animal kingdom vs yacht club

Disney World Resort Comparison

There’s certainly no shortage of places to stay at Disney World. In total, there are thirty-four resort hotels on Walt Disney World property, ranging from inexpensive budget accommodations to luxurious, no-expense-spared resorts. You are sure to find a resort that fits your budget and vacation goals. But how do you narrow down the choices with so many options? Keep reading our Disney World Resort Comparison page to find the answer.

Explanation of the table:

Click the green button (+) to see each resort’s cost, location, transportation, dining, number of pools, maximum occupancy, and our rating. Click “next” to see more resorts.

Here we compare each of Disney World’s resorts to help you determine which hotel is best for your next vacation. We highlight key features of the resorts, such as the category, location, and some of the resort’s noteworthy advantages.

Keep in mind that all guests staying at a Walt Disney World on-site property can typically make their reservations – including Dining reservations and Lightning Lane passes – before non-Disney resort guests.

Watch The Vacationeer on YouTube for more Disney Resort information. We rank it #1 on our Best Disney World YouTube Channels list so we definitely recommend checking it out!

A Guide to Disney World Resorts

With so many choices, we thought it would be helpful to do a comparison of Disney World resorts. Hopefully, this Disney resort guide will help you choose the best in-park hotel for your family vacation.

To start with, Disney classifies its resorts into three basic categories—Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.

There are also a number of Disney Vacation Club Villas and even campsites.

Disney World’s resort hotels are found in five specific regions of the park – the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, the Epcot Resort Area, the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, the Wide World of Sports Resort Area, or the Disney Springs Resort area.

All of Disney’s Deluxe resorts have earned a AAA Four-Diamond rating, but the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is considered by Disney as their highest-tier, luxury flagship resort.

As you may have guessed, Disney’s Value Resorts are geared towards families on a budget and offer fun and fully-adequate in-park accommodations.

Disney’s Moderate Resorts fall somewhere between Value and Deluxe in terms of cost, room size, transportation options, and other amenities.

With that background information out of the way, then let’s now review the hotel properties in greater detail with this Disney World Resort Comparison guide.

Disney Value Resorts

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area

All-Star Movies pays homage to all of Disney’s film legends from Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, and more.

• World Premiere Food Court
• Pool themed after Fantasia
• Movies Under the Stars
• Perks like Early Theme Park Entry, earlier reservations for dining and pay-per-ride Lightning Lane selections, convenient (and free) transportation around the park, etc.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

All-Star Music is a fun resort that pays tribute to the music industry.  The hotel offers 1,600 rooms w/ 214 large family suites.

• Intermission Food Court
• Pool shaped like a guitar
• Family Suites

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

All-Star Sports is a Disney resort that celebrates the world of competitive sports, including tennis, baseball, football, basketball, and surfing.

• End Zone Food Court
• Surfboard Motif Pool

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Art of Animation is an enchanting Walt Disney World resort themed after Pixar classics like The Little Mermaid , Cars , Finding Nemo , and The Lion King .

• Dog-Friendly Rooms
• Family Suites Available
• Disney Skyliner Transportation
• Disney World’s largest pool
• Landscape of Flavors

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century Resort pays homage to the decades of fashions, fads, dances, and toys of American pop culture.

• Everything Pop Shopping and Dining
• Pool w. Water Jets

Disney Moderate Resorts

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness have an American Frontier theme. They are secluded on 700-plus acres of Disney wilderness but have all the creature comforts you desire.

• A good way to “rough it” without sacrificing comfort
• Bus service throughout, plus golf carts for rent
• Dog-Friendly
• Kitchenettes to cook at home
• Pool w/ water slide
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue show

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Epcot Resort Area

Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropical beachside oasis situated along the 45-acre Barefoot Bay.

• Old Port Royale

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

This American Southwest-themed hotel, set on a 22-acre lake, invokes the spirit and romance of Spanish-colonial Mexico.

• A “Reimagined” Resort
• Fitness Centers
• Club-Access Benefits
• Award-winning dining at Toledo (Tapas, Seafood & Steak)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney Springs Resort Area

Discover this New Orleans-inspired Resort, set along a winding river road and picturesque waterways.

• Nightlight at Scat Cat’s Club
• Horse-drawn carriage rides

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Port Orleans Riverside is a delightful waterfront hotel that makes you feel as though you are on a Mississippi River cruise.

• Royal Guest Rooms
• Award-winning Boatwright’s Dining Hall
• Dog-Friendly accommodations

Our favorite Disney World YouTube channel, The Vacationeer , has a great overview video comparing the two sides of Port Orleans.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Guests of this African-lodge-style resort hotel can watch exotic animals roam free around the 43 acres of tropical grassland.

• Exotic animals
• Award-winning dining options

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beach Club is a fun and relaxing lakeside hotel that is themed after a beachside Eastern Seaboard of yesteryear. It shares its pool complex, Stormalong Bay, with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and was voted #1 in our Best Pools at Disney World article.

• Massive outdoor water recreational area
• Cape May Café
• Ship Shape Health Club
• Minnie’s Mother’s Day Chocolate Party

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

BoardWalk takes its inspiration from the beachfront grand resorts of 1940s Atlantic City. This elegant lakeside hotel is situated at the center of Disney’s BoardWalk, a shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

• Lively nightlife
• Signature Dining at Flying Fish

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The monorail runs right through the lobby of this lakeside Resort. Contemporary Resort is located in close proximity and against the backdrop of Magic Kingdom.

• Resort monorail
• On the Seven Seas Lagoon
• Award-winning California Grill
• Disney Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration

Disney’s Dolphin Hotel

Disney’s Dolphin (and Swan) is an elegant water-themed hotel designed by noted architect Michael Graves.

• Shula’s Steak House
• Mandara Spa
• Supervised Children’s Activity Center

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style hotel celebrating the Sunshine State’s golden era. This hotel is considered Disney World’s flagship resort.

• World-class health club, spa, and salon
• Award-winning dining
• Next to Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom
• A monorail stop
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Pool W/ water slide

We rank the Grand Floridian #1 on our Best Hotels at Disney World list.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Polynesian Village is a relaxing resort that captures the culture and atmosphere of the South Pacific.

• On the Resort Monorail
• On the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon
• Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Disney’s Swan Hotel

Disney’s Swan (and Dolphin) is an elegant water-themed hotel designed by noted architect Michael Graves.

• Il Mulino New York Trattoria

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge is a lakeside log-cabin-style resort that takes its inspiration from the grandeur of National Park lodges.

• Exquisite pools
• Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney Yacht Club Resort is themed after a Martha’s Vineyard-style grand hotel. Located on Crescent Lake, Yacht Club is designed with authentic nautical details and upscale, classy charm. It shares its pool complex, Stormalong Bay, with Disney’s Beach Club Resort and was voted #1 in our Best Pools at Disney World article.

• Outdoor Water Recreation Area
• Dog-Friendly Accommodations
• Award-winning dining at Yachtsman Steakhouse

Here’s an in-depth look at the Deluxe Resorts on the monorail loop!

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House

Jambo House is an African lodge-style villa situated amidst a 38-acre wildlife preserve where 30 species of animals roam free.

• Extra space
• Award-Winning restaurants
• Exotic Animals

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Set near a vast animal reserve, this African lodge-style hotel offers kitchenettes/kitchens and multi-bedroom units.

• Home of Sanaa,  Indian-influenced African dishes with views of the wildlife

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower is a modern and luxurious experience with dramatic views of the park.

• Award-winning dining at California Grill

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Boulder Ridge Villas harnesses the majesty of the Pacific Northwest and its outdoorsy elements.

• Storybook Dining at Artist Point w/ Snow White

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is a lakeside log-cabin-style resort that takes its inspiration from the grandeur of National Park lodges.

• A Disney Vacation Club Resort
• Quietly situated among the pines yet close to the action of Magic Kingdom
• Access to 2 beautiful pools

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Beach Club Villas is an elegant lakefront New England-inspired resort hotel.

• A large water recreation area

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

BoardWalk Villas is inspired by a 1940s Atlantic City seaside resort.  Experience the charm and romance of this lakeside BoardWalk hotel.

• Disney Skyliner
• Signature dining at Flying Fish

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney Spring Resort Area

With gingerbread accents and pastel colors, Old Key West Resort is a Victorian-themed resort that conveys a sense of relaxation.

• R.E.S.T Beach fitness center
• Olivia’s Café

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

• Disney’s Original Island Escape
• Savor the Succulent Tastes of the Islands

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort celebrates the grandeur of Europe and offers a full range of accommodations – from cozy Tower Studios to spacious 1Br, 2Br, and 3Br Villas.

• Stylish and artistic touches
• Full range of accommodations
• Dining at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

This relaxing lakeside hotel brings the spirit of Saratoga, New York horse racing into the Disney Springs section of Walt Disney World Resort.

• Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Campgrounds at disney’s fort wilderness.

The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Campsites at Fort Wilderness offer plenty of activities on the 700+ acre, American Frontier-themed resort.

• Campsites are rustic but fully-equipped
• Bus transportation throughout w/ golf cart rentals available
• Pet-friendly accommodations
• A unique way to stay on Disney property

Enjoy your Disney World vacation!

We hope our Disney World Resorts Comparison page has helped you narrow down your hotel choices.

For more useful Disney World information, please review some additional pages on MagicGuides  like our How to Plan a Disney Vacation , Club Level at Disney World , Disney World History , Walt Disney Quotes , Disney World Strollers , and  RunDisney Marathon articles.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, then please contact the Disney travel agents at   The Vacationeer . Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge!   Click  HERE  for a free, no-obligation price quote .

Thanks for reading and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

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Yacht Club vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney World Resort Guide 2023

By Disney4me , May 30, 2023 in Disney Food/Restaurants

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There are a LOT of options (well over 20 , in fact!) when it comes to choosing your Resort hotel for your Disney World vacation .

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Do you prefer being on “Island Time” or would you rather go back in time ? Are you looking for whimsical surroundings or are you considering something more sophisticated ? Would you like to stay near Magic Kingdom or perhaps closer to EPCOT ?

With so many choices, we’ve found it helpful to take things one at a time. Well, okay… technically we’re taking things TWO at a time as we compare TWO Disney World Resort hotels to help you get an idea of which might be right for you . So here we’re exploring both Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort .

We’re going to tackle this topic with help from  a few chosen categories: Common Ground, Theme/Rooms, Pools, Food,  and  Transportation . Let’s go!

Common Ground

So,  what do Animal Kingdom Lodge and Yacht Club Resort share in common ? For starters, they both fall into the highest category of Disney Resort hotels.  Categories are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe , and  both of these are Deluxe Resorts , so room sizes and guest perks are fairly comparable. (For instance, both are eligible for  Extended Evening Hours held at select theme parks on select nights, as this perk is exclusive to Deluxe Resort guests.)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Stroll by the water on your way to EPCOT

Prices for both of these Resorts are in a similar range; however,  you’ll find that Animal Kingdom Lodge is the slightly less costly option overall:

For the Yacht Club , for the cheapest  room at the  cheapest  time to visit, you can expect to pay around  $537 per night  (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to  $3,877 per night  (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the  most expensive  rooms at the  most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.)

For the  Animal Kingdom Lodge , for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $469 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,792 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.)

Theme/Rooms

Yacht club resort.

First, let’s set sail towards   Disney’s Yacht Club Resort !

New England-style yacht clubs  serve as the inspiration for Disney’s own  Yacht Club Resort. 

Yacht Club Lobby

Deep blues and rich woods help to establish the classic nautical setting.

Disney’s Yacht Club

The Yacht Club is the  sister Resort to the  attached Beach Club Resort .

Yacht and Beach Club

Disney’s Yacht Club features  standard guest rooms with either 1 King Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds OR 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed,  as well as  Club Level Rooms  ( up to a 2 Bedroom Suite which sleeps up to 6 adults).

For standard rooms, guests may choose a Standard View, a Water View, or a Garden View.

Though there is an option for a Suite, we should note here that the Yacht Club does not offer Disney Vacation Club Villas (even though its sister Resort, Beach Club , does). So that is one difference from…

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s gorgeous  Animal Kingdom Lodge  is unlike any other in Walt Disney World — or anywhere else, for that matter. What truly sets this Resort apart are the  over 200 animals and birds  that  call the savannas of Animal Kingdom Lodge “home!”

As Disney shares, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge invites you into the “heart of Africa,” with four savannas housing over 200 hoofed animals from over 30 species and birds offering a truly stunning and unique feature of the Resort.

Giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Many activities offered at the Resort are entirely unique to Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Guests have several opportunities to interact with Cultural Representatives and Animal Specialists in fun, family-friendly programming .

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Activities

While the savannas alone offer plenty of reasons to enjoy the Resort’s outdoor settings, the Resort also presents  “one of the largest collections of African art in the United States,”  according to Disney.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features  standard guest rooms and Villas  in the main building,  Jambo Hous e, along with  options for rooms featuring Savanna views , as well as rooms with  Club Level Concierge services . Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers  Disney Vacation Club accommodations at Kidani Village , with villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room villas  overlooking their own animal savanna.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Standard Room

Though not all rooms offer savanna views, many guests are thrilled to book this unique option, enjoying their morning coffee while watching giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more! And let’s face it… that’s pretty sweet!

You’ve likely noticed that we focused a LOT more on Animal Kingdom Lodge when it comes to theming. But it’s next to impossible to not be entirely WOWED by the incredibly immersive and unique feel of this special Resort. The Yacht Club is certainly lovely and has a wonderfully classic atmosphere; however, when it comes to theming there are just a select few Resorts that can go toe-to-toe with Animal Kingdom Lodge. And when it comes to room logistics, Animal Kingdom Lodge also presents more options thanks to the addition of Disney Vacation Club Villas. So this round is going to Animal Kingdom Lodge!

The Yacht Club has some serious bragging rights when it comes to  Stormalong Bay ! This 3-acre water recreation area is available  exclusively to both Yacht and Beach Club guests.

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club

Seriously, Stormalong Bay is a destination all its own. This  pool complex is practically its own mini-water park , with sand at the bottom, a lazy river, 3 whirlpool spas, and a tanning deck!

