Alright—this was a tricky guide to write.
There’s really not one top, BEST resort (there are probably about 3 that fall into that category).
And then, Disney just does hotels differently. They all have their own unique vibe, perks, quirks, and price points—and we genuinely think every one of them can be quite fitting depending on what you are looking for.
But we also know that decision fatigue is so real when you’re planning a Disney trip. Especially if it’s your first time or you don’t visit often, the resort options can feel totally overwhelming.
The resorts are NOT cheap and you want to get the most return on your dollas. Us too. Internet research people we are, and we’re here for ya too.
So we made this list to help narrow things down.
These rankings are based on a mix of factors, in three main categories you’ll see for each:
- Location/Transportation – Ease in getting around WDW.
- Amenities/Food – Because food is important. We’re also including things like pools and activities here.
- Theming/Rooms – Again, straightforward. But know that we’re not against a theme, so we often favor a more old-fashioned room if THEMED well vs. a newer “modern” room (i.e., everything is white, tile, and stainless steel. Blah blooh blah.)
**Now, here’s the important part: we did not factor in price or value.**
And that is because only YOU know your budget.
You’ll hear Disney influencers or TAs say “you gotta stay at this $800/night resort!”, and we find that a bit…stuffy. We’ve been broke, and even during the times we’re not, our past broke selves will probably never be able to justify that price for one night.
We also know that there’s plenty of you with lots of money, and your resort is really important to you.
For that reason, we cannot do a “best bang for your buck” list. It’s a straight-up ranking of which resorts offer the most overall experience, regardless of what they cost.
Some of our personal favorites didn’t even make the top, and that’s okay.
Hopefully, our reasoning makes sense.
This is meant to help you decide which resorts might be worth the splurge—or at least worth putting on your wishlist.
Alright, let’s dive into the rankings!
1. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Total Score: 25/30
Location/Transportation: 7
Amenities/Food: 9
Theming/Rooms: 9
The Poly is a fan favorite for a reason. The tropical theming feels like a vacation within your vacation, and it’s hard to beat a view of the castle with a personal Dole Whip stand nearby. It’s got the best bar and drinks on property (hello, Trader Sam’s), and its location on the monorail loop means Magic Kingdom is just minutes away, and EPCOT is fun to get to.
Pros: Gorgeous, immersive theming, fantastic food options, close to Magic Kingdom, best bar on property
Cons: The layout can be a bit confusing to navigate, some rooms are a bit darker, and it’s not super convenient for non-Magic Kingdom parks
2. Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Total Score: 24/30
Location/Transportation: 9
Amenities/Food: 7
Theming/Rooms: 8
These sister resorts are elegant, a little nostalgic, and have the best pool on property (Stormalong Bay is basically a mini water park). You’re within walking distance to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, which is a massive perk, and the BoardWalk area adds even more to explore. Hello, beautiful Crescent Lake. We friggin’ love it.
Pros: Classy, charming theming; you can walk to two parks; huge, incredible pool
Cons: Quick service food is limited—it’s a lot of sit-down options with tricky or expensive menus, might feel a little too formal for families with young kids
Oh, and if you have to choose between the two, we vote Beach Club. The theming is a bit more fun, especially for families, and you’re about three minutes from EPCOT.
3. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Total Score: 24/30
Location/Transportation: 8
Amenities/Food: 7
Theming/Rooms: 9
If we threw our own bias in, this is our #1 Disney resort. The ultimate nostalgia and charm, character, and a lively atmosphere, the BoardWalk is just perfection in our eyes. The resort is actually considered its own destination within WDW, so that should stay it all. And then, you’re just steps from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Pros: Gorgeous turn-of-the-century boardwalk them, walkable to two parks, more to do here than almost any other resort
Cons: Limited quick food options, and the BoardWalk area can get a little loud or crowded
4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Total Score: 23/30
Location/Transportation: 5
Amenities/Food: 8
Theming/Rooms: 10
We’d argue this is the most stunningly themed resort at Disney World. Waking up to giraffes outside your balcony with your morning coffee? Yes, please. It also boasts some of the best restaurants on property. The only real downside is location—there’s no Skyliner, no monorail, no boat. Just buses. HOWEVER, ignore people that say you’re super far from stuff. Disney is compact, you’ll be absolutely fine with transportation if you decide to stay here!
