This Is the BEST Disney World Hotel, and You Won’t Convince Me Otherwise

Not all Disney World hotels are created equally!

There are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts, and each one offers something that the other doesn’t. Just because a hotel is right for one group doesn’t mean it’ll be the right choice for another — which begs the question: Which is the BEST Disney World hotel?

We have our fair share of thoughts on what the BEST hotels in Disney World are — but we wanted to know if there was a hotel that our readers felt stood out above the rest. Here’s what they said!

BEST Hotel: Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Give it up for Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter! This moderate hotel was definitely the top response we got from our readers when we asked on Facebook. It’s pretty clear to see why, too. It’s themed to the heart of New Orleans and features the eclectic style of the French Quarter.

Because this is a moderate hotel, you’ll find a bit more amenities than you might at a value resort but without those high deluxe hotel prices. It’s also relatively compact compared to other moderate resorts which tend to be pretty spread out.

You’ll find plenty of food to eat here — Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and Scat Cat’s Club & Lounge both offer plenty of Cajun and Creole-inspired eats — including beignets! You can also get your eat and drink on by the pool at Mardi Grogs.

Speaking of pools, the Doubloon Lagoon pool features a giant waterslide, and fun Mardi Gras celebrating alligators nearby. If your kiddos need to get some energy out, there’s also a splash pad and playground area.

Plus, you can also take advantage of the recreation and dining at the French Quarter’s sister resort — Port Orleans Riverside.

Not only that, but the Sassagoula River ferry boats offer the chance to take a leisurely trip to Disney Springs. Your only other Disney transportation option here is to use the bus, though, so keep that in mind if you’re considering it.

Most of the rooms here have two queen beds, though you can find some with kings. Up to four guests, and one child under 3 in a crib, are allowed per room, which makes this a better hotel for smaller families or those who are comfortable splitting up into multiple rooms.

You can request a room on a higher floor.

With its moderate pricing, fun theming, delicious eats, activities, and access to Disney Springs, it’s easy to see why so many people love this hotel!

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Port Orleans French Quarter Highlights: The Port Orleans French Quarter Resort opened May 17th, 1...

Moderate Resort 2 - 4 Person Capacity Bus Boat

Runner-Up: Animal Kingdom Lodge

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, which almost beat French Quarter in terms of how many responses we got. Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort meaning you’ll pay a pretty penny to stay here, but it’s often worth it according to our readers. The theming here is utterly incredible — you really feel like you’ve been transported to the African Savanna.

There are actual, life safari animals at this hotel, and if you’re lucky you can get a room with a view of them! It’s designed to mimic an African wildlife lodge, and we really think they nailed it. Plus, it’s got some of the best food of any Disney World hotel!

All three savannas are specially built areas that are just for this hotel and are separate from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are over 100 Sand Live Oak trees and 35,000 shrubs on the savannas. Seeds for many of the plants were supplied from Africa.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is widely considered one of the best “foodie Resorts.” Reservations for the Resort’s Table Service dining are highly recommended. The restaurants offer a blend of African, Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, and French cuisine with a dash of English served with a hint of classical flair. The menus reflect a blend of sweet and savory international tastes.

Jiko, Boma, and Sanaa are the best ones if you ask us!

One of the drawbacks of this hotel is that it’s pretty far away from everything in the Disney bubble except for Animal Kingdom. That, combined with the fact that bus transportation is your only option here can make people think twice about this spot. But we still love it!