This week we get to list our favorite Walt Disney World resorts. This can be a list of resorts you’ve stayed at, visited or would like to stay at. So, don’t think you only have to list resorts that you’ve actually stayed at.
However, before we get to that task I do want to comment on last weeks blog. The Rope Drop/Opening Show topped most Magic Kingdom lists, Beauty and The Beast stage show topped the Hollywood Studios list, Festival of The Lion King was the favorite in Animal Kingdom and Voices of Liberty was most loved in Epcot. Most folks acknowledged that there are so many wonderful live entertainment choices at the theme parks and that most are outstanding. I was glad to see a couple people mention the Hunchback of Notre Dame show that use to be in Hollywood Studios. It was one of the best Disney show and I was really sad to see it go. Speaking of shows that have been removed, Tarzan Rocks was mentioned by quite a few people.
Anyway, on to my list. You need to know that I have not stayed at every Walt Disney World resort. However, I have visited all of them on many occasions. Living within miles of Walt Disney World I don’t have many opportunities to stay overnight at Disney hotels. However, when I was living up in Massachusetts and did come down on vacation I almost always stayed on property. Here’s a list of the hotels I’ve stayed at: Contemporary, Boardwalk, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs and All Star Sports. So, my list represents a combination of nostalgia and wish list.
Value Resorts
1 All Star Sports
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans – Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Boardwalk Inn
2 Contemporary
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Boardwalk Villas
OK, now that I have told you my top three, what’s yours? I’d love to know. Also, you can add whatever comments you want to help us appreciate your choices.
Speaking of comments, here’s some of my thoughts. The Contemporary Resort was the very first hotel that my family and I stayed at and it’s the hotel where I was a Concierge. So, the Contemporary holds lots of very special memories and will always be at the top of my list. I have never stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or Villas, however I would love to do so. I really enjoy trips over there whether it was to eat or just hang out. I love the excitement of the Boardwalk. It’s such a great place to be in the evening! You may be surprised to see Fort Wilderness on my list. I’ve never stayed there, but would love to one day. Everyone I talk to who has camped there loves it! It always looks like everyone is having a great time. And Bay Lake Tower looks like a fantastic place to stay.
And you could win an AllEars baseball cap. I will take all the names of those who post a comment (see below) with your list, within the next couple weeks and I will put them in a hat and randomly draw the name of the lucky winner. The only rules are that you must reside in the US, be 18 years old or older and you must provide your email address so I can contact you should you win.
All comments must be posted no later than Sunday, July 18, 2010 in order to be eligible to win the baseball cap. The winner of the AllEars baseball cap will be announced shortly thereafter.
To make things a bit easier for you can just copy and paste the following into the Post A Comment section below and add your information:
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Value Resorts
1
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1
2
3
Deluxe Resorts
1
2
3
DVC Resorts
1
2
3
Your comments:
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In the coming weeks I will blog on more “favorite” things to do in Walt Disney World. Also, let me know if you have any suggestions as to other things you would like to see “top lists” of. I’m open to any and all suggestions. So far readers have suggested I blog on Favorite Resort Food, Non-Theme Park Disney Thing To Do and Favorite Magical Moment. Great ideas! What do you think? Based on the number of comments, I think you all agree that these are fun to do.
And the winner is: the winner of the AllEars baseball cap for commenting on my Favorite Places To Eat In Disney’s Hollywood Studios blog is Mark Swayze, from Indiana. Congratulations to Mark and “thank you” to everyone who took the time to share their Favorite Parades and Fireworks with me and all the AllEars readers!
Did you know AllEars® has a huge area called Rate and Review where you can share your dining reviews with fellow readers? Check it out!
Finally, be one of the first people to hear when my newest blogs go live on AllEars.net by joining “DisneyMike’s World” Facebook group.
Well, that’s all for now. As my good friend says “see ya real soon”…DizneyMike
Hey, see this little green button? Well, it allows you to share this blog with your family and friends quite easily. Give it a try; it’s pretty neat!
Value Resorts
1. All-Star Movies
2. Pop Century
3. All-Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1. Coronado Springs
2. Carribean Beach
3. Port Orleans – French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1. Grand Floridian
2. Yacht Club
3. Animal Kingdom Lodge/Contemporary/Polynesian…too hard to choose!
DVC Resorts
1. Bay Lake Tower
2. Boardwalk Villas
3. Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
Comments:
I have actually stayed at All-Star Sports, All-Star Movies, the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian. I have visited Port Orleans – French Quarter and Riverside, Wilderness Lodge, the Polynesian, the Swan, the Dolphin, Old Key West, and the Boardwalk Villas.
I loved what I saw at all of them except for OKW and Sports. At OKW, I felt that the lobby was too small, the resort was too spread out, and there weren’t enough dining options. Sports just kind of fell flat for me because I’ve never been a sporty person, so the theme wasn’t my favorite. Also, though I felt that Wilderness Lodge was nice, it didn’t make my list because I live near the Appalacian mountains, so it’s “rustic” theme made me feel like I wasn’t really on vacation.
My favorite hotel BY FAR is the Grand Floridian; I stayed there on my honeymoon and it was fantastic! My husband and I are going to try out the Yacht Club in September; we’re very excited!
I have seen pictures of the newly renovated Coronado Springs and it looks very nice, and I would like to try Carribean Beach for the new pirate rooms. However, the “deluxe” resort category still includes all my favorites. If money were no object, I’d like to try Bay Lake.
Value Resorts
1
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1
2
3
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Boardwalk Inn
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1
2
3
Hands down best resort is the Beach Club! If you can afford it, do it! The pool is even better than some of the resort pools in Mexico!
I can’t give you a list as this October is the first time we are staying in the World. As a Florida resident you don’t stay on property when you can just drive on over. However I always wanted to stay at the Contemporary each time we visited the world and zoomed through on the monorail, so that is where we’re staying. I am so excited to finally be able to say I have stayed at one of the Disney resorts. Since you were a concierge there any secrets to the resort? We are staying CL too, so I really went for it all this go around. 😀 Thanks for your lists!!
DizneyMike replies: Beth, I think you’re going to love the Contemporary. If your room doesn’t have a great view of the fireworks go down to the 4th floor. You can go out on the balcony to see them. It’s a great place to view the fireworks (there are benches and the music is piped in). Take full advantage of the CL. Let them get you great dinning reservations and be sure to ask them about any special activities or events going on while you’re there. And, the walk from the Contemporary to the MK is very short. At the end of day it can be much faster to walk from the MK than it is to take the monorail. Enjoy your stay…Mike
Value Resorts:
Pop Century. I’ve stayed at two All-Star resorts and wasn’t impressed by either.
Moderate Resorts:
1. Carribean Beach
2. Coronado
3. Port Orleans French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts:
1. Grand Floridian
2. Polynesian
3. Animal Kingdom Lodge
I’ve never stayed at any of my deluxe favorites, but we plan on visiting AKL in November. I’ve stayed at Boardwalk Inn, and although it was very nice, it had very little in the way of quick service options and the refillable mugs are just about useless there.