Lazy River at Stormalong Bay

Kiddos (and adults) can take on the 230-footlong  ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide , while Shipwreck pool with its own mini waterslide is available just for the little ones.

Stormalong Bay Water Slide

Oh, and guests who prefer a little more quiet can take advantage of any of the  3 additional leisure pools.

Guests can enjoy the spacious  Uzima Pool  (complete with a waterslide) at the Jambo House and the  Samawati Springs Pool  at Kidani Village. Each are accompanied by two whirlpool spas.

Uzima Springs is lovely, and, even though it is obviously a popular spot as the Resort’s main pool, it still somehow manages to feel like a relaxing oasis, due to aspects like the zero-entry wade-in and the lush greenery surrounding the area. It’s also incredibly roomy at 11,000 square feet.

Samawati Springs Pool also offers a fun waterslide. But the big boast here is  Uwanja Camp , which is an  “animal observation site-themed water playground”  featuring three zones complete with a rope bridge and water cannons!

Samawati Springs Pool

And guess what? Disney shares that this camp is made for “kids of all ages” (though do note that select areas are designated for specific ages)!

I do love a nice lounge by a relaxing pool like Uzima or Samawati Springs at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I mean, who doesn’t? But there is simply nothing like Stormalong Bay at any other Disney World hotel, so we’re giving this round to the Yacht Club !

Check out our video on the 10 BEST POOLS in Disney World!

Yacht club dining.

Guests at Yacht Club have a wide array of dining options to enjoy, from  a Signature steakhouse  to  Quick Service restaurants  to  relaxing lounges , and beyond!

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yachtsman Steakhouse  delivers a  Signature Dining option to Yacht & Beach Club guests.

Filet Mignon

This craftsman-inspired dining room caters to all tastebuds with a variety of dishes, incredible sides, and amazing, cut-in-house steaks.

Ale & Compass Restaurant   is the  table service  component of the Ale & Market dining concept in Disney’s Yacht Club, which also includes  The Market at Ale & Compass  along with the refreshed  Ale & Compass Lounge .

Ale and Compass Restaurant

The atmosphere offers a  gastropub ambience while comfort food (New England-inspired) is featured  on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Simple convenience is the name of the game, with a focus on grab-and-go items at  The Market at Ale & Compass .

The Market at Ale & Compass

However, hot sandwiches, specialty desserts — and even a coffee bar — round out the options nicely.

Ale & Compass Lounge  is located just off the lobby of the Yacht Club.

Maple Old Fashioned at Ale & Compass Lounge

It’s an ideal spot to relax with a night cap while winding down for the evening, or to grab a bite or two from their substantial appetizer menu.

Crew’s Cup Lounge  is a favorite cozy spot of ours!

Crew’s Cup Lounge

Along with a full-service bar (featuring a wide selection of Single Malt Scotch), guests can also order select items from the full Yachtsman Steakhouse menu.

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill  is the Pool Bar for Stormalong Bay!

Hurricane Hanna’s

Thankfully a few substantial entrees (like burgers and chicken nuggets) are on the menu along with the drinks, because you won’t want to leave this amazing pool area!

And remember,  all of the restaurants at Disney Beach Club Resort are easily accessible to Yacht Club guests ! These include:

• Cape May Cafe  (featuring buffet dining and a Character Breakfast)
• Beaches and Cream  (classic diner eats and MAMMOTH ice cream sundaes!)
• Beach Club Marketplace  (Quick Service options)
• Martha’s Vineyard (evening lounge)

But that’s not all… because  ALL of the dining options along Disney’s BoardWalk  are a quick stroll away , too!

Abracadabar on Disney’s BoardWalk

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts!

Animal kingdom lodge dining.

Guests at  Animal Kingdom Lodge  also have a wide array of dining choices, too, from  fine dining  to  quick service  to  relaxing lounges , and beyond! In fact, with all-you-care-to-eat dining options and fine signature dining, Animal Kingdom offers several of our favorite  Table Service (sit-down) restaurants  in all of Walt Disney World!

Bread Service at Sanaa

Boma   gives visitors the opportunity to sample a wide variety  African dishes  while also dining on  American favorites  during  breakfast or dinner .

Striped & Spiked Cold Brew at Boma

Jiko — The Cooking Place ,  the Lodge’s  Signature Restaurant , comes highly recommended if you enjoy excellent gourmet food in a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Sanaa , which means  “Work of Art” in Swahili , is a beautiful restaurant serving a  fusion of African and Indian cuisine  made with authentic cooking methods like slow-roasting and tandoori oven cooking. (You’ll find Sanaa in Kidani Village.)

Named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa,  The Mara  is a  quick service restaurant  that’s sure to please all appetites with  a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites , for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Nyala Brownie from The Mara

Victoria Falls  is a relaxing oasis perched above  Animal Kingdom Lodge’s   Boma  restaurant. Enjoy a glass of  South African wine,  or indulge in your favorite  martini, beer or mixed drink .

Victoria Falls

Or just stop in on your way out for the evening to grab a quick bite from the  unique appetizer menu  including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more.

Tucked into the entrance of the Table Service restaurant,  Sanaa , the exotic ambiance of the  Sanaa Lounge  is the perfect setting before or after visiting the savanna overlooks at the Kidani Village.

Sanaa Lounge

With  dim lighting and cozy banquettes , this is an intimate watering hole with  specialty beverages, wine flights, and signature appetizers . (You can order Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service here, too.)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers several lovely respites, and among them is  Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar  located en route to the main dining room at the Resort’s signature restaurant,  Jiko — The Cooking Place .

Cape Town Lounge

This wine bar serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more.

The  Uzima Springs Pool Bar  is a relaxing oasis at the pool at Jambo House, complete with a thatched roof and surrounded by lush foliage.

African Sunset from Uzima Springs Pool Bar

Did you know that Maji is Swahili for “water”?

Maji Pool Bar

Luckily, the  Maji Pool Bar  at Kidani Village in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge serves other liquids as well: cocktails (served frozen and on the rocks), wine, and draft beer, including Safari Amber.

We chat about  the BEST Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants HERE .

I would love to hand you a clear winner here. But alas… no can do! Great options abound at both Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Yacht Club (though Yacht Club earns its place with thanks in no small part to its easy access to TWO more Deluxe Resort hotels and all of their dining options). So here it’s best to consider what YOU want the most from your dining options . Lots of variety? The Yacht Club is likely your better bet. Restaurants featuring unique flavors and dishes that you won’t find elsewhere? You might prefer Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Transportation

Like all Disney World Resort guests, Yacht Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge guests have access to free Disney World Resort transportation .

A  very rare perk is that, from the Yacht Club, guests have a short walk to get to EPCOT’s International Gateway  (between the park’s United Kingdom and France pavilions). Folks can also  walk to the connected Beach Club Resort, to the  Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels , and to all of the dining and shopping along  Disney’s BoardWalk .

Directions to Resorts and International Gateway

Yacht Club guests can also  walk along Crescent Lake to Disney’s Hollywood Studios ; however, due to the longer distance to Hollywood Studios, other forms of transportation to Hollywood Studios are provided. For instance, you can take a  Friendship Boat  down Crescent Lake to   Disney’s Hollywood Studios !

Yacht Club Marina

The Friendship Boat also makes stops at EPCOT, BoardWalk Inn, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

The International Gateway also hosts EPCOT’S  Disney Skyliner  Station. From EPCOT, the Skyliner has a stop at  Disney’s Riviera Resort  and continues  directly to  Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort  (which serves as the Skyliner Hub). From Caribbean Beach, it’s a simple  transfer to  Disney’s Hollywood Studios   (or to  Disney’s Pop Century  and  Art of Animation Resorts ).

Disney Skyliner EPCOT Station

And, of course, there is complimentary access to  Disney Bus Transportation  to and from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom ,  the water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and  Disney Springs .

Guests staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge have complimentary access to  Disney Bus Transportation  to and from all  four theme parks ( Magic Kingdom ,  EPCOT ,  Disney’s Hollywood Studios , and  Disney’s Animal Kingdom ), water parks, and  Disney Springs .

Animal Kingdom Loge Bus Stop

This one’s easy-peasy! We’re giving it the Yacht Club. 

The Winner!

“Aaaand the winner is”. .. whichever Resort YOU think it is for your group’s needs and desires. Since Yacht Club vibes are very different from Animal Kingdom Lodge’s atmosphere, you may have one that already jumps right out at you. If not, you might find it most helpful to consider your group’s park touring M.O. above other factors. If you plan on making the theme parks the focus of your vacation, Yacht Club Resort might be your best bet due to better transportation and close proximity to TWO theme parks. If you’re planning on soaking up the setting at your Resort, you honestly can’t go wrong with either choice… but Animal Kingdom Lodge offers the more unique experience.

Still have a Resort decision to make? If you’d like to check out some more Resort comparisons, feel free to click on any of the links below:

More Resorts versus Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. BoardWalk Inn Resort Guide
• Contemporary vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Grand Floridian vs Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Polynesian Village vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Saratoga Springs vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Old Key West vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Wilderness Lodge vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide

More Resorts versus Yacht Club Resort

• Contemporary vs. Yacht Club Resort Guide
• Grand Floridian vs. Yacht Club Resort Guide
• Polynesian Village vs. Yacht Club Resort Guide

Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all , money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.

Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU ! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here !)

Yacht Club or Animal Kingdom Lodge: Which would YOU choose? Please let us know with a comment!

The post Yacht Club vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog .

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Ranked: The Best Onsite Walt Disney World Resorts for Every Budget

Heading to Disney World? You’ll need a place to stay. And, if you’re like us, you’ll want to pick the best Disney World hotel for your vacation.

We can help.

We’ve ranked all the Walt Disney World resort hotels and broken down the pros and cons of each so you can find the perfect fit for your next Disney vacation.

Ready to find out more? Let’s go!

In this article

What to expect in this ranking

Over the past several years, we’ve made it our mission to collect as much information as we can about  all  of your different onsite Walt Disney World resort hotel options.

We’ve not only  stayed in all the resorts (most multiple times) , but we’ve also spent a lot of time  putting together videos  and beefing up all of our resort-specific pages with our personal pics and in-depth reviews.

This is the first part of our Disney World Resort Guide. This is where we rank the resorts and give you our top picks and the pros and cons of each. But, once you have narrowed down your choices, you’ll find links to more info that will go even deeper on each resort.

We’re talking everything from the building locations to complete dining info to resort pools and other amenities. All that is covered on our resort specific deep dives linked below.

So, start here, but don’t forget to click through to check out our additional resources, too!

Every Walt Disney World Resort Ranked

Disney groups its resorts into 4 different categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, Deluxe Villa. They also have campgrounds and cabins, but for the sake of keeping things simple, we’re going to put those in the Value and Deluxe Villas categories, respectively, for our rankings.

We’ll go into more detail about what each of those categories means below, but for now, all you need to know is that the prices and amenities vary and go from the cheapest with the fewest extras in the Values all the way up to pricey luxury stays at the Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts.

Ranking resorts across different categories definitely isn’t easy, and we know our list is likely to get people fired up. But we like to live on the edge, so we’re gonna give it a try.

However, we’re also going to rank the resorts by category (Value, Moderate, Deluxe, & Deluxe Villa), which we might argue is a more fair way to do it.

And, keep in mind, Disney doesn’t really have a “bad” resort. We are strong believers that any of the onsite resorts at Walt Disney World are a great base for a wonderful vacation and as demonstrated by our list below, there are several of the less expensive resorts we actually prefer over the most expensive ones.

Important Reminder: Rankings are subjective, and it is perfectly fine if you don’t agree with us! BUT, to help you understand why we have come to the conclusion that we have, we did include complete reviews down below.

Our Favorite Disney Resorts in Order

Note: To keep things simple, when applicable, we’re grouping Disney Deluxe Resorts with their Deluxe Villa Resort companions.

• Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Beach Club and Beach Club Villas

Contemporary resort and bay lake tower, pop century.

• Grand Floridian and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian

Coronado Springs Resort

• Animal Kingdom Lodge and Animal Kingdom Villas

Port Orleans – French Quarter

• Cabins at Fort Wilderness
• Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Cabins, Boulder Ridge
• Art of Animation

Caribbean Beach

Boardwalk inn and boardwalk villas, old key west, all-star music, port orleans – riverside.

• Saratoga Springs

All-Star Movies

All-star sports.

Now that you see how all the resorts across *all* categories stack up, let’s dive into each of the different price points to go into a bit more detail about why we think they rank the way they do.

Disney World Value Resorts Ranked

Disney World Value Resorts are your least expensive option, and that is reflected in them also having the least number of amenities and the smallest rooms, which average around 260 square feet aside from Art of Animation which has slightly more space:

But Value Resorts are also some of the most fun and in-your-face Disney magic of the Walt Disney World resorts.

With over-the-top theming and giant icons that flank their grounds, plus family-friendly  Quick Service  dining options, this is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly on-site resort that will wow kids.

• Resort Category: Value
• 2024 Rates (low to high): $183-$392 per night
• Theme: Retro pop culture
• Room Types Available: Standard and Preferred (all with either a Queen and Queen-size table bed or King size bed)
• Maximum number of guests per room: 4 adults
• Dining Options : Quick Service only
• Transportation Options: Bus and Disney Skyliner
• Proximity to Parks: Not within walking distance of any park

Pros:  Affordable, fun theming especially for younger kids, access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, dedicated buses (meaning the buses aren’t shared with other resorts), can walk to Art of Animation to take advantage of their fantastic food court

Cons:  Spotty cell phone service and wifi connection, spread out, can be noisy

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is one of our most favorite places to stay, so much so that you’ll often find us choosing it over more expensive resorts. That’s why it ranks in the top spot for us in the Value resort category and near the top of our overall ranking list above.

Is Pop Century Resort as extravagant as Disney’s Grand Floridian or as lush as the Polynesian? Maybe not, BUT that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a ton to offer guests.

For example, its transportation options. The buses and the Disney Skyliner make it super convenient for getting around the parks.

Of course, being a Disney Value Resort it’s also friendly on your wallet and even though the rooms might be on the small side, they’re designed efficiently to ensure you have everything you need after a long day exploring the parks.

