I’m the kind of person who love to stay on property at a Disney Resort. 

Walt Disney World has over 20 resorts on their property and range in categories: value, moderate, deluxe, deluxe villas, and campgrounds.

As a Canadian, the exchange rate is always a factor, so as a middle class family I typically stay at the value resorts. The great thing is that you can go to any resort just to check it out, no matter where you’re staying. So I always spend one day of my trip “resort hopping”. It’s actually one of my favourite days! Even if you can’t afford to stay at a deluxe resort, there are lots of reasons to still go to one. 

My Favourite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels:

1. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

This is my “home” resort. It’s the first Disney hotel I ever stayed at so it has sentimental value and I know it very well. I’ve stayed here nine times since 2006.

• The theme is different decades – from the 50s to the 90s – so each building at the resort has different decor to match its decade (flowers in the 60s, Walkman in the 80s, a computer in the 90s). This makes it a great option for people who don’t want an overly Disney themed hotel too

• Value resort – so it has a budget friendly price

• Renovated – no carpet and a Murphy bed, more modern

• Best part about value resorts is that the buildings are closer together so the walking distance from your room to the lobby, restaurant, and buses isn’t too far. (After a long park day, this is important)

2. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Opposite to Disney’s Pop Century, this resort is very Disney themed – which is one reason I LOVE it. This resort is a neighbouring hotel to Disney’s Pop Century and they share a Skyliner station.

• It has four themed areas where your room could be in (from left to right on property): The Little Mermaid (on the end), The Lion King (family suites and indoor style building), Finding Nemo (family suites), and Cars (family suites and on the end)

• A great choice if you love to be immersed in Disney

• A value resort, rooms aren’t too far to walk to

• I was lucky to get to stay in The Little Mermaid section (which you choose when you book) for my 28th Birthday and it was a dream come true

3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This deluxe hotel was a dream resort stay for me and I visit it every trip.

• It has the most beautiful and grand lobby which I love to spend time in listening to the music and people watching.

• It has many dining options which is a great reason to go here. I enjoy the character dining at 1900 Park Fare, and Grand Floridian Cafe has a beautiful Victorian ambiance and delicious food

• Overall I love the beautiful design of the hotel and the view since it’s on the Seven Seas Lagoon and across from Magic Kingdom

4. Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Area

This is a great resort area to spend time in especially when you want some time outside of the parks but still at Walt Disney World.

• Located between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios so you can either take the boat or walk from the parks to this resort area

• The BoardWalk has many great restaurants and activities like: BoardWalk Deli, Trattoria al Forno Restaurant, and Surrey Bikes

• There are multiple resorts in this area. You can walk the full BoardWalk loop from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, to EPCOT, then to Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, to the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was another bucket list stay for me.

• One of the most incredible parts is that it has African animals on property. With multiple savannahs, you can see giraffes, zebras, and gazelles among dozens of other species

• This resort has some amazing dining options including favourites Boma – Flavours of Africa, and Sanaa

• As always for me, the design and atmosphere of the resort is really what makes it a favourite. The decor and style here is beautiful and there is such a tranquil feel, especially at sunset

Choosing which resort to stay at really comes down to what type of trip you’re taking: 

• How many days are you there?
• Who are you there with?
• How many days are you going to the parks?
• Do you like to spend a lot of time at your resort?

These are all things to consider to help you plan your trip. 

Which Walt Disney World hotel is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!

Wish.Dream.Believe.

Kalyna