It can be challenging to choose which hotel is best for you and your party at Disney World.
With over 25 resorts and three different resort tiers, there are so many hotels to choose from. Not only do we go to Disney World every day and have stayed at every single Disney World hotel, but our team here at AllEars is full of former Disney World Cast Members. We asked them to weigh in on which hotels they avoid to help you narrow down your list of where to stay on your upcoming vacation to Disney World.
While we may avoid these hotels, it is important to note that each hotel fits the needs of different parties. All of the resorts have their own flaws as well as their own list of positives, but coming from former Cast Members, they would avoid these five resorts.
The All-Star Resorts
The All-Star Resorts are made up of three different themed hotels, including All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, and All-Star Movies. We know that these resorts get a lot of unwarranted hate, but for us, we find them to be a transportation nightmare, which is why we avoid staying at them.
One of the many perks of staying at a Disney World hotel is free transportation, but unfortunately, the only form of transportation at the All-Star Resorts is Disney buses. While Disney tends to send the larger buses to these resorts, it can still be a nightmare waiting in a long line to start or end your day.
We will say that since this is a Value Resort, you will be able to save money staying here; plus, if you are looking for a resort that will make you feel like you are at Disney World, then look no further than the All-Star Resorts. But, if you are looking for these exact benefits but more transportation options, you may want to consider a stay at Pop Century or Art of Animation, as these are both Value Resorts with a ton of theming. Still, they have the bonus of the Skyliner.
Riviera Resort
Before the opening of the Island Tower at the Polynesian, the Riviera was Disney World’s newest resort. While this resort is stunning and offers excellent dining options, former Cast Members feel that it is not worth the Deluxe Resort price tag.
If you are going to splurge and treat yourself to a stay at a Deluxe Resort, we would recommend a stay at one of the Monorail hotels or an EPCOT area resort. The Riviera is a great resort to visit and dine at, especially if you want to Skyliner resort hop, but former Cast Members would rather splurge at other resorts.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Now, this may come as a surprise, as the AllEars team in general, loves Animal Kingdom Lodge, but the resort is far from a majority of Disney World. While it is close to Animal Kingdom, it can be a trek to get to the other side of the resort, like Disney Springs, for example.
It also shares the flaw of the All-Star Resorts as the only Disney-provided transportation is Disney buses. So, not only do you have to travel further to get to other places on Disney World property, but you also have to wait for a Disney bus to arrive. For us, efficiency is important, especially if you are having a short stay.
This resort is beautiful, and the savannah views are stunning, but we avoid it due to its lack of transportation and location in regards to Disney World as a whole.
While these five resorts may work for you and your party, former Cast Members tend to avoid them based on their location, offerings, and transportation options.
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I love the All stars!!! Not picky about distance. We would do POP if available in Fall 2025 but construction will b happening. We loved AKL for our Disneymoon. Jiko n Boma r must do restaurants.
All Stars does Need some electrical updates as outlets didn’t work in 2017. Other than that I love All Stars and AKL.
Agree about Animal Kingdom Lodge. While a beautiful resort, and amazing dining options (Boma is incredible) it is the furthest south of the entire property and can take a long time to get, well, anywhere. Even the location of the bus stop is a trek from the entrance of the hotel.
All Stars can be problematic, not only by virtue of transportation, but room location. It’s a big resort, and unless you pay for a premium room, you might be a long walk from the main building.
Hidden gem of the deluxe resorts has always been The Wilderness Lodge. Magic Kingdom location, though not on the Monorail, it has the option of the water taxi. Often, this resort has the most affordable pricing.
Many of the resorts are largely spread out, so while you can’t pick out specific rooms when booking, it’s a good idea to keep in mind what class of room you are booking and how that will impact your distance to the transportation options you need.
To any person of above the height of 5’4” I would not recommend staying at the Coronado Springs resort.
I’m only 5’8” and couldn’t fit under the shower head in the bathroom. Crouching down to shower is bizarre, this one must be meant for very petite folks and children.
I stayed in Animal Kingdom Lodge recently and will never stay there again. It’s pretty and has amazing views, but everything else was moderate/budget level.
Rough towels, cheap toilet paper, low pressure shower, no room service, the ice machine area was a mess etc.
We also stayed in the Hard Rock Hotel and it was the complete opposite.
We have stayed at every level of resorts at Walt Disney World, and unfortunately we have also had the very uncomfortable experience of being stuck with having to use their toilet paper or should I say 1-ply sandpaper. Surprisingly, they even had it in the rooms at the Grand Floridian. If you ever decide to stay at Disney Resorts again, make sure to put toilet paper on the top of your pacing list!!
We used to love the All Stars when my nephew was little and my sister and i would take him. They were affordable and very Disneyish in atmosphere. Now that i have DVC i appreciate the larger beds in the DVC resorts.