the others are losing it? I think the latter scenario is the more likely of the two–perhaps terms of Loews’ deal came up for renewal or Universal was able to renegotiate with the addition of Epic Universe.

Another entirely plausible scenario is that Sapphire Falls is being bumped up to the top tier without any changes–it won’t offer Unlimited Express Pass and the other existing hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific) won’t lose it. Again, Helios Grand Hotel won’t offer Express Pass at all, so that wouldn’t be a huge shock.

Nevertheless, it’s going to make for an odd classification if three of the hotels in the top tier offer Unlimited Express Pass but the two newest–including what I assume is going to be the flagship hotel of Universal Orlando in Helios Grand–don’t offer it. Unlimited Express Pass is the defining amenity offered by the top tier resorts, so it’ll be odd if some have it and others don’t. But it also wouldn’t surprise me if Universal wants more options in that top tier for the sake of marketing.

It also wouldn’t surprise me if the original three top tier hotels retain Unlimited Express Pass for now, but lose it at some point in the next few years. If my assumption about this being a contractual deal with Loews is correct–and Universal couldn’t or didn’t renegotiate–that’ll presumably expire at some point down the road. I can’t imagine the perk existing in perpetuity–even in the 1990s, it’s not like Loews had that much leverage.

As for the themed design of Universal Helios Grand Hotel, I like it! The exterior looks to me like the strange love-child of Disney’s Riviera Resort and Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs, but with more artifice and attention to detail so it’s not so boxy. I do think that Walt Disney World fans still would’ve complained if this were the appearance of Riviera Resort, but not as loudly.

Still, not nearly as good as Portofino Bay, which remains the high-water mark for themed resorts at Universal Orlando. Of course, it’s also a product of a different era. Guest preferences have changed since then, and so too have both Universal’s and Disney’s approaches to themed hotel design.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel looks better than Disney’s Riviera Resort (not quite as ‘value engineered’), and there’s also the reality that Universal and Disney are held to different standards. I’ll be the first to admit that I do this, and I know most of you do too, judging by how much of a pass Universal gets for the things fans would excoriate Disney over.

The pool likewise looks nice, which is not a huge surprise since Universal Creative and Loews have done a fantastic job with pool complexes at many of the existing resorts. It’s probably fair to say that Universal hotels, on average, outdo Disney from the perspective of pools. The pools at Hard Rock and Portofino Bay are my personal favorites, but there are several great ones. (Cabana Bay can be good, but it’s often packed.)

The standard guest rooms at Universal Helios Grand Hotel look lackluster. The How to Train Your Dragon suites are fun, and I’m sure families will love them. No criticism there.

The regular rooms, though, are surprisingly bland. The standard rooms also look very small. Nothing about these say ‘luxury hotel’ or ‘flagship resort’ to me. It instead looks like Universal wanted to cram as many rooms into as small of a footprint as possible. If Disney did this, people would be comparing these rooms to the All Stars.

I don’t see much daylight between these and the other rooms that Universal has done in the last several years (new rooms and redone ones at the existing resorts). Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t see much to separate the rooms at Universal Helios Grand Hotel from Sapphire Falls. Perhaps that’s why the latter has moved up into the top tier?

Same goes for the bars, markets, restaurants and other common areas. These look very similar to what we’ve seen done by Universal Creative in the last decade–everything post-Cabana Bay, which does have a distinct style. It’s all very underwhelming. I did a double-take after reading the lofty language in the press release about the theme and quality…only to see concept art that looks pretty pedestrian.

That’s perfectly fine for the lower tier resorts, as those common areas are way better than their counterparts at similarly-situated Walt Disney World resorts. But Universal Helios Grand Hotel is presumably drawing comparisons to the Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World, and those aren’t nearly as favorable. Even Gran Destino Tower (a Moderate Resort) looks more ambitious on the inside.