Pros: Immersive, jaw-dropping theming and architecture; probably the best table-service options at any resort, actual freaking animals outside your room
Cons: Buses only, which can get frustrating; food options at Kidani Village are super limited (stay in Jambo if you can!)
5. Disney’s Riviera Resort
Total Score: 23/30
Location/Transportation: 8
Amenities/Food: 8
Theming/Rooms: 7
Disney’s newest deluxe resort has a clean, modern aesthetic that feels luxurious without being over-the-top. We personally prefer a little more edge, but people love it. You’ve got easy Skyliner access, a beautiful pool area, and some seriously good food—including the gorgeous Topolino’s Terrace.
Pros: Sleek design and well-kept ground, great dining options, easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, easy bus service elsewhere
Cons: Theming can feel a little bland compared to other resorts
6. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Total Score: 22/30
Location/Transportation: 6
Amenities/Food: 8
Theming/Rooms: 8
Coronado has always been underrated IOHO, and with the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, it’s become a seriously stylish moderate resort. It’s easily our favorite moderate for the price point, and we always recommend it for an adults only trip. You’ll find excellent dining and bars, pretty views, and a more vacation vibe than many other Disney resorts with similar price tags.
Pros: Beautiful grounds with a relaxed, grown-up feel, some of the best restaurants outside the Deluxe tier, central location
Cons: Spread out layout with lots of walking (avoid being placed in the Ranchos), buses only with four different stops at the resort, quick service food is just okay
7. Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
Total Score: 22/30
Location/Transportation: 8
Amenities/Food: 7
Theming/Rooms: 7
These resorts aren’t technically owned by Disney, but they still come with many Disney perks—and they’re located in the perfect spot between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The rooms are comfortable, the food is plentiful, and the pools are top notch.
Pros: Great location between two park, tons of dining options, quieter, more “adult” feel
Cons: No true Disney theming, Magic Kingdom bus drops you at TTC (annoying), some transportation options can be slow
8. Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Total Score: 21/30
Location/Transportation: 7
Amenities/Food: 6
Theming/Rooms: 8
It’s elegant, iconic, and has some truly lovely details—the building itself on a sunny day or after dark is gorgeous. You’ve got monorail access to Magic Kingdom, some excellent restaurants, and pools that are genuinely relaxing
Despite its reputation, the Grand can sometimes feel a little too buttoned-up or quiet for us (it’s slowed down a lot after COVID). Quick-service food options are limited, and getting to parks other than Magic Kingdom isn’t the most convenient.
Pros: Gorgeous and elegant theming, diverse food options, good pools.
Cons: Sometimes doesn’t feel like much is going on here, quick/easy food options can get limited, further away from parks that aren’t Magic Kingdom.
9. Pop Century Resort
Total Score: 21/30
Location/Transportation: 8
Amenities/Food: 6
Theming/Rooms: 7
For a Value resort, Pop has a lot going for it—bright, fun theming, a dedicated bus line, and access to the Skyliner (spaEPCOT and Hollywood Studios!). Lots of Disney regulars love this resort.
Dining is limited to a single food court, and while the vibe is fun, the retro theming might not win over every kid. Morning bus lines can get long fast, so plan accordingly. We used to love this place, but it’s now getting slightly overhyped as Disney continues to jack up the price.
Pros: Skyliner access to two parks, buses to others come frequently, fun theming.
Cons: Limited food options, bus lines can be long in the morning, kids might not find theming exciting.
10. Contemporary Resort
Total Score: 21/30
Location/Transportation: 7
Amenities/Food: 8
Theming/Rooms: 6
It is wonderful to be able to WALK to Magic Kingdom in under 10 minutes (and with a dedicated separate security line!). You’ve also got monorail access, great restaurants like California Grill, and rooms that are clean and modern. It’s Disney nostalgia.
