Our Top 3 Walt Disney World Resorts
As you may know, we have had the pleasure of staying at every Walt Disney World Resort. Each resort is different and the offerings between the resorts can vary greatly, even within the same resort category. We have resorts that we love, and ones that we love less. In this post we’re going to tell you why we love our Top 3 Resorts and why we think your family would love them too!
Disclosure: At Walt Disney World there are Deluxe Villas, Deluxe Resorts, Moderate Resorts and Value Resorts. Comparing Value Resorts to Deluxe Resorts isn’t exactly fair, so we will do a future post related to our favorite resorts in each category.
Another Disclosure: These rankings are completely our opinion and are not based on any measurable objectives. Whether you agree or disagree, feel free to comment here.
So without further hesitation here is our Top 3 Resorts at Walt Disney World:
Number 3 - Riviera Resort
This resort is in our top 3 for obvious reasons; it is beautiful, has great transportation options, and it’s new!
The hotel is designed with European inspiration and has amazing views over most of Walt Disney World. Some of the best views (and food) on property can be found at Topolino’s Terrace. The rooms are wonderfully designed and they all feel close to the action since this resort is built upward (instead of spread out like moderate resorts).
When it comes to transportation, there are few places on property that are better. Getting to Epcot and Hollywood Studios is easy using the skyliner, and the other parks feel close with the resort's dedicated busing and central location on property. After a long park day, having efficient transportation makes our trip better - especially with children! Speaking of making life easier with children, our current favorite character breakfast is at the resort which is really convenient when getting your family up, ready and on time to those early reservations.
Lastly, this resort is the newest resort on property that isn’t the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. New isn’t always better, but the quality of the bedding, state of the furnishing and decorations, and optimal use of the space in the rooms is on point. This resort truly makes us feel like we are at home, if our home was on a European Riviera!
Number 2 - Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House
There are few resorts we have been to anywhere that match the scale and beauty of the lobby at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House. This is the resort our family has visited more than any other, and it is one of our home resorts we own through Disney Vacation Club. The rooms are decorated in the same African theme of the lobby, and between Jiko and Boma good food is easy to find.
Quick Interruption: Paula wants to mention the distinct smell of the Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House. She says it smells like "wood" and "warm", whatever that means.
If you choose a savannah view room, you will have the unforgettable experience of seeing animals right from your balcony. In our experience, it is common to come home from a long day in the parks to be greeted by giraffes right outside of our room. If you are going to Walt Disney World for once-in-a-lifetime/never want to forget memories, then this resort should be at the top of your list.
The transportation is split between Jambo House and Kidani Village, but each location only has one stop, so this doesn't negatively impact the experience too much. If you can’t tell, resorts that do not have their own busing or have multiple bus stops are generally not our favorite. One of the obvious downsides to the resort is its distance from just about anything on property but the lush setting, 11,000 square foot pool and animal filled savannas make the extra travel time worth it for our family.
We're not really sure why (maybe because the resort is secluded?) but this resort feels relaxing to us - more relaxing than any other on property. It is always quiet, The Mara (quick service restaurant) always feels empty, and the pools never feel over-crowded. The rooms have been going through an upgrade so depending on where that process is at it is possible that the rooms could feel a little worn, especially when compared to a resort like Riviera.
Quick Note: Whoever at Disney made the decision to switch to clothes steamers in the rooms (instead of irons) made one of the best decisions in recent memory at the resorts. The steamers they chose work wonderfully, and we have tried to buy one from the resort every time we have visited recently because we cannot find the same steamer anywhere!
Number 1 - Grand Floridian
This is probably not a surprising choice to anyone, but it is very hard to compete with a resort this elegant that is within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. The night-time views of Cinderella's Castle from the Grand Floridian are some of our favorite on property, and if you're willing to spend some extra money, there are food options at this resort that are second to none (cue Victoria and Albert’s). The rooms are wonderfully appointed, and, in the words of Disney, you will experience "Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish Disney Resort hotel".
All of our room views have been amazing and they consist generally of Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, or the monorail. Transportation to Magic Kingdom is easy with a short monorail ride (or boat ride) and to Epcot is efficient with a few monorail rides. We are not really a fan of the transportation options to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom (shared busing with another resort) and, because of this, our stay at Grand Floridian was Magic Kingdom/Epcot focused.
The pools at the Grand Floridian are all great experiences, and it has the added benefit of a full-service spa and salon onsite. Although it is temporarily unavailable, there is a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the resort as well.
Lastly, being on the monorail gives you easy access to all monorail resorts and the amazing experiences that are at each. One of our favorites is stopping over at Trader Sam's (at the Polynesian) for a late-night drink. Although this is not part of the Grand Floridian, its proximity is an added bonus for our family.
We hope you enjoyed reading about our favorite Walt Disney World Resorts. As always, you can visit us on Instagram (@practicallyperfectfamily) to follow along with our adventures!
Have a magical day!
