The 7 Disney Resorts Every Guest Should Visit

Walt Disney World Guests can sometimes fall into thinking that they will only get the full Disney experience by visiting the Disney Parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. In fact, we’d argue that Guests are missing out on the full Disney experience by not visiting the Resort hotels, as well as the theme parks. 

Not only can you find unique merchandise and snacks in every Walt Disney World Resort hotel, but there are also some stunning views to take in. They are also places to see the incredible work of Walt Disney Imagineering.

The Disney Resort hotels offer great places to shop, dine, relax, take photos and maybe even learn something new. Another reason we love to explore Disney Resorts is to experience the different modes of transport offered around Walt Disney World. When you limit your vacation to traveling between the Disney theme parks and your Disney hotel, you will mostly use the Walt Disney World Transportation System buses. 

There are, however, 32 different hotels to visit on Disney property, so you may be wondering which Resorts you should visit if you’re planning on taking time out of the Disney theme parks. Let us share with you the 7 Walt Disney World Resort hotels that we think you should set aside time for on your next visit to Lake Buena Vista. 

Disney’s Pop Century Resort & Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

We’ll start with two of the Disney Value Resorts. Located at the end of the Disney Skyliner line from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, these Resorts are connected via a walkway across Hourglass Lake.

We love to visit these Disney hotels and explore their grounds. When it comes to dining and shopping, each Resort only has one shop and one quick-service restaurant. Of course, you are likely to find unique Resort merchandise in the shop and a variety of food options in the dining locations, but you should visit these Disney Resorts for their larger-than-life Disney characters and excellent photo opportunities. 

A great time to visit Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts would be after a morning in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, especially if you’ve taken advantage of early theme Park entry. Catch the Disney Skyliner, then enjoy a stroll around each of the Resorts. If you have purchased a Refillable Mug from your Disney Resort, make sure to take it with you on your travels, as you’ll be able to refill it in Landscape of Flavors in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, or Everything POP Shopping & Dining in Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Similar to Pop Century and Art of Animation, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort features larger-than-life Disney characters that make the perfect backdrop for a photo. We especially love to visit the Toy Story (1995) and 101 Dalmatians (1961) sections of this Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s All-Star Movies is close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so it will offer the perfect place to detour after a wild morning at the Disney Park. You will need to access the Value Resort using the Disney buses unless you have access to your own car or don’t mind catching an Uber or taxi.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Moving onto the Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is located close to Magic Kingdom. As such, it’s an easy Resort to visit after a morning in the Disney theme Park, following early theme Park entry. It’s also a great place to visit before spending the rest of the evening in Magic Kingdom. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from if you’d like to dine outside Magic Kingdom. We love to enjoy breakfast in the Grand Floridian Cafe. If you’re looking for a sophisticated place to enjoy dinner, Citrico’s is the place to go.

But why should you visit Disney’s Grand Floridian? Well, the grand lobby of this Disney Resort is quite simply stunning. It’s a place to find Hidden Mickeys, as well as admire decor inspired by Victorian elegance, and a gorgeous place to sit, relax, and listen to the sound of the Grand Floridian piano player. 

We love to travel to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in one of two ways from Magic Kingdom. Take the Disney Monorail, and enjoy a trip around Seven Seas Lagoon, passing by Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Transportation & Ticket Center, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Alternatively, catch the water taxi across Seven Seas Lagoon, and hop off at the first stop. 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Just a little further around Seven Seas Lagoon from Disney’s Grand Floridian is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This Hawaiian paradise has everything you need to feel as though you’re somewhere else. Admire the Grand Ceremonial House, and be sure to get your own Lei from a Cast Member. Browse Bou-Tiki, before treating yourself to a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai. Enjoy your frozen treat while strolling the beautiful gardens of the Resort before heading down to the beach.

There are plenty of dining locations to stop by in Disney’s Polynesian Village. If you’re visiting in the late afternoon, stop by Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto to see if there’s space for you to enjoy a beverage (alcoholic or not!) in an immersive experience!

The idea is to visit Disney’s Polynesian Village and Grand Floridian Resorts on the same day if you’re running short on time.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Also accessible from Magic Kingdom is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Catch a water taxi from the Disney theme Park across Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. This will allow you to explore the beautiful grounds of the Deluxe Resort, through the trees, gardens, and waterfalls, before entering the grand lobby. Take a seat on a cabin sofa or rocking chair and look above to take in all of the details in the seven-story lobby, as well as the smell from the log fire and the wooden features.

If you wish to spend a little longer, there are awesome dining experiences the Disney Resort offers. Whispering Canyon Cafe is a fun place to enjoy all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets. Artist Point offers Guests the chance to dine with characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Make sure to secure an advanced dining reservation at the restaurant of your choice to avoid disappointment.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The final Walt Disney World hotel that is a must for any Guest to visit is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Just a short bus ride from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it’s your chance to admire an incredible lobby that leads onto a savannah. Make sure to take in all of the details of the lobby, including the African displays. When looking over the savannah, look out for Cast Members who are there to answer any questions you have and provide information about the animals that call it home.

We’re sure you won’t regret the time away from the theme parks as you take to enjoy these Disney Resorts during your Disney vacation. They may even inspire you to stay there during your next Disney vacation! Remember, you can stay in a non-Disney hotel, but you are still welcome to visit and explore each Disney Resort hotel. Likewise, if you are a Disney Resort Guest, you can explore other Disney Resorts in addition to the one you are staying at.