Walt Disney World Resort Descriptions
Choosing which Walt Disney World Resort to stay in might seem like a tough choice when you start planning your vacation, especially once you realize that there are 5 value resorts, 4 moderate resorts, 9 deluxe resorts and 10 Deluxe Villa and Home Away From Home resorts.
It's great to have a wide variety of options, but when it comes to a Walt Disney World vacation, you want to be sure that you choose the right hotel for you and your family. Look below for a brief description of each of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels and click the respective links for a more in-depth look.
Keep in mind that theming is everything and each of the Disney Resorts has its own theme. If you, for example, don't care for a Victorian theme, you might not want to choose Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. If you have your heart set on staying along the monorail, you might take a look at Disney's Contemporary Resort or Disney's Polynesian Village Resort instead.
The Disney Resorts are categorized from Value to Deluxe and there are also Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villas where you have the option of having a full kitchen in a home away from home setting. You are bound to find a theme and space that floats your boat in one of the categories below.
As always, if you would like the assistance of a travel agent who specializes in helping you plan the perfect Disney vacation, reach out to Dreams Unlimited Travel – the official sponsor of the DIS – for your free, no-obligation quote today.
- Disney's All-Star Movies Resort – Budget friendly Disney Resort for value minded travelers. Disney magic is in abundance with its bright décor that pays tribute to Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story, The Mighty Ducks, and the Love Bug.
- Disney's All-Star Music Resort – A perfect choice for value conscious Disney World travelers. Its whimsical décor is pure Disney, with oversized icons depicting Jazz, Rock, Calypso, Broadway, and Country music.
- Disney's All-Star Sports Resort – Affordable option for those wanting Disney magic on a budget. You’ll find yourself “in the zone” with larger than life sports paraphernalia depicting Football, Surfing, Tennis, Basketball, and Baseball.
- Disney's Art of Animation Resort – This resort features mostly family suites and is themed after such classic animated Disney films as Finding Nemo, Cars, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King.
- Disney's Pop Century Resort – Value minded destination for guests wanting Disney magic on a budget. You’re transported back in time as you find yourself surrounded by oversized icons paying homage to the 20th Century.
- The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort | Campground – For those who are looking for a more rustic, log cabin place to call home, these cabins are the perfect choice. The campgrounds are suitable for tent and/or RV camping.
- Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort – Moderate priced Resort that’s perfect for the guests who want value and the amenities that will enhance their vacation experience. Surrounding a 45-acre lake, its “island theme” is evident in its tropical décor, white sand beaches and 7 beckoning pools.
- Disney's Coronado Springs Resort – For guests wanting a resort experience on a moderate budget, this destination is a perfect match. Its three Southwest themed sections surround a beautiful 15-acre lake. The Aztec themed main pool is one of Disney’s best, with a 46-foot tall pyramid and cascading waterfall.
- Gran Destino Tower – Part of Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Gran Destino Tower offers a more luxury-feel with elegant theming including a grand, two-story lobby plus several dining and lounge options.
- Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter – The perfect choice for guests on a moderate budget that want a unique resort experience. The theme is New Orleans Mardi Gras style. With intricate ironwork in abundance as well as flowering gardens, there’s both romance and excitement in the air. The Doubloon Lagoon main pool features a dragon slide and alligator fountains. Guests staying at Port Orleans also have access to Riverside’s amenities.
- Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside – Southern charm is in abundance at this moderate priced resort. You’ll be surrounded by stately mansions and beautiful gardens while you enjoy the “Ol’ Man Island” swimming complex. This is the only moderate resort that can accommodate a family of 5 as long as one child is age 9 or under. Guests staying at Riverside also have access to the French Quarter’s amenities.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
A truly unique Deluxe resort experience, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is unforgettable. You’re in the midst of an African wildlife preserve surrounded by free roaming animals that get breathtakingly close to the resort. Among it’s many amenities, this resort features a full range of restaurants, health club with spa services, and beautifully themed zero entry pool.