Of course, these are all first impressions based on concept art released for Universal Helios Grand Hotel. But I do think it’s kind of odd that several pieces of art were showcased for bland bars and markets. These all look very same-y, and certainly don’t sell me on Helios Grand Hotel. The one of the bar overlooking Epic Universe definitely does…and perhaps that view and location are all that’s needed. This hotel will probably sell itself with its proximity to Epic Universe. Maybe Universal realized that, and decided to cut corners on the hotel. It wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened recently ( looking at you, Fantasy Springs Hotel at Tokyo DisneySea ).

Need trip planning tips and comprehensive advice for your visit to Central Florida? Make sure to read our  Universal Orlando Planning Guide  for everything about Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Also check out our  Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide  for everything about those parks, resorts, restaurants, and so much more. For regular updates, news & rumors, a heads up when discounts are released, and much more,  sign up for our FREE email newsletter !

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think of Universal Helios Grand Hotel? Impressed by the style or substance? What do you think of the exterior vs. interior? Will you book Universal Helios Grand Hotel, or stick with one of the existing resorts? Think Epic Universe will be a third gate that’s a worthy addition to Universal Orlando Resort…and potentially on par with Disney’s best lands? Agree or disagree with our assessment that much of the interior looks too similar to Universal’s new lower-tier resorts? Any questions? We love hearing from readers, so please share any other thoughts or questions you have in the comments below!

Written by Tom Bricker

Could you explain this: “Once fully built out, the new theme park campus would essentially double Universal Orlando Resort’s existing footprint. It won’t be that big in 2025–that build out is years, if not decades, down the road.”

Are you saying that when Epic Universe opens next year, it will only feature some of the lands currently being teased in promo videos? Or is there even more on the way after that?

The southern Universal theme park campus that Epic Universe sits on is a large parcel of land that includes space for more lands in Epic Universe, more hotels near Epic Universe, probably another City Walk-like area, and land that could go to any of those.

All five lands announced (four portals and Celestial Park) will open next year.

I really love Cabana Bay as like you Tom, I am a big fan of mid century modern and would go to Palm Springs in the summer when prices are cheaper. What do you think demoting Cabana Bay would do to its pricing? Also I am really surprised that they tiered cabana bay under adventura, as I think cabana bay is so much better.

I wouldn’t read too much into the tier changes–they’re probably just for the sake of marketing. And since Aventura is one of their group booking/convention locations, they probably want that slotted higher than Cabana Bay. If that means less people booking the better resort, fine by me!

Palm Springs in the summer was a one and done for me. “It’s a dry heat” they said. Well, how dry the heat is doesn’t matter when it’s 115 degrees before noon!

I’m surprised that Cabana Bay is moving down a tier to value. Does that change any perks? We stayed there last year and it was great.

I would not expect any material changes at CBBR.

No Express Pass for Epic is unsurprising and may actually be welcome since we can finally just have natural standby lines. Not giving Helios Express Pass for the two OG parks is surprising, mostly because I assume it’s going to cost significantly more than Hard Rock and Portofino. And especially given Universal’s one-day ticket limit on Epic, at least in the only package we have details on so far, and no APs (again, understandably), being right next to a park that you have to pay a boatload for if you want to attend multiple days on your trip starts to look like a way less enticing perk. Don’t get me wrong. The views look amazing! (I agree the rooms do not. It feels like Universal is allergic to artwork, which is not true of Disney and its stunning pieces over at Riviera). So given the mediocre rooms and the fact that I can just end my night at Epic with a nice dinner or drink at Helios to get those same views without the perk-less price tag, I’m sure a lot of people will be just fine sticking with Portofino/Hard Rock and using Universal’s very efficient bus system to get to Epic instead.

You’re right on the money about Express being a contract stipulation with Loews.

Care to add anything to that?

As mentioned, I can’t imagine the perk exists in perpetuity for the original 3 top tier resorts. That would be terrible negotiating on Universal’s part (not to mention a failure to revisit the clause when entering a deal on Helios, which will be a license to print money). Any idea when it ends?

