Ranking my Favorite Walt Disney World Resorts that I’ve Stayed At

I’m going to try to rank my favorite Walt Disney World resorts that I’ve stayed at. To do this, I’ll consider factors like proximity to parks and ease of travel to parks, theming, amenities, and overall vibe. I have technically stayed at 15, but one of them is Shades of Green, so I didn’t include that one in the ranking (probably would fall between what I have listed at 4 and 5). Here’s my ranking of the 14 Walt Disney World resorts I’ve stayed at:

14. The Treehouse Villas South at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

This one is definitely clouded by my experience when I stayed there. I was very sick on this trip, so I didn’t get to experience a lot that the resort had to offer. With the kitchen, living area, and multiple rooms for sleeping, it’s perfect for multigenerational trips. During this trip, we stayed with extended family and it was perfect to give people plenty of space. There were multiple stops for the busses and you have access to a small pool located near the Treehouses in addition to the other 3 pools at Saratoga Springs Resort, each with a whirlpool spa. Would definitely stay here again, just to see if it moves up the ranks.

13. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

One of the value resorts, and I’m just not a huge fan. The theming is awesome and there’s a ton of space for kids to run around and have fun. The life size statues that you get with the value resorts are there, and it’s great, but with the sports teams usually staying there…can get a bit loud. With the bus stops being so far away and sometimes having to share a bus between the All-Star Resorts, it can make getting back to the resort mid-day a bit cumbersome. While each resort generally has its own dedicated bus service at peak times, such as park opening and closing, there are some times they share buses during slow times. If buses are shared, the order of pick-up and drop-off is typically: All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, and then All-Star Movie

12. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Similarly to the review above, I will say I like the theming and statues more at this resort, which is why it ranks higher. I do like taking pictures in front of the statues, and depending on what the purpose of the trip is, I would 100% stay here again.

11. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
This one was hard, I do like the pool and proximity to Magic Kingdom, but it’s just not my favorite. The fireworks view is incredible if you get a theme park view. I like that it has the bridge to Chef Mickey’s and the gift shops in the main area of the Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but honestly I find the resort lacking as a whole. I like to visit, but not to stay.

10. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Of the value resorts, this is my second favorite one. With Skyliner access and a bit of a lower price tag, it’s usually our go to. We stayed here on our honeymoon, I will say if you can go for a preferred room with closer access. It can be complicated finding your room among the different buildings, but you can always ask for a map (or use the app) which helps. I like that you can walk over to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to look at the statues and different theming there. My husband seems to enjoy the running trail that is a 1.29-mile loop around Hourglass Lake, shared with the Art of Animation Resort. 

9. Walt Disney World Dolphin

I stayed at this one for one night during the 2024 Walt Disney World Half Marathon, and I will say it was nice. The room service was amazing and a great treat while traveling with an almost 1 year old and hungry after a long day before the half marathon the next morning (I wasn’t running – my husband was). It is in the deluxe category, located within walking distance to the Boardwalk and thus EPCOT and Hollywood Studios as well. One downside was the transportation for the marathon, but that isn’t the resorts fault – I was just unprepared. I am unable to comment on the transportation to the theme parks as we did not utilize it, but would stay here again.

Now this is where it got really hard...

8. Disney’s Old Key West Resort
This is my family’s go to resort when traveling with my parents. We stay in the 2-Bedroom Villa, and it’s perfect for big family trips. There are no elevators and there are stairs for some of the rooms, so that can be a challenge if you have individuals in your party with mobility issues (or carrying the stroller up all the stairs at the end of a long day). There is a lot of space and having the living room is really beneficial when traveling with littles (space to play). There are multiple bus stops, so the buses can get a bit crowded depending on where you pick it up.

7. Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
This one is one that holds a special place in my heart because I stayed here on a split stay during the trip when I got engaged to my now husband. The resort has a variety of amenities, including multiple pools, restaurants, and shops (although there are changes being made to it R.I.P. Jellyrolls). The resort is close to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, having easy access either by walking, the Friendship boats and Skyliner to multiple parks – especially if you start in EPCOT and walk through to the monorail to end the day at Magic Kingdom watching Happily Ever After – making it highly convenient for guests.

6. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Similar to Disney’s Boardwalk, this resort is within walking distance or easy transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. There is an excellent pool area – Stormalong Bay -offering a variety of water features, including a lazy river, whirlpool spas, water slide and a sandy beach area for kids. Although it is currently under refurbishment at this time, definitely a must try. It also houses several dining options including Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. Overall, Beach Club is worth the splurge, especially for special occasions.

5. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS POOL! This resort is known for its tropical theming and easy access to Magic Kingdom via the monorail. For those old enough (21+), Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a great place to end the night, but be prepared to get there early and probably wait as it often has a long waitlist. There are a variety of recreational activities as well as great views of the fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant on the beaches.  Would love to stay here again.

4. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
My FAVORITE of the value resorts although it can be a tad expensive. It does have family suites, which tend to be priced higher, but the theming of those suites is top notch. The pools..OMG… The Big Blue Pool is a huge, zero-entry pool themed to the animated film Finding Nemo. There is also a splash pad at this resort making it perfect for littles between that, the theming (larger than life statues of favorite movies) and the Skyliner access. The resort can feel spread out, making it a bit of a walk to some amenities, but overall one of my favorites.

3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
This one was hard. Let’s talk about it, the Savannah View. Definitely worth the splurge. Seeing the animals when you wake up is a dream for animal lovers. This was part of the split stay when I got engaged, so it may be a biased opinion, but I’m an animal lover for sure. The unique theming, stunning views of the savanna (even near the lobby), and excellent service were truly amazing. The restaurant Boma is one that is frequently mentioned as a must-try that honestly I have not tried yet (maybe on the list for my next trip). The pools are also amazing in my opinion. Downside – the location can be a drawback as it’s pretty far from the majority of the parks.

The hardest ranking…I went back and forth on this for days while writing this. I will compare the 2 before giving my ranking.

Both of my top 2 resorts have a splash pad making it good for families with littles. The Wilderness Lodge offers a rustic, natural aesthetic, while Riviera is a modern, European-inspired resort with Skyliner access.

The Riviera has a great location on the Skyliner which provides direct access to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is also within walking distance to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. It’s easy to navigate and feels smaller and more compact.

The Wilderness Lodge can feel large, especially if you’re not familiar with the layout. It’s located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and has boat access to Magic Kingdom. There is an overall cozy, lodge-like atmosphere and is considered family-friendly, with amenities like a game room, pool activities, and character dining options. 

What it comes down to is personal preference, and this is mine.

2. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Although beautiful, it’s a close second.

1. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
This resort ultimately won out because of it’s proximity to Magic Kingdom, theming, and the feeling I get when staying here. It feels more welcoming to me.