Staying at a Walt Disney World resort will be a huge part of creating an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime Disney vacation. It can be tempting to stay off the property if you’re loyal to other brands or if you find a better deal elsewhere. However, with commonly added resort and parking fees at other hotels, not to mention the extra time you have to spend getting to the theme parks, it’s well worth it to consider a Disney Resort. But which one? With so many fantastic choices in similar price ranges, I want to count down my favorite with you.
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness (best for the winter holidays)
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness may seem an unconventional choice, but it’s worth it to stay here at least once during the Christmas holiday season. Here’s what I love most about staying here:
- Holiday decorations. Do you like driving around to look at Christmas lights? Rent a golf cart while you stay here, and drive around to see how everyone has decked out their cabins and RVs. It’s a great way to spend an evening and get into the Christmas spirit! Don’t forget to bring your decorations as well!
- A full kitchen. It’s rare at Disney World to get a kitchen without paying villa prices. If we’re staying at Disney for a week or longer, this makes The Cabins easily my top choice because we can get groceries and cook our meals to save money.
- Recreational activities. Does anyone in your family like to do outdoor activities, like fishing or archery? This might be the place for them!
Tip: The Cabins at Fort Wilderness has a general store with groceries, but items can be expensive. Opt for a grocery delivery service to get more for your money.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Spa
Contemporary is a favorite in my household. While the proximal location goes without saying (you can walk, yes WALK, to Magic Kingdom), there are also a few other reasons to love Contemporary:
- Water sports. If you are a fan of parasailing, jet skis, or other water activities, you’ll be happy to know you can enjoy those at Contemporary. You don’t have to be a resort guest, and you will pay to play, but it is more convenient to enjoy these as a guest of Contemporary.
- The resort size. Contemporary is small enough that I know it’s worth it to buy the refillable mugs because walking to the quick service dining area takes no time at all – at least compared to most of the other resorts! So many of Disney’s resorts are spread out enough that walking to the main area is inconvenient and overly time-consuming.
- The view of the fireworks. If you want to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks without being at the park, there are several great locations at Contemporary for this, including California Grill, an upscale and delectable dining option on the top floor of the resort – be sure to dress a little nicer if you want to dine here! Florida casual doesn’t quite cut it.
- The dining options. In addition to California Grill for adults, Chef Mickey is great for the kiddos and it’s located inside the Contemporary. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy, and Donald will greet you while you are eating, and there are plenty of food choices, even for your picky eaters. Contemporary’s quick service options are great too.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Yacht Club is exquisite on the inside and vibrant on the outside. Here is why this makes my top 5:
- No carpet in the rooms! This is rare at hotels and allows the germophobe in me to rest easier.
- The swimming pool. If you are planning to spend much time at the pool, this is a TOP choice. The kids loved the massive pool area, which is shared with Disney’s Beach Club Resort and includes sand in one area, a lazy river, and awesome slides.
- Location. Yacht Club within walking distance of Epcot the Skyliner, and the boardwalk area.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort (winner for cost- effectiveness)
If you love the New Orleans vibe, you will love beauty of Port Orleans French Quarter! I have stayed there and at Port Orleans Riverside, and French Quarter is my preferred choice. Here’s why:
- The swimming pool, complete with a slide that isn’t too scary for the younger ones (both my 6-year-old and 10-year-old loved it).
- Pool hopping: you can use the Port Orleans Riverside swimming pool, and it’s within walking distance.
- Both of the hotels have playgrounds and arcades, which you won’t find at many of the resorts.
- The beignets! While not typically something I eat, I actually crave the ones from Scat Cat Club’s Cafe at Port Orleans French Quarter.
- You can take a boat to Disney Springs. While not very close to the theme parks, it’s fantastic to be able to take a boat to Disney Springs, rather than drive or take a bus.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney’s Victorian beauty. We’ve stayed here many times. It’s my preferred option for those rare times I go without kids, as well as when I go with toddler-age children. It’s also a great option for December – more on that below, in addition to the best things about Grand Floridian:
- The piano man. As if this hotel weren’t fancy enough, a piano man regularly appears in the lobby. There is plenty of space to sit and enjoy the music for a while.
- The swimming pool options. These are the best I’ve seen for small kids, including 3 pool areas: one that is less than 5 feet deep all the way around, another that is zero entry with an incredible waterslide, and yet another water play splash area that is perfect for kids up to around age 10.
- Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant. WOW! It is unlikely you have experienced anything like this unless you are accustomed to the finest dining. Go here – without your kids – and enjoy one of the fanciest meals of your life. Be sure to dress for the occasion; my husband once forgot his suit jacket and they supplied him with one to wear during dinner!
- The Christmas decorations. Not only do they have the beautiful (but standard) decorations you’d expect from Disney, but they also have a life-size gingerbread house. Even if you don’t book your stay here, I definitely recommend visiting this hotel during the holidays.
- The evening water parade, in addition to being able to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from some areas of the resort. It’s a much quieter way to enjoy the evening, while still being part of the magic.
Conclusion
The magic of Disney World is best when you stay at a Disney Resort Hotel. They all have unique themes, restaurants and recreation, making it easy to find one that makes sense for your family. Some of them couldn’t be more different, from a cabin at Fort Wilderness to a villa at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Doing a bit of research will go a long way to making your stay more enjoyable. Happy planning!