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Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Sports
3
We stayed at Pop Century this past May and just LOVED it! Already have reservations for Nov. Great resort for small children…love the food court!
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Port Orleans Riverside
3 Fort Wilderness Campground
Stayed at POFQ the first time we took our two year old DD, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts. Great resort, the atmosphere is fantastic
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Contemporary
3 Polynesian
Have not yet stayed in a Deluxe, although it is my dream to stay on the monorail line. Already saving to take our DD to GF for her 5th birthday in 2012.
DVC Resorts
1
2
3
Don’t know anything about DVC.
Your comments
Mike,
Our son just introduced us to AllEars and we love it! Here’s our history and top three:
1976 – Contemporary Resort Tower; 1977 – Contemporary Resort Tower; 1981 – Off-site, Hotel Royal Plaza; 1983 – Treehouse Villa; 1985 – Off-site, Quality Inn Hi Q; 1987 – Contemporary Resort Tower; 1989 – Polynesian Resort; 1990 – Contemporary Resort Garden Wing; 1993 – Walt Disney World Dolphin; 1995 – Wilderness Lodge; 1997 – Grand Floridian Resort; 1999 – Dixie Landings Resort; 2000 – All-Star Movies Resort; 2005 – Coronado Springs Resort; May 2009 –
Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness Cabin
Value
1 – Pop Century
2 – All-Star Music
3 – All-Star Sports
Moderate
1 – Port Orleans French Quarter
2 – Ft. Wilderness Cabins
3 – Caribbean Beach Resort
Deluxe
1 – Contemporary Resort
2 – Grand Floridian Resort
3 – Wilderness Lodge Resort
Vacation Club
1 – Bay Lake Tower
2 – Treehouse Villas
3 – Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
Mike,
I’ve visited a WDW 12 times, starting when I was young with my parents and now with my wife. We recently became DVC members and will be going in December for our first time on points (and we’ve already scheduled a trip for next May). Here is my history and our top three(s):
1981 – Off-site, Hotel Royal Plaza; 1983 – Treehouse Villa; 1985 – Off-site, Quality Inn Hi Q; 1987 – Contemporary Tower; 1989 – Polynesian; 1990 – Contemporary Garden Wing; 1993 – Dolphin; 1995 – Wilderness Lodge; 1997 – Grand Floridian; September 2006 – Port Orleans-Riverside; May 2009 – Fort Wilderness Camping/Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness Cabin
Value
1) Pop Century
2) All-Star Movies
3) All-Star Music
Moderate
1) Port Orleans – Riverside
2) Fort Wilderness Campground/Cabins
3) Port Orleans – French Quarter
Delux
1) Wilderness Lodge
2) Animal Kingdom Lodge
3) Grand Floridian
DVC
1) Bay Lake Tower
2) Treehouses at Saratoga Springs
3) Wilderness Lodge Villas
Value Resorts
1Pop Century
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Dixie Landings!
3
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Polynesian
3
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club
2 Saratoga Springs
3 Boardwalk
Your comments:
The resort at Vero Beach is nice too!
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Value Resorts
1 Pop
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – French Quarter
2 Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Beach Club
2 Animal Kingdom Jambo House
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Kidani Village
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Boardwalk Villas
Your comments: Here is the list of where I have stayed: Fort Wilderness (many times: camping and cabins), Animal Kingdom Jambo (home DVC), Old Key West, Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Port Orleans – French Quarter, All Star Music, Pop Century, Port Orleans – Riverside. We are DVC members so I hope to stay at all the resorts over time.
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Value Resorts
1 All Star Music
2 All Start Movies
3 Pop Century
Moderate Resorts
1 French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1
2
3
DVC Resorts
1 AK Lodge Jambo House
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Wilderness Lodge Villas
Your comments:
Pop Century would have been my #1 choice for value except for the thin walls. I’m a light sleeper and no sleep during my stay put a damper on things. Otherwise, it’s a great resort.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Animal Kingdom Lodge
3 Boardwalk Inn
DVC Resorts
1 Kidani Village
2 Beach Club Villa’s
3 Boardwalk Villa’s
Your comments:
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Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1
2
3
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1
2
3
Your comments:
We love Pops for a value resort..it is so much fun….(best bang for your buck as the saying goes!!!!!)
Wilderness Lodge ..we stayed there many times & enjoyed….
Poly….We stayed there many times & it is beautiful…..but cannot imagine paying what they are charging per nite now…I think it is way overpriced….
We are trying AKL in 2 weeks only because we got 40% off (annual pass discount)…..
Value Resorts:
1. Pop Century
2. All Star Movies
3. All Star Sports
I have only stayed at Pop but have seen Movies and Sports, the only reason for not staying at Movies or Sports is because of the food service selections.
Moderate Resorts:
1. Port Orleans Riverside Bayou Section
2. Port Orleans Riverside Mansion Section
3. Carribean Beach Resort
Port Orleans Riverside is the best of all, great scenery, great food and great pool. Caribbean Beach beautiful design but to big.
Deluxe Resorts:
1. Beach Club
2. Animal Kingdom Lodge
3. Polynesian
I have stayed at both Beach Club & Animal Kingdom, both beautiful resorts. Beach Club is a better location, but Animal Kingdom offers great views if your animal lover. I have not stayed at the Polynesian but have visited for dinner and hopefully that will be a stay soon.
DVC
1. Old Key West
2. Beach Club Villas
3. Wilderness Lodge Villas
Have stayed at both Old Key West and Beach Club
Old Key West offers larger rooms and has that laid back feel to it and is a rest from the parks. Beach Club Villas offer the best location and smaller resort feel. I have not stayed at Wilderness Lodge but that is a future stop. I would also like to try the Tree Houses.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans Riverside
2 Port Orleans French Quarter
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2 Polynesian
3 Grand Floridian
DVC Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
2 Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
3 Bay Lake Tower
Your comments:
I just wanted to say how very much I enjoy Animal Kingdom Lodge, both the resort side and the DVC side. The theme is so immersive, and it just transports you to an exotic, far-away place. I also love the dining options, cast members, and little Disney touches everywhere.
Value Resorts
1 – Pop Century
2 – All Star Movies
3 – All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 – Port Orleans French Quarter
2 – Port Orleans Riverside
3 – Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 – Polynesian
2 – Wilderness Lodge
3 – Beach Club
DVC Resorts
1 – Saratoga Springs
2 – Animal Kingdom Kidani Village
3 – Beach Club Villas
Your comments:
My first stay at a Disney property was at Port Orleans French Quarter (just Port Orleans then) for my honeymoon, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Saratoga Springs is our home resort, and we absolutely love it. I think I would like to stay Savannah view at AKV, and the use of Stormalong Bay puts Beach Club Villas on the list. I have never stayed at any value resorts (never even visited), so I just ranked them according to theming.
The truth of the matter is that I couldn’t imagine staying anywhere other than a DVC resort because I have been so spoiled by the accommodations.
