As Disney fans, it’s true that we love to dream big, especially when it comes to where we’d love to stay next.
Wilderness Lodge
There’s just something about Disney World hotels that makes them feel like part of the magic. Whether it’s the theming, the location, or the nostalgia, everyone seems to have that one (or maybe a few) bucket list resort they’ve always wanted to check off. So, we reached out to you to hear your thoughts on the matter, and let’s just say, narrowing it down to one? Yeah… not easy.
We reached out to our followers on Facebook and Instagram to ask: “What’s your Disney hotel BUCKET LIST pick?” We had quite a few people leave their opinions in the comments!
What do you think?
Now, let’s take a look at some of your top responses!
“Either Wilderness Lodge… or Beach Club”
Alexandra shared,
“Either wilderness lodge, because I think the theming is amazing and love a boat ride to MK or Beach club because we love the skyliner, EPCOT and Stormalong Bay!!”
Stormalong Bay
We get it. Both of these resorts have some serious pros. Wilderness Lodge feels like a cozy, woodsy escape that’s somehow just a short boat ride away from Cinderella Castle, while Beach Club brings that breezy, seaside energy — plus, Stormalong Bay is basically a mini water park. You really can’t go wrong with either one.
“…the Polynesian…”
Starla said,
“…the Polynesian seems like it would be similar to Aulani and I loved it there. Smells of the resort play a big role in my memories of resorts. Aulani smelled amazing…”
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The Polynesian is one of those iconic Disney hotels that’s at the top of so many people’s lists — and for good reason. From the tiki torches to the tropical music to that unbeatable monorail access, the Polynesian feels like a vacation all on its own. And yes, the smell of that lobby is legendary. (If you know, you know.)
“…now I think it is a Cascade Cabin at Wilderness Lodge.”
Elizabeth told us,
“I used to think it was Animal Kingdom’s Savana View or Poly’s Bungalows but now I think it is a Cascade Cabin at Wilderness Lodge. Yep. Peaceful luxury.”
Cascade Cabins
If you’ve ever walked past the Cascade Cabins, you know they look like something straight out of a nature-lover’s dream. These cabins are tucked away from the bustle, right on the water, and come with their own private hot tubs. “Peaceful luxury” sums it up perfectly.
“The Contemporary is was and will always be home.”
Debbie shared,
“The Contemporary is was and will always be home. Although I have stayed Savannah view at Animal Kingdom lodge it was very nice, and I have stayed at Wilderness Lodge . I wouldn’t mind staying in one of the cabins there and a bungalow at Polynesian, but I have only ever stayed in those hotels with the most days being at the Contemporary. It’s the smell of the lobby when you walk through the doors. It’s the people that greet you in the lobby. It’s the familiar feeling. When you’re walking around It’s just home for me. My first memories of Disney World were staying in that hotel.”
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The nostalgia here is so real. The Contemporary is a piece of Disney history — one of the original Disney World resorts — and it still has that unmistakable retro-meets-modern feel. Plus, watching the monorail glide right through the middle of the hotel? Never gets old.
“Probably the Polynesian bungalows since we had our honeymoon at the Poly 38 yrs ago.”
Sue said,
“Probably the Polynesian bungalows since we had our honeymoon at the Poly 38 yrs ago. That resort has a special place in our hearts. Second would be the lakeside cabins at The Wilderness Lodge. But being at any Disney resort beats being at home.”
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Bungalows
We love a good sentimental pick. The Polynesian bungalows are truly next-level — private decks, views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from your own plunge pool, and that peaceful lagoon breeze. Talk about a full-circle moment.
“Definitely the Riviera.”
Lindsey shared,
“Definitely the Riviera. It’s just boujee enough and on the skyliner route for easy transportation.”
Disney’s Riviera Resort
The Riviera is elegant, full of European flair, and super convenient with the Skyliner right outside. Between the rooftop dining, the mosaics, and the luxurious atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Lindsey called it “boujee enough.”
“I would LOVE to stay at the Wilderness Lodge!”
Pam said,
“I would LOVE to stay at the Wilderness Lodge! I love the great outdoors almost as much as I love WDW!”
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge clearly has a lot of fans — and it makes sense. It’s that perfect mix of rustic charm and Disney magic. You can roast marshmallows by the fire, spot the geyser erupt, or just curl up in the massive lobby surrounded by towering totem poles.
“I tried to narrow it down to one. I was unsuccessful.”
And finally, J. Rashad summed it up perfectly:
“I tried to narrow it down to one. I was unsuccessful. Boardwalk for the location (plus, it’s fancy), AK Lodge for the views, Polly Bungalows for the vibes.”
BoardWalk
Relatable. The truth is, there’s just too much Disney hotel magic to choose from. Between the views of giraffes at Animal Kingdom Lodge, the glow of the Polynesian torches, the turn-of-the-century charm of the BoardWalk, and the peaceful escape of the Wilderness cabins, each resort brings something totally different to the table.
So, maybe we don’t have to pick just one. Maybe that’s the real magic of Disney hotels — there’s something special waiting at every corner of the property.
You can see the animals right out the windows!
Well, those were just some of your thoughts on the Disney World hotels that are on your bucket list, and now we want to hear even more from you! In the meantime, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news!
2 Replies to ““I Tried to Narrow It Down to One. I Was Unsuccessful.” Fans Share Their Bucket List Disney World Hotels”
I tell people who have never been to stay at o e of the following : EPCOT area hotels (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin) , Contemporary, Saratoga Springs. And the main reason we do is they are close to places and give you options ( walking to some of the parks, alternative transportation options ( bus, boat, Skyliner, and Monorail). And they all lend themselves to great walking (or running).
I would develop a plan for what you want to do when you are at WDW and then select the resort that makes you plan easier to achieve.
Actually, we lived the dream for a few days. We go to Disney quite a bit, and were staying at the Wilderness for the week. They happened to be doing exterior painting and work on a lot of our rooms on the floor. We received this strange message from Disney and we were concerned we were going to be bumped to a different hotel. Well, to our astonishment and amazement they had upgraded us to the Vice Presidential suite, the Yosemite Suite for our time there. How oh so wonderful of Disney to do that and it was such an amazing suite. We had the absolute best time ever. The only one drawback (if you call it that) is now my wife has trouble going back to a regular room again! =)
I tell people who have never been to stay at o e of the following : EPCOT area hotels (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin) , Contemporary, Saratoga Springs. And the main reason we do is they are close to places and give you options ( walking to some of the parks, alternative transportation options ( bus, boat, Skyliner, and Monorail). And they all lend themselves to great walking (or running).
I would develop a plan for what you want to do when you are at WDW and then select the resort that makes you plan easier to achieve.
Actually, we lived the dream for a few days. We go to Disney quite a bit, and were staying at the Wilderness for the week. They happened to be doing exterior painting and work on a lot of our rooms on the floor. We received this strange message from Disney and we were concerned we were going to be bumped to a different hotel. Well, to our astonishment and amazement they had upgraded us to the Vice Presidential suite, the Yosemite Suite for our time there. How oh so wonderful of Disney to do that and it was such an amazing suite. We had the absolute best time ever. The only one drawback (if you call it that) is now my wife has trouble going back to a regular room again! =)