It’s also crazy expensive for what it is, no early park entry, no magic bud from airport - I stayed there in 2019, but it was so expensive, we got an Airbnb for half the cost
You’re right when you say that what one person doesn’t like will be perfect for someone else. Last year we stayed at All Star Sports - chosen only because it was the cheapest room on property- and we ended up LOVING it. Great service, clean rooms and grounds, even the bus transportation worked well for us. It’s all about knowing what you really want from your resort and vacation.
Truth of the matter is, there's NO "bad" places at DW. The service at all is amazing, generally. The key is to NEVER go "up"...don't go to the limits of your budget to experience the high end, as then, you'll start comparing everything to that. There's something to the "naivete" of not knowing the "better life", lol. It's true!
Tip for anyone considering AOA: you can book the standard (cheapest) Little Mermaid room & then ask to upgrade to a suite at check-in when you arrive. It will be $90 extra per night for a Lion King or Cars Suite, or $150 extra per night for a Nemo suite, which are huge discounts compared to if you book one of their suites online initially. Just got back from a trip to AOA and it was incredible.
Every hospitality worker ever would beg people NOT to do this as it really messes with operations and people usually expect the upgrade because of these “hacks” and then get upset when they get what they booked.
If possible, everyone should experience a Disney resort at least one. However, I find that these prices are astronomical. Many of these rooms are simple motel rooms. There are so many other options in Kissimmee and Orlando. You can find beautiful 3-4 br homes with a screened in swimming pool for much less.
I'm staying at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace when I go in October. Not only does it include free breakfast every morning but it's connected to Disney Springs via Skybridge so I'll have easier access to travel to all the parks. It also has its own lazy river!
You could also get early hours at Disney. Not as good as it use to be with the late hours. Personally, I think I will never stay at Disney again unless I can get as cheap as Hilton or they return late nights. I feel like they are going over the top rewarding just rich people. $250 to 500 a night is not value. Its a shame they only really care about well off people.
I agree. When I retire, I am staying at Disney World for a whole month. Eat at as many restaurants and stay at as many different resorts as possible. AJ, what would that itinerary look like? Now that is a challenge.
Well, we've lived them all and eaten them all too, lol, so if AJ doesn't answer you, my wife and I can give you an itinerary to die for! Won't even charge you that much, lol!
Saratoga Springs is my DVC home resort. As an older, solo traveler, I appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the place. I get a room in the part of SS that allows for a short walk to Disney Springs. As I don't do parks every day, the proximity to resort buses at DS is a plus. If I want to visit another resort for lunch or dinner, I walk to DS and get a bus there.
Just a heads up about Skyliner resorts, if there is lightening or thunder they will shut down the gondola and you will have to find a alternate way back to your resort. Disney did provide a bus but you would not make it back to your room for a long time. Was recently in Epcot and about to head back to Art of Animation when we found the Skyliner was stopped. The line for the buses was massive(all different skyliner resort guests) and we ended up using lyft at Yacht club to get back to our resort.
@@elainehill5931yeah it was terrible. The Skyliner ride is amazing especially on a nice clear day but the weather can change on you so fast. We got caught off guard and definitely will know better for next time.
Pro tip: when thunder is rolling in and you were planning on heating back to the hotel book a Lyft and they bring you right up close to your building. It’s worth it for the ease of getting back
I love the value resorts (and Pop Century). They are charming and have that Disney feel! I know they are not everyone's cup of tea, but I think they are worth it since I'm spending most of my day(s) at the parks anyways.
I like the Value Resorts, especially Art of Animation and Pop Century because of the Skyliner Access. That amenity alone is a huge perk when you're coming back after a long day of park hopping and you can watch the Epcot fireworks from the sky.
Did I miss you mentioning that the family suites at Art of Animation have 2 bathrooms....that alone makes it worthwhile for traveling with additional people. Spitting the cost of that room is less than 2 rooms, and we have some privacy with a bedroom and 2 baths.
