Deciding which Disney World hotel to stay in is one of the toughest choices when planning a vacation. There are different price points, types of rooms and locations to consider. On top of that, do you stay at the same hotel all trip or move around throughout? Unfortunately, I can’t decide all of that for you. Well, I could but it might not match what you actually want. I probably don’t even know you (hi mom). What I can do is rank all of the Disney World resorts that I have stayed in.

While we’ve stayed in most of the resorts at Walt Disney World, there are a few minor exceptions. The first is pretty clear, we have never camped or stayed in the cabins at Fort Wilderness. Camping is not our thing so check out other site’s reviews there. We will likely get to the cabins before long. The other big caveat to our list is that we’ve never stayed in the Contemporary’s A-frame. That’s very high on our to-do list though.

A quick tangent – just because you’re staying at one hotel doesn’t mean you can’t walk the grounds (and eat at the restaurants) of another. In fact, I encourage people to do that. Not only will you get to see some beautiful areas Disney has created, you might come up with a better idea of where you want to stay next trip.

Back on track, when ranking these resorts I tried to consider all factors – price, rooms, location, pools, food, etc.. I was hopeful that considering all of these would even out my rankings and put some value resorts (or at least moderates) near the top of the list. Unfortunately, this isn’t exactly the case. While there is some parity among the values and moderates, most of the deluxe resorts or villas ended up near the top of the list. I do think there is a pretty big jump from moderate to deluxe, spare a few deluxe resorts. That doesn’t mean the other resorts are bad, on the contrary as some are quite nice, it’s just hard to ignore all the positives the deluxe resorts offer.

As the title says, this post is just sticking to all of the on-site Disney resorts. There are several Disney Springs and Bonnet Creek resorts that we like, as well as the Swan & Dolphin on Disney’s Boardwalk. If we were to add the Swan & Dolphin into these rankings it would likely be somewhere in the 8-11 range, as it’s hard to beat that price and location. Check out our full review of that resort here.

With all of that out-of-the-way, it’s time to get to the rankings. If you’re interested in reading more about each resort, click on the name to see our full review.

21. Disney’s All Star Music Resort

For all the flack that the All Star Resorts catch, they are starting to gain some grounds with recent room remodels. Most of that comes down to value. All Star Music Resort does have the worst rooms on this list and the amenities aren’t as enjoyable as others. Having said that, I don’t think they are so bad that it makes up for the difference in cost. If you can find a standard room right around $120 or a family suite for $230 then All Star Music Resort holds some value. I also think this resort has a more prevalent and well executed theme, if that’s important to you. I’m in the minority when it comes to thinking that All Star Music is not far below the next few on the list but if you find the right price and time then staying here is not a bad option.

20. Disney’s All Star Sports Resort

Yes, it’s near the bottom of the list but there’s nothing wrong with All Star Sports itself. In fact, I really enjoy the theme here relative to a few other value resorts. The main issue is that this resort can get overrun with youth sports teams, making it feel very busy and loud. My favorite part here are the grounds and the price. Finding this resort for just over $100/night is doable and that’s a great value! The rooms here are pretty standard for a value resort but they do the job. If it weren’t for the crowds, this would move up a spot or two but that can muddy the experience.

19. Disney All Star Movies Resort

Rounding out the All Star Resorts, Movies is easily our favorite. I think the decor works better here, as the hotel turns into a cheaper version (both in actual cost and in looks) of Art of Animation. To be honest, I was tempted to move All Star Movies above Art of Animation simply because of the value here compared to there. But the lack of interesting transportation makes this value resort lose out. Still, this is a fun place to stay if you don’t mind the oversized decor. The price is hard to beat and you get the on-site perks. I know it’s toward the bottom of this list but All Star Movies is a solid option.

18. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

The lowest ranked deluxe resort is still a solid option if you can find the right deal. Saratoga Springs caters to those who want more of a laid back vacation with lots of time at Disney Springs. Themed to upstate New York, we don’t find the resort to be enveloping in terms of theme but it is beautiful. Saratoga’s other detraction is how spread out the resort is, making the bus times a bit frustrating. There is a chance to find Saratoga Springs Resort under $250/night and then we’d recommend it (or if you’re looking for a room to accommodate a big group), otherwise we like moderate resorts we like more.