No, the rooms aren’t anything fancy, but that’s always been okay with us. And while they are on the small side, Disney has truly maximized the space in the rooms by utilizing a Queen-sized bed that folds up and converts into a table when not in use. This increases your floor space during the day – something we appreciate and something that parents with little ones who need space to play also find beneficial. (Note: King rooms do not have the second Queen-size table beds.)

With that being said, despite being efficient, 4 full-size adults in here would be tight. But, it is also doable (we’ve done it multiple times). Just know that you’ll be a little squished.

Hopefully, though, you’ll be so tired after a busy day in the parks that you’ll hardly notice the lack of space. But if you have any hesitation on whether you want to try to fit 4 adults in a Pop Century room or not, we recommend opting for 2 rooms here instead.

It’s important to note that Pop Century is a very popular resort, which means there can be some noticeable noise, especially in busy areas like the pools.

If you’re a light sleeper, you might find the noise level slightly challenging. But truth be told, we’re usually so tired after a day in the parks, we don’t struggle to fall asleep too much – even on the occasions when we’ve had our room facing the noisy main pool.

It’s also a HUGE resort, and if you find yourselves assigned to one of the buildings on the edge of the property, you may curse your luck at the end of the day when you’re making the walk back to your room. For that reason, we highly recommend opting in for a Preferred Room here so that you are closer to the main building (including dining) and buses.

• Read our complete Pop Century deep dive & review

Art of Animation Resort

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $209-$963 per night
• Theme: Disney & Pixar animated favorites
• Room Types Available: Standard (all with either 2 Queen beds or 1 King size bed) and Family Suites (all with 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Double-Size Table Bed)
• Maximum number of guests per room: 6 adults

Pros:  Some of the best theming in all of Disney World, dedicated buses (meaning they do not share with other resorts), most rooms are suites, bigger and better food court than other Values, dog-friendly, access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, can walk to Pop Century

Cons:  Spread out, spotty cell phone service and Wi-Fi, most expensive of the Value Resorts, Little Mermaid rooms are rarely part of promotions

Our second favorite Value resort has to be Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This charming property boasts a delightful theme, a fantastic food court, and the added convenience of easy access to the Disney Skyliner.

Art of Animation Resort was Disney’s ingenious response to the demand for more spacious accommodations at a more affordable price point than the Deluxe Villa resorts. The result is a game-changing design that offers larger families and groups seeking extra space an alternative when selecting a resort.

The resort is just so darn cute. Every corner is bursting with over-the-top theming that appeals to kids and adults alike. Comprising four distinctly themed areas, the majority of the resort features what Disney calls “Family Suites”:

• Cars (Family Suites)
• Finding Nemo (Family Suites)
• The Lion King (Family Suites)
• The Little Mermaid (Standard Rooms)

Each Family Suite consists of one bedroom with a Queen-size bed, one fold-down Queen-size table bed, and one full-size couch. Additionally, there are two full bathrooms and a convenient kitchenette area.

The Little Mermaid Standard rooms, while lacking the extra space of the Family Suites, still offer a well-themed and comfortable stay with two Queen-size beds in each. Plus, they have the largest square footage of any standard Disney Value Resort room.

From the meticulously designed bathrooms to the cozy bedrooms, Art of Animation is brimming with Disney details that quickly make the resort a favorite of its guests – us included!

But, one aspect that gives us pause is the cost. Despite being classified as a Value resort, the Family Suites can be relatively pricey.

And, while they do offer a more budget-friendly option compared to the Deluxe Villa resorts, it’s worth noting that each Family Suite has only one “real” bed, with the others being pullouts or fold-down options. Although we found the fold-down table beds to be surprisingly comfortable, the sofa bed could benefit from some improvements. We’d love to see Disney swap them out with the same style of sofa bed they used in recent refurbishments of the Polynesian Villas, for example.

Another consideration is the location of The Little Mermaid rooms, which are quite a distance from the main building. Be prepared for a bit of a hike if you choose this option and unless you just really, really want to stay here for The Little Mermaid theming, you might be better served to stay in a Preferred Room over at Pop Century.

Despite these minor drawbacks, we still love Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Its charming theming, family-friendly accommodations, and overall appeal make it a fantastic choice for families and groups looking to visit Walt Disney World without breaking the bank.

• Read our complete Art of Animation deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $133-$696 per night
• Theme: Disney-fied popular music genres
• Room Types Available: Standard and Preferred (all with either a Queen and Queen-size table bed or King size bed) and Family Suites (1 Queen bed and 2 Queen-size pull down beds)
• Transportation Options: Bus

Pros:  Affordable, fun music theming especially suited for young kids, family suites available, rooms include pull-down table beds

Cons:  Small rooms, spread out, buses are sometimes shared between All-Star resorts

Disney has an entire complex of Value Resorts known as “the All-Stars”. They are directly next to one another, but each one has a little bit different vibe.

These resorts are typically part of vacation packages for sporting events and cheer competitions, so it isn’t unusual to find large groups staying here, which is partially why they have a bit of a negative reputation.

Another downside to the All-Stars is that sometimes during slower times of the year (or even slower times of the day) they share buses. This isn’t all the time – so you may not even have it happen to you if you’re staying there, but it *does* happen, and it can really be a drag if you’re trying to get somewhere fast.

Like all the All-Star resorts, the food court here is perfectly adequate and typically also pretty busy. And while 4 adults can fit in the standard rooms, things will be tight, so keep that in mind.

Out of all the All-Star Resorts, All-Star Music is our favorite because it is the only other Value resort that offers the Family Suites. The family suites here are a bit different from the ones at Art of Animation, and the layout is a bit different too. They aren’t as cute or as well themed, but they are slightly less expensive and are still an excellent option for families looking for more space and 2 bathrooms.

• Read our complete All-Star Music deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $133-$342 per night
• Theme: Disney movies

Pros:  Affordable, fun movie theming especially suited for young kids, rooms include pull-down table beds

Cons:  Small rooms, spread out, buses are sometimes shared between All-Star resorts (and All-Star Movies is often the last of the resorts to be picked up or dropped off)

All-Star Movies has tons of great movie icons stationed at the ends of the buildings. These make for great photo ops and kids really seem to love them!

• Read our complete All-Star Movie deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $133-$337 per night
• Theme: Sports

Pros:  Affordable, fun sports theming especially suited for young kids

Cons:  Small rooms, spread out, buses sometimes shared between All-Star resorts

The giant “football field” here is a popular spot for kids to run around. It is also popular for sport and cheer groups to use for gatherings or even mini practices. Because of the sport theme, it does feel like this All-Star resort sees the most traffic from those groups.

Not that it is a bad or negative thing, just keep that in mind as no matter how well-behaved a group is, the volume levels do feel like they go up when there are a bunch of people traveling together dining, walking, etc.

• Read our complete All-Star Sports deep dive & review

Disney World Moderate Resorts Ranked

Disney World Moderate Resorts are just that – moderate, in both amenities and in price.

This category only has 4 resorts in it, and truth be told, while they all have pros and cons, we wouldn’t hesitate to stay at any of them.

Room sizes at the Moderate Resorts are slightly larger than Value resorts, maxing out at around 375 in a tower room at Coronado Springs’ Gran Destino Tower. Onsite dining is also more varied at the Moderates, and for all but Port Orleans – French Quarter, includes at least 1 Table Service restaurant.

• Resort Category: Moderate
• 2024 Rates (low to high): $260-$3734 per night
• Theme: Spanish, Mexican, and Southwestern American cultures
• Room Types Available: Wide range of room types from Standard (with 1 King or 2 Queen beds) up to multi room suites, some with Club Level Access
• Maximum number of guests per room: 8 adults
• Dining Options : Quick Service and Table Service

Pros:  Beautiful grounds, less of a Disney feel and more adult-friendly than other resorts, great dining options, has a salon, health club and room service, Gran Destino tower offers Club Level amenities, central location means shorter bus rides to the parks

Cons:  Large and spread out which can mean long walks, convention hotel which can mean large groups, not as kid-friendly as other resorts

Coronado Springs has always had the most amenities of any Disney Moderate resort, but with the construction of the Grand Destino Tower, the game was really upped.

So, when ranking Coronado Springs at the top of the list of Moderates, we do so with Gran Destino in mind. Without the tower, we’d probably have Port Orleans – French Quarter at #1.

The reason we love the Gran Destino tower so much is its location. This is the only Moderate Disney resort where you don’t have to leave the building to dine. There are interior walkways that take you to 2 of the 3 (yes, Coronado Springs has 3 Table Service restaurants!) without having to go out into the elements.

Plus, there are a couple of coffee shops and gift stores all within easy reach, too. And, the main pool (which is fabulous, by the way) and the 3rd onsite Table Service restaurant are just a short walk away, too.

Another huge perk to the tower rooms is the size. At 375 sq. ft., they are the biggest rooms in the moderate category by far .

The downside to the resort can be if you are in any of the other sections. While some are relatively close to the main building and tower, there are many buildings that are not, and that can mean quite a hike if you want to grab something to eat.

And, the tower rooms, while large, do not have bath tubs. That can make for difficult bath times for families with little ones.

Plus, overall this resort has a more adult vibe, primarily because Coronado Springs is also a huge resort for conferences. We’ve never been bothered by the conference attendees, but much like sports teams at the All-Star resorts, they do tend to move in bunches which can cause small traffic jams or louder than expected noise levels at restaurants. But, on the plus, because it is a conference resort, the Wi-Fi here is traditionally excellent and there are many pockets of spaces with tables to work if you need to do that while on a trip.

So, while we put Coronado Springs on top of the Moderates, we do so with the caveat that they are #1 only if you are staying in Gran Destino Tower. Otherwise, Port Orleans – French Quarter might be a better fit.

• Read our complete Coronado Springs deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $289-$552 per night
• Theme: New Orlean’s French Quarter
• Room Types Available: Standard or various Views (all with either 2 Queen size beds or 1 King size bed)
• Transportation Options: Bus and Boat

Pros:  Beautiful grounds, great theming, compact size, can take a boat to Disney Springs, only place on property you can get beignets, walking distance to Riverside where there are carriage rides available

Cons:  No Table Service restaurant (can walk to Port Orleans Riverside to eat at a restaurant), buses are sometimes shared with Riverside which means they are more crowded and commutes can be long

If the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs didn’t exist, Port Orleans – French Quarter would be our number 1. It definitely has our hearts, and the small, intimate size of this resort makes it a fan favorite of many others as well. Oh, and the beignets, too. The hot fresh beignets you can buy here also make it a favorite.

This resort checks the box for “Romantic”, but it also works well for families. We always marvel at how quiet this resort is compared to some of the others – which we love. And because the footprint is so small, nothing is very far away.

The only downside to Port Orleans French Quarter is the lack of onsite Table Service restaurant. But, that isn’t as bad as it seems considering there is a fantastic food court here that serves everything from burgers to Cajun favorites, and Port Orleans – Riverside and Disney Springs are just a quick boat ride away (you can actually walk to Riverside, too).

The rooms here sometimes feel a bit dark, but if you luck out and get a corner, you’ll get twice the windows, which really helps.

But, if you want to stay here, you may want to book sooner rather than later. Its popularity and small size means that it can sometimes be difficult to snag a room, especially if you’re trying to use a promotion or discount .

• Read our complete Port Orleans – French Quarter deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $268-$552 per night
• Theme: Caribbean islands
• Room Types Available: Standard, Water or Pool View, and Preferred (all with either 2 Queen beds, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Child-Size Pull-Down Bed, or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Child-Size Pull-Down Bed)
• Maximum number of guests per room: 4 adults and 1 child

Pros:  Beautiful grounds, good pool, access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, within walking distance to Disney’s Riviera Resort

Cons:  Rooms are often noisy, resort is large and spread out, the most internal bus stops of any Moderate Resort, no elevators

Disney’s Caribbean Beach used to be far down on the list of our Disney resort rankings, but recently, we’ve kind of fallen in love with it.

And the things that changed our relationship with this resort for the better? The Disney Skyliner and consolidating the main buildings.

Before they consolidated the main buildings at Caribbean Beach, there was one building that housed the front desk and one that housed the food court and other dining options. It was an awkward set-up that made the value of a Preferred Room not very valuable.

But then Disney did a total refurbishment and SHAZAM! The 2 buildings became one and suddenly, all was well in the world. Well, maybe it wasn’t THAT dramatic, but it was an improvement.

The next upgrade that this resort saw that has turned our feelings around was the installation of the Disney Skyliner. In fact, Caribbean Beach is the Skyliner hub. It is where both the Hollywood Studios and Epcot lines originate, making it extremely easy to get to those 2 parks.

Add to all that goodness the latest refurbishment, which brought touches of The Little Mermaid to the Trinidad section (and eliminated the dark Pirate themed rooms with the horribly small Full-Sized beds) and fresh, updated spaces to the rest of the resort, and one of our favorite restaurants, Sebastian’s Bistro, and this resort feels like it has been brought back to life.

But what about the negatives?

Probably the number one complaint about Caribbean Beach is the size. It is very spread out – and because the resort wraps around water, it makes getting around tricky and cumbersome.

Because of the size, there is an internal bus to help you get around. But, there are also so many internal bus stops that it can greatly increase your travel time to the parks. Hold that in comparison to a resort like Pop Century that only has 1 bus stop, and you’ll see that it is a huge difference.

But, despite those drawbacks, we still wouldn’t hesitate to stay here. We do, however, wish they had a room category that was designated to be close to the Skyliner. Something like that would likely push Caribbean Beach even higher on our list.

• Read our complete Caribbean Beach deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $289-$585 per night
• Theme: Rural Louisiana
• Room Types Available: Standard and Preferred (all with either 2 Queen Beds and 1 Child-Size Pull-Down Bed, 2 Queen Beds, or 1 King size bed) and Royal Guest Rooms (with 2 Queen Beds)

Pros:  Beautiful grounds, great theming, can take boat to Disney Springs, both a food court and restaurant on site, some rooms can accommodate up to 5 people, walking distance to Port Orleans French Quarter where you can get beignets, carriage rides available, dog friendly

Cons:  Spread out, buses are often inconvenient

Port Orleans – Riverside is a perfectly fine resort. We don’t mean that negatively at all, but while there is a lot of positives at Port Orleans – Riverside, there are also a few challenges.