The overall look can feel more conference center than Disney magic, and the theming is minimal at best. While transportation to Magic Kingdom is unbeatable, getting to the other parks takes more effort. We’re not that impressed by the pools either.
Pros: Next to Magic Kingdom, great dining options, nice rooms.
Cons: Building is old and there’s no real theme, further away from parks that aren’t Magic Kingdom.
11. Wilderness Lodge
Total Score: 21/30
Location/Transportation: 6
Amenities/Food: 7
Theming/Rooms: 8
This is one of the most unique resorts on property. It’s cozy and outdoorsy, and Disney did great with the “Great Outdoors” vibe and the truly beautiful lobby. The pool area and Geyser Point (a stellar outdoor bar & grill) are huge wins for us.
You’ll need to rely on either buses or a boat to get to the parks—and the boats can be slow or crowded, often both. There’s a peacefulness here that’s amazing if you’re into it… but it might feel too laid back for some.
Pros: Immersive and unique theming, fun amenities, excellent pool bar/grill.
Cons: Transportation options limited to buses or boat, which can take a while or get crowded.
12. Art of Animation Resort
Total Score: 20/30
Location/Transportation: 8
Amenities/Food: 6
Theming/Rooms: 6
This is the most “Disney” of the Value resorts, with over-the-top theming that kids go wild for. The themed family suites are spacious, and the Big Blue Pool is a toddler favorite. Plus, you’ve got that good ol’ Skyliner access.
The theming leans cheesy (intentionally), and the resort layout can feel a little cold or bare to us. The food court is decent, but it’s your only real option for dining on-site. Oh, and we loathe the Little Mermaid rooms. They’re a hike, and they’re dark and tacky (hey, you clicked for our opinion).
Pros: Themed/bigger rooms & suites, Skyliner access, better food court than other Value resorts, one of the best pools for toddlers.
Cons: Theming can be cheesy and the grounds are a bit sterile.
13. Port Orleans – French Quarter
Total Score: 19/30
Location/Transportation: 6
Amenities/Food: 6
Theming/Rooms: 7
This is the smallest Moderate resort, and that’s a good thing—it’s charming, easy to navigate, and full of personality. The New Orleans theming is lively but not overwhelming, and the pool is fun without being chaotic. Also: MICKEY BEIGNETS.
Dining is limited to a single food court, and transportation is buses only. You’re also farther from most of the parks, which can make those morning commutes a bit longer. The theme, while cute, is pretty outdated when it comes to the main building and pool area.
Pros: Fun theming and nice grounds, beignets!, fun pool and waterslide.
Cons: Limited food options, buses only and further away from the parks, resort feels outdated.
14. Old Key West Resort
Total Score: 19/30
Location/Transportation: 6
Amenities/Food: 5
Theming/Rooms: 8
If you’re after a more quiet, relaxed vacation that feels like you’re NOT at Disney after a long day at the parks, Old Key West delivers. The rooms (especially the villas) are huge, and the nostalgic Florida theming is cute and tranquil. It’s a real escape from the chaos of the parks.
The resort is very spread out, with a bus-only transportation system that can be a pain. Dining options are minimal, and it’s not the most kid-exciting place in terms of Disney theming.
Pros: Relaxing “Old Florida” theming, lots of recreational activities, beautiful grounds.
Cons: Grounds are spread out, buses only with five stops and further from the parks, limited food options.
15. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Total Score: 18/30
Location/Transportation: 6
Amenities/Food: 5
Theming/Rooms: 7
Saratoga Springs is peaceful and has lovely grounds—especially if you’re staying near Disney Springs or you’re planning on golfing. The pools are solid, and it has that quiet, residential vibe that some guests really appreciate.
It’s another large, spread-out resort, and everything from dining to transportation can feel like a hike. While the theming is tasteful and upscale, it doesn’t scream “Disney,” and it’s got more retiree golf vibes, which could be a plus or minus depending on your crew.
