The Ultimate Disney Resort Showdown: Which One is the Best?
The Disney World Contenders
There are six Disney resorts to choose from, each offering a unique experience that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. However, which one is the best? To help you decide, we’ll pit the four main resorts against each other in a series of challenges that will reveal their strengths and weaknesses.
Magic Kingdom: The Classic
- Awards and Accolades:
- Winner of the Disney World’s Best Resort award in 2020 and 2022
- Featured in USA Today’s list of the Best Family Resort in 2020
- Pros:
- Iconic Cinderella Castle
- Immersive theming and attention to detail
- Variety of on-site attractions and entertainment options
- Cons:
- Can feel overcrowded and chaotic
- Limited dining and shopping options compared to other resorts
- More geared towards families with young children
Epcot: The Intellectual
- Awards and Accolades:
- Winner of the Epcot’s Best Value Resort award in 2020
- Featured in Travel + Leisure’s list of the Best Hotels in Orlando
- Pros:
- World-class dining and shopping options
- Cultural and educational attractions, such as the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show
- Unlimited access to the World Showcase, allowing guests to explore different countries and their attractions
- Cons:
- Can feel more expensive than the other resorts
- May be too focused on adults, limiting activities for younger guests
- Limited on-site entertainment options compared to other resorts
Hilton Orlando: The Upscale
- Awards and Accolades:
- Winner of the Hilton Orlando’s Best Luxury Resort award in 2020
- Featured in Travel + Leisure’s list of the Best Hotels in Orlando
- Pros:
- Luxurious rooms and amenities, including a rooftop pool and waterslide
- World-class dining options, including The Boathouse and The Eos
- Convenient location, within walking distance to the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district
- Cons:
- Can feel more expensive than the other resorts
- Limited on-site entertainment options, although Disney Springs offers plenty of options
- Some guests have reported issues with charging excess baggage fees
Walt Disney World Resort: The Iconic
- Awards and Accolades:
- Winner of the Walt Disney World Resort’s Best Hotel/ Resort award in 2020
- Featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the Best Hotels in Orlando
- Pros:
- Unique, iconic architecture and theming
- Immersive experiences, such as The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Unlimited access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios, as well as the Animal Kingdom
- Cons:
- Can feel overwhelming and crowded
- Limited dining and shopping options compared to other resorts
- More geared towards families with older children, limiting activities for younger guests
The Verdict
Ultimately, the best Disney resort for you will depend on your family’s needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a classic, iconic experience with a touch of luxury, the Magic Kingdom might be the way to go. If you’re interested in intellectual exploration and world-class dining, Epcot could be the perfect choice. For an upscale experience with luxurious amenities and world-class dining, the Hilton Orlando might be the best fit. And if you’re looking for a more exclusive, iconic experience with unparalleled attractions and theming, the Walt Disney World Resort is still a great option.
The Verdict: Magic Kingdom
While the other resorts have their own strengths and weaknesses, the Magic Kingdom stands out as the ultimate Disney experience. With its iconic Cinderella Castle, immersive theming, and variety of on-site attractions and entertainment options, it’s a must-visit destination for any Disney fan.
The Verdict: Epcot
If you’re looking for a more intellectual experience, Epcot is the way to go. With its world-class dining and shopping options, cultural and educational attractions, and unlimited access to the World Showcase, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone.
The Verdict: Hilton Orlando
If you’re looking for an upscale experience with luxurious amenities and world-class dining, the Hilton Orlando is a great option. With its luxurious rooms, rooftop pool, and waterslide, it’s a destination that offers a touch of luxury and sophistication.
The Verdict: Walt Disney World Resort
And if you’re looking for an iconic experience with unparalleled attractions and theming, the Walt Disney World Resort is still the best choice. With its unique architecture, immersive experiences, and unlimited access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios, it’s a destination that offers something for every type of Disney fan.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the best Disney resort is the one that fits your family’s needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic, iconic experience or a more upscale, intellectual experience, there’s a Disney resort that’s right for you. So, which resort will you choose?