Value Resorts
1. Pop Century
2. All Star Music
3. All Star Moview
Moderate
1. Port Orleans Riverside
2. Coronado Springs
3. Caribbean Beach
Deluxe
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Contemporary
3. Polynesian
VC
1. Saratoga Springs
2. Bay Lake Tower
3. Kidani Village
We love love love Port Orleans! I’ll never forget the horse drawn carriage ride we took around the Riverside area @ sunset while in WDW on our honeymoon- beautifully lanscaped lawns & we even saw a few bunnies hopping around! We felt like we were in Gone With the Wind 🙂
I loved the Animal Kingdom Lodge but my husband thought it a little too much, said the wake up call each morning should be the opening song from the Lion King. It is a beautiful resort but be prepared to do some walking! Our room was quite a distance from the bus stop (since there was only one then)
Never stayed at the Polynesian but love exploring there when we have free time (ha, that’s rare!)& love Ohana! Great to wake up to Stitch 🙂
We are not DVC members but stayed @ Saratoga Springs a few years ago, got shifted around due to construction @ AKL. We really enjoyed it, our son loved the pool. The resort was a little too spread out (quite a walk to the main building after you’ve been walking the parks all day) but overall it was very quiet & relaxing.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – French Quarter
2 Port Orleans – Riverside
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Polynesian
3 Yacht Club
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club Villas
2 Boardwalk Villas
3 Bay Lake Tower
Your comments: Pop Century is first because it was our first on-property hotel as a family. Music next because of the family suites, as a family of 6 this was always a sore spot with WDW.
Always hear great things about POR, French Q first because its said to be closer together.
My daughter’s number 1 resort wish is GF, had to make it first. But I do love that lobby. Got to stay at Poly once, loved it, if we hadn’t I might have put it first. Yacht Club has SAB pool and you can walk to two parks.
BCV picks up where YC left off above for me. BWV a close second. BLT has to make the list with the ability to walk to MK. Thanks!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans Riverside
2 Corondo Springs
3 Port Orleans French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2 Old Key West
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments:
We have been fortunate enough to stay at all the properties listed with the exception of the value resorts. We have visited the value resorts and the themeing is all Disney. The cool thing about Pop Century was it does not share a bus route with the other value resorts. I would imagine that to be a big plus, especially at the end of the day.
The moderates are all great and it was a tough choice for our rankings but the feel of Port Orleans Riverside was just magical. The way the landscaping transforms and takes your from bayou country to the mansions is very cool. Don’t miss the piano player in the bar here, it is a family adventure to the highest degree. Plus they have one of the best food courts on property.
For the Deluxe resorts it was a very hard choice but we went with the family ranking system. Everyone got a selection as we could not decide which one was superior. The Poly has the location and south seas atmosphere while Wilderness Lodge makes you feel like you are in Wyoming. Animal Kingdom Lodge is amazing but it is off the beaten path which can also be a plus. It all depends on what themeing you like and the resort location.
We made the splash and are DVC members so we spend a lot of our time at these resorts. We stayed at Bay lake Tower last year and were blown away. If you stay there you MUST go to the roof top lounge for a snack and wonderful views in every direction. Old Key West is truely like going home. It is laid back and inviting. Try the on-site restuarant Olivia’s. It is overlooked and one of the best on property, especially if you want a quiet relaxing meal. Finally we have the Beach Club Villas. Can you say location, location, location. It is centrally located between Epcot’s back door and the Studios. Plus you have the Boardwalk right across the way and the Swan and Dolphin just down the block. Oh, and don’t forget that pool. It is a waterpark unto itself.
Value Resorts
1 All Star Movies
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Port Orleans Riverside
3 Caribbean Beach Resort
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Fort Wilderness Lodge
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Boardwalk
2 Saratoga Springs
3 Bay Lake Tower
Your comments I love all things Disney! My favorite place to stay is French Quarter. We are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with a third stay at FQ. I would love to try one of the deluxe resorts one day. We’ve stayed at the All Star Movies, Riverside, French Quarter and Old Key West. Will try different ones in the coming years.
Value Resorts
1 All Stars Music
2 All Stars Movies
3 Pop Century
Moderate Resorts
1 French Quarter (formally Port Orleans)
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Riverside (formally Dixie Landings)
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Never stayed and just recently started looking into the different DVC Resorts available
2
3
Your comments:
I have never stayed @ Pop Century, but would love to one day. I have always tried to stay at All Stars Music if possible, since it tends to have less cheerleading, etc groups. Several years back, a girlfriend and I stayed at All Stars Movies across from the Beauty and the Beast marque. It was awesome – it felt like waking up on Broadway. It, like Music tends to have less groups, making them quieter then Sports. I have stayed at Sports with my kids and then grandkids and they did love it, but when visiting with adults only, I prefer the other All Star Areas.
French Quarter will always be my favorite – the ambiance and the smallness of this resort make it so comfortable, like a small Louisiana town. I like the beach, etc of Caribbean Beach, but the layout really makes for a lot of walking. I stayed @ Riverside a couple of times and loved it. It does seem a little darker then most, but a fine example of Disney’s attention to detail.
I have never been able to stay at a Deluxe Hotel, but I always visit Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom on every trip to walk thru, stop for a beverage around the pool and just enjoy the ambiance of each, especially the island feeling at the Polynesian.
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Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 Port Orleans French Quarter
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Grand Floridian
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Old Key West
2 Beach Club Villas
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
Your comments: So far, I have been fortunate enough to stay at all of the Disney resorts on property except the Yacht Club (which is next month), and the Treehouse Villas (THIS WEEKEND!).
Pop Century is my favorite of the values not only for the theming, but for the all important fact that it doesn’t share a bus with the other three values.
For the moderates, I think Caribbean Beach wins due to the pirate theming and the grounds. I also enjoy French Quarter, especially the beignets… makes me miss Louisiana.
When it comes to the Deluxe properties, this is where the decision is hardest for me. I have great memories at all the resorts, but it comes down to the total package at the Wilderness Lodge. The northwest theme is done to perfection. I love the pool area and the restaurants too. Also, being able to take the boat to the MK is great. Polynesian is only lacking in the hot tub as far as I am concerned. The rooms are a nice size and the theme is my favorite since I love Hawaiiana. Grand Floridian is the crown jewel and rightfully so. The restaurants are phenomenal from the character meals all the way up to Victoria and Albert’s. Sometimes, it just seems a little too hectic, whereas Wilderness Lodge seems to be a little slower paced.
Which leads as a perfect segue into the DVC properties. Old Key West is the most relaxed resort I have been to on property, by a mile. The familial vibe probably stems from being the original DVC resort on property. Everybody seems to know everybody, but not in a nosy neighbor way, but in a returning to summer camp to see your old friends kind of way. The Gurgling Suitcase is one of the smallest bars on Disney property, but also hosts the guest who is the self-proclaimed mayor of Key West. Beach Club Villas are great for their location, the layout of the rooms is nice, and of course, the pool. Kidani Village was my final choice for the villas because of the great pool, proximity to the animals, finally convenient number of electrical outlets in this day and age, and parking under the resort in the shade. This is brilliant for Florida and the hot hot sun.