First the positives:

The grounds at Port Orleans – Riverside are definitely lush, and the buses here are usually efficient. Plus, like its sister resort, Port Orleans – French Quarter, there is a boat that can take you to Disney Springs. And we can’t forget that Port Orleans – Riverside is home of the Royal Guest Rooms, which are adorably decorated and themed with not-so-subtle nods to the Disney princesses.

But, while there are definitely plenty of great things about this resort, there are a few reasons this resort is last on our list of Disney Moderate resorts.

First, the resort’s design, inspired by the rural Louisiana bayou, includes beautiful, sprawling grounds that invite leisurely strolls or romantic carriage rides in the evening. All that is great. The problem is, some of the buildings definitely give off “plantation” vibes, which just feels dated and not something we think Disney would construct if they were building this resort now.

Additionally, it might be time for a refresh inside, too, as some guests might find the room decor in the standard rooms a bit dated, lacking the freshness of the recent refurbishments seen at resorts like Caribbean Beach. This isn’t a dealbreaker for most, but it’s an area where Port Orleans – Riverside could use a touch of pixie dust.

Plus, much like Caribbean Beach, the size of the resort can make getting around somewhat cumbersome. The resort’s internal bus system, intended to mitigate this issue, can sometimes extend travel times to the parks, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to make rope drop at a park.

But, despite those negatives, we still have had many perfectly fine stays here. It almost feels as if Riverside is a bit of a workhorse in the world of Disney resorts. It isn’t AMAZING, but it does the job it is intended to do, usually without too many issues.

• Read our complete Port Orleans – Riverside deep dive & review

Disney World Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts Ranked

Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villas are the priciest of all the Disney resorts. These are the resorts that have the most amenities and the largest rooms. Often found at the same property or side-by-side (for example, Beach Club and Beach Club Villas), there are some considerable differences between Deluxe and Deluxe Villas that we should probably clear up before we go too far.

A Deluxe resort is your typical hotel room. There might be suites at the resort, but they are hotel suites.

Deluxe Villas, however, are your “home away from home”. The Villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club or DVC, which is Disney’s version of a timeshare. However, non DVC owners can stay there by booking directly through Disney or even by renting DVC points from an owner (which can save you some money).

To ensure accuracy in our rankings, as we evaluate based on various factors beyond just the room, we decided to group together the Deluxe accommodations and their corresponding Villas within resorts.

Polynesian Village Resort and Polynesian Villas and Bungalows

• Resort Category: Deluxe and Deluxe Villas
• 2024 Rates (low to high): $620-$6519 per night
• Theme: South Pacific tropical oasis
• Room Types Available: range from Standard Studios with multiple bed configurations to multi-room Suites and Bungalows, some with Club Level Access
• Transportation Options: Bus, Boat, and Monorail
• Proximity to Parks: On the Monorail loop to Magic Kingdom and Epcot

Pros:  Easy access to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot by monorail (can walk to TTC to get Epcot monorail if you would like), boat option to Magic Kingdom, theming, view of Magic Kingdom fireworks with music piped in, very popular/delicious on-site restaurants, big rooms themed to Moana

Cons:  High cost, shared buses which can mean long bus rides to places other than Magic Kingdom and Epcot, resort can feel too spread out, no Signature dining option

Looking for a quintessentially Disney experience wrapped in a lush, island-inspired atmosphere? The Polynesian Resort could be your perfect match.

The resort’s lobby, the Great Ceremonial House, is quite impressive to say the least. Filled with tropical plants and the soothing sounds of island music, it feels as if you have landed inside a tiki bar as soon as you enter.

And speaking of tiki bars, the Poly is home to one of the most famous hidden gems on property – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto . One of our favorite places to spend an evening, Trader Sam’s is an incredibly fun tiki bar that is a must-do for many WDW visitors.

In addition to Trader Sam’s, the Poly is also home to another restaurant with a near cult following: ‘Ohana. Not only is it delicious, but the views out across The Seven Seas Lagoon from the restaurant are stunning – especially during the fireworks.

And the location – while not within easy walking distance to any park, is just a short monorail or boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom and just a short monorail ride away from Epcot, too.

As for the rooms, both the Deluxe Villa (DVC) studio rooms and the regular Standard rooms on the Deluxe resort side are top-notch, and the Standard regular rooms even include subtle Moana elements.

But if we had to choose between the 2, this is one resort where we actually like the DVC studios better than the standard rooms, primarily because of their split bath design with one area containing a shower and sink, and another separate area with a toilet and an additional sink.

The main drawback? The studios have one traditional bed and one fold-down. But, the fold-down bed is perfectly comfortable and worth the extra hassle to get that unique bath layout.

For a truly luxurious stay, The Villas at Disney’s Polynesian Resort also offer incredible over-the-water bungalows, complete with a little splash pool and a deck overlooking the water with Magic Kingdom in the background.

The Standard non-DVC rooms are lovely, too. You’ll just get a more traditional hotel experience with 2 beds, 1 bath, and a beverage cooler and coffee maker, unlike the DVC Studio which has a very small kitchenette complete with a tiny microwave.

Despite its many luxuries, the Polynesian Village Resort does have a few strikes against it. Firstly, its popularity means that it is often one of the most expensive properties onsite. Plus, guests looking for a more subdued hotel vibe might find the Polynesian’s immersive theming and lively atmosphere a bit too much. But, to be fair, this IS Disney World, and over-the-top theming is kind of their thing.

But, on the rare occasion where budget isn’t a top concern or when we can get a good discount, all the great things about the Poly definitely make it our top choice when staying on property.

• Read our complete Polynesian Villages Resort deep dive & review
• Read our complete Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (Disney Vacation Club) deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $564-$5029 per night
• Theme: New England seaside
• Room Types Available: range of rooms from Studios with various views and bed configurations up to multi-room Suites, some with Club Level access
• Dining Options : Quick Service, Table Service, and Signature Dining
• Transportation Options: Bus, Boat, and Disney Skyliner
• Proximity to Parks: Walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios

Pros:  Best pool of all the Disney resorts, 5-10 minute walk to Epcot, can walk or take boat to Hollywood Studios, Disney Skyliner station nearby, within walking distance of Boardwalk restaurants and entertainment

Cons:  Buses are sometimes shared with other resorts, some rooms have standing balcony only, popular resort and pool so can be quite busy at times

If you’d like to pair a trip to the New England seaside with a Walt Disney World vacation, the Beach Club and its adjoining Beach Club Villas might just be your ticket to paradise

Located just a short walk away from Epcot’s International Gateway entrance and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Beach Club is light, fresh, and oh so airy. And that delightful smell? I’m not sure what magic Disney puts into the scents it pumps through the lobbies of its resorts, but the lobby of the Beach Club might just be our favorite.

Not only does this resort smell divine, but the soft pastel tones and classic wooden accents create a tranquil vibe that can’t help but make you feel like you are on vacation.

The crown jewel of the Beach Club is undoubtedly Stormalong Bay, a sprawling 3-acre water wonderland that rivals any theme park attraction. With its sandy bottom, lazy river, and life-sized shipwreck with waterslides, it’s the perfect spot to relax after a busy day in the parks.

The location of the Beach Club means you’ll have easy access to tons of dining options, including restaurants inside Epcot , along The Boardwalk area , and even at the resort itself.

As for the accommodations, both the Villas and the standard hotel rooms are perfectly lovely. The beachy feel from the lobby carries through into the rooms, with subtle Disney touches, of course. The rooms are all a nice size, too.

But of course, there are a few downsides. First, the resort, while not huge, is sprawling with long hallways. That can be annoying when you’re tired at the end of the day. Plus, the Beach Club’s prime location translates into premium pricing, so while an amazing resort, a stay here won’t be easy on the budget.

But for those who dream of sandy shores, the scent of the ocean, and the elegance of a bygone era, all within steps of Disney’s enchantment, the Beach Club and its Villas offer a seaside escape that’s hard to surpass. We love it here – and for trips with a heavy focus on Epcot, it is always one of our top choices.

• Read our complete Beach Club deep dive & review
• Read our complete Beach Club Villas (Disney Vacation Club) deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $572-$5905 per night
• Theme: Modern
• Maximum number of guests per room: 12 adults
• Proximity to Parks: Walking distance to Magic Kingdom

Pros:  Can walk to Magic Kingdom, easy to get to most other resorts using monorail or Magic Kingdon buses, views of Magic Kingdom fireworks, can view Electrical Water Pageant from hotel, large rooms, rooms themed to The Incredibles

Cons:  Pool isn’t anything special, theming seems sterile to some people, bathrooms don’t have separate sinks and showers and the counter space is very limited, bus transportation can be shared with other hotels, can be noisy from Chef Mickey’s

There aren’t many resorts as iconic as Disney’s Contemporary Resort and for those drawn to sleek, modern design and the allure of staying within a stone’s throw of the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort and its adjacent Bay Lake Tower offer a uniquely futuristic Disney experience.

The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower complex includes three distinct sections.

First, there’s the Contemporary Resort Tower – that’s the iconic A-frame building you might have seen pictures of, with the monorail zooming right through it.

Next to it, there’s the Garden Wing , a separate building from the main A-frame tower (although it is connected via a covered walkway). The Garden Wing is further away from transportation (both monorail and bus) and typically has a lower price point than the main tower. It also isn’t as impressive (it is only 3 floors tall) but we love it because of how quiet it is. Both The Contemporary Resort Tower and the Contemporary Resort Garden Wing are exclusively traditional hotel rooms and suites.

Lastly, there’s Bay Lake Tower (Deluxe Villas part of the Disney Vacation Club), connected to the main tower of the Contemporary by a bridge known as “The Skyway Bridge”. The Deluxe Villas here range from studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom Grand Villa accommodations, making them ideal for larger families or those seeking the comforts of home, including full kitchens and living areas.

While Bay Lake Tower and the Garden Wing have a peaceful vibe to them – the main tower is buzzing. With the monorail and diners at Chef Mickey’s, there is just a lot going on here. That isn’t a bad thing, but it is something to consider when picking a room.

We love the Garden Wing if we have a car because there is a parking lot right there with incredibly easy access to the rooms. But, there is just something special about staying in one of the Tower rooms, too. With views of Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake – it truly doesn’t get any better than that.

And speaking of Magic Kingdom, The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower are the closest resorts to that park. So close, in fact, that you can easily walk there in 5-10 minutes. That’s one of our most favorite reasons for staying here.

As for the rooms, the Contemporary rooms (both in the Tower and Garden Wing) have been reimagined recently and are now packed full of tasteful nods to The Incredibles . That movie’s mid-century vibe ties in perfectly with the entire aesthetic of the resort, and we love how it all looks.

Unfortunately, Bay Lake Tower rooms don’t have that same Incredibles theme, but they are still packed with lots of modern touches and sleek lines. Plus, because of the way it is situated, most of the rooms at Bay Lake have fantastic views of either Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom.

Both the Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower share access to the standout feature of the resort, the monorail, providing guests with a convenient way to get to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Plus, one of the best views for dining while watching fireworks can be found at California Grill, the iconic glass walled restaurant at the top of the Contemporary resort.

But despite all it has going for it, there are some reasons guests may not like it.

First, the sleek, modern design can feel a bit cold. Even the grounds are such a contrast to a resort like the Poly. There is nothing “lush” about the Contemporary Resort.

Secondly, the main tower can be more than hectic, and that noise can sometimes infiltrate the guest rooms overlooking the action below.

And finally, cost. All Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts are pricey, but the resorts that are within walking distance of a theme park are even more expensive. And with the location of the Contemporary being directly next to Magic Kingdom, the prices here are at a premium.

But, despite those drawbacks, we still love nearly everything about this stunning resort and if you’re looking for a fun place to stay with that iconic Disney look and feel, this might be a great option for you.

• Read our complete Contemporary Resort deep dive & review
• Read our complete Bay Lake Tower (Disney Vacation Club) deep dive & review

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $824-$6258 per night
• Theme: Victorian elegance

Pros:  One monorail stop away from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Flagship Resort with very elegant theming, great on-site dining options, can take boat to Magic Kingdom, walking path to Magic Kingdom, view of Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant

Cons:  Expensive, transportation to parks other than Magic Kingdom can take a while (shared buses, have to transfer monorails to get to Epcot), not as kid-friendly as other resorts, walking path to MK is long

If lavish is what you are looking for, then you’ll want to consider the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Packed with Victorian elegance and luxury, the Grand Floridian is Disney’s only AAA Four Diamond winner, and it definitely deserves that recognition. The resort itself is screams “elegant” with its grand, white exterior and red gable roofs, all influenced by the Hotel Del Coronado in California.

The lobby here is one of our favorites. Not only does it often have live piano music, during the holidays it also hosts a giant life-sized gingerbread house.

The accommodations at the Grand Floridian are divided into two main categories: the rooms and suites within the main resort and the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian, which are part of the Disney Vacation Club but available for all guests to book.

The main resort’s rooms and suites include plush furnishings and all the amenities expected of a luxury hotel, with many offering breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom or The Seven Seas Lagoon.

And, you’ll find a similar look and feel in the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian, with room size options ranging from studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom Grand Villa accommodations, making them ideal for larger families or those seeking the comforts of home, including full kitchens and living areas.

Dining at the Grand Floridian is also a treat, with several top quality restaurants to choose from, including one of our favorites: Narcoossee’s .

While not as close to Magic Kingdom as The Contemporary, it is still walkable. Of course, you also have the option of the monorail or boat to get you there, too.

While the Grand Floridian and its Villas offer an unparalleled Disney resort experience, there are a few things that might give you pause before you book.

The sophisticated atmosphere and high-end dining options come with a premium price tag, making it one of the most expensive Disney resort options. Additionally, the formal setting may not appeal to those seeking a more casual or themed Disney experience.

But, despite all of that, we find the Grand Floridian to be an excellent choice for anyone seeking luxury, convenience, and a bit of Disney magic.

