List of 32 Disney World Resorts: Honest Insights, Pros & Cons Included

Dreaming of your next magical getaway? Whether you’re hunting down the perfect Disney World Resort, brushing up on your Disney trivia, or planning that unforgettable trip to the happiest place on Earth, I’ve got you covered! Check out my ultimate list of Disney resorts, complete with pros and cons for each one! After staying at every single hotel over the last decade, I’m sharing all the insider info to help you make the best choice for your adventure! Ready to explore?

List of Disney World Resorts

Are you planning a magical getaway to Walt Disney World? Stay in one of the enchanting on-site resorts for an unforgettable experience! Here’s a quick look at each resort and their opening dates. This disney world resort hotels list is handy for making sure you get to all the resorts, don’t miss a new favorite, or just learning something new about the most magical place on earth. While I’ve listed each Disney Resort list with the date opened, please note these resorts have been upgraded repeatedly over the years. Allright, without further ado, here is the list of Disney World Resorts.

All Disney properties give guests access to the parks 30 minutes early. The Deluxe hotels also give guests access to select parks on select dates 2 hours past closing.

Looking for more disney trip planning? I’ve got you covered! Don’t miss best character dining Disney World, 15 Disney World dining tips, and our 50 ways to enjoy Disney World without going in the parks,

Disney resorts list

There are over 25 Disney owned hotels at Disney World Florida. Let’s explore the Disney resorts from the date they opened:

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Opened: 1971
A modern hotel with the iconic monorail running through it, offering breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom.

Pros: large rooms with fun Incredibles theme, walking distance to Magic Kingdom, great view of fireworks
Cons: open attrium is loud and crowded with guests visiting Chef Mickeys, expensive, walkway to MK gets flooded in heavy rain

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Opened: 1971
Experience a tropical paradise with stunning waterfront views and a taste of Hawaii.

Pros: monorail access to Magic Kingdom, short walk to transportation hub with Epcot monorail, Dole Whip on site, gorgeous Volcano pool, view of nighly water pageant, Magic Kingdom fireworks direct view from beach with music piped in, beautiful theming, free lei upon check-in, Moana themed rooms
Cons: themed pool is small for resort (and new adjacent tower that uses this pool) so it gets crowded, expensive, lobby crowded with park goers coming to Ohana meal or to look at the resort

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Opened: 1971
Embrace nature in this rustic retreat featuring cabins and campsites nestled among the pines.

Pros: unique Disney experience (camping a l a Disney), nightly view of water pageant from the beach, obstructed view of Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach, boat access to Magic Kingdom, great nightly rate for Disney, nightly Chip and Dale sing along is free, gorgeous grounds with many activities and walking trails
Cons: ice machines are not free, expansive property makes a golf cart a necessity, you need to take an internal bus to get to the park buses because it is so large, bring your own towel and shampoo to bathhouse, no pool towels provided

Read our Disney’s fort wilderness resort review!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Opened: 1988
This Victorian-style luxury resort is the flagship hotel, showcasing elegance and world-class dining.

Pros: beautiful property with lovely grounds, pool with waterslide, Mad Hatter splash area for kids, walk to Magic Kingdom or take monorail, lobby hosts seasonal events like gingerbread house or chocolate Easter eggs, great view of fireworks from in front of quick serve, quick serve has ample seating, updated rooms with Mary Poppins node
Cons: expensive, if planning to take monorail to Magic Kingdom in the morning it will arrive full at peak times, lobby can be crowded seasonally

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Opened: 1988

Discover the enchanting Disney Caribbean Beach Resort, where tropical island vibes meet family-friendly fun!

Pros: incredible fort pool with serveral water slides and splash area, on the Skyline for easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Cons: large resort requires internal bus to get to food, themed pool, and/or skyliner

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Opened: 1990
Enjoy nautical themes and a beautiful sandy beach, along with a fantastic pool complex.

Pros: walk to Epcot, after shrot walk take skyliner to Hollywood Studios, walk to Disney Fantasia mini golf, shares incredible Stormalong bay pool with Beach Club
Cons: crowded at peak season, expensive, Stormalong pool is crowded

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Opened: 1990
A charming New England-style resort with access to Stormalong Bay, a fantastic water park.