Value Resorts
1POP Century
2All Star Movies
3All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE
2Caribbean Beach
3Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1Polynesian
2Wilderness Lodge
3Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1Beach Club
2Kidani
3BLT
Your comments:
We loved staying at Wilderness Lodge for our honeymoon it was great, but our absolute moderate and preferred favorite is Port Orleans Riverside in the Magnolia Terrace section!! We have stayed at POP and CBR also. We have toured and ate at everyone of the resorts and hope to stay at a few different ones in the future.
Value Resorts
1
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 Port Orleans French Quarter
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Yacht Club
2 Beach Club
3 Contemporary
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club Villas
2 Boardwalk
3
Your comments:
We’ve stayed at the Beach and Yacht Clubs, the pool and the nearness to Epcot and Hollywood Studios make them the best! We have been to the Contemporary many times to eat and shop, but never stayed there. I would love to though, always wanted to be on the monorail, and I love the look of this resort.
We love Caribbean Beach, it was the first resort we stayed at-very laid back, with nice main pool and plenty of quiet pools. Landscaping was gorgeous.
Haven’t been to the Value resorts, but we will check them out on our next trip. Trying to make our trips more affordable, and the Yacht and Beach are getting pricey.
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Value Resorts
1 All Star Music
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Coronado Springs
2 Port Orleans (either)
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Polynesian
3 Yacht Club
DVC Resorts
1 Treehouse Villas (Saratoga Springs Resort)
2 Beach Club Villas
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
Your comments: DVC members, but have also stayed at many of the hotels (sometimes just for one night to check them out).
_________________________
Value Resorts
1 All Star Music
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans- French Quarter
2 FOrt Wilderness
3 Caribean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesean
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Beach Club
DVC Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Animal Kingdom
3 Beach CLub
Your comments:
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I haven’t gotten to stay at all my choices but I’ve stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter the most. Very Reasonable and love the size (small but not to)for a nice peaceful end to a crazy day. The beignets make it worth it as well. Love the Wilderness Lodge as love log cabins and this one is outstanding. I’d love to stay at the Polynesean but price has prohibitted so far – but love the decor and being close to MK. Beach Club is nice-not to big, great pool with a sandy bottom and easy walk to and from EPCOT a big plus. Every hotel has such uniqueness that it is fun to exeperience them all but these have been my favs.
Deluxe Resorts
1) Polynesian
2) Animal Kingdom Lodge
3) Wilderness Lodge
Your Comments:
I must put the Polynesian first because it was the first time I ever visited WDW (as a young married couple), and the place we go back to when traveling with extended family, and because of being on the monorail line adn having such great landscaping. I love the theming of Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge, and on any given day might reverse the order between 2 and 3. I am anxiously looking forward to the time when we can try the Beach Club, hopefully during the Food & Wine Festival, someday.
Value:
1. All Star Movie
2. Pop Century
3. All Star Sports
Moderate:
1. Port Orleans Riverside
2. Caribbean Beach
3. Port Orleans French Quarter
Deluxe:
1. Wilderness Lodge
2. Polynesian
3. Grand Floridian
I’ve stayed at all of my Moderate choices, and Riverside is by far my favorite.
I’ve stayed in only 2 deluxe, and one of them didn’t make my list. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge on our last visit, and it was great. The other deluxe I stayed in was Contemporary, and it did not make my list. I will say that was several years ago. The rooms were tired. I really hope to try Polynesian and Grand Floridian some day.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 FW Cabins
2 Carribean Beach
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Boardwalk Villas
2 Beach Club Villas
3
Your comments:
I only listed those I actually stayed at. Will be staying at Saratoga Springs in Nov. Did not count the Swalphin. Have not stayed at Contemporary, Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club hotel, or several DVCs. Someday!
Value Resorts
1POP
2Movies
3Music
Moderate Resorts
1Riverside
2French Quarter
3Caribbean
Deluxe Resorts
1Beach Club
2Yacht Club
3Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1
2
3
Your comments:Stayed concierge at Beach Club and loved it. Can walk or take a monorail just about any where. So extra special. Port Orleans are our absolute favorites, since you can get around easily and the boat trip to Downtown is very nice. POP all the way for us, as it is the only value resort that allows for a good workout. Moderates and Deluxe allow you to work out, either in the spa or on the property, but only POP has an area that you can really run in without getting run over by cars or pedestrians. Love that.
Value Resorts
1 All Star Movies
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans – Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Boardwalk
3 Contemporary
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2 Kidani Village
3 Boardwalk Villas
Comments:
I’ve stayed at French Quarter and All Star Movies, being younger, I love the theming of movies because its all the huge icons of my childhood, but the rooms are not the best, I’ve always dreamed of staying in the Polynesian…mostly because when I go there for food the lobby smells so good, and I love the theming. I think French Quarter is beautiful, and my love for the Great Gatsby makes me want to stay at the Boardwalk sometime soon
Deluxe Resorts
1WILDERNESS LODGE!!!!!
2Contemporary
3Animal Kingdom Lodge
Your comments:
We have only stayed in deluxe resorts like Contemporary, Swan, and Wilderness Lodge. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge for our honeymoon and have not stayed anywhere else since. We thought about staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge last time but we just couldn’t imagine our trip without staying at the Widerness Lodge. We do like to travel to the other resorts and try the resturants.
Value Resorts
1 – Pop Century
2 – All-Star Sports
3
Moderate Resorts
1 – Caribbean Beach
2 – PO French Quarter
3 – PO Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 – Wilderness Lodge
2 – Contemporary
3 – Boardwalk
DVC Resorts
1 – Beach Club Villas
2 – Bay Lake Tower
3 – Saratoga Springs
Your comments:
My choices for Deluxe and DVC are based on wish… We’ve never stayed at any of them. (Hopefully, one day we will!)
Value Resorts
1Pop Century
2ALL STAR MOVIES
3ALL STAR MUSIC
Moderate Resorts
1Port Orleans FQ
2Coronado Springs
3Carribean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1Grand Floridian
2Yacht Club
3Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1Key West
2Wilderness Lodge Villas
3Beach Club Villas
I have never stayed at a value resort but they do look like they would be fun to stay there.
I have stayed at all of the deluxe resorts except for the Poly but the GF is my favorite because I love to see the castle in the morning when I wake up and at night when I go to sleep.
I would love to buy into one of the DVC but just can’t afford that …maybe if I win big someday!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Fort Wilderness
2 Coronado Springs
3 Port Orleans – Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2 Polynesian
3 Yacht Club
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2 Kidani Village
3 Beach Club Villas
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century (have not stayed at any others, and no real desire to, but I liked PC)
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans Riverside
2 Port Orleans French Quarter (wish list)
3 Ft. Wilderness Cabins (wish list)
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Grand Floridian
3 Wildnerness Lodge
Wish list: Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Kidani Village (Wish list)
2 Bay Lake Tower (Wish list)
3
Your comments:
I have stayed at the Caribbean, but I did not like it enough to put it on the list. It was “just ok.” Of all the resorts I’ve stayed, my top 4 would be the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wildnerness Lodge and Port Orleans Riverside. I think if I ever stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it will make the list as well! Someday…
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Contemporary
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge Villas
2 Saratoga Springs
3 Beach Club VIllas
Your comments:
Of all the ones I have stayed in I absolutely adore French Quarter and Wilderness Lodge the best!
