From Budget to Premium: Ranking Every Resort at Walt Disney World

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the countless resort options at Walt Disney World, it’s understandable. With so many resorts, it’s only natural to wonder which is best for your family. You may be wrestling with the decision to stay at one of the “cheaper” hotels, splurge on an expensive one, or split the difference and end up somewhere in between. No matter which of those categories you pick, you still have to narrow down the resorts that fall underneath it.

I get it. Years ago, I labored over choosing a resort for every vacation. Back then, we visited around my son’s school schedule and were here approximately 4-5 times a year. Often, I wrongly misjudged some resorts, thinking that we wouldn’t like them. I longed to stay at all the premium options like Disney’s Beach Club and the Polynesian. For the record, Disney’s Beach Club is my all-time favorite resort. But, surprisingly, I never rank it at the top of any list. I’ll explain why later.

But let me be vulnerable with you. I’m not exactly sure why I always thought I had to stay at the nicest hotels, eat the fanciest meals, and do all the things. An older me can identify that I must have been trying to feel some void in my life. So if a value resort is what works for your family, even when you would rather stay somewhere nicer, it’s completely okay. If you have a friend or colleague who cringes when you mention that you’re staying at the All-Stars, let them. Let them. This is your vacation, and I hope your priority is having a good time with the people you love, no matter where you stay, how you dine, or what you ride.

As we delve into this ranking of the Disney World Hotels from top to bottom, remember this: I have stayed at every one of these hotels and will continue to happily visit them. These hotels are oddly ranked for that reason. When I began re-drafting this list for an update, I decided to rank them in groups of four. So, the top four combine our favorite choices for deluxe, moderate, value, and deluxe villa resorts. Then, they continue in the same order until we get further down the list where I worked through the remaining choices in the opposite direction.

I’m not going to throw any of these resorts under the bus. You may dream of staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian and feel shocked that it doesn’t even make our top ten. Unfortunately, I feel it’s a little overrated for the money they charge. They do not provide the same level of service to their guests that you would get at a comparable resort brand like Waldorf Astoria or Four Seasons.

So, use this guide as a resource for narrowing down your options. Consider the pros and cons we mention for each resort, and then choose the one you think you’ll enjoy the most—it doesn’t matter where it falls on this list.

26. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies is last on our list because someone had to be last. This was the first of the All-Star Resorts that underwent a complete refurbishment a couple of years ago. So, wear and tear will likely be a little further along here than the other All-Stars. However, we stayed at this resort within the last twelve months and didn’t notice anything significant. Disney’s All-Star Resort is basically three almost identical resorts, except for the theming. I suggest going with the theming you like best between the three.

All-Star Movies is a movie-themed resort with fun references to popular animated and live-action films. You might stay in the Toy Story section or run into the 101 Dalmatians. That area is pretty darling! The hotel also has areas themed to Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, and Herbie (The Love Bug).

Pricing: Rooms at the All-Star Resorts are the most budget-friendly on Disney property.

Pros: The updated rooms are a tremendous plus. All rooms at each All-Star Resort are identical down to the curtains—you won’t find any differences! They have two queen beds and a functional layout with convenient storage compartments. Children and adults alike can’t help but smile at the resort’s exterior theming. Plenty of great photo opportunities are available across the resort’s grounds. Given the fun theming, you’ll feel like you’re staying at Disney.

Cons: The rooms are smaller in square footage than an average hotel room. So expect a little tighter space. Complimentary transportation options are limited to buses at this hotel. Dining options are limited to food courts and pool bars at all value-priced hotels. The walls are also thin, which could be an issue if you end up with loud neighbors.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort can access early theme park entry.

If you select this resort, read over the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Our resort guides include room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

25. Bay Lake Tower

Bay Lake Tower is a Disney Vacation Club Resort adjacent to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. We’ve listed this resort in this place because a much-needed refurbishment was recently scheduled. We will reassess when the rooms are completed next year.

Pricing: Rooms here are on the expensive side.

