The Best Disney World Resort to Stay at: A Comprehensive Guide
Overview of Disney World Resorts
Walt Disney World is home to four distinct resort areas: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Each resort offers unique amenities, activities, and experiences that cater to different preferences and budgets. In this article, we’ll explore the top Disney World resorts to stay at, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them the best fit for your Disney vacation.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Luxury and elegance: The Grand Floridian is the epitome of Disney luxury, with lavish decor, upscale amenities, and exceptional service.
- Location: Located on the monorail line, making it easy to access Magic Kingdom.
- Amenities: Exclusive monorail station, white-glove service, monorail transportation, shopping, dining, and recreational activities.
- Room types: Classic rooms, suites, and villas.
- Dining: Victoria & Albert’s (top-rated fine dining), Cinderella’s Royal Table ( Character breakfast), and additional options at Disney Springs.
- Special features: Meeting spaces, boardrooms, fitness center, and concierge services.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Tropical atmosphere: Inspired by the islands of Hawaii, with a relaxed, exotic vibe.
- Location: Connecting to the monorail, making it easy to visit Magic Kingdom.
- Amenities: Multi-level pool, Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat, Polynesian Village Lagoon water play area, shopping, and entertainment.
- Room types: Standard rooms, suites, and villas.
- Dining: ‘Ohana (family-style buffet), Citricos (upscale restaurant), and additional options at Disney Springs.
- Special features: Fireworks at ‘Ohana, meeting spaces, and Onstage Entertainment.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Modern amenities: Sleek, innovative design, and modern amenities like the FitSpace fitness center and Club 33 (a secret club for A-listers).
- Location: Connecting to the monorail, making it easy to visit Magic Kingdom.
- Amenities: Luxurious rooms, multiple pools, water play area, shopping, and entertainment.
- Room types: Standard rooms, suites, and villas.
- Dining: Cafe Orleans (casual breakfast and lunch), California Grill (upscale dinner), and additional options at Disney Springs.
- Special features: Backstage Tour, rooftop lounge with fireworks views, and Off-Site movie screen.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Fun and family-friendly: Designed for young children, with colorful, cartoon-inspired decor.
- Location: On the monorail line, making it easy to visit Magic Kingdom.
- Amenities: Themed rooms, pools, water play area, shopping, and entertainment.
- Room types: Standard rooms, suites, and villas.
- Dining: Penny’s Pitstop (quick-service breakfast), Charlotte’s Web (charity-themed sandwich shop), and additional options at Disney Springs.
- Special features: Marvel Super Hero Training Course, Epcot’s Flying High family suites, and Lion King Festival of Fantasy Parade viewing.
Table Comparing the Disney World Resorts
| Resort | Average Price per Night | Rooms & Suites | Amenities | Dining Options | Room Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney’s Grand Floridian | $500-$800 | Classic, Suites, Villas | Exclusive Monorail Station | Victoria & Albert’s, Cinderella’s | |
| Disney’s Polynesian Village | $450-$750 | Standard, Suites, Villas | Multi-Level Pool, Secret Garden | ‘Ohana, Citricos | |
| Disney’s Contemporary | $350-$600 | Standard, Suites, Villas | Luxurious Rooms, FitSpace | Cafe Orleans, California Grill | |
| Disney’s Art of Animation | $350-$600 | Standard, Suites, Villas | Themed Rooms, Pools, Water Play Area | Penny’s Pitstop, Charlotte’s | |
| Disney’s Pop Century | $250-$500 | Standard, Suites, Villas | Colorful Decor, Two-Pool Complex | Quick Service, Snacks | |
| Disney’s Caribbean Beach | $200-$400 | Standard, Suites, Villas | Beachy Decor, Two-Pool Complex | Quick Service, Snacks |
The Winner: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Based on the table above, the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa stands out as the best Disney World resort to stay at. Its luxurious amenities, exclusive monorail station, and high-quality dining options make it a top choice for those seeking a high-end Disney experience. With its elegant decor and exceptional service, the Grand Floridian is perfect for couples celebrating special occasions or for families with older children. Its unique themed rooms and villas add to the Disney magic, making it a great choice for families with children of all ages.
The Runner-Up: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
While not the absolute best Disney World resort, the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a close second. Its tropical atmosphere, exclusive monorail station, and upscale amenities make it a great choice for couples and families seeking a Disney experience with a relaxed, exotic vibe. Its themed rooms and villas are also a great option for families with older children.
The Budget-Friendly Option: Disney’s Pop Century Resort
For the budget-conscious traveler, Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a great option. Its colorful decor, two-pool complex, and quick service options make it an affordable choice for families on a tight budget. While it may not offer the same level of luxury as the other resorts, it still provides a fun and entertaining Disney experience.
The Non-Disney Resort Option: Universal’s Aventura Hotel
For those looking to explore the city of Orlando beyond Disney World, Universal’s Aventura Hotel is a great option. While not a traditional Disney resort, it offers a similar resort experience with modern amenities and a focus on entertainment. Its proximity to Universal Studios Florida makes it an ideal choice for families with young children or those visiting the city for theme park exploration.
Conclusion
When choosing the best Disney World resort to stay at, consider your family’s preferences, budget, and needs. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa stands out as the ultimate Disney experience, offering luxurious amenities, exclusive services, and a world-class dining experience. While other resorts may be more budget-friendly or offer a unique theme, the Grand Floridian is the gold standard for Disney vacations.