Value Resorts
1 All Star Music
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Fort Wilderness Campground
2 Port Orleans Riverside
3 Port Orleans French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Villas
2 Villas at Wilderness Lodge
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments:
I am a DVC member, but I’ve stayed in many resorts and visited them all. I love the theming of the Peter Dominick resorts (the architect who designed Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, as well as the Grand Californian).
Value Resorts
1 POP Century
2 All Star Movie
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Coronado Springs
2 Carribean Beach
3 Old Key West
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Beach Club
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Boardwalk Villas
2 Kidani Village
3 Bay Lake Tower
Other Comments:
Value Resorts:
1. Pop Century- My twin 4 year old boys loved the “Hippie Dippie Pool” and the larger than life pop icons.
2. All Star Music- My Mom, Dad, me, my husband and twin boys stayed in a family suite with plenty of room!
3. Any All Star Resort 🙂 I have not stayed at the others, but I can’t wait for the “Animation” resort to open!
Moderate Resorts:
1. Port Orleans Riverside- Couldn’t get the boys away from the slide in the main pool complex!
2. Caribbean Beach Resort- Staying there soon…
3. Port Orleans French Quarter- Haven’t stayed there, but the boys were eying that pool!
Deluxe Resorts:
1. Contemporary- Haven’t stayed there since it 1st opened when I was a kid.
2. Bay Lake Towers- I want to stay there!
3. Grand Floridian- I want to stay there too!
DVC:
1. AKL- Kidani Village- I would like to stay there!
2. BLT- see above 🙂
3. Saratoga Springs Tree Houses- I would love for my whole family to be able to stay there!
Value Resorts
1 I have never been to any of these resorts
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans-Riverside (Dixie Landing)
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans-French Quarter
Riverside is where my wife and I have stayed the most, we feel it’s the best resort for the money. I just love the music on the busses to and from the parks.
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Boardwalk
The Grand Floridian will always hold a very special place in our heart, we were married there in Feb. of 09 and love Citricos. The Wilderness Lodge has a great location and great restraunts. It’s a must to travel to the piano bar at the fun filled Boardwalk.
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2
3
Location, location, location
Value Resorts
1 All Star Movies
2 All Star Music
3 Pop Century
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Polynesian
3 Boardwalk
DVC Resorts
1 Boardwalk Villas
2 Bay Lake Tower
3
Your comments: As a Hotel Administrator I love Hotels…specially the Disney ones. On my “park day off” I visit as much Hotel as I can…My fav one Gran Floridian, is just beautiful! All the things that I want for my own hotel are there…architecture, service, desing…
I have stayed in all Value Resorts (Sport, Music, Movies & Pop Century) and French Quarter!!!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movie
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – French Qtr
2 Port Orleans – Riverside
3 Carib Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 BoardWalk Inn
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2 Animal Kingdom Lodge
3 BoardWalk Villas
Your comments:
We always stay at Poly, and occasionally the BoardWalk. WE LOVE THE POLYNESIAN!!!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – Riverside
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Contemporary
2 Fort Wilderness
3 Beach Club
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2 Kidani Village in Animal Kingdom
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments:
Just spent a week in Kidani Village and it was great – except for the distance from the other parks. Now planning our next trip and I can’t wait to either be in Fort Wilderness or PO Riverside with the family…all 18 of us 😉
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 Port Orleans- French Quarter
3 Port Orleans – Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Contemporary
2 Beach Club
3 Wilderness Lodge/Animal Kingdom Lodge (tie)
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Towers
2 Kidani Village
3 Treehouse Villas at the Saratoga Springs
Your comments:
As a travel agent for Mouse World Vacations I have had the pleasure of staying in EVERY resort. These are my personal favorite, but as I look at the hundreds of bookings we have done. The most popular (by number of nights) is the Pop Century in the value, Port Orleans Riverside in the moderate, The Animal Kingdom Lodge in the deluxe and no clear favorite in the villas.
Value Resorts
1 All Star Movies
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – French Quarter
2 Port Orleans – Riverside
3 Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Deluxe Resorts (Wish List)
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Polynesian
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts (Wish List)
1 Villas at Wilderness Lodge
2 Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs
3 Old Key West
Your comments:
Let’s see, I have stayed at all three of these Value hotels, and we really do like the Movie one the best, but Pop Century runs a very close second. On the Moderate resorts, I have only stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside and we liked it. We have a trip coming up in September and we are staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter. I have never stayed at the Deluxe or DVC resorts, this is my wish list. You can see that the one I want to stay at the most is the Wilderness Lodge (some day)!
Value Resorts
1. All Star Music
2. Pop Century
3. All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1. Caribbean Beach
2. Port Orleans Riverside
3. Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1. Grand Floridian
2. Polynesian
3. Boardwalk
DVC Resorts
1. Beach Club
2. Bay Lake Tower
3. Tree House Villas
Your comments:
I have only been staying on property for about 6 years now and we are bit inhibited in our options due to the size of our family and our budget. We have found that we love the Family Suites at All Star Music they are the perfect size and sometimes a great deal. Caribbean Beach is a wondeful relaxing resort and is generally my resort of choice when travelling without my children. Port Orleans Riverside is the first resort we ever stayed at on property and it was for a Christmas trip with our girls so it will always be a favorite. We love to check out all the resorts when we stay on property so although I have stayed at none of the resorts in the Deluxe or DVC categories I so enjoy the atmosphere of the ones listed they were rated highest.
Value Resorts (wish list, have never stayed here)
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Coronado Springs
2 Port Orleans – French Quarter
3 Would love to stay at Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian (stayed here on my honeymoon)
2 Boardwalk
3 Contemporary (love California Grill!)
DVC Resorts (wish list)
1 Kidani Village
2 Saratoga Springs
3 Old Key West
Value Resorts
1 Fort Wilderness camping
2 All Star Movies
3 Pop Century
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 Coronado Springs
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Beach Club
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Grand Floridian
Your comments: Camping at FW as a kid may have been the best vacation I’ve had in my life! Caribbean Beach is so lovely & restful. I’ve never been to a Deluxe, but the Beach Club is my first choice because of the pool & proximity to two parks.