Pros: This location (a 10-minute walk to Magic Kingdom) is hard to beat. You have views of Magic Kingdom from one side of the tower and views of Bay Lake on the opposite. (We love the lake view!) This resort has a pool exclusive to guests staying in the tower. Guests in the tower can also access the pools at the Contemporary.

Cons: Bay Lake Tower can be difficult to book because of its popularity. It’s also expensive, and we hate the current layout of the deluxe studios. Hopefully, that will change with the room overhaul. You do have to walk to the Contemporary for the monorail, buses, and dining. But I don’t think that’s necessarily a big deal.

Extras: Guests at this resort can enter the theme park early and enjoy extended evening hours for deluxe villa resort guests. We have a separate review of Bay Lake Tower if you would like to learn more.

24. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Saratoga Springs is a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Resort inspired by an 1800s version of New York’s Saratoga Springs. Expect a comfortable retreat that feels like you’ve come in from a day at the horse races. It is a gorgeous resort with sage, yellow, blue, and salmon-colored buildings.

Pricing: Pricing here is often higher because this is a villa resort. This hotel does not have standard rooms. They range from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas. You might save money if you plan to prepare meals in your room. However, a multitude of excellent dining options await next door at Disney Springs.

Pros: The resort sits on the waterway across from Disney Springs. You can walk, bus, or take a water taxi to the venue. The resort has a golf course, which may be a plus for some. Saratoga Springs also has a variety of suites to accommodate larger families and provide modern conveniences.

Cons: Saratoga Springs is a massive resort. Depending on your room location, you might have to walk more than you would like or wait for the bus to get around the resort. Due to the large size of the resort, waits for buses could be longer than at other resorts. We love Saratoga Springs, but it’s not for everyone.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe villa resort guests.

If you select this resort, read over the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

23. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is located along Crescent Lake in the Epcot Resort Area. This resort is undergoing a major renovation, and while we love it, we wouldn’t recommend staying there until it is completed.

Pricing: Rooms here are usually fairly reasonable for the deluxe category.

Pros: We think the Boardwalk is one of the most kid-friendly resorts at Disney World. The pool is ideal for keeping an eye on smaller children, and the waterslide is too much fun. We love the new rooms at the resort, and you cannot beat the location—you can walk right into Epcot!

Cons: Dining options here are pretty terrible. The quick service is okay but inconvenient. (New options are being constructed.) If you stay here, you have to walk all the way out to the Boardwalk for almost anything.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort have access to early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe resort guests.

For more information, read over the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything you need to know about planning a stay.

22. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club is connected to the Beach Club. We’ve moved it up in the rankings because Yacht Club is scheduled to undergo a substantial refurbishment in 2025. So, if this hotel is on your bucket list, we’d wait until that work is complete.

The Yacht Club’s theme is nautical, with touches of navy, blues, yellows, and reds. It’s more formal than the Beach Club, but I don’t believe anyone who’s spent a decent amount of time there would say it feels stuffy. But you might get that impression if you just walked through the lobby a time or two.

Pricing: Given its prime location, rooms are expensive. This is a dog-friendly resort, so it might be worth looking into if you travel with pets. (We stay here often and rarely notice dogs.)

Pros: The Yacht Club offers some of the best views available from its water view room categories. You can’t beat having access to Storm-Along Bay and the surrounding resorts for multiple dining options. There is also something to be said about being within walking distance of two theme parks, especially the short distance to Epcot.

Cons: The Yacht Club has a convention center and hosts some events throughout the year. If you’re allergic to dogs, you might prefer to stay next door at the Beach Club.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort have access to early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe resort guests.

For more information, read over the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Yacht Club. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

21. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

This resort, owned and operated by Marriott, opened a few years ago in the Epcot Resorts Area and is considered a sister resort to Disney’s Swan and Dolphin. It has its own pool, but guests also receive access to the Grotto Pool area between the Swan and Dolphin.

Pros: We love the boutique layout of this resort and find that it’s simple to get around. You can walk to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios or take a boat to them from the neighboring Swan and Dolphin. Everything here is new and modern. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can accrue points or use them to stay here!