17. Disney’s Old Key West Resort 

Old Key West’s pros and cons are more extreme than most others on the list. We’ll start with the pros. Old Key West has a fun transportation option in taking the boat to Disney Springs. The room size is also advantageous, with a bigger footprint than any other Disney resort. I like the pool well enough and the grounds are spacious and well kept, similar to Saratoga. Unfortunately, the resort looks a little older (and it is). The theme is executed but doesn’t appeal to me as much. There are times when you can find Old Key West at a significant discount and booking is a solid choice. Also, if you want a larger room then I’d absolutely recommend Old Key West.

16. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Art of Animation and Pop Century will always be linked. Unfortunately, Art of Animation falls well behind Pop Century due to the higher price tag. The pool is fun, with a few interesting quirks, and the food court is decent, probably the best of any value resort. For families, Art of Animation does offer a suite. It’s still quite expensive but there are deals to be found here and there. I prefer Pop Century over the standard hotel rooms at Art of Animation. The Disney Skyliner is a huge boon for Art of Animation though.

15. Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside

We’re starting to get into resorts that I really like now. The grounds at Riverside are absolutely stunning with beautiful buildings, paths and architecture all around. The theme is also wonderful and executed to perfection. Acting as a town outside of New Orleans, I find Riverside a quiet escape to the chaos of the parks. The pool isn’t spectacular but being near French Quarter is a plus, as is the boat ride transportation to Disney Springs.

14. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Coronado Springs keeps moving up our list. We’re lukewarm on the Gran Destino Tower but the only negatives really come from the aesthetic. Everything else added has been fantastic! Coronado’s theme is fairly interesting with distinct Spanish architecture and a beautiful lake to walk around. Coronado Springs also offers one of the best pools in all of Walt Disney World. The dining scene at Coronado does laps around the other moderate resorts and is one of the best in all of WDW. The downside is that I find the rooms here to be bland and the sprawling nature works against this resort some. Still, I could understand those that move Coronado up above other moderates on the list. Finding the hotel under $190/night is a steal.

13. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Maybe my most controversial pick on this list as I imagine it would be very high for some. If this was actually the Contemporary Resort and staying inside the A-frame then I’d have a hard time not putting it in the top five, I’m guessing. But Bay Lake Tower isn’t much of a consideration to make it that high as the resort has no theme and the rooms were nice but not exciting. The location can’t be beat, steps away from Magic Kingdom and a monorail ride away from Epcot. Still, Bay Lake Tower can’t overcome being one of the dullest resorts at Disney – especially compared to what the top 10 offer.

12. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Walt Disney World’s newest deluxe resort falls just outside of the top ten despite strong amenities, nicer rooms and location. All of those qualities are incredibly strong as the resort has one of the best dining scenes of anywhere on property. I believe I’m in the minority but I find the building to be bland from the outside. I don’t like the grey. For now, the hotel’s price is still very high. But for being a compact hotel sitting next to a moderate resort, the Riviera definitely makes good use of their space. The grounds are wonderful to walk around and the seating areas are charming and relaxing. All in all, this is a lovely hotel if you find it at the right price.

11. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach has gained the most ground in these rankings thanks to the resort’s massive renovation and the Disney Skyliner opening. The grounds are very pretty and the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios is a definite plus. On top of that, the main pool is very fun. Caribbean Beach has a large footprint and takes a while to walk around, which can be a negative after a long day in the parks. That can be negated thanks to the options on the Skyliner stations and multiple bus stops.

10. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

This resort was the hardest to rank, mainly because there’s a big jump from 11 to 10. For now, Boardwalk Inn falls in this slot mainly because I think the rooms lack character. That said, the resort has our favorite location of any at Disney World. The pool is fun and the surrounding Boardwalk area is really enjoyable to walk around. While a deluxe resort, there are times when you can find a decent rate (under $350/night). It’s also a good value for DVC owners or those renting points.

9. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

French Quarter can’t boast an incredible location but it does have a distinct theme at much lower prices. The resort is nestled right up against the river and offers an idealized New Orleans for guests to enjoy. There is boat transportation offered to Disney Springs and the resort is close to Epcot. While French Quarter doesn’t offer everything that a deluxe resort does, being able to walk to Port Orleans Riverside makes for a quasi-deluxe with a laid back atmosphere and beautiful theme.

8. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village

I’ve questioned whether the two different wings of Animal Kingdom Lodge should be split up in these rankings and ultimately decided to. That said, you can access everything at the lodge regardless of if you’re staying at Kidani or Jambo. So, if it’s cheaper to stay at Kidani then I’d consider it at the very least. We like Jambo House slightly more thanks to more dining variety and the grand lobby. Kidani Village has perks though as I like the pool better there and it’s a quieter resort as a whole. You can’t go wrong with either one!

7. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Without any hesitation, this is the best value of any resort at Walt Disney World. In recent years, the rooms have been redone at Pop Century and I do like them a lot, even if they’re a little bland. The cost is also far less than Art of Animation next door. The addition of the Disney Skyliner is the biggest draw here as the transportation is at least at a moderate level now while the prices are still low. If you’re looking for the best value then Pop Century is the place to go. While not as lavish as some other options, Pop Century has as much going for it as any place on this list.

6. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

The Grand Floridian is seen as one of the Walt Disney World flagship resorts for a reason, it is exceptionally beautiful and a wonder to walk around. If you love Victorian decor and architecture then this may be at the top of the WDW hotel list for you. Unfortunately, the price is exceptionally high here and the theme is less about transporting than it is just a sweeping, beautiful hotel. But the amenities are fantastic, the restaurants are some of Disney’s best and there’s a luxury offered here that isn’t seen often at a theme park resort.

5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge is a resort with incredible character and beauty. The lobby, pool, room, restaurants, and location are all top-notch. Every aspect is as solid as it gets and the price point is on the lower end of the deluxe resorts. That Wilderness Lodge isn’t in the top 4 is no fault of its own. The top 4 just provide a little extra something to put them over the top that Wilderness Lodge doesn’t quite have for me.

4. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

If you take away the extremely high price point and that darn tower then the Polynesian probably takes over the top spot on this list. The resort has some of our favorite rooms in Walt Disney World. On top of that, the Polynesian has a well executed theme, incredible location, an amazing pool and one of the best dining scenes of any resort at Walt Disney World. The downside is that guests will definitely be paying for all of that. If we’re picking nits, the Poly might not have the same type of charm that Wilderness Lodge or French Quarter has but it makes up for it in plenty of other ways. If you have the means then stay here, even though it isn’t a good value.

3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House

While Wilderness Lodge beats Animal Kingdom Lodge in location, AKL wins out in every other aspect. There are beautiful, original rooms that fit the theme perfectly. The pools are very nice, if not spectacular. Food is a spot where this resort excels with three of the best table-service restaurants in Walt Disney World. Oh, and there are animals right outside of the room. This distinction alone would make Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House unique but thankfully they didn’t stop there. The resort offers more extras than others as well, with free tours of their dining locations, open fire-pits and much more. Melissa and I both agreed that if just looking at the resort alone, Animal Kingdom Lodge would be number one. Factoring in location and the pool changed the top spot though. Fortunately, you can find pretty decent values at Animal Kingdom Lodge with rooms sometimes around $250/night. If you can’t stay there though then go visit the hotel, it’s worth your time.

2. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Frankly, if just considering the room, lobby and theme the Yacht Club would probably be in the 7-10 range on this list. Where the resort excels is the outstanding pool (Stormalong Bay) and location. Walking to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios is my favorite location of any resort, even more than the Magic Kingdom resorts. And that pool is like a miniature water park, except more relaxing. The table-service dining is spectacular, as well. If you can swing it even for a night or two, Yacht (and Beach) Club is an incredible place to stay.

1. Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Honestly, we could probably put the Yacht & Beach Club together. The rooms are similar and the one slight downside. They’ve very nice, just lacking some theme. After that, Yacht & Beach both share an incredible array of amenities. Those include dining, the best pool at WDW and an incredible location. The reason why Beach Club comes in first place? Because it’s just a few steps closer to Epcot and I prefer the blue buildings to the grey. I actually prefer Yacht Club’s lobby slightly more but not enough to offset that.

That does it for my resort rankings so far. I’ll update the list as we stay at other resorts over the years. Let me know any questions or thoughts you have down below in the comments! Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Check out our planning guide here! Looking for discount tickets? Check out this site! If you enjoy what you’re reading on Wandering in Disney please subscribe to the blog and like our Facebook page. You can find both of those on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!