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Top 10 Walt Disney World Resort Lobbies

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort

The best planned Walt Disney World vacations include time to relax outside of the parks, and a perfect way to do this is to check out the amazing lobbies at the onsite Walt Disney World resorts. There are more than 25 resorts that guests can stay at, organized into Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa categories. Each of these varies in price, amenities, and activities, yet each is well-themed and worth a visit to check it out for a few hours or as your accommodation of choice! I love taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks, jumping on the monorail, Walt Disney World bus, ferry boat, or even the Skyliner, and heading over to check out the lobbies of these resort. Some of the lobbies are full of activity, while others will inspire you to grab a beverage and snack, pull up a comfortable seat, and take in the ambiance. Visiting the resort lobbies at Christmastime is a definite must-do experience, as the holiday decorations are unmatched anywhere else! Here are my favorite spots to visit, and here’s why they might become your favorites too!

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10. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Enter a tropical hideaway as you step foot inside this resort. Lush foliage frames this lobby and lovely scents welcome you to the South Pacific. Many guests visit this resort for its delicious restaurants and luau show, but the lobby with its pretty views, upscale shops, and tropical lounges are definitely worth experiencing too.

9. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Celebrate the wonder of Disney and Pixar animation at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The theming is immediately apparent when you enter the lobby and see firsthand the magical sketches that brought our favorite animated films to life.  The new Skyliner system provides transportation service to this resort, making a stop here even more fun!

8. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Gran Destino Tower

This two-story lobby is truly magnificent! Tying together Mexican, Spanish, and American Southwest theming, this space offers sophisticated lounges, an impressive chandelier, and intricate details around every corner. You have to experience this new lobby area to believe it!

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7. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Hop on the Skyliner to check out the nostalgia of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, a trip back in time to Atlantic City in the early years of the 20th century. The lobby is large but calming and showcases a miniature carousel from the 1920s. The Boardwalk area itself is a great place to visit, so make a point to check out the lovely lobby area too. Definitely check out the lobby during the holiday season to see the impressive Christmas trees with vintage ornaments, as well as a unique gingerbread replica of the boardwalk area.

6. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter

Get ready for a charming ambiance as you step inside this resort’s lobby. A graceful fountain sets the stage for the theming of old New Orleans in the 19th century. Greenery and wrought iron give the lobby an airy, atrium look, and the jazzy sounds make it a fun place to stroll around.

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village

This is the sister resort to Jambo House mentioned below, and while the lobby is slightly smaller, it does not disappoint. Stroll through the warm and inviting space to the amazing rear windows that offer an impressive view of the lush savanna and its animal inhabitants.   An outdoor porch allows more opportunities to unwind and observe the 30 species of wildlife on the savanna. The delicious smells wafting from the ground floor draw guests down to Sanaa, an amazing restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the savanna.

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House

As soon as you enter the lobby of this resort, you are immediately transported to exotic Africa, with savory smells, lofty thatched ceilings, and authentic African artifacts and décor. It’s a comfortable space as well, with cozy seating areas and a mud fireplace. The theming is so well done that you would swear you’re not in Florida anymore!

3. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Cozy elegance is the first thing that comes to mind when I step inside this nautically-themed resort lobby. An enormous globe draws your attention as you walk in, framed by the lovely view of the lake through the back doors. Comfortable chairs and sofas are arranged in small groups, setting up a perfect spot to relax with a drink from the nearby lounge. A curved staircase leads up to the second floor, where a captain’s wheel and more chairs invite you to relax and watch the lobby below.

2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Victorian influences grace this elegant lobby. The sophisticated atmosphere is a comfortable spot to unwind and refresh before you head out for more adventures. Multiple quaint shops and restaurants are sprinkled around the lobby area, making it a perfect spot to spend a few hours.

1. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

This lobby is very popular, and for good reason. As you walk through the front doors and into the National Park lodges of America’s Northwest region, get ready for a jaw-dropping sight! Follow the lofty totem poles up to the soaring ceiling, admire the colorful headdresses and Native American pieces and soak in the rustic American beauty that this lobby has to offer. Grab a chair by the impressive fireplace and relax, or cross the small bridge that covers a creek which eventually meanders outdoors. There is something amazing to look in every direction in this magnificent space.

About Melissa Fegely

I have been a professional writer for over 18 years with degrees in Biology and English. I am a lifelong Disney fan and a Disney Vacation Club member of over nine years. Having visited Walt Disney World several times growing up, I really caught the Disney bug after many trips with my husband. Now I am happily addicted to taking our son to Walt Disney World as often as possible and watching him experience the magic and Mickey Bars as he grows up. Traveling to Walt Disney World twice a year, I enjoy attending the Flower and Garden festival held in the spring and strolling around the World Showcase, as well as exploring all of the hidden gems that all four parks have to offer. I love helping my family and friends plan their next Disney trips based on my experiences. I also enjoy reading, swimming, traveling, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, attended Shippensburg University, and current live in suburban Philadelphia with my husband, son, and two cats.