Cons: These sister resorts use their own bus service. So when you visit Magic Kingdom, you get dropped off at the Transportation and Ticket Center. From there, you have to take the monorail or ferry to the park. While you do get some of the same benefits as regular Disney Resort guests, you don’t get the ability to charge purchases to your room or unlock your room door with a MagicBand.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe resort guests. We have a separate review of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

20. Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotels

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin hotels are not your average Disney Resort. The resorts are owned and operated by Marriott International. Nestled on Crescent Lake, these resorts are only a short walk from Disney’s Boardwalk, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They are undergoing a major multi-year refurbishment that should hopefully wrap up by 2025.

Pricing: Prices are often more reasonable here than at the neighboring Disney World Resorts. However, you’ll want to consider a few extra fees charged here, like resort and parking fees. Disney Resorts do not have those charges.

Pros: You cannot beat walking to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These hotels are unique in architectural design. Either you love them, or you don’t—we love them! The Grotto Pool area is pretty hard to top. We rank it near the top of our list of the best pools at Disney World. All three of these resorts have excellent table service dining options.

Cons: Don’t forget to factor in the extra fees. Also, the Dolphin is primarily a convention resort. They host many conferences throughout the year. So you might find yourself mixed in with a more business class of guests than those on a family vacation. Like the Swan Reserve above, bus service to Magic Kingdom requires a little more effort than a regular Disney Resort.

Extras: Guests get access to early theme park entry at this resort and extended evening hours for deluxe resort guests.

For more information, read over the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Swan and Dolphin. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

19. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Disney’s Fort Wilderness is only a boat ride from Magic Kingdom and offers various cabins and campsites. The resort is massive, with multiple internal bus stops and routes to shuttle guests around the resort. I struggled with where to rank this resort, so we’ll leave it here. Fort Wilderness is undergoing a significant renovation. The resort’s cabins are transitioning to fall under the Disney Vacation Club Resort. Most old cabins are gone, and new cabins are being constructed on-site.

Pricing: Fort Wilderness’s pricing varies. Guests can rent a campsite (to put up a tent), an RV site, or a cabin.

Pros: Fort Wilderness offers many extracurricular activities you won’t find anywhere else on Disney property. You can spend an entire day participating in archery, horseback riding, fishing, and more. Most of these come at an extra cost, but Fort Wilderness is a camper’s dream destination.

Cons: Fort Wilderness is one of Disney’s largest properties. Most guests bring their own (or rent) golf carts and bicycles to get around the property. (*A new policy for this will start later this year that requires insurance and a waiver.) An internal bus system is available. However, given its size, everything here takes a little longer.

Extras: Guests get access to early theme park entry at this resort. (Eventually, guests of the deluxe villas will have access to extended evening hours).

For more information, we have a Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Fort Wilderness. It includes dining options, transportation, pool details, and other things you need to know about planning a stay.

18. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports was the last resort to receive room refurbishments like its sister resorts, Movies, and Music. If you enjoy various sports, you’ll adore the resort’s theming. For instance, Donald tries to play tennis with his nephews in one section. Goofy sits on the pitcher mound at the Homerun Hotel Pool, and Mickey sits in the center of the resort on Mount Mickey! It’s too fun!

Pricing: Rooms at any of the All-Star Resorts are the most reasonably priced on Disney property.

Pros: Sports fans will enjoy a stay at a resort themed after their favorite Disney characters make a touchdown or score a goal. Expect lots of sports trivia at the pool and some of the cutest Disney-themed rooms around!

Cons: Value category rooms are smaller, and space will be tighter for an extended vacation. Again, free Disney transportation options are limited to buses only at the All-Stars Resorts. Dining options will be limited to the large counter service food court. Walls are thin, which can be an issue if you have loud neighbors. Since this is a sports-themed resort, you’ll often find more school groups here than the other values. I don’t necessarily think this is an issue, but you might feel like you’re on a school trip more than a Disney vacation.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

If you select this resort, make sure to read over the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. Our resort guides include room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

17. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort sits next door to the Magic Kingdom. The resort is named after its unique modern design. Most everyone is familiar with the Contemporary because the Disney World monorail travels through it.

Pricing: It’s going to be expensive.

