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Top Disney Resorts to Visit for a Magical Walt Disney World Experience

The magic of Walt Disney World doesn’t end when you leave the parks—it extends to the enchanting Disney Resorts, each one offering unique experiences and immersive themes. While many guests rush back to the parks, taking a moment to enjoy your Disney Resort—or visiting other stunning resorts—is a fantastic way to add a magical touch to your vacation.

With Disney’s free transportation, visiting resorts is easy. Whether by bus, boat, monorail, or the Disney Skyliner, you can hop from park to resort or from one resort to another, making it easy to explore new locations and enjoy great dining, scenic views, and Disney ambiance. Here are some of our favorite Disney Resorts to visit during our trips.


Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Few Disney Resorts are as iconic as Disney’s Contemporary Resort. With the monorail gliding through its grand lobby and a convenient walkway to Magic Kingdom, this resort is a must-visit.

The Contemporary offers a variety of excellent dining options, from character dining at Chef Mickey’s to upscale meals at California Grill, where you can enjoy views of Happily Ever After. For a relaxed yet delightful experience, try Steakhouse 71 Lounge, which features one of the best burgers at Walt Disney World.

Disney's Contemporary Resort Rooms
Credit: Disney

Besides the dining, the Contemporary is a great place to explore. Walk around the shops, relax in open spaces, or take in the bustling monorail. The Contemporary’s central location and unique features make it a great break during a Magic Kingdom day.


Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has grown into a true destination in its own right, thanks to the addition of Gran Destino Tower. This moderate resort combines Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American themes, offering beautiful views around its lake, Lago Dorado.

Evenings at Coronado Springs are especially enchanting. Guests can enjoy a meal or drink at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, located on an island in the middle of the lake, with views of the surrounding resort. Coronado Springs also hosts Sangria University, where guests learn how to craft sangria while sampling unique varieties.

Disney's Coronado Springs across the water at Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Disney

With its mix of vibrant architecture and a range of dining and lounge options, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.


Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Step into an African safari experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where guests can view giraffes, zebras, and other animals from various observation points and even some guest rooms. The immersive African theming and rich natural surroundings make Animal Kingdom Lodge one of the most breathtaking Disney Resorts.

For dining, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers unique restaurants like Boma and Sanaa. Boma offers a lively buffet with African-inspired flavors, while Sanaa provides views of the savanna alongside delicious Indian and African dishes. Between the dining, animal sightings, and stunning views, Animal Kingdom Lodge is an experience all its own.


Disney’s Riviera Resort

For a European-inspired escape, Disney’s Riviera Resort is a beautiful option with easy access via the Disney Skyliner. Modeled after the Mediterranean and filled with touches inspired by Walt Disney’s own travels, this resort offers elegant dining, artful decor, and lush grounds.

If you’re visiting the Riviera, consider booking a reservation at Topolino’s Terrace for breakfast or dinner. The character breakfast brings Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy dressed in art-inspired outfits, while the evening transforms into an elegant dining experience with rooftop views of the surrounding parks. For a quick bite, Primo Piatto offers quality food in a casual setting.

Take time to walk around the Riviera and enjoy the mosaics featuring scenes from Disney classics like Peter Pan and Tangled. The beauty of Disney’s Riviera Resort makes it an inspiring destination for relaxation.


Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Adjacent to Disney’s Riviera Resort and a major Skyliner hub, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is another top spot for a resort visit. This sprawling resort offers lush tropical scenery, a laid-back atmosphere, and excellent walking paths.

For dining, Banana Cabana is a poolside lounge that serves refreshing drinks and appetizers, perfect for a relaxing afternoon break. The family-style Caribbean flavors at Sebastian’s Bistro provide a delicious, tropical meal that’s sure to please.

A scenic view of a Disney World Resort at dusk with a purple and pink sky. The resort buildings are set along a calm lake, reflecting the colorful sky and structures. Trees and lush greenery surround the area, with a wooden walkway and an old cannon in the foreground.
Credit: Disney

With its central Skyliner location and tranquil surroundings, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a perfect retreat after a day at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.


Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Just a short monorail or boat ride from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a tropical escape, complete with tiki torches, lush landscaping, and island vibes. The Polynesian is an ideal stop for a midday break or an evening visit.

Dining options here are both diverse and highly popular. ‘Ohana serves an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal that’s perfect for families, while Kona Cafe offers a relaxed dining experience with unique menu options. For those looking for a bit of fun and entertainment, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a hidden gem featuring themed cocktails and interactive experiences.

Whether for a meal, a drink, or simply a walk around the grounds, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort provides a welcoming, tropical escape from the theme parks.


How to Make the Most of Your Disney Resort Visits

As you plan your next Disney vacation, remember that each Disney Resort offers its own special brand of magic. With their unique theming, immersive dining experiences, and scenic surroundings, visiting Disney Resorts adds a whole new dimension to your trip.

To fully enjoy these resorts, take advantage of Disney’s complimentary transportation options. Plan a resort day or allocate time in your itinerary to explore one or two new resorts. Whether you’re taking the monorail, Skyliner, boat, or bus, you’ll find that visiting other Disney Resorts is easy, fun, and adds an exciting element to your vacation.


Disney Resorts offer more than just a place to sleep—they provide a continuation of the Disney magic, each one offering its own unique experiences, from African savannas to Caribbean beaches. Take a break from the parks and explore the resorts on this list for a new perspective on the magic that is Walt Disney World.

Enjoy your stay, and remember to relax and soak up every enchanting moment Disney has to offer!

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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