Value Resorts
1 POP Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Port Orleans Riverside
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Contemporary
2 Grand Floridian
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club Villas
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Old Key West
Your comments: Contemporary was the very first resort I stayed at…way back in 1974! I love Port Orleans French Quarter due to its small size.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Sports
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 POFQ
3 PORS
Deluxe Resorts
1 AKL
2 Poly
3 Beach Club
DVC Resorts
1 Kidani Village
2 Beach Club Villas
3 Bay Lake Towers
Value Resorts
1 – All Star Music
2 – Pop Century
3 – All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 – Port Orleans Riverside
2 – Coronado Springs
3 – Port Orleans French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1 – Polynesian (haven’t stayed, but I’m dying to)
2 – Animal Kingdom Lodge
3 – Beach Club
DVC Resorts
1 – Old Key West
2 – Animal Kingdom
3 – Bay Lake Towers
Value Resorts
1 Pop
2 Music
3 Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Coronado Springs
2 PO Riverside
3 PO French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1 Poly
2 Animal Kingdom Lodge
3 Grand Floridian
DVC Resorts
1 Kidani Village
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments:
Deluxe:
1. Contemporary. Other properties are probably nicer, but oh, to be
the closest and where it all began!
2. Polynesian. Another historical treat. (It’s even where John and Yoko stayed
when he signed the Beatles dissolution!)
Moderate:
1. Caribbean Beach. Quiet seclusion and surroundings make you feel
as though you’re at a deluxe.
Value:
1. Pop Century. I don’t know how it would be in the summer (too crowded?), but a recent winter stay here was my most delightful Disney resort
experience ever! Great Disney attention to detail at a fantastic price.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All-Star Movies
3 All-Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Coranado Springs
2 Port Orleans – Riverside
3 Port Orleans – French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Towers
2 Kidani Village
3 Willderness Lodge Villas
Your comments:
We have never stayed at a value resort, so my favorites are based mostly on theming. We have stayed at the Coranado and loved it. It was before the rooms were remodeled so I’m sure it is even better now. We came very close to choosing Port Orleans, the theming seems so relaxing. This past May we stayed for the first time at a deluxe resort, the Poly, and again fell in love with the resort, and can’t beat the location. The wilderness lodge was actually our first choice for this last trip, but couldn’t get a room. Animal Kingdom Lodge just looks like a great place to stay. We are hoping in the near future to buy into the DVC and we are looking to making Bay Lake Towers our home resort. The other two we hope to try as members as well.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – Riverside
2 Port Orleans – French Quarter
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Contemporary
2 Yacht/Beach Club
3 Polynesion
DVC Resorts
1
2
3
Your comments:
I love the Pop Century – it is cheap, easy and a fun theme. The Port Orleans are an entirely different feel – very very relaxing. I haven’t stayed in the French Quarter, but it is on my list! The Caribbean Beach is nice, but a little too spread out for me. I have actually only stayed in the Contermporary, and the location/views are what makes me go back. I have stayed in the Grand Floridian, but I found it a little too stiff for me and my version of a Disney Vacation!! I am dying to stay at the Yacht or Beach club just for the amazing closeness to EPCOT!!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Sports
3
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 Port Orleans – French Quarter
3
Deluxe Resorts
1 Beach Club
2 Yacht Club
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club Villas
2 Boardwalk Villas
3
I’ve been lucky to stay at nearly every Disney resort. My husband and I have settled upon the Epcot area resorts as our favorites because of the wonderful atmosphere and of course, the proximity to Epcot which is our favorite park. There’s so much to do in the boardwalk area that it’s practically a mini-attraction in its own right. The other resorts that top my list are all connected with great memories or milestone moments. For example, it’s become our tradition (or maybe superstition!) to stay at the CB prior to running in the Disney marathon. You really can’t go wrong anywhere you stay on property, but we find ourselves returning to the Epcot resort area nearly every trip.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Carribean Beach
2 Port Orleans Riverside
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Yacht Club
2 Boardwalk
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Towers
2 Boardwalk Villas
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments: Absolutely love yacht club the pool there is the best. Second best is Carribean beach. These two have great pools and vey good with family issues. When its just the wife and I like during Food and wine you cant beat Boardwalk, great intimate setting, nice rooms and courtyards, walking distance to Epcot back gate. We have never stayed at any of the DVC resorts so these are wanted to stay list.
My favorite WDW Resorts.
Value:
1)Pop Centuary
2)All Star Sports
3)All Star Music
Moderate:
1)Port Orleans French Quarter
2)Port Orleans french Quarter
3)Port Orleans french Quarter
Ok So I really don’t like any of the others….
Deluxe:
1)Polynesian
2)Animal Kingdom Lodge
3)Grand Floridian
DVC:
1)Kidini Village
2)Saratoga Springs
3)Bay Lake Tower
Value:
Pop Century
All Star Movies
Moderate:
Carribean Beach
Fort Wilderness
Port Orleans
Deluxe:
Animal Kingdom
Polynesian
Contempory
Note: I’ve never stayed at any of the Moderate or Deluxe resorts, but if I had the money these would be my top choices. When we go we only use the rooms to sleep and that’s about it, most of our time is spent in the parks.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans Riverside
2 Wilderness Cabins
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Poly
2 Beach Club
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Villas at Wilderness Lodge
2 Bay Lake Towers
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments:
AKL should get a mention because it’s a wonderful resort with outstanding rooms, but transportation to and from is a hassle.
_________________________
Value Resorts
1 All Star Music
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 Port Orleans – Riverside
3 Port Orleans – FQ
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Boardwalk Villas
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments:
Hi Mike, I really like your posts, they provide a great insight into shows and events.
For values, we really like All Star Music. For whatever reason, it just doesn’t seem as crowded and noisy the times we have been there, and we were there in the summer months. We haven’t yet stayed at a moderate, we think they are just too spread out for us. For Deluxe, the Poly is hands down our favourite. We really like the atmosphere, and having been to Hawaii, it is a fair recreation of the ambiance. We also haven’t stayed at a DVC resort yet but I am hoping to change that in the near future.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Sports
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans-French Quarter
2 Port Orleans=Riverside
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Beach Club
2 Yacht Club
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club Villas
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Animal Kingdom Villas
Your comments:
My family and I almost always stay at the Beach Club Villas. Beach Club is the best! Great location, theming, and pool is best on property:)
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1 French Quarter
2
3
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Polynesion
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2 Boardwalk
3
Your comments:
The ONLY resort we ever stayed at on property is the French Quarter. Atcually-when I was a kid we stayed at the Golf Resort (I think they called it-now its Shades of Green). We have eaten at Whispering Canyon and I LOVED the inside of Wilderness Lodge. Also ate at Jiko so got to see Animal Kingdome Lodge and WOW what a place. I also like the inside of the Poly. Like I said we (DH and Kids) have only stayed at FQ which we really enjoy due to the size. However, we just became DVC members buying at Bay Lake Towers. So pretty soon I will have the opportunity to stay at some different resorts. We are going to BLT April 2011 and hope to stay club level at AKL in Nov 2011. Cant wait to read other posts!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans- French Quarter
2 Coronado Springs
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Animal Kingdom Lodge
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Villas at Wilderness Lodge
2 Animal Kingdom Villas
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments: While I haven’t stayed at all of the resorts above, I have visited them all. We’ll be at Pop next week for the first time and can’t wait! POFQ just looks so beautiful and tranquil and smaller than the other mods. My ultimate dream resort to stay at is, by far, the Polynesian. Everything about that resort is perfection to me! Hopefully on our next trip (after the one next week) we’ll rent DVC points again and stay at VWL!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Cabins at Fort Wilderness
2 Port Orleans French Quarter
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Animal Kingdom Lodge
3 Polynesian
Your comments: I have stayed at Fort Wilderness (camping and cabins), Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter, Pop Century, All Star Sports and Music and have visited all the others at one time or another. My biggest thing is theming, otherwise it’s just a hotel – at Disney it’s an experience!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 Port Orleans – French Quarter
3 Port Orleans – Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2 Polynesian
3 Grand Floridian
DVC Resorts
1 Kidani Village
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Saratoga Springs
Your comments:My husband and I have stayed at all these resorts except the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. We love the relaxed atmosphere of the Poly and eat at ‘Ohana every trip. The lobby of the Grand Floridian is amazing .. would love to stay here some day!!! Maybe they’ll add on some DVC villa’s .. hmmmmm?????
