Feeling overwhelmed planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida? Is your head a jumble of Mickey Mouse, Magic Kingdom, and monorails? We love the perks of staying at a Disney resort hotel, like themed rooms designed with families in mind, relaxing pools, fun poolside activities, a chance for character sightings, and (my personal favorite) Mickey-shaped food! Check out our list of the Top 10 Best Disney Resorts at Walt Disney World to start planning your next family vacation to the world’s best theme park!
Top 10 Best Disney Resorts at Walt Disney World
1. Disney’s Riviera Resort – Epcot Area Hotel
Disney’s Riviera Resort is an Italian riviera-inspired resort with a modest lobby but beautiful resort grounds filled with lawn games and lake views. This is the newest Disney resort property and it is rated as a deluxe hotel and a stop on the Disney Skyliner, a free gondola system with quick access to Epcot and Disney’s Planet Hollywood.
Looking for some refreshing relaxation? Chill out at the family-friendly Riviera Pool with a water slide and poolside resort activities, the Beau Soliel quiet pool surrounded by lush greenery, and the S’il Vous Play water play area that your littlest ones will love! Guests of Disney’s Riviera Resort can also access the Fuentes del Morro pool at the Caribbean Beach Resort, located just a 1/2 mile walk or a quick Skyliner ride away.
Enjoy dining and drinks from four on-site eateries, including one on a rooftop terrace with absolutely stunning views. We loved the frosé and strawberry margarita from Bar Riva on a warm Orlando day – like that ever happens!
What we Love:
- Skyliner access via a short covered walkway
- The Riviera Resort Pool with water slide and poolside activities
- Playing bocce ball and corn hole on the pristine resort grounds
📍 Disney’s Riviera Resort – 1080 Esplanade Avenue, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Magic Kingdom Area
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a South Pacific-inspired resort located on Seven Seas Lagoon with convenient monorail, watercraft, and bus transportation to Magic Kingdom Park. Channel your inner Moana as you step into the two-story thatched roof lobby with fun art, shops, and eateries surrounding you.
The property also has a sandy beach area looking out at Seven Seas Lagoon. Accommodation options include guest rooms and suites with resort, water, or theme park views or, if you’re feeling extra, opt for an overwater bungalow for an unforgettable Disney experience!
Hang out at the Lava Pool, a family-friendly pool with a volcano and water slide, or opt for a relaxing float in the Oasis Pool. There are 11 on-site dining and drink options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Be sure to try the Lapu Lapu cocktail served in a pineapple(!) from Tambu Lounge or Ohana Restaurant and don’t forget to stop by Pineapple Lanai (downstairs, outside) for a Dole Whip – the only place outside the theme park where you’re able to order this famous sweet treat!
What we love:
- Enjoying a refreshingly sweet Dole Whip from the sandy beach with views of the over water bungalows on Seven Seas Lagoon
- Seeing “how far we’ll go” on the water slide at the family-friendly Lava Pool
- Variety of eateries offering a selection of South Pacific cuisine and American classics
📍Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – Magic Kingdom Area
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a luxurious family-friendly resort in the Magic Kingdom park area at Walt Disney World. The Victorian-style coastal resort theme is seen in the recently refurbished architecture, interior design, restaurant cuisines, and even bellhop uniforms. The timeless and sophisticated ambiance is obvious from your first steps into the five-story tall lobby with soaring ceilings and grand chandeliers.
Families will enjoy the breathtaking views of Seven Seas Lagoon, spotting your favorite Disney characters in the lobby, and world-class dining at the 11 restaurants and bars on the resort grounds. Be sure to check out the new Beauty and the Beast-inspired Enchanted Rose lounge on the second floor with stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon.
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa also has a variety of amenities, including two resort pools, a white-sand beach, a children’s play area, and a full-service spa. With its convenient proximity to the Magic Kingdom and Disney transportation options (monorail, watercraft, bus), the Grand Floridian Resort is the perfect destination for families seeking a combination of luxury, convenience, and a touch of Disney magic!
What we love:
- Location, location, location! The Grand Floridian is just one monorail stop away from Magic Kingdom and a perfect spot to enjoy the nightly fireworks show above Cinderella’s castle
- Enjoying the extra Magic Hours at the Walt Disney Theme Parks
- World-class dining options including the Enchanted Rose and Character dining experience
📍Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
4. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort – Magic Kingdom Area
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort is a National Park lodge-inspired resort that makes you feel like you’re nestled in the great wilds of the American Northwest. The resort has an active Geyser, a cascading river-turned-waterfall, and absolutely stunning views of Bay Lake.
This relatively affordable resort is accessible to the Magic Kingdom park via a free water taxi boat and the bus system. We were lucky enough to ride on Walt Disney’s sail boat which has been converted into a motorized water taxi and shuttles visitors on this route.
Stay in a guest room at the main lodge or opt for a lakeside cabin for a little more privacy. Enjoy dining at one of 5 restaurants, including a character story time experience with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Be sure to order the Bison Bacon Cheeseburger from Geyser Point Bar and Grill, the reining “Best Burger at Disney World”.
Resort amenities include the family-friendly Copper Creek Springs Pool with a waterslide and cascading waterfalls on rocks features, the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, an arcade, fireside s’mores, and movies under the stars.
What we Love:
- Being transported into the rocky wilderness of the American Northwest from the moment you step off the boat
- Enjoying the “Best Burger in Disney World” with a draft beer and lake views at Geyser Point Bar and Grill
- Relaxing in the rocking chairs overlooking the cascading river and waterfall
📍Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
5. Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Wild World of Sports Area
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a value resort located in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area, conveniently located on the Skyliner free gondola line.