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Animal Kingdom Villas (Jambo and Kidani)

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $458-$4795 per night
• Theme: African savanna
• Room Types Available: Several options from standard rooms with 1 King or 2 Queen Beds to 3 Bedroom Villas, some with Club Level access

Pros:  Dedicated buses, less expensive than most Deluxe Resorts, great on-site restaurants, 1 of the most gorgeous WDW resorts, Savanna View rooms have view of animals, during less busy times upgrades are often possible

Cons:  Not within viewing or walking distance of any theme parks, Standard View could be disappointing, rooms are smaller than average Deluxe Rooms, on-site restaurants are African and may not appeal to everyone

In our opinion, there is no resort at Walt Disney World more immersive than the Animal Kingdom Lodge complex. This expansive resort is divided into two main areas: Jambo House and Kidani Village, with both sharing a similar vibe inspired by African wildlife and culture.

Jambo House is the main building of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and serves as the centerpiece of the resort. It houses both Standard resort hotel rooms AND Disney Deluxe Villas (DVC) rooms and suites.

The lobby at Jambo House is beyond impressive, filled with towering ceilings and authentic African artifacts and the rooms, suites, and DVC villas at Jambo House are tastefully decorated with African-inspired furnishings and art, with many rooms offering balconies where guests can gaze out at giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife roaming the savannas right outside. If there was ever a resort to spring for a room with a view, this is it.

Of course, there are touches of The Lion King sprinkled in, but you truly don’t need Disney IP when there is a literal giraffe right outside your balcony.

Dining at Jambo House is an adventure in itself, with options like Boma – Flavors of Africa offering a buffet that takes guests on a culinary journey across the continent, and Jiko – The Cooking Place presenting a more upscale dining experience with a blend of traditional African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Kidani Village is an extension of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It consists of Disney Vacation Club Villas (DVC) but is available for all guests to book. Although the look at Kidani is very similar to Jambo, it feels more intimate. There is a separate lobby and amenities (including pools and dining options) at Kidani. However, guests can also use an internal shuttle to go back and forth between Jambo and Kidani, too.

Because Kidani is entirely Disney Vacation Club rooms, this portion of the resort houses studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom Grand Villa accommodations, making them ideal for larger families or those seeking the comforts of home, including full kitchens and living areas.

While the Animal Kingdom Lodge and its Villas offer a retreat into the heart of Africa, the biggest drawback to Animal Kingdom Lodge is its location. While perfect for visits to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Animal Kingdom Lodge is farther from the other Disney parks, which may result in longer transportation times. On the positive, though, the location also means that the prices here tend to be on the lower end of the Disney Deluxe resorts.

This resort is fantastic for animal lovers or for anyone wanting to spend some time outside of the parks enjoying their resort.

• Read our complete Animal Kingdom Lodge deep dive & review
• Read our complete Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village deep dive & review

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness

• Resort Category: Deluxe Villa (beginning Summer 2024)
• Theme: Modern rustic outdoors
• Room Types Available: Wilderness Cabins (1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-size pull down bed and 1 Bunk Bed)

Pros:  Accommodates up to 6 per cabin with separate bedroom and 2 TVs, full kitchen, peaceful, away from theme park noise, lots of on-site activities (archery, campfire, fishing, pony rides, etc), can park right next to cabin, dog-friendly, boat option to MK and nearby resorts

Cons:  Buses have to be taken everywhere (including internally at the resort where they take you to the bus stops to the parks or to the marina for the boat to MK), a golf cart is a must (which is an extra expense)

The newest addition to the Deluxe Villas category are The Cabins at Fort Wilderness. At the time of this writing, the cabins are in the middle of a massive transformation where they are being totally re-worked and moved from the Moderate Category into the latest Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offering.

Since the refurbishment is still underway, our ranking of The Cabins at Fort Wilderness relies heavily on the surroundings. We are confident after seeing the renderings that the new cabins themselves will be amazing, though.

Unlike other DVC properties, your only option will be the 1-bedroom, 1-bath cabin. Each cabin will sleep up to 6 adults, though. There is also a full-sized kitchen, too. From what we can tell, it will have an upscale rustic feel, and be a lot brighter than the cabins that Disney is replacing.

But the real highlight of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness is the surrounding resort – which is huge and includes tons of spaces for traditional tent camping and RVs, swimming pools, horseback riding, campfire sing-a-longs, biking, and lots more.

It is truly one of our most favorite ways to do a low-key Disney World vacation. You could easily spend a day or more just exploring the resort and participating in what it has to offer.

The downside is that in addition to the cost of the cabin, you’ll definitely want to spend the money to add on a golf cart, too. You can rent directly from Disney or from an outside vendor, but the size of the resort makes having a golf cart a necessity, as cars aren’t allowed in all areas. There is an internal bus, but it can be a hassle when you are in a hurry to get somewhere, and we really wouldn’t recommend booking a cabin without a golf cart.

But, if we are totally honest, the golf carts are also one of our most favorite parts about staying here. Why is it so fun to drive a golf cart but driving a car is boring? We have no clue – but it is!

If you are lucky enough to stay at Fort Wilderness during the fall or holiday season, make sure you save some time to cruise around the campsites to look at all the over-the-top decorating that the campers do. It’s a real treat!

• Read our complete Cabins at Fort Wilderness deep dive & review

Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge, and Copper Creek Cabins

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $447-$5412 per night
• Theme: Turn of the century National Park lodges
• Room Types Available: range from Standard Studios with multiple bed configurations to multi-room Suites and Cabins, some with Club Level Access

Pros:  One of the most affordable Deluxe resorts, beautiful at Christmas, great theming, beautiful grounds, can take boat to Magic Kingdom, can view Electrical Water Pageant

Cons:  Smaller rooms than some of the other Deluxe resorts, not walking distance to any park, many rooms could use a refresh

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is like a cozy getaway inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges, giving guests a taste of that grand, rustic vibe all while never leaving Central Florida.

Tucked away in this peaceful spot, you’ll have 3 choices for room accommodations: the main Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas, and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, each with their own twist on that Wilderness Lodge vibe.

Wilderness Lodge itself is a marvel of lodge-style architecture, with a towering lobby built to resemble a National Park lodge, complete with totem poles, a massive stone fireplace, and exposed beams. The rooms in the main lodge reflect that same theming, with lots of rich wood accents.

Boulder Ridge Villas bring a touch of the 19th-century railroad hotels of the American West to the Wilderness Lodge. These Disney Vacation Club accommodations are housed in a separate building, designed to feel like a cozy mountain retreat, complete with a quaint lobby that features a fireplace and comfortable seating areas. The villas range from studios to one, two, or three-bedroom Grand Villas, all decorated with rustic elements that complement the overarching theme of the lodge. Boulder Ridge also has its own leisure pool, making it a quiet spot to relax away from the main activities of Wilderness Lodge.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins offer a more modern take on the wilderness theme, mixing contemporary woodsy design with rustic touches. This newest addition to Wilderness Lodge includes not only villas ranging from studios to three-bedroom Grand Villas, but also super fun and unique waterfront cabins. Positioned right on the water’s edge, the water front cabins come complete with a plunge pool on the back porch, floor-to-ceiling windows, and upscale interiors.

In harmony with the upscale rustic vibe, Wilderness Lodge also has some fantastic dining options, including Whispering Canyon (which is known for its crazy antics), and the character meal Story Book Dining at Artist Point , which includes Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Wicked Queen!

As for recreation, you’ll find most of the standard fare plus boats and bike rentals, too.

Now for the downsides. Like Animal Kingdom Lodge, this Deluxe and Deluxe Villa option is typically a bit less expensive than the others due to its location. Although it does have boat access to Magic Kingdom, it isn’t walkable. And, while we love the vibe of this resort, others have reported that it is dark.

But if you love the thought of a Pacific Northwest hideaway mixed with Disney’s magic, Wilderness Lodge, along with Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek, is just the ticket. You get that cozy, rustic feel, all the modern comforts you could want, and loads of outdoor fun, all rolled into one.

• Read our complete Wilderness Lodge deep dive & review
• Read our complete Copper Creek Villas deep dive & review
• Read our complete Boulder Ridge Villas deep dive & review

• Resort Category: Deluxe
• 2024 Rates (low to high): $569-$4093 per night
• Theme: New England-style yacht club
• Room Types Available: range from Standard Studios with multiple bed configurations to multi-room Suites, some with Club Level Access

Pros:  Location is about a 5-10 minute walk to Epcot and the Boardwalk area, boat ride or walk to Hollywood Studios, close to Disney Skyliner Station, Stormalong Bay is the best on-site pool, Cast Members get higher praise than most other resorts, all rooms have balconies, dog friendly

Cons:  Not as well suited for families with small children, shared buses with a few other resorts can mean long bus rides

Situated directly next to Disney’s Beach Club is its sister resort: The Yacht Club. It is kind of like the more formal older sibling, though. But don’t let that scare you off because although it isn’t as “charming” as Beach Club, there is still a lot to love about it. Plus, this is one of the few Deluxe Disney resorts that doesn’t have a Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) resort affiliated with it.

Much like The Beach Club, The Yacht Club is all about that New England seaside charm. But instead of soft pastels, the Yacht Club is decked out in rich tones like a crisp navy blue and white, with deep wood accents. It’s all very nautical.

Because of the theming, the Yacht Club definitely feels more adult, and the fact that this resort also houses conference facilities amplifies that vibe a bit.

The rooms keep up with the theme, definitely leaning more into the sophisticated feelings of the rest of the grounds. But they aren’t cold. With their plush bedding, dark wood furnishings, and, for some, a balcony, it all works well.

Because these 2 resorts are connected, they share the same amazing Stormalong Bay pool. This isn’t just any pool; it’s more like a mini water park, complete with a massive shipwreck replica, a lazy river, and one of the highest hotel waterslides at Disney.

There are several fantastic places to dine at the Yacht Club, plus there is also easy access to Epcot, Beach Club, and the entire Boardwalk area for dining.

Location-wise, the Yacht Club is a winner. Like the Beach Club, it’s just a stroll away from Epcot and a quick boat ride or walk to Hollywood Studios, making it super convenient for park hopping .

The only hitch might be the cost, since staying at the Yacht Club does mean splurging a bit. And if you’re all about that bold Disney decor, the Yacht Club’s more understated style might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re after a mix of nautical vibes with a sprinkle of Disney magic, the Yacht Club hits the spot perfectly. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a dash of luxury and a relaxed mood, all super close to the heart of Disney.

• Read our complete Yacht Club deep dive & review

Riviera Resort

• Resort Category: Deluxe Villas
• 2024 Rates (low to high): $476-$5479 per night
• Theme: European Riviera
• Room Types Available: range from Standard Studios with multiple bed configurations to multi-room Suites

Pros:  Disney’s newest resort, dedicated Skyliner gondola station, fun character meal at Topolino’s Terrace

Cons:  Expensive, feels less like a Disney resort than others in the same price category, not walking distance to any park, rooms can be quite small

Disney’s Riviera Resort is one of the resorts at Walt Disney World that are exclusively Deluxe Villas (Disney Vacation Club). But, even though it is all DVC, anyone can book it directly through Disney or by renting points (which can save you a lot of money).

The vibe of this resort is “European elegance”. It has an Italian Riviera influence that is reflected in everything from the architecture down to the restaurants.

While we love the location of the Riviera and its easy access to the Disney Skyliner, we don’t LOVE the resort as much as others. There is nothing wrong with it. It is beautiful, the art in it is spectacular, and Topolino’s Terrace is one of our favorite character breakfasts .

But, to us, the entire resort just feels cold, and since it is only a tower (with none of the smaller buildings most of the other resorts have), it feels like something you could find anywhere.

The rooms are lovely, but the smallest studios are very, very small. And, the price tag to stay here isn’t cheap (but, you can save some money if you opt to rent DVC points ). Also, if you’re looking for that in-your-face Disney theme in every corner, this place might feel a bit too grown-up.

Again, we know our opinion of the resort isn’t the norm because there are many people who love it here. If you’re on the fence about it, we recommend you give it a try, and maybe you’ll fall in love with it, too.

• Read our complete Riviera Resort deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $691-$4702 per night
• Theme and Atmosphere: early 1900s Atlantic City Boardwalk
• Maximum number of guests per room: 9 adults

Pros:  Some rooms have views of Epcot and Hollywood Studios, 10-15 minute walk to Epcot, can take a boat or walk to Hollywood Studios, gorgeous theming, Disney Skyliner station nearby

Cons:  No restaurants inside the resort (have to walk out on the Boardwalk to get to them), shared buses can sometimes mean long commutes, can be long walks to rooms (especially Villas rooms)

There is rarely a trip to Disney World where we don’t make at least 1 stop at the Boardwalk area. For those who have not yet visited WDW, it can be a little confusing, but there is The Boardwalk (which is the entertainment district) and then there are the 2 resorts located next to The Boardwalk: Boardwalk Inn and Boardwalk Villas. Clear as mud?

Located within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios, The Boardwalk Inn and Boardwalk Villas radiates a turn-of-the-century Atlantic seaside vibe. I know we use the word “charming” a lot when describing Disney World, but the word fits for a reason, and we definitely consider The Boardwalk Inn and Boardwalk Villas to be just that – charming.

The Boardwalk Inn has tons of rooms, all cozy and tastefully decorated with that same vibe you find in the lobby and common areas. And while the pool here used to be the thing of nightmares, the old clown that used to grace the slide has been replaced, making that area more appealing, too.

At Christmas, this is definitely one of our favorite resorts to visit as the colors and textures in the decorations are simply lovely. Plus, they have a gingerbread house here that is fun to see, too.

Right next door, the BoardWalk Villas offer a more homey feel, with studios and multiroom villas perfect for families or larger groups. These villas come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, making them ideal for longer stays or those moments when you just want a quiet meal ‘at home’. Plus, the added living space in the villas means everyone can spread out and relax.

But, the best part of this resort is the proximity to the Boardwalk itself. It’s a hub of activity, with restaurants, bars, and entertainment spots that come alive, especially in the evenings. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner, a snack, or some live entertainment, it’s all right there.