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans Riverside
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2 Yacht and Beach Club
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Never stayed at these
We will be visiting for the 25th time in October and tend to have our favorites based on price. We always stay value unless some super deal is offered. I remember “in the old days” when we were offered upgrades at no or little additional cost. That is the only way we were able to stay at the “fancy” resorts.
Value Resorts
1 Pop
2
3
Moderate Resorts
1 French Quarter
2 Riverside
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Boardwalk
3 Animal Kingdom
DVC Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge Villas
2 Beach Club
3 Old Key West
Your comments:
We are now DVC members. Our very first stay at WDW was a Caribbean Beach and we thought we would ‘never’ stay at any other place. We then ventured out to the other moderates.
Our very first stay at a Deluxe was Wilderness Lodge, which became our Favorite of all time. We even like staying at WL main lodge even better than the villas.
We just recently stayed at BLT and Beach Club, we liked them both. We normally stay at Old Key West due to the efficient use of points.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Sports
Moderate Resorts
1 Coronado Springs
2 Port Orleans French Quarter
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Contemporary
3 Yacht Club
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Towers
2 Beach Club Villas
3 Animal Kingdom Villas
Your comments:
My favorite resort is the Polynesian because it was the first resort I stayed in when I was a child. It’s holds many wonderful memories. I also love dining at ‘Ohana’s and you can’t beat watching the fireworks from the beach. I’ve never stayed at the Yacht Club, but it’s on my to-do list as we love to dine and enjoy the lobby there. I also love Coronado Springs for the theme and the beauty of the landscape and French Quarter for it’s small size. Pop Century has the best food court on property in my opinion, plus it doesn’t share busses.
Value Resorts
1 Movies
2 Pop
3 Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Wilderness Cabins
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Contemporary
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Saratoga Tree House Villas
2 Key West
3 Animal Kingdom Villas
Your comments:
I have stayed at the following resorts: Contemporary, Polynesian, Fort Wilderness Campground, Ford Wilderness Cabins, Port Orleans Riverside, Key West Resort, Saratoga Springs Villa, Saratoga Springs Tree House Villas, Wilderness Lodge, and the Caribbean Beach Resort. My favorite room by far was the Tree House Villa…loved it! I have been to Disney World over 35 times now and I love to try new things. May have to try the value resorts next time.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2 Grand Floridian
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Towers
2 Animal Kingdom Villas
3 Beach Club Villas
Because we became DVC members, I haven’t gotten to stay at any moderate resorts but if I could I would stay at POFQ because of the size and quaintness. I’ve only stayed at Pop for values but we loved it. It is hard to choose between AKL because of the beautiful decor and the exotic experience it is and Grand Floridian for the location, service, and luxury, they run a close race. Also I have enjoyed all the DVC resorts I have stayed at, but these topped my list because of either location or the overall experience and feel.
Value Resorts
1 All Star Sports
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans-French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans-Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Contemporary
2 Grand Floridian
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2 Kidani Village
3 Boardwalk Villas
Your comments:
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Grand Floridian
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club Villas
2 Boardwalk Villas
3 Old Key West
Your comments: I have been going to WDW since 1986 when my family made their first trip to “The World”. I have a quest to stay at all of the Disney resorts and so far I have stayed at quite a few of them. Most of the ones I listed above I have stayed at with the exception of Pop Century, Contemporary, & Boardwalk Villas. I am not a DVC member so I am not sure if I will ever get to the Boardwalk Villas, but I am staying at Pop Century in September for the first time and I know I am going to love it. These are the properties that I have stayed at towards my quest of staying at them all: All Star Music, All Star Sports, All Star Movies, Pop Century (Sept 2010), Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Fort Wilderness, Beach Club Villas, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Old Key West.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – Riverside
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Beach Club
3 Boardwalk
DVC Resorts
1 Old Key West
2 Beach Club
3 Boardwalk
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Coronado Springs
2 Port Orleans Riverside
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian Resort
2 Animal Kingdom Lodge
3 Contemporary Resort
DVC Resorts
1 Kidani Village
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Treehouses at Saratoga Springs
Cara
Portsmouth, England
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1CBR
2POFQ
3POR
Deluxe Resorts
1Poly
2 AKL
3 WL
DVC Resorts
1 AKV-Concierge
2 AKV
3 WLV
Your comments: I’m a DVC owner so I’ve stopped staying at the regular resorts, but I think overall AKL/V is my favorite resort!
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Sports
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans – French Quarter
2 Port Orleans – Riverside
3 Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Deluxe Resorts
1 GRAND FLORIDIAN!!!
2 Polynesian
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Towers
2 Boardwalk Villas
3 Beach Club Villas
Your comments:
Value Resorts
1 All Star Movies
2 All Star Music
3 Pop Century
Moderate Resorts
1 Fort Wilderness
2 Caribbean Beach
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Contemporary
3 Poly
DVC Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge Villas
2 AKL Villas
3 Bay Lake Tower
Your comments:
Absolutely love Fort Wilderness (the cabins especially. I stayed in one a few years ago and it was wonderful). ! It’s basically a vacation inside of a vacation. One of my favorite aspects of the campground and WL is the fact that you can take the boat right over to the MK.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans- French Quarter
2 Port Orleans- Riverside
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge!!! (our favorite)
2 Boardwalk
3 Yacht Club
DVC Resorts
1 Villas at Wilderness Lodge
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Boardwalk Villas
Your comments:
Value Resorts
1. Pop Cuntury
2. All Star Movies
3. All-Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1. CARIBBEAN BEACH
2. Dixie Landings
3. Fort Wilderness
Deluxe Resorts
1. YACHT CLUB
2. BoardWalk
3. Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1. BoardWalk Villas
2. Old Key West
3. Beach Cub Villas
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Sports
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Coronado Springs
2 Fort Wildernes
3 Port Orleans – French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1 Poly
2 Animal Kingdom lodge
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Kidani Villiage
2 Boardwalk Villias
3 Treehouse Villias
Your comments: I have stayed at Pop, AS Sport, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Villias, AK Lodge, Kidani, OKW, Saratoga Springs and Beach Club Villias. As far as the Deluxe and the Moderate goes I choose the order because othe places to eat as I have not stayed at any of them. My favorite place to eat is Ohana. The food is great and view of the MK fireworks are fantastic.