Pros: Stormalong bay pool, large edible carousel in lobby during holidays, walk to Epcot, short walk to take skyliner to Hollywood Studios, ice cream shop with large sundae and Cape Mae Cafe character breakfast
Cons: expensive, Stormalong pool can be crowded, rooms are smaller than other similar hotels

Swan and Dolphin Resort

Opened: 1990
Notable for its unique architecture, these resorts offer luxury and proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Pros: deluxe perks, walk to Epcot and skyliner to Hollywood Studios,
Cons: expensive, no Disney theming, no Disney transprotation, resort fees

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Opened: 1991
Revel in the charm of Louisiana bayou life with beautiful landscaping and a peaceful atmosphere.

Pros: beautiful, tranquil grounds with easy access to main building, good foot at quick serve, fish or rent bikes, boat to Disney Springs, princess rooms available, walk to central hub to avoid internal bus, 5th guest option in many rooms, waterslide with main pool
Cons: only buses to get to parks, sprawling grounds mean some rooms are a long walk from main building, shared theme park buses with French Quarter means they may come full

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Opened: 1991
Experience the vibrant culture of New Orleans in this quaint resort with lively streets and great dining.

Pros: charming grounds with immersive jazz theme, boat ride to Disney Springs, less sprawling means less walking, Mickey Beignets, beads in room when you check-in, fun pool area
Cons: no 5th bed in rooms, shared theme park buses with Riverside means they may come full, less recreational activities than Riverside

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Opened: 1991
Relax in a tropical oasis inspired by the Florida Keys, complete with spacious villas.

Pros: cute Mickey sandcastle pool with slide and activity area, least expensive deluxe, some of most spacious rooms on property, boat to Disney Springs,
Cons: expensive for not having any transportation options other than buses, not much to do at night, hard to get reservations at Olivia’s as it is small

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Opened: 1994
Enjoy a melodic stay with music-themed accommodations in a vibrant, family-friendly setting.

Pros: affordable, smaller resort is more walkable with one bus stop, cute theming
Cons: no waterslide, no sit down restaurants, only bus transportation to parks, common areas can be crowded, beds not as comfy, rooms can be noisy

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Opened: 1994
Get in the game at this sports-themed resort, perfect for sports lovers of all ages.

Pros: affordable, smaller resort is more walkable with one bus stop, cute theming
Cons: no waterslide, no sit down restaurants, only bus transportation to parks, common areas can be crowded, beds not as comfy, rooms can be noisy

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Opened: 1994
Experience the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest in this stunning lodge with beautiful landscaping.

Pros: no walking from building-to-building, gorgeous themed lobby with fireplace, sit down restaurants on site, boat to magic kingdom, waterslide and hot tub,
Cons: expensive, lobby can be noisy and crowded with park guests coming for restaurants

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Opened: 1996
Step back in time to the 1940s on this charming boardwalk with dining and entertainment.

Pros: walk to Epcot, skyliner to Hollywood Studios, waterslide and hot tub, recently renovated rooms, boardwalk in front of resort offers free entertainment like jugglers and other acts, rent a bike or fishing gear, no walking between buildings
Cons: expensive, rooms smaller than other resorts, limited selection of quick-serve options, difficult to navigate elevators at first

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Opened: 1996
Enjoy the charm of the boardwalk and the excitement of being close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Pros: walk to Epcot, skyliner to Hollywood Studios, waterslide and hot tub, recently renovated rooms, boardwalk in front of resort offers free entertainment like jugglers and other acts, rent a bike or fishing gear, no walking between buildings
Cons: expensive, rooms smaller than other resorts, limited selection of quick-serve options, difficult to navigate elevators at first

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Opened: 1997
Escape to a Spanish-inspired resort with a beautiful lakeside setting and a mix of business and leisure.

Pros: beautiful grounds, pyramid themed pool with waterslide, large food court, recently refurbished rooms,
Cons: hosts conventions so can be crowded with non-park guests, only bus transportation to theme parks, sprawling so internal bus to get to theme park bus or food options

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Opened: 1999
Celebrate your favorite films in this fun, budget-friendly resort filled with larger-than-life decor.

Pros: affordable, smaller resort is more walkable with one bus stop, cute theming
Cons: no waterslide, no sit down restaurants, only bus transportation to parks, common areas can be crowded, beds not as comfy, rooms can be noisy

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Opened: 2001
Immerse yourself in African culture with savanna views and exotic wildlife just outside your window.

