So you’re planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World® Resort, and it’s time to choose a hotel. Luckily for you, Disney has so many incredible options, you’ll be able to find the accommodations that are just right for you and your family, whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, nature-lovers or movie buffs. Rooms range from charming and rustic cabins to luxurious waterfront bungalows—it’s all there at Disney.
What’s more, Disney® Visa® Credit Cardmembers can take advantage of special vacation financing to book select vacation packages.1 You’ll have more budget flexibility and less on your mind—the makings of a great vacation. Read on for our guide to choosing the right Disney Resort hotel for your family.
• Best Resort for Disney and Pixar Fanatics: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Best Resort for the Nostalgic: Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Best Resort for Outdoorsy Families: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Best Resort for Water Park Fans: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Best Resort for Toddlers: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Best Resort for Kids: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Best Resort for Tweens/Teens: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Best Resort for Young Adults: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Best Resort for Large Families: Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Best Resort for Refined Tastes: Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Best Resort for History Buffs: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Best Resort for Foodies: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Best Resort for Disney and Pixar Fanatics
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The young and young-at-heart will appreciate the colorful animation-themed decor at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and families will appreciate spacious suites. Explore the storybook landscapes of classic animated Disney and Pixar films like Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. After a full day at the parks, settle in for a Movie Under the Stars on the grass lawn, or go for a dip in one of the on-site pools and take Dory’s advice to heart: “Just keep swimming.” You’ll have easy access to both EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® via the Disney Skyliner. Catch a ride, and you and the fam will be whisked away on a gondola to the park of your choice!
Best Resort for the Nostalgic
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
If your Disney dream vacation includes a trip down memory lane, you’ll want to opt for Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This hotel pays homage to all of the delightful and zany pop culture touchstones in the last half of the 20th century, from the fifties-themed bowling pin staircases to the nineties-themed giant floppy discs. Their Hippy Dippy Pool is a nod to the sixties flower power days, with a flower-shaped pool design, and their famous tie-dye cheesecake screams seventies. To top it all off, the Disney Skyliner transports Guests via gondola to EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
Best Resort for Outdoorsy Families
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
If morning birdsong and fresh air sound like a dream vacation to you, then Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is the perfect place to pitch your tent. You’ll also find RV sites and air-conditioned cabins on the grounds here, nestled among 750 acres of pine and cypress trees where deer, rabbits, armadillos and peacocks roam free.
You can fish in the many canals that run through the grounds, enjoy a walk along several hiking trails or go horseback riding at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch (Cardmembers get 10% off horseback trail rides!).23 Last but not least, complete the woodsy experience with an archery lesson and aim for a bull’s-eye with your compound bow and arrows. And keep in mind, you’ll also be conveniently close to Magic Kingdom® Park—which sits a short bus drive or boat ride away.
Best Resort for Water Park Fans
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Inspired by a New England-style yacht club, this retreat is the epitome of grace and grandeur. Water lovers will be thrilled to explore all of the romping adventures available at Stormalong Bay—a three-acre wonderland with a life-size shipwreck replica, lazy river, elevated tanning deck and more. It’s great for families who plan to visit Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and don’t want the water park fun to end each day. Plus, there’s the added bonus of being lakeside! At this waterfront resort, you’ll be walking distance from EPCOT® and just a convenient boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
Best Resort for Toddlers
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Savor the spirit of the South Pacific at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and bathe in the tropical atmosphere. We’re talking swaying palm trees and cozy moonlit nights. Your little one will enjoy trying an iconic DOLE Whip® at Pineapple Lanai and tucking into some Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe (where Cardmembers save 10% on most meals, most days!).25 Parents of toddlers will especially love the laidback vibes at this Disney Resort hotel. And when you’re ready for some exploration, you can hop on the Resort Monorail for an easy ride to Magic Kingdom® Park or EPCOT®.
Best Resort for Kids
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Got little ones? Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a great option for families with small children, thanks to its enchanting atmosphere, inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges. Kids will have a blast discovering towering totem poles, venturing on nature trails, lounging in rocking chairs overlooking a murmuring creek and hanging out beside the roaring fireplace. And it’s just a complimentary water taxi ride away from Magic Kingdom® Park.
Best Resort for Tweens/Teens
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Your island escape is calling! At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, lush landscapes, bustling markets and relaxing hammocks evoke five unique Caribbean islands: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Martinique and Aruba. Tweens and teens especially will appreciate the Spanish citadel-themed swimming pool (complete with slides and water cannons). There are also volleyball courts for your active youngsters. And last but not least, a major plus: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a hub for the Disney Skyliner gondolas, giving you easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and EPCOT®.
Best Resort for Young Adults
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Spend your days in a romantic paradise where classic influences blend with Disney touches and modern comforts. Young adults will appreciate the unique mixture of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures in this Disney Resort hotel. Get a taste of Spain’s coffee culture with espresso drinks at Barcelona Lounge or dine on traditional Mexican fare at the majestic Maya Grill. You can even take a master-led painting class called the Colors of Coronado and explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, nearby via complimentary bus.
Best Resort for Large Families
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Traveling with a large group can be a challenge—but Disney’s BoardWalk Villas has you covered. The spacious accommodations at this waterfront property are designed to be your home away from home: Options include a full kitchen, dining room, separate bedrooms and a washer and dryer. Organize a tournament for the whole family on the nearby Fantasia-themed mini golf courses, or opt for a stroll down the charming, picturesque boardwalk. You’ll also be walking distance from both EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
Best Resort for Refined Tastes
Disney’s Riviera Resort
With its chic European flair, Disney’s Riviera Resort is perfect for a sophisticated getaway, whether you’re planning a siblings trip, a vacation with your parents or an adventure for the whole family. The interiors are outfitted with modern decor inspired by Walt Disney’s travels to the European Riviera, including artistic murals and floral arrangements among brass-accented furnishings. Don’t miss a workout thanks to Athlétique, a state-of-the-art fitness center on site. Or opt for some more low-key recreation with a game of bocce ball on the lawn. When you’re ready to treat yourself, make a reservation at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, a rooftop restaurant with a spectacular Mediterranean menu. Plus, getting to EPCOT® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® is a cinch via the Disney Skyliner.
Best Resort for History Buffs
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Inspired by the late 1800’s New York retreat known for its spas and horse racing, this charming escape is favored for its rolling green golf course and location near the shimmering Lake Buena Vista—not to mention its dazzling pools and luxurious spa. History buffs will appreciate The Turf Club Bar, which recalls a romantic, bygone-era. Be sure to use your Disney Visa Card there to save 10% on most meals, most days!25 At this Disney Resort hotel, you’re a complimentary water taxi ride away from Disney Springs®.
Best Resort for Foodies
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Victorian elegance with modern touches is what you can expect at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This is among the most lavish options you’ll find at Walt Disney World® Resort and a favorite among foodies. There’s a variety of delicious dining options—from white-glove fine dining at Victoria & Albert’s to whimsical elegance at Cítricos to family-friendly fare at Grand Floridian Cafe and easy counter service at Gasparilla Island Grill. And Cardmembers can save 10% on most meals, most days at Citrico’s, Grand Floridian Cafe and Narcoossee’s.25 This gem is a great spot to catch fireworks as they light up the sky over Cinderella Castle every evening. And it’s a single stop from Magic Kingdom® Park on the Resort Monorail!
There you have it: Options for everyone! Families of all kinds can find the right Disney Resort hotel for them and every amenity they need. And don’t forget: Using your Disney Visa Card and special vacation financing on select Disney vacation packages can help you make those vacations dreams even bigger and better.1