Grand Floridian, the most “high end” and expensive resort hotel in Disneyworld, has the worst gym (if that matters to you.) There’s not a lot of equipment, it’s small AND it’s shared by both GF and the Poly. SSR, on the other hand, has the best and largest gym, again, if that matters to you.
Staying at GF next year. Never used their gym. But animal kingdom lodge has 2 gyms (nice surprise) and I have worked out at Muscles and Bustles gym at Boardwalk. I think females don’t require as much equipment but guys do. Hence it’s easier for women. People can think it’s crazy to work out at Disney but you’re not eating at home and cannot control the calories (you can control what you order but it might be drenched in butter). Add desert and even walking the 11 miles won’t cut it.
Ok I need to throw in a good word for Caribbean Beach here: If you aren't able bodied, or in your group requires a stroller or wheelchair, definitely look elsewhere, they're right about the resort being spread out, plus although there's only one flight of stairs, they look a nightmare to get a stroller up and down. If the above doesn't apply to you, absolutely book this resort! First of all, Skyliner obviously gives this place a huge advantage, there were times we were back in our room 20 min after getting off our final ride of the day. As it's the hub, no need to transfer at different stations, just one simple line back to the hotel. One thing I will say is keep an eye on the skies - other people have pointed out it shuts due to weather, and yes, the bus lines if this happens are a lot to deal with, however if you notice bad weather on the horizon and check local forecast, it's possible to bail before the skyliner shuts. I will also say the buses here aren't as awful as I expected. Magic kingdom excluded, we never had an issue getting on a bus at park opening or closing. The internal loop is a problem, yes, so if you can definitely walk to the main lobby bus stop and you're guaranteed the first bus that turns up every time. Also, the bus queues at MK closing, while long, were nowhere near as bad as other resorts like Coronado, Pop, or the TTC. If you time your exit, you can dodge the worst of it (either don't leave AT closing, or jump on a main ride at closing to let the queues die down). (Side note: they NEED a separate bus for the Grand Destino - the Coronado springs line at one point stretched back to the directory signs). The rooms here are good too. The new Little Mermaid rooms are a huge upgrade from the Pirate rooms (which I also liked admittedly), subtle theming works, and door instead of shower curtain at last (!!). Wouldn't be upset if more of the rooms received this change. A nice thing is all the buildings at this resort are relatively small, so we didn't have noise issues from neighbours (this also plays into the shorter bus queues I think). I also liked the pool options here, the main one had very good theming and space, while the island pools offered a quieter option. The Dining was also good here! Sure it's not anything fancy, but what they give you works. Both the main court and the small place in Trinidad have good breakfast options, and from what we saw of Sebastians menu it looked good as well (admittedly didn't eat there). Banana Cabana is excellent, good drinks selection even with non-alcoholic options, we spent a good few nights just in there looking out at the Lagoon. Also, nobody talks about the fact you can see some of the Epcot fireworks from Banana Cabana and the pier at the main lobby! Sure you don't get the whole thing, but you see a decent amount in a much quieter space (which, being noise-sensitive, I appreciated). Finally, the resort as a whole is beautiful, and it's great just to stroll around.
I love going to Caribbean Beach to sit and eat Banana Cabana. I don't know if I would enjoy staying there as my luggage is often quite heavy with Disney souvenirs. However, the main pool atmosphere and the beauty of looking at the the sunset, the Riviera Hotel and Skyliner and later with fireworks in the background made me very happy while there last week. A question for all the skyiner resort lovers, does it make you nervous that the Skyliner is the least reliable means of transportation at Disney? It closes with bad weather and I have been on it many times when it is stopped in midair for lengthy periods. We parked at Epcot once and went to Caribbean Beach for a meal and couldn't get back because they won't allow you on the Epcot bound Skyliner 10 mins before park close. We ended up having to take the bus.