Pros: We love the Contemporary and find minor fault with it. However, it’s not for everyone. Being able to walk to Magic Kingdom is the biggest plus. You never have to deal with crowds waiting for transportation to and from the park. My favorite thing about the resort is the calmness and serenity of its big backyard. We spend a good deal of time back there. (See Resorts Gal Reveals: Disney’s Contemporary Afternoon Lunch for an insider report of my favorite relaxation spots.) The lake view is incredible!

Cons: As much as I hate to harp on price, it’s the only real negative for me. Rooms here are spacious, but some don’t care about the incredible theming. This is a high-end hotel, but it doesn’t necessarily feel that way to everyone. It’s another one of those where you love it, or you hate it.

Our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Contemporary Resort includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

16. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is a white Victorian resort with a red roof across Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom. The resort has meticulously landscaped grounds and is laid out in large buildings with interior access.

Pricing: This is the most expensive resort at Walt Disney World. Before discounts, room rates start at well over $700.00 a night.

Pros: It is a beautiful resort with pretty grounds. You can walk, boat, or take the monorail to Magic Kingdom. All of the rooms have recently been updated, and they turned out nicely. This resort has some great casual dining options, like Grand Floridian Cafe.

Cons: We’ve had to make a few complaints about experiences at the resort within the last year, and we didn’t feel like management listened or cared. I can think of three times I’ve complained to someone at Walt Disney World within the last five years. Two of them were here. However, we have had some wonderful interactions with cast members at the resort. So, I would not want this negativity to reflect poorly on them.

Extras: Guests at this resort can enter the theme parks early and take part in extended evening hours for deluxe and deluxe villa resort guests. The Grand Floridian has a separate Disney Vacation Club Resort, the Grand Floridian Villas.

If you select this resort, make sure to read over the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Our resort guides include room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

15. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside has a Southern theme, with Louisiana being the primary influence. The landscaping is beautiful and authentic to what you would expect in this area of the United States.

Pricing: Port Orleans Riverside has many room categories, including options for a 5th sleeper. Pricing falls in line with the other moderate resorts.

Pros: Riverside offers an extra water taxi service to Disney Springs and the French Quarter. The resort is huge, so there is a lot to explore. Its grounds are stunning, from the well-manicured Magnolia Bend to the backwoods of the Alligator Bayou. Horses and carriage rides are available each evening for an extra charge. This resort offers some rooms with 5th sleepers.

Cons: This resort is huge, so that means many extra steps. Consider a preferred room if you don’t want to deal with the extra walking. The buildings in the Alligator Bayou section of the resort do not have elevators. This resort has four bus stops, so you’ll have longer bus rides to the parks and back to your resort area.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

For more information, read over the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

14. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Coronado Springs is a wonderful resort hotel offering Southwestern flair. Guests can choose between staying in one of the villages or the newer Gran Destino Tower. We list it as a separate hotel further down the list.

Pricing: Rooms at this Disney Resort align with moderate resort pricing. We find the prices very reasonable when a discount is offered.

Pros: Coronado Springs has beautiful grounds and a relaxing place to enjoy strolls. The recreation area here is known as the Dig Site, and it’s pretty awesome! Make sure to plan a full day at the resort during your vacation. It has a lot to offer! Table service dining options and lounges are delish!

Cons: Coronado Springs is a large resort that might require some extra steps. However, a bridge was built across the lake a few years back, making it exceptionally convenient to get to and from the various villages. This resort has four bus stops, so bus rides will take longer to leave and return. Quick service dining options here are meh!

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Coronado Springs includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

13. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is situated next to Disney’s Grand Floridian. This tropical getaway will probably leave you longing to visit a Hawaiian Island. Each building at the resort is considered a longhouse. Some rooms offer the chance to see nightly fireworks at the Magic Kingdom from your balcony.

Pricing: As you can imagine, this is another premium-priced resort. Make sure to get the best available rate and use a travel agent in case new discounts come out between making your initial reservation and actual trip dates.

Pros: The Polynesian is so unexpected. It offers a unique vibe that does not feel like you’re in the middle of Florida. This is one of my favorite resorts to stop in for a meal, even when I’m not staying here. This original 1971 resort has stood the test of time.