This resort theme is all about pop culture through the decades from the 1950’s – 1990’s. The motel-style rooms with doors opening to the outside are in buildings painted and decorated in classic colors from each decade. There are building-height yo-yo and play dough containers and a bowling pin-shaded pool.
What we Love:
- 695-foot Lazy River
- Water Slides
- Shuttle to nearby theme parks
📍Disney’s Pop Century Resort – 1050 Century Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
6. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Wild World of Sports Area
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a value-level resort in the Wide World of Sports Area with quick access to the Skyliner. The resort is a quick walk to the only floating Skyliner station for a quick ride to Epcot and Disney’s Planet Hollywood, otherwise, the bus system will transport you to the the other Disney World theme parks.
This resort has Disney characters literally popping out of the walls with four movies featured – Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Accommodations are basic but comfortable and themed with Disney characters.
There are pools, playgrounds, and a splash pad for kids to explore. There is a food court with a variety of quick-serve American dining options (aka kid food). Of note, there’s not a lot of shade on the grounds of the resort. The rooms are motel-style with doors that open to the outside.
What we Love:
- Disney-themed rooms and characters throughout the resort
- Variety of quick-serve items at the food court-style dining area
- Quick access to the Skyliner
- Value Resort price point
📍Disney’s Art of Animation – 1850 Animation Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
7. Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge – Orlando, FL
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a unique place to stay during a trip to Walt Disney World theme park, connected by bus shuttle to the rest of the park.
Inspired by an African safari, the resort and rooms overlook expanses with over 200 hoofed animals and birds. Keep your eyes peeled for zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and flamingos during your stay at this resort.
There is a relaxing resort pool with a water slide for a nice rejuvenating time during your down time between trips to theme park resorts in Florida.
What we Love:
- Wild Animals roaming 4 Savannahs around the resort
- Resort pool with a water slide
- Animal encounter programming
📍Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747
8. Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Magic Kingdom Area
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a Deluxe level resort in the Magic Kingdom area. This resort has a mid-century modern vibe and a large mural created by the artist behind It’s a Small World but otherwise lacks a recognizable Disney theme. The big advantage to this resort is the monorail pulls right into the center of the hotel – especially great during Orlando rainstorms!
There are 7 dining and drink establishments on the property ranging from upscale dining at Steakhouse 71 to quick service diner options at Contempo Cafe. You’ll want to make a reservation at Chef Mickey’s for buffet-style breakfast and dinner with special guests you know and love – Mickey and Minnie included!
There are two pools, one with a water slide and one with views of Bay Lake. This is a great option for families who favor the convenience of being closest to the monorail over resort amenities and attractions.
What we Love:
- Monorail access from the center of the hotel
- Chef Mickey’s breakfast buffet – is there really anything better than Mickey-shaped waffles?
- Bay lake views from the quiet pool
📍Disney’s Contemporary Resort – 4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
9. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort is a moderate resort in the Disney Springs Area that is divided into two sister resorts, Riverside and French Quarter. Guests of each resort have access to the pools at the other resort.
These resorts are accessible via bus to the Walt Disney World parks and via boat to Disney Springs. While this is less convenient than some of the other resorts, they are a bit more affordable as they are rated as moderate level accommodations.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – New Orleans has architecture, music, and dining options reminiscent of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. There is a food court serving Southern delights like gumbo and Scat Cat’s Club Cafe serving Mickey-shaped beignets, Mardi Grogs bar, and Scat Cat’s Lounge serving cocktails and live jazz music. There is not a sit-down restaurant at the New Orleans Resort, the closest one is the Southern-inspired restaurant in the Riverside resort.
The resort pool with a water slide and King Tritan sculpture is currently closed for refurbishment. The kid’s splash play area is still open and there is shuttle service to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside with full access to Ol’ Man Island.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is inspired by the large mansions of more rural Louisiana. You’ll see large oak trees, large white columns, and front porches. There is Ol’ Man Island with a large resort pool, water slide, kid’s pool, hot tub, and pool bar. There are 5 other leisure pools on the property as well.
There are nightly pool parties, campfires, and Disney movies. Dining options include a food court serving American classics, a pool bar, a lounge serving light bites and cocktails, and a sit-down restaurant for Southern comfort food.
What we Love:
- Mickey-shaped Beignets with powdered sugar from Scat Cat’s Lounge Cafe
- The sound of New Orleans jazz while sipping on a Hurricane
- Ol’ Man Island’s Resort Pool and Water Slide on a Disney day off
📍Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter-2201 Orleans Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
📍Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – 1251 Riverside Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
10. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs – Disney Springs Area
The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is located on Lake Buena Vista just south of Orlando, Florida. It is accessible via a pedestrian sky bridge to Disney Springs with a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
The Resort has a pool and a lazy river with zero-grade entry for guests to enjoy. Other perks to staying at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace include early entry (30 minutes) and complimentary shuttle service to the 4 Disney theme parks nearby!
What we Love:
- Zero-entry lazy river
- Early entry and complimentary shuttle to Disney Theme Parks nearby
- Pedestrian Skybridge to dining, shopping, and entertainment at Disney Springs
📍Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs-1900 E. Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Check out more of the Best Resorts in Florida
- Best Family Resorts in Florida
- Best Family Beach Resorts in Florida
- Best Lazy Rivers in Florida
- Best Family Resorts in Orlando Area
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