The Best of Walt Disney World Resorts

Since 1971 the Walt Disney World Resort has not only been a vacation paradise because of its Theme Park, but because of the wide variety of recreation opportunities hosted at themed resort hotels. Staying on property is a must for many faithful Disney fans not only because of the special perks that come with a Disney Resort stay, but because they know where to find the best. Take a look at our top picks for the best of Walt Disney World Resorts.

Best Resort Locations

They say that location is everything, and if you're taking a short trip down to Disney, nothing could be truer. If you want to be right in on the action, that means a resort with direct access to the Epcot, or the Magic Kingdom. Staying at a resort right on the Magic Kingdom monorail line at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa gives you fast front door access to Disney's most popular Park.

Across the property, Epcot Area Resorts like the Disney' Yacht Club, Disney's Beach Club, and Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas offer both walkways and boat service to Epcot as well as Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Coming up quickly on this list is Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. It may not be connected directly to a Disney Park, but both offer fast access to Disney Springs, and as the shopping, dinning, and entertainment complex comes into its full potential these rooms become a prime location for quick weekend getaways.


Right Next to the Magic Kingdom


Best Resort Views

Disney's Polynesian Village invokes the feeling of south sea isles, but rooms with a Magic Kingdom view become even more enchanting after dark when you can view Wishes from your balcony.

For something truly unique, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna view rooms allow guests to look out their windows at a plethora of African wildlife roaming the resort's private savannas. For the top view here, stay on the 3rd floor.

For travelers search for a great view at a lower cost, try a room with a Sassagoula River view at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside Resort.


Water View (Marina) at Disney's Grand Floridian


Best Resort Recreation

Without even going to the Parks, there is a lot to do at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Many off them offer pools, play grounds, marinas, bike rentals, jogging trails, movies under the stars, marshmallow roasts, and diverse interactive cultural demonstrations.

The Best Marina services goes to Disney's Contemporary Resort, where not only can guests rent a wide variety of watercraft, but also head out on a fishing excursion, give parasailing a try, or take a nighttime Pirates & Pals Cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts is the King of Disney hotel pools. This 3+ acre water playground is a mini water park reserved exclusively for guests of these two Epcot area hotels. You can build sand castles, catch a current in the lazy river, and zip down a 230-foot-long waterslide.

Take a relaxing dip in one of the secluded hot tubs of the Uzima Springs pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The bubbling retreats are especially nice after dark when the lush landscaping transports you to deepest Africa.


Yacht & Beach Club's Stormalong Bay


Best Resort Restaurants

There are a lot of phenomenal Quick Service Restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resorts, but for sheer delicious variety Art of Animations' Landscape of Flavors is our Best Pick because it can cover just about all the bases in one stop. The food-court design with one central pay point means that just about everyone I the family will be able to find something they like.

Best Table Service Restaurant day or night goes to the Whispering Canyon Cafe where a fun atmosphere and down home cooking combine for a great family meal at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Order up an all-you-care-to-eat platter, or off the a la carte menu, either way you'll get a taste of hearty western fare.

Some of the Disney Resorts also offer a Signature Dining establishment as well. These table service eateries tend to have a little something more to them when it comes to both food and atmosphere. At the top of the pack is the California Grill, with its stunning views of the property, and modern west coast menu.

Finally, in a class of its own is the AAA Five Diamond, James Beard Award nominated fine dining experience that is Victoria and Albert's. This jewel of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa (and truly of all central Florida) is an elegant up-scale experience, with seasonal haute cuisine and top-notch service that you will never forget.


California Grill's Floor To Ceiling Windows


There are so many fantastic things to cover when you talk about the Walt Disney World Resorts - did I hit your favorites? No? Then leave a comment and share what you think is the best of Walt Disney World Resorts.