I Didn’t Think I Could Hate This Disney World Hotel Any More…Until This Happened

Hotel stays have been part of Walt Disney World from the very beginning. Literally in fact, as the Contemporary and the Polynesian opened with the rest of the resort on October 1st, 1971.

In the last 50+ years, Disney has opened nearly 30 hotels on property in 3 resort categories – Deluxe, Moderate, and Value. In my 30+ years visiting Disney World, I’ve stayed at resorts in all three tiers, as have many of our readers, and they have THOUGHTS.

Recently, we took to our Facebook page to pose a question to our readers: “We’re talking Disney World hotel stays! What was the best you ever had? What about the most nightmarish?” While we received many responses detailing magical Disney experiences, others had us rethinking ever staying at certain Walt Disney World hotels again!

Let’s begin with reader Ashley, who shared a self-professed unpopular opinion about the aforementioned Polynesian Resort. She wrote about the hotel, “Yes I did research but I had high expectations I guess … it was super loud staff was not very nice and they messed up (our) room on arrival was supposed be at Island Tower anywho the room was fine and nice but elevator and hallways super outdated wish I had gotten the island tower like I paid for I think I would have been happy.” Yeah, we can definitely see how not being in the new section of the hotel one booked could be upsetting.

Reader Lisa also shared a negative Polynesian experience, writing “… our room was near the exit door on the 2nd floor. The door malfunctioned most of the week and would automatically open every few seconds. Incredibly maddening when trying to sleep. We complained and nothing happened, so I fumed about it all week.” However, they did specify that when their party checked out, they “learned that a small credit had been applied to our account. I appreciated that, but if they had told me that’s what they were doing, I would not have been so upset about it all week.”

Reader Kalley was one of several who shared, shall we say, less-than-stellar experiences at the Coronado Springs Resort. They wrote, “The big sliding bathroom door and dark paint make the rooms feel like a jail cell. Also, getting around is like a big maze to find the rooms.” While we wouldn’t quite agree with that, we can see how being reminded of a jail might not be the best experience.

Reader Cynthia shared a bad family experience at the Boardwalk, writing, “Worst- 1 hour stay: 2 adults, 1 preteen son, 1 teen daughter given a 1-bed (king) room at the Boardwalk! Needless to say, we turned on our heels and returned to the lobby. We were then given a 2-bedroom overlooking a dumpster, no room for a roll-away.” However, they clarified that the situation ended up being resolved, writing that they “Finally got the room we had thought all along that we reserved. So, all in all, Disney did its magic and made it right.”

Reader Melissa shared a story that spells out the negative of visiting certain hotels during event weekends. According to them, during their stay at Port Orleans: Riverside, “the resort was completely overwhelmed by Princess Marathon participants. The cast members were struggling with food service, cleanliness and housekeeping.” That’s why we would always recommend being aware of Disney’s calendar and important dates when booking your trip.

Moving on, we have reader Kara, who had a slightly mixed take on a stay at the Art of Animation Resort. According to them, the vibe and grounds were a blast, great food court, but it’s the noisiest resort. “We called it the resort of slamming doors and toilet flushes. Paper-thin walls and concrete hallways amplify even the quietest people.”

That was actually one of several negative experiences readers shared about Disney’s Value Tier hotels. For example, reader Danielle wrote, “The value resorts are the worst. So loud, packed, and tacky. Overstimulating on every level. Tiny rooms, paper-thin walls. No real amenities and far from everything. Plus, if it rains, you can’t use the Skyliner.”

It should be noted that the Value Tier resorts are not the only ones to feature noise complaints from our readers. Jon shared a tale from a stay at the Deluxe Tier Boardwalk Resort, writing that there was “noise and commotion all night long.” They continued, “between the teens screaming at the top of their lungs until about 12:30 AM, and all of the utility carts and maintenance going on, sleep was near impossible.”

Finally, reader Nicole shared a story about a negative stay at Bay Lake Tower, writing, “We had one bad experience at Bay Lake Tower. The washer flooded the room. They couldn’t get it replaced. They couldn’t move us. The room was soaking wet. 5 kids. No washer (I didn’t pack for (not having access to a) washer) and then (the room was) wet and damp everywhere. And then the staff couldn’t figure out why I was so angry.”

While most Walt Disney World hotel stays — including those shared by our readers — are usually positive experiences, these readers’ claims certainly skewed to the negative. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts on this, or any other Disney or travel-related topic, follow us on the AllEars Facebook to join in on the next conversation!

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What’s been your most negative Disney hotel experience? Let us know in the comments below.

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