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Value Resorts
1 POP
2 Movie
3 Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Caribbean Beach
2 Coronada Springs
3 Port Orleans
Deluxe Resorts
1 Yacht Club
2 Boardwalk Inn
3 Beach Club
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club Villas
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Animal Kingdom Villas
Your comments: Love all the Epcot resorts including Swan & Dolphin. Great location
Value Resorts
1 All-Star Movies
2 All-Star Music
3 Tie: All-Star Sports and Pop Century
Moderate Resorts
1 Port-Orleans Riverside
2 Coronado Springs
3 Port-Orleans French Quarter
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Animal Kingdom Lodge
3 Yacht Club
Other:
1 Shades of Green
Your comments: My choices are based largely on theme (which is personal preference), location, food options, service quality experienced, and ease of getting around and to nearby theme parks.
Value Resorts
1 All Star Sports
2 Pop Century
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans Riverside
2 Caribbean Beach Resort
3 Coronado Springs Resort
Deluxe Resorts
1 Grand Floridian
2 Polynesian
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Boardwalk
2 Old Key West
3 Wilderness Lodge Villas
Your comments: I have only stayed at one Value before discovering the Moderate Resorts. Then I’ve only stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter before becoming a DVC member. Boardwalk is our chosen home so that’s our obvious favorite. Great location. Old Key West is a favorite also for it’s laid back feel. That’s where I’ve stayed most due to my in-laws that have owned there for years. I’ve never stayed at a deluxe resort but have visited them all. Next up for us is a split stay at Animal Kingdom Villas and Bay Lake Towers. Maybe some new favorites will be created.
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans Riverside
2 Port Orleans French Quarter
3
Deluxe Resorts
1 Boardwalk
2 Polynesian
3 Beach Club
DVC Resorts
1 Boardwalk
2 Bay Lake Tower
3 Wilderness Lodge
Your comments: You just can’t beat the location of the Epcot Resorts, the Wilderness Lodge and Bay Lake Tower are close to the Magic Kingdom but transportation can be a bit of a hassle. Animal Kingdom Lodge and Saratoga Springs are beautiful but traveling to and from the theme parks also takes awhile.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 French Quarter
2 Caribbean Beach (Pirate room)
3 Coronado Springs
Deluxe Resorts
1 Animal Kingdom
2 Grand Floridian
3 Polynesian
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake
2 Kidani
3 Boardwalk
Value Resorts
1. Pop Century
2. All Star Movies
3. All Star Music
We have never stayed at a Value Resort but Pop Century looks kind of fun.
Moderate Resorts
1. Port Orleans Riverside
2. Coronado Springs
3. Port Orleans French Quarter
The one Moderate Resort we stayed at was Caribbean Beach. While it was beautiful, I found the decor of the rooms to be too bright and bold, not very relaxing after a long day at the parks. I would like to try both of the Port Orleans resorts I have heard great things about them.
Deluxe Resorts
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Wilderness Lodge
3. Polyneisan
For people who have never stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in a savanna view room, all I can say is you must even if it’s only for a night. There is nothing like sitting on your balcony watching giraffe and zebra grazing 15 feet away.
DVC Resorts
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
2. Beach Club Villas
3. Tree House Villas @ Saratoga Springs Resort
Value Resorts
1 All Star Movies
2 Pop century
3 all star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Coronado Springs
2 Caribbean beach resort
3 Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
1 Contemporary
2 The Polynesian
3 Wilderness Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Bay Lake Tower
2 Animal kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
3 Beach club Villas
Your comments:
I haven’t stayed at all of these resorts but would like to experience each of these at some point. Disney’s themes are always amazing and usually offer something for everyone. I really enjoyed how quiet Coronado Springs was and the kids loved the pool there. Bay Lake Tower was really great and very conveniently located. We enjoyed all the dining options there. We will be staying at Kidani Village in October and we are really looking forward to it. I really don’t think there is a bad resort choice at Disney World. I would be happy to stay at any of them.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Music
3 All Star Movies
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans Riverside
2 Port Orleans French Quarter
3 Fort Wilderness Cabins
Deluxe Resorts
1 Polynesian
2 Wilderness Lodge
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge Villas
2 Beach Club Villas
3 Bay Lake Tower
Your comments:
I have only stayed at All Star Music many years ago but I would consider trying Pop Century some time (my husband stayed there when he ran the half-marathon and said it was nice).
We have visited all the moderate resorts however Riverside is the only moderate we have stayed at but it is our all time favourite resort of any (cannot beat the value for the price). French Qtr was second in the Moderate Category because we could still get to Downtown Disney by boat and see Bob Jackson. My oldest daughter wants to stay in the cabins sometime.
We have also visited all of the Deluxe resorts and eaten at many of them. We have stayed at all the Deluxe resorts on my list (love the large rooms at Poly) but we would like to stay at each resort on the Boardwalk since it is so convenient to walk to Epcot and HS.
We have only stayed at the Hilton Head DVC but it is not in WDW so I didn’t put it on my list. I listed the ones I like best from visiting them.
Wendy
Value Resorts
1.Movie
2.Pop
3.Music
Moderate Resorts
1.Port Orleans-Riverside
2.Fort Wilderness CampGround
3.Carribean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1.Wilderness Lodge
2.Animal Kingdom
3.Polynesian
Your comments: I have toured several of the hotels resorts in the many times I have been to WDW when i have ate at the different restarants. The only one I have stayed at is PO-riverside and loved it and have stayed many times now. I believe for the money port orleans is more then worth it. I would recommend it for anyone.
Value Resorts
1 Pop Century
2 All Star Movies
3 All Star Music
Moderate Resorts
1 Port Orleans French Quarter
2 Port Orleans Riverside
3 Caribbean Beach
Deluxe Resorts
1 Wilderness Lodge
2 Polynesian
3 Animal Kingdom Lodge
DVC Resorts
1 Beach Club Villas
2 Wilderness Lodge Villas
3 Old Key West
Your comments:
I have had the privilege to stay at all of my choices with the exception of the Polynesian. That is one resort I still would like to visit. Anyway, I chose to keep my lists of favorites to places I have actually experienced, so I am sure that in time my lists will change as I try out other resorts.
My favorite value resort has to be Pop Century. It is cleverly done and does not share a bus with the three other value resorts – enough said.
The Wilderness Lodge and Villas cannot be beat for tranquility and location. However, the same can be said for the Beach Club Villas, as Epcot and HS are my favorite parks and in staying at the BCV, I am right in between!
Overall, let’s face it, as long as I am in Disney World, I am not too particular about where I stay, but it’s always fun to try a new place!