Top Disney World Resorts
Top Disney World Resorts
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation and wondering where to stay? With more than 25 Disney Resorts on property, choosing the right one can feel like a big task, but that’s where we come in! Disney Resorts are divided into three categories: Deluxe, Moderate, and Value. Each offers a unique experience with varying levels of amenities, theming, and pricing.
Deluxe resorts are known for their prime locations, larger rooms, fine dining, and immersive theming. They come with the highest price tag, but the experience is top-tier. Moderate resorts strike a nice balance with comfortable accommodations and beautiful grounds, while Value resorts offer budget-friendly stays with fun Disney theming. And hey, it’s still Disney, so even the Value resorts come with plenty of pixie dust!
All Walt Disney World resort guests enjoy complimentary Disney transportation, heated pools, Early Theme Park Entry, and the convenience of being right in the heart of the magic. Staying on property means no rental car is necessary, and heading back to your resort for an afternoon swim or nap is a breeze.
To help you narrow it down, here are our top picks for where to stay at Disney!
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Category: Deluxe
Inspired by the elegance of the European Riviera, Disney’s Riviera Resort is a newer addition to the Walt Disney World lineup. This resort combines upscale design with the charm of classic European travel. You'll find mosaic art, stylish accommodations, and sweeping views across the property.
Why We Love It
The Riviera feels truly luxurious without being stuffy. The dining here is exceptional, especially at Topolino’s Terrace, where you can enjoy both a character breakfast and breathtaking evening views. Plus, the Skyliner access makes getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios a breeze.
Pros
Access to the Disney Skyliner
Stunning rooftop dining and character meals
La Petit Café Coffee Shop, Bar Riva
Spacious villas and studio options
Disney Vacation Club Resort, which means sinks, dishes, toasters, and other amenities in some of the rooms.
Sophisticated, European-inspired design
Cons
Not walkable to any of the parks
Deluxe price point
Less kid-focused theming compared to other resorts
Who Should Stay Here
We love the Riviera for larger families as the studios and villas can sleep more people and have 2 showers (1 is a shower tub combo). If you’re at Disney World for a longer stay, these larger rooms are nice. Lastly, the Riviera is perfect for an adults only trip. It’s upscale vibe is fitting for adults, there’s nice dining and bar locations, and you’re just a Skyliner ride away from EPCOT, a favorite among adults!
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Category: Deluxe
Disney’s Beach Club Resort delivers a charming New England coastal vibe just steps away from EPCOT. Shared amenities with Disney’s Yacht Club and Stormalong Bay (arguably the best pool on property) make this resort a standout.
Why We Love It
Location, location, location! You can walk to EPCOT and boat, walk or take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios. Plus, the sand-bottom pool and lazy river make it a favorite for families. It has a laid-back, breezy feel that instantly puts you in vacation mode.
Pros
Walking distance to EPCOT (very close!) and Hollywood Studios (about 1 mile!)
Access to Stormalong Bay, a mini water park
BoardWalk entertainment nearby
Spacious, elegant rooms
Character Dining at Cape May Café
Cons
Rooms are a bit more traditional in style
Higher price point due to premium location
Can be busy due to proximity to two parks
Who Should Stay Here
Again, the Villas are great for larger families or those with a longer stay. The pool is very kid friendly. If you’re at Disney for an EPCOT festival, this is an excellent option for it’s proximity to the park.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Category: Deluxe
A longtime guest favorite, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort brings South Pacific charm to the heart of Walt Disney World. The lush landscaping, tropical music, and views of Cinderella Castle from the beach make it a bucket-list stay.
Why We Love It
The Polynesian has Disney nostalgia, unbeatable views of the fireworks, and direct Monorail access to Magic Kingdom. The recently updated rooms (including Moana touches!) blend whimsy with island elegance. And we’d be remiss not to mention the Dole Whip stand!
Pros
Monorail and boat access to Magic Kingdom
Views of fireworks and the castle from the beach
On-site favorites like ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s
Nightly Electrical Water Pageant on Seven Seas Lagoon
Spacious, newly updated rooms
Cons
Can get noisy due to popularity
Expensive, especially during peak seasons
Some longhouses are far from the main building
Who Should Stay Here
The Poly is perfect for adults and families alike. It’s also a DVC property with Villas and studios, so perfect for larger groups and/or longer stays. If you have smaller children and plan to spend a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom, this is the resort for you! Another great perk are the fireworks views, especially if standing on a busy Main Street USA with overly tired littles isn’t your vibe. Head back to your resort, get everyone bathed and in their pajamas in time to catch the fireworks!
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Category: Moderate
Colorful, lively, and relaxing, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers island vibes at a moderate price point. The sprawling resort surrounds a central lake and offers beautiful grounds with sandy beaches and hammocks.
Why We Love It
This is the only Moderate resort with direct Skyliner access, and it’s the hub of the entire Skyliner system. That alone makes it a game-changer for families looking to stay connected to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios without splurging on a Deluxe resort.
Pros
Skyliner access to two parks
Affordable with tropical theming
Great main pool with a pirate play area and water slides
Recently refurbished rooms
Cons
Very spread out, which can mean long walks or waiting on the internal shuttle bus
No elevators in most buildings (only 2 story buildings)
Limited dining compared to Deluxe resorts
Who Should Stay Here
Caribbean Beach is great for anyone planning a park heavy trip. It’s excellent for families up to 5 because they offer 5th sleeper rooms. The playground is the perfect place for kids to explore and get their wiggles out. This resort is ideal for when kids are past the stroller age since there are no elevators in most of the two story buildings. For families staying at Caribbean Beach that still have strollers, we will request a ground level room.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Category: Value
This throwback-themed resort celebrates the fun and fads of the 1950s through 1990s with oversized icons, colorful décor, and plenty of Disney magic. Pop Century is often considered the best Value resort on property.
Why We Love It
Pop Century has a retro charm and surprisingly great access thanks to its Skyliner station. The rooms have been recently updated and now include queen beds and better storage, making them ideal for families on the go.
Pros
Most affordable option with Skyliner access
Refurbished, modern rooms
Tons of Disney theming and larger-than-life icons
Fun for kids and nostalgia for adults
Cons
Rooms are small and basic
Can feel busy and loud
Limited dining (just one quick-service option)
Who Should Stay Here
Pop Century is fantastic for families doing Disney on a budget! It’s still a Disney resort, so it’s clean, has a pool, and keeps you in the Disney bubble. If you’ll be out of the room most of the day anyway, this is a perfect option. Even though there aren’t many dining options, you have access to the Skyliner. Which means you can catch a gondola to Riviera, the Boardwalk area, or EPCOT for superb eats.
Final Thoughts: Where to Stay at Disney
Whether you’re looking for an upscale retreat with Monorail access or a fun-filled value resort with Skyliner perks, there's truly a perfect fit for every family at Walt Disney World. These Disney Resorts are all winners in our book, each offering something unique to elevate your vacation experience.
Choosing where to stay at Disney can make or break your trip. That’s why Travel Dolce is here to help you find your perfect resort match! We have endless Disney knowledge, from room categories and hidden perks to the best dining reservations and must-do experiences. Let us guide you with insider tips (including a full Lightning Lane Guide), personalized recommendations, and concierge-level support every step of the way.
✨ Ready to book your dream Disney World vacation? Let Travel Dolce take the stress off your plate and sprinkle in a little extra magic.
