The Best of the Best of Walt Disney World Resorts
The best resort pools
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Resort’s Club’s Storm-along Bay, a three-acre miniature water park; the Nanea Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort with its lush waterfall, steaming peak and picture-perfect views of Cinderella Castle; and the rock-filled Silver Creek Springs pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with its own erupting geyser.
best luxury resort
On Disney property are the public areas of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with its upscale Victorian ambiance and lagoon-side setting across from the Magic Kingdom® (rooms here are in need of a makeover, which is scheduled for early release). of 2014). Off property is the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, where you may be tempted to never leave the resort. And keep an eye out for the new Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, it’s sure to be top of this list!
Disney’s Best Luxury Villa Resort
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the newest Disney Deluxe Villa Resort in its repertoire. Second runner-up is Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with its cool, modern look, monorail access, and spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom.
better environment
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where hundreds of animals roam the savannah and the air pulses to the beat of African drums.
best lobby
How to choose? Three make the cut: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, all jaw-dropping in their grandeur.
Better Access to Parks
Disney’s Contemporary Resort with not only monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, but also a walking trail. Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where there is direct access to the monorail with no shuttle required to get to both Epcot® and the Magic Kingdom (a short walk is required to get to the Transportation & Ticket Center and the Epcot Direct Monorail). And any of the Epcot Resorts within walking distance of Epcot and a boat ride or long walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
best for romance
Disney’s Polynesian Resort, whose lush, tiki-torch-lit grounds and white-sand beaches with views of Cinderella Castle are simply heavenly.
The best for nature lovers
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for its waterfalls, gushing geysers and bubbling streams, all surrounded by majestic pines and shimmering Bay Lake.
The best lounges in the resort
California Grill Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with its splendid location on the 15th floor and unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and the Wishes fireworks show (must check in first at the second floor podium). Bluezoo Lounge at Walt Disney World Dolphin, the most elegant place in the area. And Il Mulino Lounge at Walt Disney World Swan’s, where a lively bar with live music is offered on Friday and Saturday nights.
The best views in the suite
the two-story presidential suites at Walt Disney World Dolphin, whose panoramic views are second to none; Disney’s Contemporary Resort 14th floor suites overlooking Bay Lake or, better yet, the Magic Kingdom, views that will blow your mind; the Royal Assante Presidential and Royal Kuba VP suites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with sweeping views of the resort’s exotic savannah; Grand Suite at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where fireworks can be viewed from four of five balconies; the Steeplechase Presidential Suite and Sonora VP Suite at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, whose expansive balconies overlook Crescent Lake and Epcot; and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Yellowstone Presidential and Yosemite VP Suites overlooking the resort’s beautiful courtyard pool and sparkling Bay Lake.
The best views from the rooms
Theme Park View Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the higher the better (reserve an Atrium Club concierge room on the 12th floor), with up-close views of Seven Seas Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, Castle and the Wishes fireworks show ; the Savanna View Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where exotic animals roam just below your balcony; Theme Park View Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Resort with views of Seven Seas Lagoon, a beautiful white-sand beach, and the castle and fireworks in the distance; and Deluxe Club Rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn with divine views of Crescent Lake and Epcot.
Best Concierge Lounge
Royal Palm Club at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, featuring a variety of appetizers and soothing music from the Grand Lobby below.
the best suites
The Royal Assante Presidential Suite at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with its thatched roof, hand-carved furnishings, African textiles, and sweeping views of the resort’s savannah; the two-story Walt Disney World Dolphin Presidential Suites decorated in divine contemporary style with views that stretch for miles; and Disney’s Polynesian Resort’s two-story King Kamehameha Suite decorated in a contemporary Asian style with South Seas fans cooling the open lofted living room.