Pros: beautiful theming, lobby with fabulous holiday decorations, comfy well appointed rooms, watch animals like giraffe outside, educational programs, various dining options, pool with waterslide, no buildings to walk between, least expensive deluxe resort
Cons: only buses to get to theme parks, expensive

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Opened: 2002
A charming DVC option offering easy access to Epcot and the relaxing vibe of a beach resort.

Pros: Stormalong bay pool, large edible carousel in lobby during holidays, walk to Epcot, short walk to take skyliner to Hollywood Studios, ice cream shop with large sundae and Cape Mae Cafe character breakfast
Cons: expensive, Stormalong pool can be crowded, rooms are smaller than other similar hotels

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Opened: 2003
Celebrate pop culture from the 20th century with colorful landscapes and nostalgic decorations.

Pros: affordable, smaller resort is more walkable with one bus stop, cute theming, splash pad as well as pools, skyliner access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot
Cons: no waterslide, no sit down restaurants, beds not as comfy, rooms can be noisy

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Opened: 2013
Enjoy luxurious accommodations with all the grandeur of the Grand Floridian atmosphere.

Pros: beautiful property with lovely grounds, pool with waterslide, Mad Hatter splash area for kids, walk to Magic Kingdom or take monorail, lobby hosts seasonal events like gingerbread house or chocolate Easter eggs, great view of fireworks from in front of quick serve, quick serve has ample seating, updated rooms with Mary Poppins node
Cons: expensive, if planning to take monorail to Magic Kingdom in the morning it will arrive full at peak times, lobby can be crowded seasonally

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Opened: 2004
Enjoy the charm of a Victorian resort with a relaxing atmosphere and proximity to Disney Springs.

Pros: least expensive of deluxe, walk to Disney Springs, large rooms, pool with waterslide and hot tub, ammenities like bike rentals and spa,
Cons: expensive, sprawling means lots of walking or internal bus, more limited food options, only bus as option to parks

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village

Opened: 2009
A DVC resort featuring stunning savanna views and a vibrant African cultural experience.

Pros: beautiful theming, lobby with fabulous holiday decorations, comfy well appointed rooms, watch animals like giraffe outside, educational programs, various dining options, pool with waterslide, no buildings to walk between, least expensive deluxe resort
Cons: only buses to get to theme parks, expensive

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Opened: 2012
Dive into the worlds of Disney animated classics with themed suites and vibrant decor.

Pros: suites for families of up to 6, playful theming from Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Cars, andLittle Mermaid,, themed pool, several themed play areas, skyliner access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot
Cons: expensive for value, limited dining options

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Opened: 2015
Luxurious accommodations right on the water with gorgeous sunsets and proximity to the Magic Kingdom.

Pros: monorail access to Magic Kingdom, short walk to transportation hub with Epcot monorail, Dole Whip on site, gorgeous Volcano pool, view of nighly water pageant, Magic Kingdom fireworks direct view from beach with music piped in, beautiful theming, free lei upon check-in, Moana themed rooms
Cons: themed pool is small for resort (and new adjacent tower that uses this pool) so it gets crowded, expensive, lobby crowded with park goers coming to Ohana meal or to look at the resort

Disney’s Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

Opened: 2017
Experience upscale lodging with stunning views of the Wilderness Lodge and Bay Lake.

Pros:
Cons:

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Opened: 2019
A stunning new addition inspired by Europe, with a relaxed ambiance and beautiful dining options.

Pros:
Cons:

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Opened: December 2024
The newest addition is adjacent to the Polynesian resort, offering upscale amenities and gorgeous views with an island vibe.

Pros: monorail access to Magic Kingdom, Dole Whip on site, access to gorgeous Volcano pool, view of nighly water pageant, Magic Kingdom fireworks direct view from beach with music piped in, beautiful theming, free lei upon check-in, island themed rooms, Moana splash area
Cons: volcano themed pool is a walk at the nextdoor Polynesian and as it now houses more guests – it gets crowded, expensive

list of walt disney world resorts

Dreaming of your next Disney vacation? Whether you’re hunting for a comprehensive list of Disney World resorts, gearing up for some Disney trivia, or exploring your accommodation options, we’ve got you covered! Check out our handy Disney resorts list!