But now for the downsides. This resort is very close to Epcot, but the walk back always feels like it is at least 30 miles. I don’t know HOW that works, but it’s true. I think it is partially because the hallways inside the resort are long and winding – and even if your room is on the end closest to Epcot, you still have to walk back to the center of the resort to enter and exit there.

And it is even worse for the Villas side. They are further away from Epcot, meaning their walk is quite long, too – even though the park is directly behind the main part of the resort.

The other downside is that you have to leave the building to get to food. This is true at most of the Deluxe resorts – but it somehow just feels more egregious here. Maybe because at the other Deluxe resorts, you’re still technically in the resort, but at The Boardwalk Inn, you exit and go down to the Boardwalk area itself for food.

But for those who love the idea of stepping into a lively seaside resort from yesteryear, with all the perks of being at Disney World, the BoardWalk Inn and Villas could be an excellent fit!

• Read our complete Boardwalk Resort deep dive & review
• Read our complete Boardwalk Villas Resort deep dive & review

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $474-$3221 per night
• Theme: Florida Keys
• Room Types Available: range from Standard Studios (with 2 Queen Beds) to multi-room Suites

Pros:  Largest rooms of all the DVC properties, least expensive of the DVC resorts, great theming, good on-site eating options, on-site activities (volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, golf and lighted tennis and pickleball courts are available)

Cons:  Can feel isolated, bus rides can be long, resort is spread out

Old Key West is the original Disney Vacation Club resort, and to this day, it continues to only house DVC Deluxe Villas.

As you can imagine from the name, Disney’s Old Key West Resort is like a little piece of the Florida Keys nestled right in the heart of Disney World. It’s very chill, with the largest of all the Deluxe Villa rooms.

The buildings are all in that pastel color palette that you’d find at the real Old Key West, and the entire resort has a relaxed feeling to it.

As for the rooms themselves, while once considered “tired”, we’re happy to say the rooms have been or are in the process of being refurbished complete with new flooring, textiles, appliances, paint, and furniture.

Dining at Old Key West is a treat, with Olivia’s Café dishing up some hearty home-cooked meals. Plus, there is The Gurgling Suitcase, which is a quirky little bar where you can grab a tropical drink and just chill.

The pool areas here are great and there are bike rentals and tennis courts, plus lots of other things you can do if the parks aren’t on your agenda.

And, because of its proximity to Disney Springs, you’ll also have boat access to that dining and shopping area, too.

The laid-back charm of Old Key West might not be for those seeking the thrill of the parks from dawn until dusk, and its quieter, more spread-out layout means you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking or waiting for buses. Plus, while the theming is immersive, it’s more “subtle”Old Key West” and less “Disney” than other resorts.

But, for anyone looking for a balance between relaxation and the parks, Old Key West could be a definite contender – especially if you need the larger accommodations that this resort provides.

• Read our complete Old Key West deep dive & review

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

• 2024 Rates (low to high): $475-$3635 per night
• Theme: Victorian-style New York retreat
• Room Types Available: range from Standard and Preferred Studios with multiple bed configurations to multi-room Suites and Treehouse Villas
• Proximity to Parks: Not walking distance to any park

Pros:  Can walk or take boat to Disney Springs, can rent recreation equipment (bikes, surrey bikes, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard equipment), spa located on-site, beautiful grounds

Cons:  Remote location, small rooms for a DVC property, theming isn’t as good as the other resorts, bus rides can be long, more outdated overall than other resorts

Last on our rankings for the Deluxe and Deluxe Villas (but definitely not last in our hearts) is Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Located directly next to Disney Springs (you can walk there from the resort), Saratoga Springs was designed to mimic the quaint upstate New York area of its namesake, known for its horse racing and healing spas.

This resort is all about relaxation and recreation, making it a great pick for guests who want to chill out and recharge in style.

The resort plays into that equestrian theme, and the vibe is peaceful and laid-back. It is lush here, but there are also lots of green lawns and water views that add to the ambiance.

Like the other Disney Deluxe (Disney Vacation Club) resorts, Saratoga Springs also offers everything from cozy studios to spacious multi-bedroom villas that feel like a home away from home. They come with kitchens or kitchenettes, which is super handy for longer stays or those days when you just want to whip up your own meal.

For fun, you’re totally covered. There are loads of pools to choose from, like the main feature pool with a super cool waterslide that twists around rocks, and other chill “quiet” pools perfect for a relaxed dip. If you’re into golf, there’s a course right there. Fancy a game of tennis? They’ve got courts. Want to keep up your workouts? Hit the fitness center. And if you feel like cruising around, you can even rent a bike and check out the beautiful paths all around the place.

But, this resort is huge, which can make easily navigating it a chore. We aren’t huge fans that require you to use an internal bus to get to the main buildings, but if you are in one of the outer buildings here, you’ll either find yourself hiking or waiting on a bus. On the positive side, the spread out nature does add a sense of privacy and peace, so we guess it isn’t all bad news.

So, while Saratoga Springs may not be our first choice when it comes to Disney Deluxe Villa resorts, like all of the other resorts on property, we still wouldn’t hesitate to stay here. There is a lot to love about the entire resort and if the vibe is what you are looking for, you should give it a try, too.

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Yacht Club vs Animal Kingdom Lodge room size

• Thread starter MichelleB
• Start date Apr 5, 2002

DIS Veteran

• Apr 5, 2002

What are the differences in room size at AKL and YC? Anyone know the sq. footages? Anything else I should know? Thanks!  

I can give you the square footage. YC-380 SQ FT and the AKL-340 SQ FT in the standard size room.  

Earning My Ears

Just back from the Yacht Club and had a wonderful stay. Location is great. Rooms were very roomy and attractive. Loved it!!  

Thank you! Where did you find square footage? I've looked all over for this information.  

• Apr 6, 2002

If you are a DVC member, there is a document on that website that lists the room sizes of all the WDW resorts.  

I am! I'll try there! Thank you again.  

Ok, I hate to appear stupid, but I've been to the DVC site and can't find the sq. footages. Where is this located?  

All the floor layouts are drawn at each resort!  

I went to Iowa once, and it was closed.

MichelleB, you are not stupid. You are just one of many victims of the web-site design dilemma -- sites are designed by computer wizzards who haven't the foggiest idea about what people are actually looking for or how to make it easy for them to find it. Once you are on the members site after signing in, click on the following: 1. "Understanding Your Membership" (left hand column) 2. Then at next page, "Member Benefits and Privileges" (also left hand collumn) 3. Then at the next page, "The Disney Collection Program" (in the middle of the page) 4. The rooms with sguare footage will be on the second page of the document that comes up.  

Drusba, your post is too funny and too true! Thanks for the chuckle (and for answering MichelleB's question).  

I just copied an old post of mine where I had gathered info regarding Disney resort room sizes and number of rooms. Here it is again: - - - - - - - I grabbed the following info from the DVC Members Only website: DISNEY Resorts (Worldwide) Hotel / Number of Rooms / Approximate Room Size Animal Kingdom Lodge / 1,293 rooms / 344 Sq. Ft. Beach Club Resort / 583 rooms / 381 Sq. Ft. Caribbean Beach Resort / 2,112 rooms / 340 Sq. Ft. Contemporary Resort / 1,020 rooms / 436 Sq. Ft. Coronado Springs Resort / 1,924 / 315 Sq. Ft. Grand Floridian Resort & Spa / 839 rooms / 340-400 Sq. Ft. Polynesian Resort / 853 rooms / 391-483 Sq. Ft. Port Orleans Resort Riverside / 2,048 rooms / 315 Sq. Ft. Port Orleans Resort French Quarter / 1,008 rooms / 315 Sq. Ft. Yacht Club Resort / 512 rooms / 381 Sq. Ft. Ft Wilderness Resort & Campground (Wilderness Homes & Cabins) / 400 rooms / 504 Sq Ft Disneyland Hotel – California / 1,131 rooms / 407 Sq. Ft. Grand Californian Hotel - California / 751 rooms / 353 Sq. Ft. Paradise Pier Hotel - California / 502 rooms / 350 Sq. Ft. Disneyland Hotel – Paris / 550 rooms / 365.84 Sq. Ft. Hotel New York (Disneyland Paris) / 574 rooms / 333.56 Sq. Ft. Newport Bay Club (Disneyland Paris) / 1,098 rooms / 290.52 Sq. Ft. Sequoia Lodge (Disneyland Paris) / 1,011 rooms / 290.52 Sq. Ft. - - - - - - -  

WDW is my Shangrala...and I'm going...life is bett

All I know is I used to be able to find the room sq ft without a problem and now a days I find it difficult to find them sometimes...  

Thank you all so much for your help!!  

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Ranking Disney World’s Steakhouses

Walt Disney World is home to a lot of great food. You can get delicious snacks and treats in the parks, like DOLE Whips , mini corn dogs , and giant cinnamon rolls .

But if you’re looking for a hearty meal, you might want to check out some of Disney World’s steakhouses — because there are a few different options throughout the Parks, Resorts, and Disney Springs.

We’re ranking all of the Disney World steakhouses here so that you know which one to pick next time you’re in the mood for steak!

If you’re looking for steak in Disney World, you can find individual dishes at a whole lot of different restaurants. There are options at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom, Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and so many more. If you’re dining at a Table Service (sit-down) restaurant for dinner, odds are pretty good that you can find a steak on the menu.

But in this case, we’re only looking at a few of the official steakhouses in Disney World: Le Cellier, STK Orlando, Steakhouse 71, and Yachtsman Steakhouse. Let’s see how these rank, starting at the bottom.

4. stk steakhouse.

Coming in last is STK Orlando in Disney Springs. This steakhouse has delicious food, including steak (of course), a selection of mac ‘n’ cheeses, some seafood options, and a whole lot more.

We thought their steak was super tender and flavorful, and the appetizers and sides that we tried were very tasty as well. So why does this spot come in last?

The first offense is the price tag. The steak itself ranges from $50 to $80 per steak (which isn’t super crazy compared to the rest of these steakhouses), but the mac ‘n’ cheese sampler we tried (with three little sides of different mac ‘n’ cheeses) was $40 .

You get one serving of sauce with your steak, but if you want any additional sauce, it’ll be $2   each . So all the extras add up to make this a pretty pricey meal altogether.

For a nice, fancy meal that’s going to put some strain on your wallet, it really doesn’t feel like a fine dining experience . The hyper atmosphere wasn’t ideal while we were trying to enjoy our $20 cocktail .

But if you’re interested in trying out a different kind of steakhouse experience, and you LIKE the loud, rowdy atmosphere, this might be the spot for you! And we certainly didn’t have any complaints about the quality of the food here.

Click Here to Read More Reviews of STK Orlando

3. yachtsman steakhouse.

In third place, we have Yachtsman Steakhouse , which is located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This steakhouse also had great food, but it’s a much more subdued environment than you’ll find at STK. The dining room has a wood on wood on wood styling, and you’ll find decor that reminds you of the resort’s nautical theme around the restaurant as well.

Its proximity to EPCOT gives this restaurant a bit of an edge over STK. You can walk to the Yacht Club resort from the park, which means it’s a lot easier to get to (you’ll need to drive or take the bus to Disney Springs if you want to find STK).

We also have really enjoyed our food here every time we came. It’s on the pricier side again (all of these steakhouses are, really), but the quality of the food is great.

When you compare the quality to the price, though, we’re not sure that the cost is really worth it. Steaks are between $50 and $60 here, sides are $10 to $13 , and most other entrees are between $35 and $50 .

In our experiences, the service has been pretty slow at Yachtsman , possibly because it’s a more classic, laid back restaurant. But that might be frustrating if you’re hoping to head back into the parks after your meal and catch a few more rides.

So although it’s got delicious food and is closer to a park, we don’t think the Yachtsman is quite as good as the other two steakhouses on our list.

Click Here to Read Reviews for the Yachtsman Steakhouse

2. steakhouse 71.

Steakhouse 71 is a brand-new restaurant, and it’s already near the top of our list. You’ll find this steakhouse where The Wave…of American Flavors used to be inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The food here is fantastic. We tried the steak and a few other entrees as well , and we were happy with everything we ordered. There’s a good selection of steak cuts as well as fish, chicken, and vegetable entree options.

One of the best parts is the price here. The steaks range from $30 to $40 , putting the cost pretty far below the other steakhouses on this list. The other entrees are between $20 and $30 . If you’re dining on a budget, you can still get delicious food for a much lower price at this spot.

In terms of value for your money, Steakhouse 71 is hard to beat. And that’s not even the end of its good qualities — Steakhouse 71 is in the Contemporary resort, which means it’s right outside the Magic Kingdom.

It’s just a quick walk from the Magic Kingdom entrance to this restaurant. You could absolutely make reservations for a lunch or dinner here on your Magic Kingdom park day and hop over from the park with very little trouble.

Steakhouse 71 has to be one of the best meals for a balance of price, quality, and convenience in Disney World. We have very few complaints when it comes to this restaurant. The only reason it didn’t make number 1 on our list is that we just like this next restaurant better.

Click Here to See Our First Look at Steakhouse 71 Dinner

1. le cellier.

Le Cellier is a steakhouse located in the Canada pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase. So it already gets bonus points for being the only steakhouse actually inside a Disney World park.

Le Cellier is themed to look like a fancy wine cellar. The dining room is dimly lit and feels very upscale, but it’s also pretty small . For that reason, it can be a little bit difficult to get reservations here, and they will very rarely have walk-up availability.

But the steaks at this spot are hard to beat . One of our favorites is the classic Filet Mignon, which is served over a delicious risotto.

The kids menu at this spot is actually surprisingly good as well. There are options like grilled chicken, salmon, and steak in kid-sized portions. The steaks on the menu range from $35 to $60 , which puts it about in the middle of our list. It’s not quite as cheap as Steakhouse 71 but not as expensive as most things at STK.

And the fact that you don’t even have to leave the park to visit this restaurant? We think that (plus the very delicious food) makes it worth the cost.

Click Here to Read Reviews of Le Cellier

That’s it for our rankings of the steakhouses in Disney World! Do you agree with our choices? Let us know in the comments, and tell us about your favorite place to get a steak in Disney World.

