What are the best Disney resorts? When it comes to where to stay at Disney World, there are plenty of choices. But some Disney resorts really stand out as unique - the best location, the best water park, the best restaurant options. Depending on what you like to do on your vacation, one of these Disney resorts may be just perfect for you.
1. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
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What's Unique about Disney's Grand Floridian Resort: full-service spa, a monorail to the Magic Kingdom, the only restaurant in Central Florida with a AAA Five Diamond rating (Victoria & Albert's), and a wedding chapel with a view of Cinderella's Castle to inspire happily-ever-afters.
2. Disney's Polynesian Resort
Charlyn Keating Chisholm
What's Unique about Disney's Polynesian Resort: besides its station for the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian is adjacent to the main Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can catch the other monorail line to Epcot. The Spirit of Aloha luau is a popular dinner show. It's also one of the two original hotels from 1971.
3. Disney's Contemporary Resort
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What's Unique about Disney's Contemporary Resort: the monorail to the Magic Kingdom passes right through the atrium of this hotel. But what a location -- this is the only Disney resort that lets you walk (right across the street) to the Magic Kingdom. This is the other original hotel from 1971.
4. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
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What's Unique about Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: built around a private animal reserve with three separate savannas, encompassing 33 acres. The savannas are visible from many guest rooms (all with private balconies) and are home to over 200 mammals and birds (three dozen species in all). In the lobby, hand-carved architectural features and rare African artifacts are worth seeking out.
5. Disney's Yacht and beach Club Resorts
Charlyn Keating Chisholm
What's Unique about Disney's Yacht and Beach Club: these resorts share Stormalong Bay, arguably the best resort water park in Disney World. A huge water slide built to resemble a shipwreck, a sandy bottom pool and water currents add to the fun. Stormalong Bay is only accessible to guests of these two resorts. They also have location going for them; you can take a short walk to Epcot and the BoardWalk entertainment district (lots of restaurant choices in both places) or a longer walk to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
6. Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Charlyn Keating Chisholm
What's Unique about Disney's BoardWalk Inn: BoardWalk is an entertainment district with restaurants, bars and a dance hall. Midway games and entertainers (like a bicycling pianist) add to the fun. It's a short walk to Epcot and a longer walk to Hollywood Studios. From the bridge to Epcot, you can see the fireworks without going into the theme park.
7. Disney's Wilderness Lodge
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What's Unique about Disney's Wilderness Lodge: though it's in the Magic Kingdom area, it's not on the monorail line; but the boat ride across Bay Lake is convenient.
8. Disney's All-Star Music Resort
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What's Unique about Disney's All-Star Music Resort: the least expensive way to get a suite in Disney World. The All-Star Music Resort is the only Value resort to offer Family Suites. These one-bedroom suites with full kitchens sleep up to six people with a Queen bed and pull-out furniture in the living room.
9. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
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What's Unique about Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort: well-equipped campgrounds are popular with families who come year after year for extended stays. Cabins offer separate bedrooms with bunk beds, a Murphy bed in the living room and full kitchens. Boat transportation is available to the Magic Kingdom. Despite the convenient location, the resort has a secluded, quiet feel.
10. Disney's Saratoga Springs
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What's Unique about Disney's Saratoga Springs: you can walk to Downtown Disney from this Disney Vacation Club resort. Lake Buena Vista golf course is on site, and the resort has a full-service spa. Treehouse Villas are the latest room option; octagonal free-standing structures surrounded by wilderness have three bedrooms, two baths and full kitchens.