Cons: As with all the higher-end Disney World Resorts, my main complaint is the pricing. Additionally, this resort is so overcrowded. They have a significant pool problem. It is difficult to secure a seat at the pool, and even when you do, you’ll feel like you’re packed in like a can of sardines. A new DVC Tower is being built between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, which will likely only contribute to the high-traffic area.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe and deluxe villa resort guests. Disney’s Polynesian has a separate Disney Vacation Club Resort, the Polynesian Villas.

For more information, visit our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay. We have a separate review of the Kamehameha Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian.

12. Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Kidani Village is a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Resort at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This beautiful hotel features a boutique layout. But don’t let the small (yet gorgeous) lobby fool you. It’s a tremendous resort with long halls leading to its rooms in both directions.

Pricing: This is one of the best-priced deluxe villa resorts at Walt Disney World.

Pros: Kidani Village is beautiful. The lobby has gorgeous blown-glass light fixtures that light up at night, creating the perfect ambiance. It feels so private and charming when you step inside. Room options include a savanna view, which we think is worth the upgrade. But if you’re on a tight budget, one of their standard rooms is fine. The resort has plenty of public savanna viewing areas.

Cons: Bus service is shared with Jambo House. Sometimes, the bus service at these resorts is slow.

Extras: Guests at this resort can enter the theme parks early and have access to extended evening hours for deluxe and deluxe villa resort guests. The Grand Floridian has a separate Disney Vacation Club Resort, the Grand Floridian Villas.

We have a separate review of Kidani Village if you want to learn more.

11. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Art of Animation sits across Hourglass Lake from Pop Century. The resort’s theming includes large-scale representations of The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King.

Pricing: Art of Animation offers standard rooms and a variety of family suites. Standard room pricing falls in line with Pop Century pricing. If you see higher-than-normal prices, you are probably looking at a family suite. Family suites cost significantly more than a standard room but do offer decent value for the price.

Pros: The exterior theming at the Art of Animation is fun. The resort offers two forms of transportation. You can take a bus to theme parks and use the Skyliner system shared with Pop Century where applicable.

Cons: I don’t care for the standard rooms at Art of Animation, and that’s coming from a big fan of The Little Mermaid. They feel dark and dated. Thankfully, most of the sea-colored room carpet has been replaced with solid surface flooring (also sea-colored).

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

For more information, visit our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

10. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

Port Orleans French Quarter is about half a mile down the bayou from Riverside and is designed to look like the French Quarter in New Orleans. I consider this resort “boutique” compared to the other moderates. Everything is neatly laid out across the property and easily accessible.

Pricing: Pricing is usually about the lowest you’ll see for the moderate category.

Pros: The French Quarter offers two forms of transportation: Disney buses and water taxis to Disney Springs. A huge plus is that you can walk down the adjoining pathway to Riverside, where more dining and amenities are accessible. If you have plans to stay here, you might want to check out the list of the best restaurants at Disney Springs.

Cons: This resort does not have table-service dining. But I don’t think that’s necessarily a big negative. It’s a great resort.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

For more information, visit our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

9. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge represents America’s greater Northwest-Pacific region. The lodge and property are absolutely breathtaking, and I can never wait to visit again. One of the great features of the resort is that it feels “cool” year-round—even cool enough to have fireplaces blazing off the galleries of different hotel floors in the midst of summer.

Pricing: Pricing is often more reasonable at Wilderness Lodge than at some deluxe resorts.

Pros: Wilderness Lodge is in the Magic Kingdom Resorts area, only a short boat ride from the theme park. When staying here, you can also access Disney’s Contemporary and Fort Wilderness by boat. It is a huge resort, but the layout is extremely accessible. This resort has excellent dining options.

Con: The Wilderness Lodge is relatively remote in some aspects, which might be a negative to some, but most will welcome the escape. (We don’t have any issues with it.)

Extras: Guests at this resort can enter the theme parks early and enjoy extended evening hours for deluxe and deluxe villa resort guests. Wilderness Lodge has two Disney Vacation Club Resorts, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas.

