If you’ve had the pleasure of staying at a Disney Resort you know it’s a fantastic experience from start to finish. You would be hard pressed to find a better customer service experience anywhere else.. and that’s just the icing on the cake. Disney not only offers the magic of their theme parks, their resorts are now chock-full of amenities and guest services. For those who enjoy Disney more than others, there’s always the option to purchase a time share with them through the Disney Vacation Club. While you’ll own “points” for a designated DVC resort you can use those points to stay in a variety of Disney Hotels and Resorts that go well-beyond just Disney World and Disneyland. Whether you own a Disney Vacation Club membership or your just a routine vacationer – you can pick some pretty sweet hotels to stay at. If you’re looking to spend some extra cash on the best – pick one of these five hotels and resorts.
10. Disney Old Key West Resort @ Disney World Resorts
The first resort on our list is the tranquil community created by Disney the Old Key West Resort. Pools, dining, palm trees – it’s just a nice place to hang your hat before you head out for an adventure to Downtown Disney or the parks. It’s not terribly expensive at $327 per night. And at this price the rooms are actually pretty close if not equivalent to some of the most expensive hotels on this list. A great value for your money resort.
9. Disney Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa @ Disney World Resorts
Inspired by the historic Saratoga Springs of the late 1800’s, this Victorian-style resort is a hidden treasure of value and elegance at Disney World. There are golf courses, transportation to the Disney Parks and just short travel to Downtown Disney where you can enjoy a night out with the family. It’s not going to kill your bank either – it’s just a little over $300 for basic accommodations.
8. Disney Wilderness Lodge @ Disney World Resorts
The Disney Wilderness Lodge is a nice little escape to America’s Great Northwest in Orlando, Florida. Perhaps one of the most underrated hotels in Disney World, this ‘great outdoors’ inspired hotel is a nice getaway in the midst of all the Disney World action. It’ll also cost you about half as much as some of the the other hotels on this list.
7. Disney Animal Kingdom Villas @ Disney World Resorts
One of the things about Disney is they don’t just do things for the sake of doing something. If they set their sights on something they achieve and than some. Such is the case with the Animal Kingdom Villas. They’ve created a safari-like feel at this hotel on the doorstep of the Animal Kingdom Park in Orlando. Yes, that’s a real giraffe you can see with his friends when you step out on your porch with your morning coffee. $350 a night.
6. Disney Boardwalk Villas @ Disney World Resort
What do you get when you mix HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Disney World? Well, that’s a horrible attempt at trying to describe The Boardwalk as old school New Jersey shore. In fact, it could be the furthest thing from it. For my money, The Boardwalk has just an incredible vintage feel and is a great place to stay. It’s not chock full of amenities like the other resorts, but it’s still amazing in its own right. Walking distance to Epcot Center and a small boat ride away from Hollywood Studios, it’ll cost you about $400 a night for the bare necessities.
5. Disney Beach Club Villas @ Disney World Resort
The Beach Club is a beautiful property that sits right next to Epcot Center in Orlando’s Disney World. The Beach Club offers a variety of activities and a sweet lagoon pool. The New England-style hotel has both studios and Villas. It’s walking distance to Epcot and small boat ride to Hollywood studios. You can’t go wrong here – but you better be prepared to spend around $400 a night for basic accommodations.
4. Aulani Disney Vacation Club Villas @ Ko Olina, Hawai’i
One of Disney’s hidden gems sits in Ko Olina, Hawai’i – The Aulani has everything you need for a family vacation. Pools, beaches, activities – all wrapped up in Disney’s brilliant presentation and service. It’s not cheap – it’s going to cost you about $500 a night for the basic accommodations, but look at it – you can’t beat it!
3. Bay Lake Tower at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort @ Disney World
The Bay Lake Tower (or as some better know it as the Contemporary Resort puts you right in the middle of the action of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Get the right room and you can watch the ‘Wishes’ fireworks show from your room over the trademark Castle. Yes, it has the location, but it also has some of the best dining in all of Disney. Throw in some family activities and a killer pool and you can’t beat it.
2. The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa @ Disneyland Resort
The Grand Californian is Disneyland’s premier hotel. It boasts a 19th century feel and is just a masterful piece of architecture. Once again, you have access to both Disneyland parks, which is key, but you also have incredible dining, pools, a full spa and everything in between. It’s really a great hotel for the family, but also for couples to get away and be adults and kids all in the same trip. It’s about a $500 a night stay.
1. The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa @ Disney World
Perhaps Disney’s best hotel to date is the Grand Floridian. It’s just an absolute masterpiece. There are white sand beaches on the lagoon, pools, spas, dining and, of course, the monorail to Magic Kingdom. It has everything including a nice view of the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle. It’s going to cost you more than $500, but it’s absolutely worth it!
Images via Disney
