The best Disney World hotels, ranked

One of the first decisions you make when planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, can also be one of the most overwhelming: Where to stay?

With more than two dozen Disney owned-and-operated resorts on property, there’s something for every family and every budget, from character-obsessed kids to adults wanting a little luxury.

Deluxe

#7 Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary, one of Disney World’s original hotels, boasts one amenity that no other can — and we’re not even referring to the monorail that stops inside the main atrium.

It’s the only place where you can access the Magic Kingdom on foot, which is clutch at the end of the night when you just can’t wait in one more line to board the monorail.

The views from this mid-century modern-themed resort are also like no other.

Try to reserve a park-side room for panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom and its nightly fireworks show, or if you’re staying elsewhere, it’s worth it to book a dinner reservation at the California Grill on the hotel’s top floor, where the show’s soundtrack is piped onto the viewing balcony for extra effect.

The monorail station and open design of the main concourse give a slightly chaotic feel to this resort, which drops it in our rankings, but fortunately that noise doesn’t carry to the guest rooms above.

Contemporary Resort, 4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-824-1000

#6 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

As Disney World’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian makes an impression from the moment you approach.

Guests are welcomed by the scents of green clover and aloe as they enter the expansive, Victorian-inspired lobby where, in the evenings, a jazz ensemble plays from the balcony.

The Grand Floridian features amenities unlike any other Disney World resort, from the 52-foot yacht available for hourly rentals on Bay Lake to Victoria & Albert’s, the only restaurant in Central Florida with a five-diamond rating from AAA.

Just one monorail stop from the Magic Kingdom, the perks at the Grand Floridian come at a cost — the highest standard room rates at Disney World.

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-824-3000

#5 Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

One of Disney’s more adult-oriented resorts, the BoardWalk Inn and the adjacent BoardWalk dining and entertainment strip are modeled after a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City.

The theme is well executed, though its charm is often a little creepy — particularly the clown-shaped water slide and the nanny chairs with their toothy grins placed throughout the common areas.

BoardWalk Inn’s best feature is its location, just steps from Epcot and a short jog to Hollywood Studios.

The BoardWalk promenade is home to the resort’s dining. But the strip can be a long walk from many guestrooms, and it tends to be crowded with locals and other park visitors at night and on weekends.

BoardWalk Inn, 2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830; 407-939-6200

#4 Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

One of the priciest hotels at Walt Disney World, the Polynesian Village Resort sits on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon, just two stops from the Magic Kingdom on Disney’s monorail line.

Guests are welcomed with a flower lei and a warm “aloha” at this heavily-themed resort, where the design reflects a 1970s vision of tiki culture through vibrant, kitschy decor.

The resort’s dining options are one of its strongest points, from the poolside Pineapple Lanai where you can grab a classic Dole Whip soft serve to Kona Cafe, where the Tonga Toast is a must at breakfast. (This banana-stuffed French toast served with strawberry compote is also available from room service.)

Nowhere is the tiki vibe more present than at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, a cozy hideaway with strong drinks, lively servers and a carousel of coveted souvenir drinkware.

Polynesian Village Resort, 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-824-2000

#3 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge sets itself apart as the only place where you can wake up to giraffes and wildebeests grazing outside your balcony. The hotel lobby and adjacent patio wrap around the 46-acre savanna, so even guests who don’t pay the $150 per night premium can enjoy the view.

Disney’s Imagineers visited nearly two dozen African lodges to inspire their design for the resort, which features more than 380 pieces of African art in its public spaces and 4,000 more throughout the guest rooms.

Adult visitors will enjoy sampling the menu at Jiko, which blends traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine, and features the largest South African wine list in the United States.

A notable downside is the lack of transportation alternatives — unlike other deluxe resorts that offer boat or monorail service, the only option here is Disney’s bus service — but its charm and relatively low cost compensate for that drawback.

Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-938-3000

#2 Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

These connected resorts share many amenities, including Stormalong Bay, a three-acre water park with a sand-bottom pool, lazy river, and a 230-foot-long water slide that make it unequivocally the best resort pool on the vast property.

On-site dining includes the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, home of the famed Kitchen-Sink Sundae. The resorts are across the lake from Disney’s BoardWalk, meaning you get proximity to its dining and entertainment without the bustle of the crowds.

When you’re ready to hit the theme parks, the Yacht and Beach clubs are a quick walk to Epcot or a boat ride from Hollywood Studios, with bus service to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

Beach Club Resort, 1800 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-934-8000

Yacht Club Resort, 1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-934-7000

#1 Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

At Wilderness Lodge, guests have the benefit of being just across the bay from the Magic Kingdom, but in a secluded environment that feels far removed from it all.

Surrounded by tall pines, the hotel’s design brings the feel of the lodges of U.S. National Parks to Central Florida with its soaring, log-framed lobby, 82-foot-tall stone fireplace and a pair of 55-foot intricately carved totem poles.

The most affordable of Disney World’s deluxe resorts, Wilderness Lodge’s rooms are furnished with carved wood headboards and Native American-inspired textiles. Many have balconies featuring views of man-made geysers, waterfalls or Bay Lake.

But the hotel’s best feature may be the boat from its dock to the Magic Kingdom with no stops in between, making the typically tiresome exodus from the park feel downright leisurely at the end of the night.

Wilderness Lodge, 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-824-3200

Moderate

#5 Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach is the most sprawling of Disney’s moderate-price resorts, with five clusters of guest buildings named for different Caribbean islands, like Martinique and Aruba.

Standard rooms here have a subdued tropical theme, but more adventurous guests may opt for pirate-themed accommodations, with a ship-shaped bed and furnishings resembling stacked crates for storing your treasures.

Old Port Royale, the resort’s main hub, was recently remodeled and is a relaxing space to grab a bite to eat — though it is far from many of the guest rooms.

The resort will gain points this fall with the opening of the Disney Skyliner, a gondola system that will run to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, with the main hub located at Caribbean Beach Resort.

Caribbean Beach Resort, 1114 Cayman Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-934-3400

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Time capsule: Larry Syverson, 69, recently rediscovered his photographs of a trip to Disneyland that he took in 1969 while he was in college with his future wife Judy.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Days gone by: The vintage photos document what the park was like in its early incarnations. This image shows the entrance, with Judy on the right, in pink.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Iconic attractions: The photos feature famous attractions, including It's a Small World, pictured here, and Sleeping Beauty's castle.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Changing times: Some of the rides are still there, others, such as the Tomorrowland Rocket Jets ride and the PeopleMover, pictured here, are long since retired.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Ticket book: Judy kept her ticket from the day. The ticket system was different then: "At that time, when you went in you bought a book of tickets and each ride was a different ticket," Syverson tells CNN Travel.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Different prices: "The prices were like from a dime -- from 10 cents to 75 cents for the big rides," says Syverson. "It's kind of funny to think that you could ride something for 10 cents."

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Day of activities: The couple spent 15 hours exploring the park: "We were there from open to close -- from 10 in the morning to one at night -- and we were constantly busy," remembers Syverson. Pictured here: Main Street from the train station

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Rides and attractions: The couple were there on the opening day of The Haunted Mansion and also enjoyed It's a Small World. Pictured here: Judy looking at paper flowers in Disneyland.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Adventures old and new: Syverson had seen It's a Small World five years previously. In 1964, he was a Boy Scout volunteering at New York's World's Fair -- where Walt Disney premiered this ride. Pictured here: the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride, which still exists today.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Tomorrowland: The photos are mostly of Judy, but there's the odd one of Syverson. He is pictured here in front of Tomorrowland.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Musical moments: Syverson took this picture of the entrance to Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, which still exists today and is known for its musical animatronic performances.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Water thrills: The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland, which is still a staple of Disneyland California and worldwide.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Return event: Syverson and Judy returned to the park once -- in the '80s with their children, but they haven't been since. Pictured here: the fort entrance to Frontierland, with Judy slightly obscured.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Treehouse delights: Another highlight for Syverson was The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, pictured. It no longer exists at Disneyland in California as it morphed into Tarzan's Treehouse in the '90s.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Favorite film: As a child, Syverson loved the "Swiss Family Robinson" movie and was thrilled to explore the treehouse. He says he still watches the film today with his grandchildren. Pictured here: Main Street USA