Disney's Beach Club Resort
You’ll find this deluxe Walt Disney World resort gem on the shores of the 25-acre Crescent Lake. Its New England seaside theme is evident from its pastel tones to its beachfront ambience. It’s best known for the three acre Stormalong Bay pool complex, featuring a 150-foot slide and sandy bottom. Conveniently located within walking distance of Epcot, this resort features a full choice of recreation options as well as restaurants and lounges
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Glimmering on the shores of Crescent Lake, this Deluxe seaside themed resort evokes images of a bygone era. Fronted by an authentic wooden boardwalk, there’s no end of fun in store as the entertainment district kicks into high gear each evening. With restaurants, clubs, shops, and old-fashioned carnival games, it’s the perfect match for the guest wanting to add a little spice to their vacation. You’ll be within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Disney's Contemporary Resort
With its sleek futuristic design, this Deluxe resort is one of a kind. Glistening on the shores of Bay Lake, this resort features outstanding recreation, fabulous restaurants, wonderful shops, and fantastic views. The most amazing feature is the monorail that passes right through the main building. You’ll be whisked away to your favorite destinations Disney style.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s finest deluxe resort has it all. Luxury is in abundance, from its lavish décor to the tastefully appointed guestrooms. Your every wish can be fulfilled, from fine dining to being pampered in the full service spa. There’s a full range of recreation choices including swimming complexes with the perfect Magic Kingdom backdrop. Although you won’t want to leave, the monorail will transport you when you’re ready to visit the parks.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
This deluxe resort is nestled on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon across from the Magic Kingdom. Its South Seas setting is perfect for the guest who wants an authentic tropical experience. There’s a volcano themed pool, watercraft rentals, and a wonderful assortment of restaurants and shops to choose from. Its location on the monorail makes transportation a breeze.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts
These deluxe resorts are in close proximity to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, as well as the Boardwalk's entertainment district. Located on Crescent Lake, these resorts feature spacious guest rooms, a full range of dining options, and a sprawling three-acre pool complex complete with hot tubs, and a waterfall adorned grotto.
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a completely immersive hotel experience where guests will "immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits."
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
This deluxe Walt Disney World resort is one of Disney’s most intimate. Nestled in a woodland setting, its Northwest theme is evident from the moment you arrive. The magnificent atrium features an 82-foot tall stone fireplace. A cascading waterfall empties into the swimming pool and there are oversized hot tubs for you to enjoy. Secluded along the shores of Bay Lake, your cozy retreat offers restaurants, lounges, and health club as well as watercraft rentals.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
This picturesque Deluxe Walt Disney World resort is located on Crescent Lake. Evoking images of New England seaside splendor, complete with clapboard sided lighthouse, it’s the perfect resort for guests wanting to relax in style. It’s best known for the three acre Stormalong Bay pool complex, featuring a 150-foot slide and sandy bottom. Located within walking distance of Epcot, this Disney resort offers a full range of recreation choices and several dining options.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas - Jambo House and Kidani Village
The Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge are among the most popular Home Away From Home resorts, because the majority of the rooms feature savannah views. What better way to wake up then to be able to look out your window and see giraffes, zebras and gazelles grazing in the open savannah?!
Disney Vacation Club's Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort features views of the Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake.
This resort offers a fireworks viewing deck and a sky bridge (elevated walkway on the fourth floor) connecting it to the iconic Contemporary Resort. Bay Lake Tower offers studio units as well as one, two, and three bedroom accommodations. The one/two/three bedroom units feature a fully-equipped kitchen with granite countertops.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
This is the smallest Disney Vacation Club resort and is adjacent to Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Sharing the same fantastic theming, you'll find the units to be warm, welcoming, and cozy.
This Disney Vacation Club seaside themed resort is nestled on the shores of Crescent Lake. In addition to having its own quiet pool and whirlpool spa, it also features access to the sandy-bottom Stormalong Bay Pool complex, considered one of the best that Disney offers.
This Disney Vacation Club resort captures the era when quaint coastal towns were every vacationer's dream. This sprawling resort, and it's sister Boardwalk Resort, features 4 pools, including the amusement park themed main pool with a water slide reminiscent of a classic wooden roller coaster. The Boardwalk area has a wonderful selection of restaurants, carnival games and entertainment.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the resort features natural elements, such as wood and stone, in its design, as well as subtle nods to the American transcontinental railroad. Each Villa is thoughtfully designed with today’s families in mind offering full kitchens, expanded storage space for belongings, and private patios or balconies with scenic views.
This Disney Vacation Club resort features the colors, tropical palms and ambience of the Florida Keys. This sprawling resort has four pools, including the sandcastle themed main pool, water recreation, restaurant and beautifully manicured grounds.
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
This tropical resort is an island paradise located right in the middle of the magic. It features iconic, mid-20th century architecture and the first-ever Disney accommodations to sit on top of the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Deluxe Studios at this beautiful location are the largest of any of the Walt Disney World Resorts. Being steps away from the monorail makes transportation a breeze.
Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge - Currently on Hold
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this Disney Vacation Club Resort was being constructed on the old River Country grounds along Bay Lake. The nature-inspired resort was slated to have more than 900 guest rooms.
This new resort experience is the 15th Disney Vacation Club property with approximately 300 units spread across a variety of accommodation types. The Disney Skyliner transportation system connects the resort to other areas on Walt Disney World property.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
This Victorian themed Disney Vacation Club resort is modeled after the upstate New York region noted for horse racing. You'll see the influence from the equine community in the statues, room decor and in unexpected surprises such as the hourly clock chime. With its close proximity to Disney Springs, you'll find a range of restaurants and shops to enjoy.
Disney's Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Treehouses feature 60 three-bedroom units, which are elevated 10-feet from ground level and accommodate up to nine guests. They share the featured amenities at Saratoga Springs.
Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa feature luxurious amenities, Victorian style furnishings with all the comforts of home, and fine finishes making these villas the crown jewel of Disney Vacation Club.