For more information, visit our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

8. Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West is a beautiful resort inspired by the Florida Keys. This Disney Vacation Club Resort offers a variety of rooms and suites. Expect an island vibe with a friendly feel. Make sure to have a meal or two at Olivia’s Cafe.

Pricing: This is usually the most reasonably priced DVC resort at Disney World.

Pros: Old Key West is a Disney Springs resort that provides extra water taxi transportation to the shopping and dining venue. Like Saratoga Springs, this resort offers rooms with kitchenettes and other modern conveniences. This is a surprise resort for us that we love so much more than we expected. It’s peaceful and pretty. The rooms are so much larger than most!

Cons: Old Key West is another sizable resort that will likely require extra walking. It has a lot of bus stops, so you will have to spend extra time traveling around the resort.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe villa resort guests.

We have an entire Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Old Key West. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

7. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

All-Star Music is our favorite of the All-Star Resorts. I find it a little more low-key than the others, and we enjoy staying in the Broadway Hotel area. This is the only All-Star Resort that has family suites. You should consider this option if you’re looking for larger accommodations at a reasonable price. These will be the lowest-priced suites at Disney World.

Pricing: Rooms at any of the All-Star Resorts are the most reasonably priced on Disney property.

Pros: All-Star Music is themed to popular songs and classic tunes. It’s a pretty resort with many shade trees and room to explore. The rooms were redone a few years ago, and we enjoy staying here when we can find a low rate. (The top price we’d pay for this resort is about $130.00 a night. But we’ve occasionally gotten it for around $100.00 per night. You can’t beat that.)

Cons: Value category rooms are smaller, and space will be tighter for an extended vacation. Free Disney transportation options are limited to buses only at these Disney resorts. Another con for these three resorts is that they are often booked by large school groups visiting the ESPN Wide World of Sports for various competitions. There might be many teens at the resort and only a few chaperones during the school year.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

Our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s All-Star Music Resort includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

6. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach is themed to represent an exotic Caribbean Island. Its grounds are lovely. We also like being close to Disney’s Riviera Resort for more dining options within walking distance.

Pricing: Rates for this hotel are typically less than those of the higher-end Disney resorts. However, since it’s on the Skyliner gondola system, it might run slightly higher than other moderates.

Pros: Caribbean Beach offers two forms of transportation and is within walking distance of the new Riviera Resort. Having walkability to multiple resorts is a huge factor for accessing more dining and any shared amenities.

Cons: This is another vast resort. If walking long distances is challenging, you might consider a smaller resort or a preferred room location. An internal bus system can alleviate long walks in some areas, but you can expect longer waits.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

Our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Caribbean Beach includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

5. Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is our favorite. It is located in the Epcot Resorts Area and is only a five-minute walk to Epcot. Expect soothing blues and aqua colors throughout the resort. Everything here has a subtle beach theme and a serene feel.

Pricing: Given its prime location, expect a hefty price tag when staying here.

Pros: Storm-Along Bay is our top reason for loving this resort, other than its location. It’s more of a water park than a hotel pool. Rooms at this resort have been updated within the last year. The surrounding area is stunning!

Cons: Like the other Epcot Resorts, the Beach Club is in the higher price range. Unfortunately, the resort is severely lacking in quick-service dining options.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe and deluxe villa resort guests. Beach Club has a separate Disney Vacation Club Resort, the Beach Club Villas.

Our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Beach Club Resort includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay. We also have a review of staying club level at Disney’s Beach Club. Club level is an extra offering exclusive to guests who reserve this room type. You’ll have access to a lounge that serves multiple offerings throughout the day, including a full breakfast, light dinner, cocktails, and dessert hour.

4. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort is a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Resort. The Riviera is modeled after the French Riviera and offers French and Italian influences.

Pricing: This is one of the most expensive resorts at Walt Disney World.

Pros: This resort offers Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Each room is a villa, meaning at the very least a small kitchenette area is available. The dining options here are superb. This resort has quickly risen to the top of our favorites. It feels high-end and luxurious.

Cons: This resort is expensive. Some people don’t care about the small lobby, but it has a massive backyard with plenty of relaxing places.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe villa resort guests.