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Family connections: "Fifty years later and they enjoy it as much as I did, we laugh in all the same places," says Syverson.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Under the sea: The Submarine Voyage opened in Disneyland California in 1959, based on the first nuclear-powered submarine. It's now become the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Disney views: Syverson took this photo in Frontierland, the area of Disneyland themed around America in the 19th century.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

New Orleans Square: Here Judy is pictured seated at a restaurant in New Orleans Square, another themed land at the California park.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Changing tastes: Syverson knows attractions have changed over the years: "People's interests change and they want more excitement and stuff," he says, citing Universal Studios as an example.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Busy day: Syverson recalls that he and Judy didn't plan their day well and were constantly running from one side of the park to the other. Pictured here: Frontierland.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Tom Sawyer Island: Syverson took this photo in Frontierland from Tom Sawyer Island, which is themed around Mark Twain's novels.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Old rides: This image shows the PeopleMover and the Skyway rides, both of which are now defunct. The Skyway was a gondola-style attraction.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Souvenirs: The couple saved the brochure and map of Tom Sawyer Island, which is dated to 1957.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Recreating the past: Syverson and Judy plan to return to Disneyland in 2020 and may recreate some of their images. Pictured here: Judy in the Enchanted Tiki Room.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Young at heart: "The attractions are still ones that we would enjoy at our age [...] It's a place [where] you make memories and then you always have them to look back on," says Syverson.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Special memories: "So we're really excited about going back there. There's no ending. It's a special place," he says. Pictured here: The Disneyland Opera House on Main Street.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Internet immortality: Syverson enjoys the fact that his photographs are now being shared on the Internet. Pictured here: looking toward New Orleans Square.

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Sharing stories: Sharing old family photographs on Flickr -- including photographs of his father in the air force -- is an enjoyable hobby for Syverson. Pictured here: the Double decker bus on Main Street

Courtesy Larry Syverson

Lasting legacy: Syverson says he's happy to leave a photographic legacy: "When Judy and I are long gone you know people will look -- 'Oh look at this young couple, having fun in Disneyland' -- it's kind of a cool thing," he says. Pictured here: Judy sitting in front of the Matterhorn

#4 Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

As a mix of cabins and campgrounds, Fort Wilderness is the most unique of Disney World’s mid-range offerings.

Cabins sleep six adults and include a kitchen and charcoal grill, making this is a great option for families who prefer to stretch out and take a slower pace (especially since housekeeping takes care of the dishes).

If you prefer not to cook on vacation, zip your golf cart over to P&J’s Southern Takeout for fried chicken and ribs — the same fare served at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, also located on site.

Regardless of where you stay, don’t miss Fort Wilderness around the Christmas holidays. Campers go all out with the holiday decorations, creating elaborate scenes with strings of lights and inflatable characters.

Rent a golf cart and take a self-guided tour of the property, and stop by the nightly campfire where you can roast marshmallows with Chip and Dale.

Fort Wilderness Resort, 4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-824-2900

#3 Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

As the primary convention hotel at Disney World, Coronado Springs feels like a deluxe resort at the price of a moderate. Its recently remodeled rooms have a bright, upscale vibe with light wood furnishings, chevron-patterned flooring and walk-in showers.