Pros: Theming is minimal but upscale, beautiful grounds, fun main pool and recreational offerings.
Cons: Grounds are spread out, buses only with five stops and further from the parks, limited food options.
16. Port Orleans – Riverside
Total Score: 18/30
Location/Transportation: 5
Amenities/Food: 6
Theming/Rooms: 7
Riverside has a calm, scenic setting with lots of picturesque landscaping. It also has a fun pool area, charming room designs, and access to the French Quarter for those sweet, sweet beignets.
It’s big and bus-only, with multiple internal stops. The food options are limited, and the theming—while pretty—may not leave a strong impression for guests expecting a bit more magic.
Pros: Pretty grounds, fun amenities, posh rooms.
Cons: Limited food options, buses only with four stops and further away from the parks, theming isn’t that exciting.
17. Caribbean Beach Resort
Total Score: 18/30
Location/Transportation: 7
Amenities/Food: 6
Theming/Rooms: 5
You can’t beat the Skyliner access—it connects you to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and that alone is a huge win. The pool (and pool bar!) is one of the best among Moderates, and walking distance to Riviera means bonus dining options.
This resort is enormous, and some areas feel outdated (and a bit motel-ish). The internal bus loop has EIGHT stops (yes), which can be frustrating, and food options can be underwhelming unless you trek to another resort.
Pros: Skyliner access, some parts of the grounds are pretty (the lake), some buildings are walking distance to Riviera giving more food options, amazing main pool & pool bar.
Cons: Grounds and some rooms feel quite outdated and rundown (motel vibes), bus system has eight stops, limited food options.
18. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Total Score: 18/30
- Location/Transportation: 5
- Amenities/Food: 6
- Theming/Rooms: 7
This place is totally different from anything else at Disney. If you’re into nature, space, and a rustic cabin or RV vibe, Fort Wilderness is an underrated gem. There are so many random and fun things to do—archery, canoeing, golf cart exploring—you could stay here for days and never touch a park. For that reason, we actually don’t recommend it for people that aren’t Disney regulars.
It’s definitely not for everyone. The size of the grounds means it takes time to get anywhere, and food options are limited unless you’re cooking or heading out, or want to walk for it. Transportation to the parks can be lengthy, and you might need to transfer between internal buses and boats to even start your day. And it just doesn’t feel Disney, and that makes us kind of sad.
Pros: Amazing immersive theming if it’s what you’re going for, lots more space, tons of random and unique recreational activities (could spend days here and not go to the parks).
Cons: Food options can feel limited, and to go to any of the parks will take more time than most other resorts.
19. All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, Sports)
Total Score: 17/30
- Location/Transportation: 6
- Amenities/Food: 5
- Theming/Rooms: 6
The All-Stars are often the most budget-friendly option on property, and for some families, that’s the top priority. The rooms are clean, and most are updated, so it IS a great value. Kids may love the oversized Disney icons, the pools are fun, and bus service is generally consistent and often way better than most Deluxe resorts.
These resorts are massive and can feel chaotic, especially during peak times. Dining is limited to basic food courts, and there’s not much in the way of peaceful theming or upgraded amenities. You’re also relying solely on buses—and they CAN get busy at peak times in the morning.
Pros: Some theming can be fun for kids, buses come frequently, amenities are fun.
Cons: Some buildings are quite far from the main building and transportation, food options are limited.
So that’s a wrap on our take on all of the Disney World resorts. Remember, this is SUBJECTIVE. Yes, we’ve stayed at every resort, and we know our stuff. But we still created this list, and while we’re good at setting our biases aside, don’t get too freaked out if you read something you don’t like. We love all resorts at Disney for different reasons.
And because you just GOTTA KNOW…
If we HAD to pick one in EACH category WITH value/cost factored in, it’d be:
Value: All Star Movies
Moderate: Coronado Springs
Deluxe: Animal Kingdom Lodge
If you liked this Disney resort breakdown, you’ll love how detailed our itineraries get. Especially if you want the best insider tips, expert strategies, and pro recommendations to help plan your next Disney trip!