Know before you go! We made it our mission to stay at a different resort hotel every visit for a long time. We didn’t make it through all of them, at least not yet! But, we definitely established some favorites!

The Best of the BEST:

5. The Polynesian. The Poly is such a tranquil resort. The tropical theme is so perfect. You can view the fireworks from the resort, even while eating dinner at O’hana. The restaurants are great. Kona Cafe can’t be beat, in my opinion. It is a monorail resort so transportation is rather quick but if monorail isn’t your jam, boat and bus options are also available and you can walk to Magic Kingdom. This resort is a bit more pricey but definitely worth it in our opinion!

4. Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter. Technically two hotels but they are pretty equal in our world and right beside each other so we are grouping them together. The themeing is so adorable at FQ. I always joke that it is what New Orleans aspires to be. Cute little streets without the smells of NOLA. The rooms are not overly themed but with recent remodels, they are super nice. Riverside holds a special place in our hearts as that is the first place we stayed as a family. Evening walks through the bayou and Tiana themed rooms with boat transportation down the Sassagoula River set this resort apart.

3. Caribean Beach. CB has become a favorite of ours since the Skyliner made it’s debut. It is a really peaceful resort and feels like you are in the middle of nowhere in a way but the Skyliner makes it quick to move around to different resorts/parks/restaurants. There is a great Joffrey’s stand by the skyliner as well so you can grab a beverage before you hit the Skyliner to Rope Drop! If you hit the sidewalks at the right time, you might catch a glimpse of the drone show or Epcot fireworks.

2. Art of Animation. TWO bathrooms and a separate bedroom. Skyliner. There are so many options for themeing, if that’s important to you. Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and Little Mermaid themes are available. The family suites have some much room and the 2nd bathroom is a game changer! The pools are all adorable and large enough that they never feel crowded. The food options are great for those picky eaters and the skyliner makes transportation quick and easy.

1. Grand Floridian. I feel like no list would be complete without this iconic resort. Located a short walk from Magic Kingdom, this elegant hotel is full of beauty. The Victorian style with touches of Mary Poppins without being overwhelming themed is so perfect. Newly renovated rooms with amazing views! This room is hard to leave! 1900 Park Fare is a breakfast favorite for us. Fairly recently reopened with a new theme, Park Fare still has a great buffett with plenty of options for the whole family and really good cappuccinos! The grounds of Grand Floridian are gorgeous and the rooms are amazing but I cannot say enough about the view. Looking out over the water with the Polynesian in one direction and Cinderella’s castle in the other can’t be beat. Sitting on you balcony waving at the boats as they pass by, sleeping in late because the rooms are so peaceful and even showering in the spacious, beautiful bathrooms are all highlights. Obviously, GF is one of the more expensive places to stay on Disney property. We love to book a more moderate resort for the majority of our stay and then hop over to GF for a night or two to cap off the vacation in style!

The benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World resort are numerous. You’ll get to book dining reservations and buy Lightning Lane Passes earlier. You’ll get free transportation to the parks and Disney Springs. Early entry into the parks, Extra Magic Hours, a free day at the water parks on your arrival day, and more. The BEST part though, is the immersive vacation. Feeling like you truly are in a magical getaway, away from the busy world around you. We made the mistake of staying off property exactly one time. It will never happen again. Parking our car and knowing we won’t have to get back in it unless we choose to do so is a special kind of freedom!