The hotel’s pool complex, the Dig Site, is one of the best on property. If the 123-foot water slide isn’t your speed, relax at the base of the 50-foot pyramid modeled after Mayan ruins or in the largest hot tub on Disney property, with room for 22 weary travelers.

Coronado Springs will expand this summer with the opening of Gran Destino Tower, a 15-story addition that will be home to Toledo, a rooftop restaurant that will serve Spanish tapas and offer sweeping views of the Disney World resort.

Coronado Springs Resort, 1000 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-939-1000

#2 Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

The Sassagoula River winds through this resort, where it’s easy to find a slower pace while strolling one of the many quiet pathways — a welcome departure from the theme-park bustle.

Port Orleans Riverside has two distinct sections: The lush Alligator Bayou is home to the resort’s standard rooms while the manicured Magnolia Bend houses both standard and “royal” rooms.

These princess-inspired accommodations are dressed in rich jewel tones with surprising accents, like a faucet shaped like the genie’s lamp from Aladdin. But the real showstopper is the “magic” fiberoptic headboard that displays a fireworks show with the flip of a switch.

Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, 1251 Riverside Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-934-6000

#1 Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

The romantic design of Port Orleans French Quarter is hard to beat, with its gas lamp-lit pathways, wrought iron railings and playful fountains.

Unwind at the Scat Cat’s Club, a lounge showcasing live jazz on the weekends, or relax at the Mardi Gras-themed pool. You can also enjoy the amenities at Port Orleans Riverside, a short walk next door.

The compact footprint of French Quarter gives this resort an edge over its neighbor at Riverside — and the fact that it’s the only place at Disney World where you can enjoy Mickey-shaped beignets.

Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, 2201 Orleans Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-934-5000

Value

#3 Disney’s All-Star Resorts

This bundle of three resort hotels, All-Star Movies, All-Star Music and All-Star Sports, is the most affordable of Disney’s on-site offerings.

As with all of Disney’s value resorts, the theming here is not subtle. Kids love the larger-than-life displays of characters and icons, and the football field at All-Star Sports is perfect for running out some leftover energy at the end of the day.

The All-Stars share bus service during much of the year, which can lead to crowded park transportation, and the resorts are popular for large groups that travel to Disney World for youth sporting events. Be sure to check out crowd calendars and competition schedules for the ESPN Wide World of Sports before booking.

All-Star Movies, 1901 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-939-7000

All-Star Music, 1801 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-939-6000

All-Star Sports, 1701 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-939-5000

#2 Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Fans of 20th century pop culture will love time capsule-style displays in the lobby at this resort, which showcase classic lunchboxes, toys and music memorabilia.

The theming continues to the resort grounds, where a three-story tall Mickey Mouse phone stands proudly outside one building.

Inside, rooms have recently been remodeled to include one standard queen bed and a queen murphy bed — an excellent alternative for travelers who only need one bed and would prefer to have the extra floor space.

Bathrooms have been thoughtfully designed with plenty of shelves and cubbies for arranging your belongings, a sliding door to close off the sleeping area, and a dual shower head with a rain feature.

With rates not much higher than the All-Star resorts and dedicated bus service, this is a solid option for travelers on a budget.

Pop Century Resort, 1050 Century Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-938-4000

#1 Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The newest of Disney’s value-level hotels, Art of Animation offers rooms themed to “The Little Mermaid,” “Finding Nemo,” “Cars” and “The Lion King” along with oversized figures of the beloved movie characters in the outdoor spaces.

The resort is home to both single rooms and suites (because sometimes the grown-ups need a room with a real door) and one of the more varied food courts on property. Take a dip in the Big Blue Pool and listen carefully underwater to hear Dory chatting away.

Like Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation and Pop Century, its neighbor across the lake, will be a stop on the Disney Skyliner route when it opens in late 2019, giving guests a new transportation option for Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Art of Animation Resort, 1850 Animation Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-938-7000

Valerie Marino is a journalist based in Durham, North Carolina.