What are the Best Disney Resorts for Your Next Family Vacation?
The Happiest Place on Earth, Disney, is a paradise for families with children of all ages. With numerous Disney resorts to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for your family’s needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best Disney resorts, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and benefits.
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Grand Floridian is often considered the crown jewel of Disney resorts.
- Amenities:
- Spa and fitness center
- Multiple pools, including a kids’ pool and lazy river
- Private beach and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom
- Extensive dining options, including the acclaimed Victoria & Albert’s
- Accommodations:
- 1,517 guest rooms and suites
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Garden View room and a Monorail-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #1 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "World’s Best Resorts" by Travel + Leisure
2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The Polynesian is a tropical oasis that embodies the spirit of the Hawaiian islands.
- Amenities:
- Volcano Pool and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto bar
- Two outdoor kitchens and BBQ area
- Polynesian Village Pool and lazy river
- Complimentary bus transportation to Magic Kingdom and Epcot
- Accommodations:
- 2,249 guest rooms and suites
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Swan-themed suite and a Cinderella Castle-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #2 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 Resorts in the World" by Forbes Travel Guide
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a 10,000-acre resort that combines African savannahs and wildlife conservation.
- Amenities:
- Two savannahs, including a resort-wide savannah and a private savannah for your room
- Two outdoor pools and waterfalls
- La’apai Cafe and Tembo Restaurant
- Wildlife Encounter Tour, a guided tour that takes you through the animal habitats
- Accommodations:
- 10,000 guest rooms and suites
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Savannah Lodge Room and an African Lodge Room
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #3 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 Animal Resorts in the World" by TripAdvisor
4. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
The BoardWalk Inn is a beachfront resort that celebrates the art of entertainment and dining.
- Amenities:
- Beachfront location on the Epcot Resort Line
- BoardWalk Bar and Restaurant
- Beaches, bungalows, and Grand Floridian Club Villas
- Character Dining, featuring meet-and-greets with Disney characters
- Accommodations:
- 1,000 guest rooms and suites
- Themed rooms and suites, including a BoardWalk Suite and a park-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #4 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 BoardWalk Resorts in the World" by TripAdvisor
5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Wilderness Lodge is a rustic resort that captures the spirit of the Alaskan wilderness.
- Amenities:
- Four pools, including a resort-wide pool and a private pool for your room
- Timber Falls Tea Room and Spa
- Wilderness Whitefish Bars, a casual bar serving whitefish and other Alaskan specialties
- Accommodations:
- 862 guest rooms and suites
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Park Bench Suite and a rustic-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #5 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 Wilderness Resorts in the World" by TripAdvisor
6. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
The Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is a family-friendly resort that combines African savannahs and tropical vegetation.
- Amenities:
- Two savannahs, including a resort-wide savannah and a private savannah for your room
- Two outdoor pools and waterfalls
- Kidani Village Restaurant and restaurant-themed lounge
- Animal Encounter Tour, a guided tour that takes you through the animal habitats
- Accommodations:
- 44 suites and villas
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Tiffins-themed suite and a Safari-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #6 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 Animal Villas in the World" by TripAdvisor
7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
The Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House is a family-friendly resort that combines African savannahs and Mediterranean architecture.
- Amenities:
- Two savannahs, including a resort-wide savannah and a private savannah for your room
- Two outdoor pools and waterfalls
- Jambo House Restaurant and restaurant-themed lounge
- Animal Encounter Tour, a guided tour that takes you through the animal habitats
- Accommodations:
- 46 suites and villas
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Sunda-themed suite and a colonial-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #7 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 Animal Villas in the World" by TripAdvisor
8. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The Coronado Springs is a modern resort that blends Spanish and Southwestern influences.
- Amenities:
- Multiple pools, including a resort-wide pool and a private pool for your room
- The Crossing, a shopping and dining complex
- Coronado Club, a resort-wide club for guests with a special identity card
- Lunch and dinner options, including California-style food and outdoor seating
- Accommodations:
- 1,343 guest rooms and suites
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Spanish-themed suite and a park-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #8 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 Spanish Resorts in the World" by TripAdvisor
9. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
The Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a stylish resort that combines French and Spanish influences.
- Amenities:
- Three pools, including a resort-wide pool and a private pool for your room
- Riverside Restaurant and restaurant-themed lounge
- Riverside Buffet, a meal-themed buffet
- Port Orleans Hotel’s Looff Studio Gardens
- Accommodations:
- 442 rooms and suites
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Spanish-themed suite and a French-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #9 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 French Resorts in the World" by TripAdvisor
10. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropical resort that combines African and Latin American influences.
- Amenities:
- Multiple pools, including a resort-wide pool and a private pool for your room
- Chef Mickey’s, a family-style breakfast buffet
- Beach Lagoon Pool and lazy river
- Hula Grill, a casual outdoor seating area
- Accommodations:
- 1,858 guest rooms and suites
- Themed rooms and suites, including a Caribbean-themed suite and a tropical-themed suite
- Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked #10 Resort by AAA
- Named one of the "Top 10 Latin American Resorts in the World" by TripAdvisor
Ultimate Disney Resort Guide
- Best Value: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Best Family-Friendly: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Best for Couples: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Best for Active Families: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Best for Foodies: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
In conclusion, each Disney resort has its unique features, amenities, and benefits. The best Disney resort for your next family vacation depends on your family’s needs, preferences, and budget. We recommend considering the following factors when choosing a Disney resort:
- Location: Which resort is closest to your preferred theme park or water park?
- Accommodations: What type of room or suite do you prefer?
- Amenities: What amenities are must-haves for you, such as a pool, spa, or water park?
- Dining: Are you looking for Disney’s character dining experiences or special meals?
- Budget: What is your budget for your Disney vacation?
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can choose the perfect Disney resort for your next family vacation.