We have a Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Riviera Resort. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

3. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century Resort is themed to represent the different decades between the 50s to the 90s. The resort features large bursts of primary colors and oversized representations of everything “pop” from each decade.

Pricing: Room rates at Pop Century typically run higher than those at the All-Star Resorts but are still lower than those in the next Disney Resort category.

Pros: Pop Century has two forms of transportation: the Disney bus system and the Skyliner gondola system. The rooms have been updated in the last few years. While smaller than some resorts, the rooms utilize good space and are highly functional.

Cons: Given its popularity, this Disney Resort can be very crowded. Your room might end up being a fairly long outdoor walk from the resort’s bus stop. All of the Disney value resorts have only one bus stop off the main lobby, so there is always the possibility of having to walk a good way to reach your room if it’s toward the opposite side of the resort.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

We have a Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Pop Century Resort. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

2. Disney’s Gran Destino Tower

Gran Destino Tower is the tower hotel portion of Disney’s Coronado Springs. We rank it separately for a few unique factors. For example, the resort has interior access, a club-level offering, and the look and feel of a deluxe hotel.

Pricing: Rooms in the hotel are often slightly higher than those in one of the villages. However, the hotel has its perks.

Pros: Gran Destino is a nice hotel. You don’t feel like you’re staying at a moderate resort. The tower has excellent dining options, which are only an elevator ride away from the rooms.

Cons: The quick service at this resort is meh. It used to be great, but we haven’t seen significant improvements in recent years. This resort has several bus stops, so you must stop a couple of extra times when returning from the parks. Gran Destino is the first stop on the way out and the last stop when returning, except for Disney Springs.

Extras: Guests staying at this resort get access to early theme park entry.

Most of our coverage for this resort is listed in our Coronado Springs Guide, or you can read our review of Gran Destino Tower to learn more. If you’re interested, we also have a separate review of the Chronos Club Level at Gran Destino Tower.

1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is my second favorite resort on Disney property. It is similar in many ways to Wilderness Lodge, but the resort offers the true feeling of escape to an African country. You’ll experience guest rooms and common areas that look out onto a savanna full of wild animals. The whole experience here is likely not found in many other places.

Pricing: Typically, you can find the most reasonable rates at Animal Kingdom Lodge over all other Disney World Resorts in the deluxe category.

Pros: This is an excellent option if you or your children love animals. I could stay at the resort (and have) for a long time without even leaving to visit the theme parks. Prices here are more reasonable than those of similar Disney Resorts. The dining options are excellent!

Cons: The bus service has been consistently slow during our stays at Animal Kingdom Lodge (numerous times in the last five years). Bus service is the only transportation provided at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s part of the tradeoff for having a safe habitat for the animals, so I’m not necessarily complaining about it.

Extras: Guests at this resort get early theme park entry and extended evening hours for deluxe and deluxe villa resort guests. Animal Kingdom Lodge has a separate Disney Vacation Club Resort: Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas-Jambo House.

We have an entire Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It includes room tours, dining options, transportation, pool details, and everything else you need to know about planning a stay.

Final Thoughts

We hope you found this ranking of the Walt Disney World Resorts helpful. Resorts Gal specializes in providing information on the resorts at Disney World. If you have difficulty deciding which resort will work best, Take our Quiz. The results will help narrow down your options. At the end of the quiz, you can enter your email to receive a series of emails about the resorts with some of our favorite tips.

For more planning, visit our Disney World vacation planning guide. It contains a simple step-by-step process that will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your vacation. If you’re concerned about the cost of your vacation, visit our guide on creating a budget for a Disney World vacation. That guide provides an overview of all the “big and little things” you need to consider when planning. If you know you want to create a detailed budget, make sure to check out our spreadsheets in the Resorts Gal Community. Our Disney World Dining Guide will teach you the basics of dining at Walt Disney World. Lastly, our Disney transportation guides are one of the most important reads before your vacation! We have one for every resort!

In the Comments

So what do you think? Do you agree with these rankings? Does our ranking method make sense? Leave us a comment below and share your thoughts.