Click Here to See Our Ranking of the Most Expensive Hotels in Disney World

Tell us about your favorite Disney World steak in the comments.

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Saratoga Springs vs Animal Kingdom Lodge: Best Resort?

If you’re heading to Disney World, you know it can be both a daunting and exciting experience.  You have a lot of things to prepare for in your plate, including which resort on Disney property you’ll want to stay at.  So, in this Saratoga Springs vs Animal Kingdom Lodge comparison, we’ll have these two resorts duke it in hopes of revealing which Disney hotel offers you the best experience for your money.

Saratoga Springs Overview

Designed to evoke the exclusive horse-racing New York locale of the same name, Saratoga Springs is designed with tranquility in mind. The sprawling grounds invite you to take a healthy stroll, and the pools are inspired by the “healing springs” of its namesake. 

Disney’s Saratoga Springs is made up of five guest areas (six if you count the Treehouse Villas, which I am not covering in this article) spread out over 16 acres. One of the big draws to Saratoga Springs is that it is connected via a walking path or boat to the Disney Springs entertainment and dining district.  

Animal Kingdom Lodge Overview

First of all, Animal Kingdom Lodge issurrounded by a savannah full of animals! From the Savannah-View rooms you can watch assorted African wildlife from the comfort of your own balcony. The animals are fed at strategic locations, so you are never too long without something interesting ambling by. My favorite part of the day is coffee and gazing at zebra! Most of the common areas are also overlooking the savannah. 

So let’s dive much deeper into what each resort has to offer guests in terms of rooms and amenities.  

Saratoga Springs Rooms and Amenities

Saratoga Springs was planned as a Disney Vacation Club Resort, therefore the rooms are designed with their signature “Welcome Home” villa layouts as opposed to a traditional hotel room. For Saratoga Springs you can choose either a Standard or Preferred location. The Preferred buildings are The Springs (close to the main pool and lobby) or Congress Park (close to the Disney Springs walkway). 

Saratoga Springs has the three main room layouts at all DVC properties:

Deluxe Studio : These are similar in size to larger hotel rooms. They feature a queen-size bed, sleeper sofa, kitchenette with microwave, sink, refrigerator, toaster, and coffee maker. These rooms comfortably sleep two, and can work for a group of four (or five if you are able to snag a 5-person room) if you’re not planning to spend too much time in the room. These rooms run approximately $450 – $750 depending on the season and your room location. 

1 Bedroom Villa : There is quite a jump from the Deluxe Studio to the 1 Bedroom Villas. These can sleep five people (two in the bedroom and three in the living room) and include a full kitchen. They have one full bathroom with shower and a separate toilet room (accessed through the shower room) and a large jetted tub in the master suite. A 1 Bedroom Villa runs between $600 and $1160 per night.

2 Bedroom Villa : There are two options for 2 bedroom villas at most DVC properties. You can choose a “Dedicated 2 Bedroom Villa” or a “2 Bedroom Villa – Lockoff.” To put it simply, a Lockoff is just a 1 Bedroom Villa that has an interior connecting door to a Deluxe Studio. In contrast, a “Dedicated” 2 Bedroom Villa is designed with only one exterior door, an extra bathroom, and two queen beds in the second bedroom (instead of the bed and sleeper sofa). The second bedroom gives up the kitchenette in exchange for a generous closet. Your preference for these two rooms will depend on your traveling companions and traveling style. If you have varying morning & evening routines, you might want the extra exterior door that the Lockoff offers. 

Note: You may need to call if you want a choice between Lockoff or Dedicated. DVC members can choose from their booking portal, but this option is not available as a choice when booking through the main site. A 2 Bedroom Villa runs $860 to $1890.

Grand Villa : If you’re looking for a very large space for multiple families, the Grand Villa will be the way to go. They are not cheap (the nightly rate is $1850 to nearly $3300) but they are gorgeous. At Saratoga Springs, the Grand Villa is a two-story layout. The first floor hosts the master suite, living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a full kitchen and a formal dining room. The open staircase to the second floor leads to an overlooking loft area, and two more bedrooms, each with two queen-sized beds. There are total of three full bathrooms and one half-bath. The second floor also has its own entrance. Disney says these can sleep 12 if you utilize the sleeper sofa.

Treehouse Villas (unique to Saratoga Springs): While not part of the main resort area, Saratoga Springs also offers a Treehouse Villa option. Disney describes them with room for nine people. They offer a full kitchen and range from $1070-2010 per night. While I have not personally experienced the treehouses, I have been told that they are awesome. The caveat is that you will want a car. The bus system requires a transfer at the main Saratoga Springs stop (The Springs) which will add a considerable amount of time at the end of a long park day. The Treehouse Villas do include their own pool area and would be a great option for a more resort-centric trip.

Animal Kingdom Rooms and Amenities

Animal Kingdom Lodge is comprised of two buildings, Jambo House and Kidani Village . When booking a room, you will see Animal Kingdom Lodge as three different listings:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Choosing this option will give you access to the “regular” hotel rooms as well as the Disney Vacation Club Villas.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House: Part of Jambo House was converted into Disney Vacation Club Villas in 2007. Choosing this will give you only the villas within Jambo House as an option.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village : This is the smaller of the two buildings. All of these rooms are Disney Vacation Club Villas.

You can book any of these rooms, regardless of whether it is listed as a DVC room or standard room. Since there are so many options, I recommend checking out this price breakdown by room layout, view, and season for an idea of prices. Generally speaking, Animal Kingdom Lodge prices are similar to Saratoga Springs prices when comparing Standard View rooms and prices are higher for the better views. 

The room layouts and amenities at Animal Kingdom Lodge are the same as described for Saratoga Springs. The major difference here is the view from your room. Within each layout you will find four options:

Value : These rooms overlook landscape or the parking area. These rooms may also be slightly smaller.

Standard : Also views of the landscape or parking area.

Pool : Views of the Uzima or Samawati Springs pools.

Savannah : If you can, these rooms are worth splurging for. There are four savannahs surrounding the Animal Kingdom Lodge resort and this room category will put you right over the action.    

You will also find an option for Club Level. Animal Kingdom Lodge’s concierge offering is the Kilimanjaro Club .  Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers the Royal Asante Presidential Suite. 

Saratoga Springs vs Animal Kingdom Lodge: Location

To put it delicately, neither of these resorts is in a convenient location. If you’re relying on Disney transportation, you are restricted to the bus system. Both resorts (kind of) share buses with other resorts. Saratoga Springs often shares with Old Key West , and Animal Kingdom splits the bus stops between Jambo House and Kidani Village. Saratoga Springs has a bus stop for each of the five guest areas, so it can take quite a while to get back to your room.

I usually decide to rent a car when I am staying at either of these resorts,. Yes, you do need to pay for parking ($24 per night as of this writing; Disney Vacation Club members staying on points do not pay this fee) but having control over my own transportation is worth it to me. Plus, if my kid melts down on the way back, at least we’re not on a crowded bus full of other hot, cranky people. 

As mentioned above, one major benefit of Saratoga Springs is the ability to walk to Disney Springs. If you are into the shopping or dining venues that Disney Springs offers, then that might be the most compelling reason to choose Saratoga Springs over Animal Kingdom Lodge.   

• Location Winner: Saratoga Springs
• You Might Also Enjoy: Saratoga Springs vs Old Key West

Animal Kingdom Lodge Pools and Activities

So you’re taking a resort day. You’ve spent enough on your lodging (both are considered Deluxe resorts and range from $400-$700 for a studio ) and you want to get your money’s worth! But which resort offers the best lineup? 

I’ll just come out and say it. It’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Seriously, there are giraffes right outside the window. In addition to marveling at the wonders of nature, Animal Kingdom Lodge has a plethora of activities for the entire family. 

Jambo House has an evening campfire and movies under the stars at the Uzima pool. On select Wednesdays, you can participate in a Paint Night at Jiko – The Cooking Place. There’s also a video game arcade and a playground for the kids. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge has two pools to choose from. Jambo House hosts Uzima Springs Pool, the larger of the two, while Kidani Village has Samawati Springs Pool. Uzima Springs was closed on my last trip so I have not yet experienced it. 

For Samawati Springs, the thing that surprised me the most was the lushness of the poolside areas. I was there in July and there were plenty of shaded places to sit. Guests of either building can use either pool.

But honestly, my favorite part about Animal Kingdom Lodge is the meandering. Between Jambo House and Kidani Village, you will find the largest collection of African art outside of Africa. The museum-quality pieces were all curated with an eye towards cultural sensitivity and sustainability and are respectfully presented. 

Before you walk into the main lobby of Jambo House, take a moment to prepare. The interior is breathtaking. Kidani Village is smaller and more intimate, and is also a beautiful space to just sit down and absorb the scenery.

Saratoga Springs Pools and Activities

I do want to give some time to the activities at Saratoga Springs. If African art is not your thing, then perhaps a surrey ride is more up your alley? You can rent surrey bikes for 2 or 4 people and explore the expansive grounds. Saratoga Springs also offers guided fishing excursions, the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, tennis courts, basketball courts, and jogging trails. They’re really promoting the “healthy living” aspect of the original Saratoga Springs! 

There are also multiple pools scattered at the different guest areas. Check your travel dates – Saratoga Springs has multiple pool refurbishments scheduled for 2022 and 2023. 

• Activities Winner: Animal Kingdom Lodge

Saratoga Springs Restaurants

I live with a family of picky eaters, and only two of them are kids. So when I am at Walt Disney World, one of my priorities is food. Especially food with flavors and spices I can’t pronounce. The difference between the type of food offerings at Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge is quite vast, but the quality of both is excellent. 

Saratoga Springs boasts the Turf Club Bar and Grill for the sit-down crowd, and The Artist’s Palette for quick-service options. I have not eaten at the Turf Club, but every time I stay at Saratoga Springs, I go back to the Artist’s Palette for the same thing: the Margherita Pizza. 

I am embarrassed to admit that I have eaten that pizza twice in the same day (I had also just finished running a 10k and a Half Marathon over two days—don’t judge me). 

The rest of the quick service lineup is delightful, and not what you’re going to find at every other location. The breakfast offerings are pretty standard, with a few unique dishes thrown in. Either way, you’ll be able to find something you enjoy on any of the menus. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants

Animal Kingdom Lodge has a leg up on the gastronomic competition due to the presence of four unique dining options. The quick-service restaurant is The Mara and has a nice variety of foods that even my kids might try. We’ll see how that goes on our trip next month. 

The next option is the buffet at Boma – Flavors of Africa . Located next to the main lobby, it emerges from under the roots beneath Jambo House. The effect is seriously cool. The pathway meanders down to the bar area before depositing you at the host desk, where the restaurant opens into an African marketplace. Take your time as you descend! 

The food at Boma is a fantastic mix of different regional African dishes. It’s not so far out that your picky eaters will starve (they do have chicken strips!) but there is definitely a twist on the classics. The ribs are phenomenal – make sure to slather on the tamarind BBQ sauce!

If you’re staying on the Kidani Village side, head downstairs to Sanaa. This table-service restaurant (and the only restaurant at Kidani Village) is inspired by the African-Arabian-Indian fusion of East Africa. I’ve not eaten there during the day, but the windows look out into the Sunset Savannah and I’ve heard it is a fantastic view. The food is delicious and I simply plan on the fact that I will overeat and regret it later!

Finally, the crown jewel of Animal Kingdom Lodge dining venues is Jiko – The Cooking Place . This is a Signature Dining location (make sure you’re dressed appropriately) with a seasonal menu. You’ll also want to make sure you have a reservation.

• Dining Winner: Animal Kingdom Lodge

Saratoga Springs vs Animal Kingdom Lodge: Relaxation

Park days at Walt Disney World are exhausting. It feels like you never get to just stop and recover. For me, returning to the resort at the end of a long day is the best part. Once we get the kids down, take a shower to rinse off a day’s accumulation of Florida, and step out onto the balcony, I can finally breathe. 

So which resort is the most relaxing?

Relaxing at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Not to be redundant, but Animal Kingdom Lodge has animals. But, you can’t really see them at night. Lighting is installed at strategic locations to maintain a beautiful atmosphere, but the savannah itself is quiet. Also, if you don’t have a savanna-view room, you’re overlooking another part of the resort. It’s not bad, but it’s not the savannah. 

Unfortunately, my Animal Kingdom Lodge stay was not pleasant in terms of relaxing evenings. I was in a studio with an adjoining door, and I was able to hear every word of my neighbors’ conversations. It didn’t help that they were from a particular east coast state that is known for colorful vocabularies and a propensity for yelling at each other to show affection—but I digress. 

I attempted to escape to the balcony, only to find that the U-shaped building (I was staying at Kidani Village) caused noises to echo across the savannah. Every time a kid saw an impala, we all heard about it. 

Relaxing at the Saratoga Springs

In contrast, Saratoga Springs is delightfully dead. There is hardly anyone around in the evenings. The resort could be full, and based on the number of cars I know that there are actually people there, but you wouldn’t know it by the number of passers-by. I love it. 

After a day at the parks, all I want to have is quiet time alone with my thoughts. And a drink, but that’s beside the point. I thoroughly enjoy the solitude of an evening at Saratoga Springs, and for that it gets my vote. 

• Relaxation Winner: Saratoga Springs

How to Get the Best Disney World Resort Hotel Price?

When looking at price, pay attention to both the booking season as well as the room location,  as peak season Preferred rooms will cost considerably more than low season Standard rooms. Also, the prices listed here are the published rates. Deals are released periodically throughout the year (starting three to six months out). 

You can also book through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – you will NEVER be charged for this service, as they receive a commission from Disney directly. They will monitor deals as they are available and save you the time!   You might even want to consider looking into a Disney World travel agent for better guidance.

A third option is renting Disney Vacation Club points. If you’re flexible with your time and resorts, this is the option that will save you the most money when staying at a Deluxe Disney resort. One DVC point is worth $19 on average, so use that amount when comparing prices. I have successfully used David’s Vacation Club Rentals multiple times.

The Best Disney World Resort Hotel?

Let’s see, what do we have so far? 