Over my lifetime I have stayed at The Polynesian, Wilderness lodge, Contemporary and Fort Wilderness. All have been spectacular in their own unique way. Honestly, if you can afford it The Poly is the spot. Pool, beach and theme in general is off the chart. Monorail right there and the fireworks view from The beach with a cocktail….. priceless. Great video
An adult trip would include a room at the Grand Floridian (once it's renovated) with dinner at Victoria and Albert's. Watching fireworks at the Contemporary at the Sip, Savor and Sparlke which includes cocktails and hors d' oeuvres while you watch fireworks from a large terrace at the top of the hotel. Then maybe splurge for the VIP experience at Magic Kingdom one day so you can ride every ride without waiting in line. Assuming money is no object of course lol.
If you're planning to stay in the All-Star resorts, they often share a bus back from the parks unless it's the very end of the day. So if you want to be dropped off first, you'd want to be Sports > Music > Movies. The best room we ever had at the AllStars, was in the Mighty Ducks section of the Movies resort. We were one of the very back rooms on the 1st floor. When they pointed to our room on the map, we figured it was just our luck to be in the very back. However, the parking lot for this area was empty so we literally parked right in front of our room. And, instead of walking allllll the way to the lobby to catch the buses or food court, you can just cross one small crosswalk and you're at the buses of the Music resort. Open your door, turn left, go across that cross walk and you're at the Hollywood Studios bus line at the Music resort. Took a minute, maybe. I highly recommend asking to be in the Mighty Ducks section and just using the Music Resort's services. Even get off the buses at Music and just go across the cross walk and you're at your room.
Made a similar discovery while staying at Caribbean Beach. I was stuck in the Trinidads, way at the end of the inner bus route. Discovered that if I just turned left, I could walk to the lobby in under five minutes, and catch a bus there.
Wow! Prices have gone up so much! I stayed at Art of animation family suite before the pandemic in November 2019 and it was half the current price ( maybe even more? I can’t remember the exact per-night price it was ) . A friend of mine, who is a Disney super-fan even thought I paid too much even then. The Skyliner had just opened and was amazing
We stay at all star movies, we day dream about the other resorts but being able to go to Disney and enjoy at least one nicer dinner or a character experience or special event party is definitely worth it over. The down side is leaving to go to our bus after Mk and it’s thru the smoking section and there’s no way to avoid it.
I remember my first Disney trip I stayed at the art of animation resort and I absolutely loved it! But I get why it’s on the list but I can say it was still a fun experience.
As long as you keep in mind that hotels are just for sleeping, and that the parks are for playing, you don't have much to worry about with hotels. So, Disney's All Star Movies or bust! However, if you're willing to pay an excessive amount of money, the hotels in the Magic Kingdom area are the best.❤
You are underrating Pop in my opinion. Key thing is, are you there for the Parks or the hotel. Not fancy but comfortable, convenient, accessible, affordable. We stayed ten days last year and it was perfect without destroying the bank. Seven days in the Parks, one day on the coasts, one day of sleep and one day airport travel. Great Trip!
Our favorites in order: Boardwalk Villas, Polynesian DVC studio rooms, Beach Club Villas, Grand Floridian Villas, Animal Kingdom DVC rooms w/ savanna view, Old Key West when we have a rental car, Bay Lake Towers and Saratoga Springs.
I have stayed at Carribean beach resort since I was a kid. It is a big resort but its not all that bad and we always request a room on the first floor.
When we stayed at Art of Animation, it was one of the best hotels we’ve stayed at Disney. It felt like you were really in the Cars motel, and the service was great!
I know it isn't for everyone but I absolutely adore Grand Floridian. I don't get to stay there every time but when I do it has always been an amazing stay.
To me, no resort can beat Riverside. That food court (especially for breakfast) and other food options and the beautiful hotel layout, it should be the model for all Disney resorts
Over the years we have stayed at them all, from All Star Music to Art of Animation and Pop Century to the moderates (Caribbean, both Port Orleans, Coronado) and even the luxury resorts (Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness and ) and "non-Disney" properties (Swan and Dolphin), and I have to say, it just depends on who you are with and what you expect. The Value resorts - and some Moderates - are great for families with small children who don't judge where they sleep and love pools. The most important thing to consider is how much will you save for other Disney perks by staying at a less expensive resort? We love the Swan and Dolphin because we are willing to trade Disney theming for park access!
