There are so many Disney resorts to choose from – it is hard to narrow down which one to pick! We curated the most popular ones so you can see what the consensus is! Here are some of the most popular Walt Disney World resorts for 2023.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
This is considered a Magic Kingdom resort, as it is in great proximity to the iconic theme park. But this destination feels so far removed from everything theme park related. The road you take to get to the resort makes it feel as if you are driving into the wilderness.
From the moment the building comes into your vision, you feel as though you are transported to the West. The Imagineers took inspiration from a few different national parks, including Yellowstone. Specifically for the outside, if you have been to the Old Faithful Inn just next to the famous Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone, you might recognize this building (and even the fireplace!)
As you walk into the building, it feels grand and overwhelming. The idea was the Imagineers wanted visitors to get the feeling as if they were walking into nature. The waterfall outside is gorgeous, and there is even a geyser that goes off every hour!
Not only is the theming for this resort spectacular, but the food choices are also fantastic. Make sure you go out past the pool and eat at Geyser Point Bar & Grill! It’s one of my favorite spots on the property.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
This is considered an EPCOT resort and honestly is in one of the best spots on all of Disney’s property. Located on Crescent Lake, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is nestled on the boardwalk with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. It is within great walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus has easy access to the Skyliner.
Did you know the pool at this resort has a lazy river? Stormalong Bay is one of the most popular and exclusive pools in all of Disney. The access to this pool is so protected, Guests are verified if they are staying at Beach or Yacht Club and receive a wristband. The slide is so much fun and there is even sand at the bottom of some of the pools!
If those points haven’t sold you yet – I have two more words for you. ICE. CREAM. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is an iconic Walt Disney World staple. Get the kitchen sink – one scoop of every type of ice cream they serve, plus all of the toppings! It is served in – you guessed it – a kitchen sink.
Fort Wilderness Campgrounds
Hear me out – this resort is a surprise and delight. There are a few options for bunking here: a tent, an RV, and a cabin. This place is AMAZING during Halloween and Christmas. Everyone is so committed to decorating and creating such a fun environment. There are even families that stay here in RVs for months at a time!
The resort rents golf carts, bikes, and boats. There are so many activities to enjoy if you want a break from the parks. PLUS you are super close to the infamous Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review – the amazing dinner show performed nightly at Fort Wilderness.
If you decide not to stay at Fort Wilderness during the Christmas season – HERE IS OUR EVER SO IMPORTANT ADVICE. Make a late reservation at Hoop-Dee-Doo, and get to the resort early. Rent a golf cart and drive around the campground. The holiday decorations are GORGEOUS and it is just so fun and festive!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort
This resort is designed by the same person as Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, so the same feeling of grandeur is present in the lobby. The Christmas tree displayed in this resort is honestly one of my favorites in December. (Can you tell I love Disney resorts and Christmas?)
Do you love getting a chance to see real animals while riding the Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Well, this resort offers the opportunity for you to see some of that animal from your BEDROOM! Wake up in the morning and see a couple of giraffes as the sun rises over the horizon as you sip on a hot cup of coffee. Heavenly.
The food at this resort is nothing short of exquisite. Boma has one of the absolute best buffets that Disney offers. Plus one of the best lunches I have ever had at Disney was at Sanaa, over in the DVC area of the resort. (Get the bread service. You won’t regret it.)
Animals from your balcony and fantastic food all in one place? It honestly can’t get much better than that.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
This is the newest addition to the resort repertoire, and it does not disappoint! This resort is themed after the French Riviera, and it is charming and absolutely beautiful.
Many of the older resorts were built to withstand some wear and tear from a lot of families going in and out. After the Four Seasons opened in 2014, it was almost as if Disney wanted to respond with something a little classier than what already existed. Enter this gorgeous lobby.
This is also one of the only resorts that have its fancy coffee bar! There are specialty coffee drinks, as well as some yummy and exclusive pastries and desserts. Grab a drink and a snack, and head next door to the library seating area. There are not a lot of spots in Walt Disney World that showcase Walt Disney himself, but throughout this hallway and library, there are some great tributes to him. There are dozens of framed photos of Walt traveling the world, and mementos of early Disney Company history. It feels as though you are transported back in time.
Where is your favorite place to stay at Walt Disney World?