If they end Express Pass as a perk then the prices better reflect the change. Maybe they’re going the Disney route and will just gouge at every corner they can.

Prices aren’t going anywhere but up. We should all be very worried if they do drop, because that would mean Epic Universe is a flop and/or the demand isn’t there. (Which would also have a ripple effect on Walt Disney World, and likely mean a pullback of investment there.)

Comcast didn’t invest several billions of dollars in Epic Universe to lose money–they’ve already got Peacock for that.

I like your point about Universal/Comcast being just as profit driven as Disney. Just so! Universal has had to differentiate itself in “perks” and customer service playing the underdog all these years. You can tell that they now think they are going to get the upperhand and can command higher margins. You are absolutely right comparing Helios to the lackluster Riviera. While I have been impressed with everything coming out of the Epic Universe announcements, Helios fell flat. It is the same sleek, modern aesthetic we have been seeing with Disney, which really just saves design and construction costs. I think Universal is overplaying their hand on the Express Pass perk. My guess is that you are right that free EP Unlimited is going away at all their resorts. But once you take that away, even the Portofino (which is far better than Helios looks) would be put on par with a moderate Disney resort. Portofino is not in the same league on its own merits (seeking EP aside) with AKL, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Poly, etc. I would also guess that the large majority of Express Passes at Universal were coming from guests of their 3 premier hotels. Their express passes are massively overpriced for families, especially given that you end up waiting in the “express” line much longer than Disney guests ever wait in a LL line. Universal-boosters should start applying the same skeptical eye to Universal as many do with Disney.

“Universal-boosters should start applying the same skeptical eye to Universal as many do with Disney.”

Disney has its share of ‘pixie dusters’ who never criticize the company, but there are also a ton of fans who hold them to a high standard. Meanwhile, it seems like the only people who ever criticize Universal are Disney fans. And even most Disney fans simply do not care about Universal, so it’s superficial or reactionary critique at best.

Universal fans have a chip on their shoulder that they really need to shake because the reflexive defensiveness is not doing them any favors.

I had SUCH high expectations for Grand Helios … a flagship hotel, the “crown jewel” of Epic Universe? With a dedicated theme park entrance like the Grand Californian and Hotel Miracosta? Given all that, I expected it to be on the level of those two resorts. Or Portofino Bay, which to your point is so transportive! I fully planned to spend at least two nights here on my Epic Universe trip to take full advantage of the perks and amenities.

But I am also underwhelmed. The concept art does feel very sort of basic resort, which is a bummer. And with the lack of Express Pass I’m genuinely considering making Portofino home base for my Epic trip instead. We’ll see what details roll out about other perks, park access and rates though.

I understand your best guess is that Express Pass won’t be offered at Epic Universe. When do you think that might change?

Also, if you think Helios ends up with the same perk as the other luxury resorts, do you think Helios will offer express pass to the other IOA and UO or do you think the other luxury resorts stop offering express pass when Epic Universe opens up?

Thank you for all the information – your blog is the best!

I don’t think the common areas are overly bland. The bars seem nice (although they do remind me of the Hard Rock in Ft. Lauderdale). The guest rooms do not seem premium though. The floor plans look like cruise ship cabins and the renderings look like Cabana Bay, with different finishes. I’m a value hotel goer myself, so I wouldn’t be staying there either way. I am intrigued/ excited to have Cabana Bay demoted to full, normal value status. Thanks for the update!

“I don’t think the common areas are overly bland.”

Take a look at the same spaces in Universal Orlando’s last 4 hotels. There’s not that much daylight between them…and all of those resorts are budget/moderate caliber. It’s fine with those, they’re punching above their weight. But for a flagship hotel? Very underwhelming IMO.

Interesting. The express pass is the only reason I would stay at any of those top tier hotels with my family. If the price of the hotel rooms doesn’t go down and the unlimited pass is removed, I would definitely just stay off site or at a value for the early entry and purchase the unlimited express pass. I am baffled by this – perhaps they don’t realize just how many people only stay at the more expensive hotels because of the pass? Time will tell…

“perhaps they don’t realize just how many people only stay at the more expensive hotels because of the pass?”

