Disney hotels have designed to immerse guests in the “Disney magic” well after they leave the theme parks, but some do this better than others.
While Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has a formal classification system, Disney hotels globally can generally be divided into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Each category caters to different budgets and comfort preferences, providing guests with a wide range of options.
How Do Disney’s Hotels Work?
Value Resorts offer budget-friendly accommodations that maintain a Disney theme but keep amenities simple. These resorts, such as the All-Star Resorts and Art of Animation at Walt Disney World, appeal to guests seeking affordable stays while enjoying park proximity.
Brightly decorated with fun, playful themes, Value Resorts include essential services and convenient transportation options to the parks. However, they come without luxurious extras, focusing instead on wallet-friendly (well, wallet-friendly-ish, as is the Disney way) prices, appealing to families and visitors who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.
Moderate Resorts, a step up in both price and quality, bring guests more immersive themes and amenities without entering the luxury bracket. Options like Disney’s Coronado Springs and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort offer spacious rooms, larger pools, and extra dining options, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment.
These resorts cater to visitors who want a more leisurely and immersive Disney experience without a significant increase in cost. By providing a balanced mix of quality and price, Moderate Resorts attract guests seeking comfort while staying within a reasonable budget.
At the top of Disney’s accommodation hierarchy are Deluxe Resorts, which offer the most elegant and premium Disney experience. Properties like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offer guests sophisticated rooms, upscale dining, and exclusive amenities like concierge services and luxurious pools.
Often located close to theme parks, these resorts prioritize convenience, high-quality service, and immersive themes, creating a refined experience for those seeking a more luxurious vacation. Deluxe Resorts tend to appeal to guests who are willing to spend more to enjoy Disney’s finest hospitality, along with the most accessible park locations.
Which Disney Hotel Is the Worst?
Given the differences in categories, one might assume the lowest-rated Disney hotel would fall under the Value category. Surprisingly, this is not the case.
Based on reviews, the lowest-rated Disney property is actually one of Disney’s mid-range offerings: Disney Sequoia Lodge Hotel at Disneyland Paris.
With a current rating of 2.9 stars on Yelp, this Moderate Resort falls below expectations despite its higher price tag compared to budget options like Disney Hotel Santa Fe and Disney Hotel Cheyenne. But what has led to this poor reputation?
Disney Sequoia Lodge is inspired by the rustic beauty of North American national parks, with an aesthetic that’s not totally dissimilar to Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World.
The resort is surrounded by tall trees and lush landscapes, offering a cozy atmosphere and warm décor, complete with a massive fireplace in its lobby. This is the resort’s highlight, containing Redwood Bar and Lounge – arguably one of Disney’s best bars – and transforming into one of the most festive spots at Disneyland Paris once the holidays hit.
However, Sequoia Lodge struggles to live up to expectations when it comes to the guest rooms. Numerous reviews cite a “history of smelly, dirty rooms” and outdated facilities, particularly in the bathrooms.
Guests note that while the rooms are fairly spacious, their dated decor and lack of essential features, such as adequate power outlets, detract from the overall experience. Although the rooms feature subtle Bambi-inspired décor, the limited updates over the years make the accommodations feel tired and in need of a refresh.
But All Hope Isn’t Lost for Disney Sequoia Lodge
Despite its lackluster ratings, there is hope for Sequoia Lodge. Disneyland Paris has undertaken extensive renovations across its properties in recent years.
Disney Hotel Cheyenne was updated in 2017 with refreshed flooring, bedding, and facilities. During the pandemic, Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel underwent a substantial overhaul, transforming the property with Marvel-themed decor, elevating the entire hotel experience.
Additionally, the Disneyland Hotel recently completed a princess-themed renovation, which, although much (much) more costly, has delighted guests. The success of these renovations points to potential improvements in Sequoia Lodge’s future, especially as Disney continues to invest in upgrades across its Paris properties.
In October last year, it was revealed that a construction company had been tasked with the complete renovation of Sequoia Lodge, promising updates to every guest room. There’s since been no more news on an actual timeframe, with Disney seemingly shifting its attention to Disney Davy Crockett Ranch instead.
However, with the resort gradually working through all of its hotels, it’s safe to say that Disney Sequoia Lodge’s revitalization is most likely still in the pipeline.
For now, Disney Sequoia Lodge remains among the less favored Disney hotels, with mixed reviews due to its aging facilities. However, given its natural charm and unique atmosphere, a thoughtful renovation could bring Sequoia Lodge closer to the quality Disney guests expect.
Once the upgrades are completed, Sequoia Lodge has the potential to become one of Disneyland Paris’s most beloved accommodations. Watch this space.
What’s your least favorite Disney hotel?