Location : Saratoga Springs 

Activities : Animal Kingdom Lodge 

Food : Animal Kingdom Lodge

Relaxation : Saratoga Springs. Well, that doesn’t help. Let’s add a couple more criteria into the mix and see if we can find a winner. 

Traveling with kids : Animal Kingdom Lodge—mostly due to the animals.

Traveling with adults : Saratoga Springs. Can’t beat the proximity to Disney Springs for post-park libations. And if you like peace and quiet, this resort is probably a much better bet.

Resort theming : Animal Kingdom Lodge. Every detail is intentional and pays homage to the source material.

Oh good, there we go. In all honesty, I love both resorts. But if I had only one trip to do as much as I can, I would hands-down pick Animal Kingdom Lodge , and I’d splurge for a savannah-view room. But keep in mind, if you’re a frequent guest who travels alone or with goes to Disney World without kids , you actually might prefer Saratoga Springs. 

Hopefully, you’ve found this Saratoga Springs vs Animal Kingdom Lodge comparison guide to be extremely helpful in helping you determine which resort most fits your needs. I hope you have an awesome trip!

• This article was written by Shelley and edited by Michael.  

If you enjoyed this article, please “like” our Countdown to Magic Facebook page !

You Might Also Like These Articles:

• Disney’s All Star Music vs All Star Sports
• Disney’s Polynesian vs Yacht Club
• Disney’s Riviera Resort vs Beach Club

Michael has been visiting Disney World since he was a kid. He's also been to Disneyland and sailed on the Disney Dream. Michael is the owner and editor of Countdown to Magic.

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Polynesian Village vs. Yacht Club Disney World Resort Guide 2023

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So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!).

Disney’s Yacht Club

But how do you choose between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resorts ? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!

Choosing between the Polynesian Village and the Yacht Club, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake , or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…😂), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive , and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip . We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

Common Ground

Theme/rooms, transportation.

We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip.

Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts , so they will be at a similar price point, with similar room sizes, and the same perks .  They both have close proximity to the Disney Parks, and even within walking distance! And both offer Disney Vacation Club Villas as additional accommodations.

The Beach at the Polynesian

For the Polynesian Village , that means that for the cheapest room at the  cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $662 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,492 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the  most expensive time to visit.

For the Yacht Club , that means that for the cheapest room at the  cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $537 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,877 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the  most expensive time to visit.

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Just like our ol’  Friend, Chandler Bing, would say, “Could these resorts BE any more different?” Both the Poly and the Yacht Club are Deluxe resorts and offer the poshest of Disney’s accommodations and perks, but that doesn’t mean they look the same!

The Polynesian

The Polynesian celebrates tiki culture, and offers a nostalgic image of Pacific island vacations, but isn’t necessarily a literal representation of those environments. It’s filled with dark woods, tribal symbols, and tropical flowers. The Polynesian is one of Walt Disney World’s opening day hotels, it has a rich history, and a large following among Disney fans. It really does embrace its name of “village” as its layout is comprised of 11 longhouses plus the over-the-water Bora Bora Bungalows , which branch out from the Great Ceremonial House.

Polynesian Village Resort

All of the rooms have recently been renovated and updated with a  Moana -inspired theme, and Kona Cafe , a table service restaurant in the Great Ceremonial House, has also recently reopened with a new look and refreshed menu. So even though this beauty is 50 years old, she’s gotten some TLC and looks better than ever!

But with renovations and updates comes construction, like over at the old Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show location , which is currently an active construction zone as it will be the site for a new DVC tower . Though it shares the same white sand beaches as the Grand Floridian, the island vibe here just makes them pop. Sunsets on the Poly beach are just superior to the other Disney World “beaches”.

Ahoy maties, straighten that ascot and slip on those boat shoes, you’re about to set sail into the Disney resort themed after the grand and sleek yachting clubs of New England. And no, Disney does not require that you own a yacht to stay here (phew, that’s one expense you won’t have to factor into your Disney trip!).

This resort makes “subtle” look good. It’s sleek, elegant, and streamlined — like, well, a yacht. If you’re visiting Disney World for a business conference, this hotel might just be the right speed for you as it encompasses a rather executive vibe to it. There are some very nice, and perfectly adequate furnishings, but the rooms themselves just don’t scream lavish.

Our favorite touch in these otherwise “character-less” rooms are the curtains that feature fictional constellations inspired by some of our favorite Disney pals.

The Yacht Club renovated and updated the rooms in 2017, for the more sophisticated appearance with dark woods, crisp whites and deep navy blues. They definitely don’t have the personality that you can find at the Contemporary and Polynesian . So, if you’re looking for a room with some “character,” the Yacht Club may not be your jam.

This could boil down to your preference. Are you looking for a casual, island theme and feeling welcome to wander through the lobby in bathing suits and flip-flops? Or do you want a sophisticated resort that feels like you should be sipping a cognac and lighting up a cigar? Both resorts deliver beautifully on their themes, but when it comes down to rooms, the Polynesian has the edge with having the most recently updated rooms with a bit more pizzazz.

Why You Should Add Disney’s Yacht Club to Your Resort Hopping List Right NOW

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel complete without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

The Polynesian’s whole vibe is stepping into a tropical oasis, so the pool game is strong with this one!

There are two pools at the Polynesian: the Lava Pool and the Oasis Pool. However, the Lava Pool is the showstopper here — because it’s a volcano! Ok, not a for-real volcano, obvi, but it has a waterslide from the top of the volcano’s peak, which is pretty epic.

Even if you’re not looking to swoosh down a volcano waterslide, the lounge area at these pools and the pool bars (which definitely enhance the atmosphere), the Barefoot Pool Bar , and the Oasis Bar & Grill . And Capt. Cook’s and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace  are also so close they could be considered pool area enhancements, too.

Poolside at the Polynesian

There are lots of drink options and plenty of food options for your day by the pool. You can even try a DFB Dole Whip drink hack that became a permanent menu item on the Barefoot Pool Bar menu !

And now we’re officially on island time!

The Yacht Club may be understated when it comes to its lobby and resort rooms, but it is not to be outdone in the pool category. Disney’s Yacht Club shares a pool complex with its neighboring resort, the Beach Club, Stormalong Bay.

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club

Stormalong Bay is a destination on all its own. This pool complex is almost like its own mini-water park, with sand at the bottom and even a lazy river! So, your kiddos can take advantage of the ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide, while you leisurely float around the lazy river, so just relax on of the many lounge chairs.

Stormalong Bay Shipwreck

Stormalong Bay is also nestled in close to Beaches and Cream , an iconic ice cream shop, providing over-the-top milkshakes, sundaes, and comfort junk food essentials like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Both have two pools, and both have pool bars, lounge chairs, and splash areas. Are you looking for adventure on a shipwrecked water slide or a cruise down a lazy river? Or something a bit more casual and with that island vibe? Seeking the pure wow factor with the Volcano and the proximity to Dole Whips ? Or are you craving getting your toes in the sand and a deluxe ice cream sundae?

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Yacht Club, because that pool is just epic!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese , and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal . We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see who these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

Polynesian Village

Polynesian Village has ten (10!) dining options, including lounges and pool bars (because those count!)!

Barefoot Pool Bar   is the perfect place to grab a specialty cocktail to enjoy while lounging  by the Lava Pool . Oasis Pool Bar & Grill   serves up Polynesian-themed food and specialty cocktails to guests enjoying the  Oasis Pool.

Captain Cook’s   is a  quick-service location , popular for being the place you can grab Tonga Toast for breakfast in the morning, and  Island-inspired dishes like the Pulled Pork Nachos and Thai Coconut Meatballs for lunch and dinner.

Capt. Cook’s

The recently renovated and reopened Kona Cafe serves  breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual setting . The sweet Tonga Toast makes breakfast at Kona is a guest favorite . Kona Island   conveniently sits right off the second-floor monorail entrance. In the morning, this location serves Kona coffee and pastries, while at night, it becomes a sushi bar with cocktails.

Kona Cafe is right next to Kona Island

‘Ohana  has an  oak wood fire pit that flavors the grilled meats served at an  all-you-care-to-enjoy meal  each evening. In the morning, Lilo and Stitch entertain guests during an  Island-style character breakfast . Hawaiian side dishes complement each meal. Tambu Lounge   is a relaxing bar where you can enjoy a drink prior to your dinner at ‘Ohana or Kona Cafe. The  Lapu Lapu  (a rum concoction served in a pineapple) is its claim to fame.

Our favorite noodles

Pineapple Lanai   is where you can find the famous  Dole Whip ! This is a Polynesian Village Resort claim to fame, as it was the first Disney World Resort where Dole Whip was served outside of the parks. The Polynesian remains the only Resort with its own spot dedicated to the treat.

Pineapple Lanai is the best spot for Dole Whip!

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto   is a  unique tiki bar  located in the Great Ceremonial House, complete with an  interactive room  (elements react based on the ordering of certain drinks) and  wacky hijinks from your servers , the Skippers!  Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace   is the more relaxed (but still entertaining)  outdoor counterpart  to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

Learn more about the Polynesian Village Resorts Restaurants here!

Hurricane Hanna’s is a pool bar, tucked under the Stormalong Bay waterslide that provides fixes for your hunger without having to wander too far from the pool.

The Yacht Club is home to two lounges, one quick-service market, a table service option, and a Disney Signature dining restaurant. Not to mention its close proximity to Beach Club and all of those dining options.

The Market at Ale & Compass

An ideal spot to relax with a nightcap while winding down for the evening, or to grab a bite or two from their substantial appetizer menu, head over to Ale & Compass Lounge . The Ale & Compass Lounge is one part of the  Ale & Compass dining concept  at the Yacht Club, which also includes  The Market at Ale & Compass  and the  Ale & Compass Restaurant .

Ale & Compass Lounge

Located right next to  Yachtsman Steakhouse  at  Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , the  Crew’s Cup Lounge is a great place to get a bite and a drink in a relaxing, cozy atmosphere — and it’s a DFB favorite! In addition to  specialty cocktails and a full bar ,  a robust food menu  is served during evening hours as well, including a few full meals. During dinner hours at the Yachtsman, you’ll have a direct view through a glass window of steak being butchered for the steakhouse – so cool!

Crew’s Cup Lounge

Ale & Compass Restaurant  is the  table service  component of the Ale & Market dining concept in Disney’s Yacht Club, which also includes  The Market at Ale & Compass  along with the refreshed  Ale & Compass Lounge . The atmosphere offers a  gastropub ambiance while comfort food (New England-inspired) is featured  on the menu. A la carte options for  breakfast  include classic American breakfast fare, with a few twists like the Dark Chocolate Waffle and Salted Caramel-Apple French Toast, and a pastry buffet option may be paired with your choice of entree. Casual  lunch  options include Fish & Chips, burgers, and more.  Dinner  offerings feature specialties like the New England Seafood Pot Pie and Pappardelle pasta dishes, among others.

Ale and Compass Restaurant

The Market at Ale & Compass  is a  Counter Service  location at  Disney’s Yacht Club Resort . Simple convenience is the name of the game, with a focus on grab-and-go items. However, hot sandwiches, specialty desserts — and even a coffee bar — round out the options nicely. Open for  breakfast, lunch, and dinner , The Market at Ale & Compass is the quick service component of the Ale & Compass dining concept at the Yacht Club, which also includes the  Ale & Compass Restaurant  and the  Ale & Compass Lounge .

Visit the Marketplace

Yachtsman Steakhouse comes highly recommended by any discerning carnivore. The  steaks here are some of the best on property , and the service is often excellent. This craftsman-inspired dining room at  Disney’s Yacht Club Resort  caters to all tastebuds with a variety of dishes, incredible sides, and amazing, cut-in-house steaks.

8-oz Filet Mignon

Is The CHEESIEST Soup in Disney World Hiding at This Forgotten Restaurant?

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you and your family love some more “unique” food, and options that vary away from the traditional comfort food of fried chicken, steak, seafood, burgers, and chicken nuggets, then the Polynesian might be your jam! All of its menus are influenced by island flavors, and though not bizarre or untraditional, you’ll definitely find some creative takes on your familiar favorites.

Kids’ Sushi

The Yacht Club really dances that line nicely with the Ale & Compass offerings, the cozy lounge at Crew’s Cup, and those amazing steaks at Yachtsman

EVERYTHING to Eat at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

Polynesian Village is on the Monorail loop . It’s the first stop after the Transportation & Ticketing Center (TTC) on the way to the Magic Kingdom. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is also a boat option to sail across Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. You can also get your steps in by strolling the walkway over to Magic Kingdom, but it’s not for the faint of heart as it is about a 20-25 minute walk.

Boat launch from Polynesian Village Resort to Magic Kingdom

If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks.

Polynesian Bus Service

But if EPCOT is your park for the day, here is where the difference sets in. Because the Poly is so close to the Transportation & Ticketing Center, if you don’t mind a brief 5-10 minute walk, you can waltz over to the TTC and board a Monorail to whiz you off to EPCOT. This may give the Poly the edge over the Grand Floridian as it does provide relatively easy access to that EPCOT Monorail loop .

The Yacht Club is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, next to Beach Club Resort, and across the lake from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.  This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks.

Disney buses can get you just about anywhere!

And as if walkways, boats, and busses weren’t enough options for you, Yacht Club guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.

Walt Disney World Skyliner

These neighboring resorts are pretty much a tie when it comes to transportation. They both have pretty quick access to TWO Disney parks, and have the options of busses, boats, and even direct walkways to help you get around.

The Polynesian is right on the Monorail loop, and the Yacht Club gives you access to the Skyliner, so they both have some unique offerings as well. It might just boil down to which parks do you plan to spend more time in, Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom?

Why You Should Skip the Monorail on Your Next Magic Kingdom Trip

The winner.

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Polynesian vs. Yacht Club battle? We hate to say it, but it depends ! The Polynesian may seem like a clear choice because of its theming and popularity with Disney fans. If the Yacht Club seemed like the clear choice to you, it is a great hotel, it has an awesome pool and is just a quick walk from EPCOT’s World Showcase. It’s up to you and your group to decide what makes the most sense for you using all that we talked about above.

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Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide for Disney World in 2023

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What do you think? Is Polynesian Village or Yacht Club Resort better? Let us know in the comments!

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