The Best Disney World Hotel Might SURPRISE You

Disney World Resorts can be polarizing — some guests would rather save their money and stay off-property, while others never go a trip without staying in one.

With how expensive Disney’s hotels can be, you might be wondering how they stack up against non-Disney accommodation, especially if you are considering making the switch. Thanks to a recent report, we have an answer for you!

The U.S. News & World Report is responsible for the “Best Hotels” emblems you probably have seen across many hotel websites and brochures. They just published their 2023 rankings for both the U.S. and abroad, and they include a whopping 35,000 hotels! The rankings consider both industry awards as well as guest reviews. So, how did Disney measure up?

The Best Hotels in the USA list includes over 6,000 names across the 50 states. At the top of the list are luxury spots like the Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida and Pendry West Hollywood in California. We didn’t expect to see a Disney resort in the top 10, so we kept scrolling to see which one is rated highest in the country. And the winner is…. (we hope you’re doing a drum roll at home!)

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, coming in at spot #139! Okay, so this technically isn’t a Disney hotel. The Four Seasons is a well-known and respected hotel brand, so it makes sense it would be ranked highest of them all. The actual true Disney resort that beat out all the others is… (more drumrolls please!)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, ranked #322 in the United States! This Deluxe Resort has a lot going for it: gorgeous theming, prime location near Magic Kingdom, great dining options, and a variety of amenities. It’s also good to know that one of Disney World’s priciest resorts that made the top of the list — that cost actually means something! However, it’s a big drop from the Four Seasons’s ranking of #139.

The next Disney resort on the list is actually next on the ranking. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Kapolei, Hawaii comes in at #323. After that there’s another jump to the #500s, with Disney’s Beach Club Resort and then Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at #560 and #566 respectively. The rest of the Disney resorts in the U.S. are ranked number #800 or lower. Disney resorts fare better on the Best Hotels in Florida list! The ranking order is the same, but on this list the Grand Floridian tops Disney out at spot #36 out of almost 2,800 hotels.

So what does this mean for you? If you are trying to decide between staying at a Disney resort or a non-Disney luxury resort, you may be better off picking the non-Disney option. Unless you have your heart set on staying at a specific Deluxe Resort you can often get the same amenities for less somewhere else. However, when it comes down to it, you are better off doing your research and comparing what aspects of your accommodation are most important to you and prioritizing that way!

Here at AllEars we work hard to bring you the best information to help you plan your future Disney trips, and you can keep checking in to our site for more tips, news, and updates!

Check out the rankings here: How Did YOUR Favorite Disney World Hotel Rank in This New Report?

Do you always stay at Disney resorts, or do you prefer to stay off-property? Share your strategies in the comments below!