That’s right now, though.

I would imagine their calculus is that a brand-new park is going to create a ton of hotel demand, regardless of perks. Early entry will still be a huge one, and if guests start downgrading resorts as a result, they’ll raise the prices on the lower-tier ones or offer better discounts for the top-tier.

Universal’s cheapest resorts are currently underpriced. My bet is those room rates increase *a lot* by 2026.

The only reason we stayed at Royal Pacific last year was for Express. Much rather would have been at Sapphire Falls. Was unimpressed with Royal Pacific resort as a whole, wouldn’t ever go back except for it being the lowest cost of the Express pass resorts. Looking at summer 2025 pricing for Royal Pacific, it is a huge premium over Sapphire Falls. So, I can’t imagine that doesn’t include Express still into next year. If it doesn’t, then the numbers make no sense at all.

Are the new tiers expected to kick in once Helios is open? As in, do you expect it be business as usual until then for the Premieres?

If Premiere are potentially going to lose Express Pass when that happens, I might try to fit in a quick trip before that perk goes away. It’s been such a gamechanger for me in spending time and money at Universal….

Are you saying/speculating that Helios will not have any Unlimited Express Pass, the ones that currently have it will keep it, and Sapphire Falls will get it added to better match the amenities of the other hotels in its new tier? Because that seems like the most confusing version for consumers on all fronts.

What makes the most sense/seems easiest from a logistics perspective is that all the hotels lose Unlimited Express Pass. Second most likely seems that all of the top tier hotels get it solely for the two existing parks, since as you said that is the defining perk currently. But I think having Epic Universe be excluded would cause a ton of customer service headaches from people who did not notice the shiny new park is classed separately. Alternatively I could maybe see the top tier getting the one skip per ride version of the Express Pass for all 3 parks, with the caveat that some rides at Epic Universe just aren’t eligible for Express Pass, period.

Another option could be that the top tier hotels do not get Express Pass included, but are eligible to add it on to their stay for a discount as compared to the full price.

Universal Orlando is saying Helios won’t offer Express Pass–at all: https://x.com/UniversalORL/status/1826614741785096275

I don’t necessarily take social media accounts as the gospel, so it’s possible they’re wrong.

If they aren’t wrong, I would guess that all Unlimited Express Pass is gone–period–as a top-tier perk once Epic Universe/Helios open. That’s totally a guess, though. Just what I think makes the most sense from a logistical and operational perspective, as well as Universal’s likely deal with Loews.

Universal updated its hotel comparison chart with a hotel comparison tool: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/hotels/compare-features

Not only does it note that Helios does *not* include free Universal Express Unlimited, but it clarifies that the free Universal Express Unlimited is limited to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.

(Also, if anyone uses Priority Seating at Universal resorts, Helios will not be offering it at any of its restaurants.)

I’m excited but the rooms do look bland.

It would be really wierd for Helios to not have express pass, but for other hotels to have it, considering Helios is likely to be priced higher than the others. It would be nice for Helios to have express pass for first two parks, but I agree its more likely that all the hotels lose it. But if all lose it, would they be able to sustain the same prices for their other hotels? Its still kind of a ridiculous deal that the sticker price for express pass is often higher than the cost of the rooms.

Regarding Saphire – it is techinically “walkable” which Disney would use to say its Deluxe. Seems like they would use that as the differentiator.

I would expect that Helios will end up having whatever Portofino, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific end up with in terms of Express Pass. Whether that means Helios adding it or the other three losing it, I have no clue. At this point, Universal Orlando is telling people ( via social media ) Helios won’t offer Express Pass–at all. We shall see if that ends up being accurate.

I just don’t expect *any* of them to have Express Pass for Epic Universe. That’s the big thing.

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