THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: RANKING WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORTS
When planning a Disney World vacation, choosing the perfect resort can seem as daunting as deciding which ride to rush to at rope drop. In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into Disney World's three-tiered resort system, comparing and contrasting the deluxe, moderate, and value options to help you make the best decision for your vacation needs and budget.
The deluxe resorts represent Disney's crème de la crème of accommodations, with price tags to match. Beach Club earned high praise for its unbeatable location and Stormalong Bay pool, which features actual sand at the bottom—truly the crown jewel of Disney pools. Meanwhile, Polynesian Village Resort captures that magical Hawaiian ambiance with tiki torches, spectacular fireworks views across Seven Seas Lagoon, and arguably the best dining options including 'Ohana and Kona Cafe. For Christmas enthusiasts, Wilderness Lodge transforms into an absolute wonderland during the holiday season, making it a must-experience if you're traveling November through early January.
While discussing Animal Kingdom Lodge, we acknowledged its incredible theming and Savanna views as extraordinary experiences, but noted the significant drawback of its remote location. This fascinating trade-off highlights an important consideration for first-time visitors: proximity versus experience. Is watching zebras from your balcony worth the extra bus time to Magic Kingdom? That depends entirely on your vacation priorities.
Moving to moderate resorts, Caribbean Beach claimed the top spot primarily for its Skyliner access. As the central hub of Disney's aerial transportation system, it offers unparalleled convenience to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The sprawling tropical theming creates a genuine Caribbean atmosphere, though be warned—request your building location strategically, as this resort is massive and can involve significant walking. Port Orleans (both French Quarter and Riverside) received praise for their charming theming and boat transportation to Disney Springs, with French Quarter earning extra points for its compact size and those famous Mickey-shaped beignets.
For budget-conscious travelers, we explored the value resorts, where Pop Century and Art of Animation led our rankings. The Skyliner access at Pop Century gives it a significant advantage over the All-Star resorts, while Art of Animation's immersive theming and family suites make it the premium value option. We noted that the three All-Star resorts (Movies, Music, and Sports) are fundamentally similar experiences with different decorative skins—the rooms, food courts, and amenities are nearly identical, with bus transportation being the main differentiator during busy seasons when the resorts share buses.
Perhaps the most valuable insight from our discussion was the acknowledgment that resort choice ultimately depends on how you vacation. If you're park commandos who only return to the room to sleep, a value resort makes perfect sense. But if your ideal Disney day includes resort time, pool relaxation, and dining experiences without leaving your hotel, the deluxe tier might justify its premium price tag. The moderate category offers that middle ground for travelers seeking a bit more Disney magic without the deluxe price point.