Dear lord... These poor people getting gouged by Disney need to think about visiting De Efteling in the Netherlands. It's outstripping Disneyland Paris in every way and is remarkably less expensive, with every convenience Disney charges for provided for free.
What a great suggestion - I will certainly Never support “Disney” ever again for many reasons & many people are finally wising up about Disney - If your visiting FL, Universal Parks are a much Better option !!!
Margaritaville Resort is close to Disney and has cottage rentals for larger families. Our 4 bedroom 4.5 bath cottage there rents for a rate similar to the family suites at Disney’s value resorts. I love the the extra space, the colorful Florida Keys vibe of the resort, and the amenities close by.
Thank you for mentioning the costs for these different resorts. Often reviewers leave out that important piece of information which helps us make a choice😊
Reminder that Carribean beach is amazing if you're staying in the Jamaica section. You're close enough to both the Skyliner and the main building. And no joke, it takes literally under 10 minutes to go from your room to Hollywood studios
My problem with staying at a Disney resort is the high price of what you are getting. The only time I stayed on property was at the Caribbean Beach Resort, and it just wasn't worth the money. The tiny room was about what you would see at a Red Roof at several times the price. Every other time we have gone to Disney World we stayed at nice resort hotels off property at a much cheaper price. We loved staying in a resort near Disney Springs - we could watch the Disney fireworks every night from our balcony, had a huge clean room with much better amenities and while the hotel pool wasn't as fancy as the one at the Caribbean Beach Resort, it was fine.
I think a room fit for purpose is key. Every room has a target audience. I’m staying at Sports right now and it’s been a GREAT stay! Room is super clean and I lucked out with a room closer to the lobby. Busses haven’t been time consuming at all and have been quick to get you to the parks and back. Now I would never stay here with family. My current stay is as a solo traveler and while Sports fits my needs for transport and room size as a solo, I NEED more space and better accommodations when I bring my son and other family. POFQ Will forever be our fave no matter what other people say!
I recently stayed at Pop Century and did not like it because it was a glorified, very expensive motel. I did like the Skyliner access and thought the room was actually pretty nice, but at the end of the day I was paying $300+ for a motel room.
We Stayed at Carribbean Beach in Feb this year, it was our first time in Disney and we stayed at Jamaica building. It really helped to make our holiday, we couldn't have faulted it. We where a very slow 10 minute walk for the main pool. We didn't find it too big, and the walk wasn't too bad. Also didn't mind the bus loop on the way back from Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom.
Hated riversides royal rooms I was begging to go back to AOA… a random family behind us heard me complaining, and they agreed we were all wishing we were back at art of animation so far in my opinion, art of animation is the best resort on property. We love it there.
The family suites at Art of Animation are dope, particularly the CARS themed section of the hotel. I didn’t go into the Finding Nemo building, but I can tell you that pool is so cool.
I love Caribbean Beach. Stayed there this year on my first trip. Room was just right, skyliner was handy, and beds were very comfy. Definitely stay there again
I loved staying at the art of animation. The breakfast was good. The pool is the best part. The staff was friendly. Their was local pizzerias that would deliver.
We don’t stay at Disney any more. We stayed at a universal resort one time and the family fell in love. Every time we plan a trip to Disney I always get outvoted on where to stay ( I liked our Disney hotel) but everyone always wants to stay at universal
Thanks for dissing the Caribbean Beach Resort! We've stayed here over 30 times and love it! Now maybe people will stay away and give us more room availability!!!!!!!😊😊
Stayed at all star music resort once, got a room that was so far back in the "country" section that it was like a hike to get anywhere in that resort. Not fun after an entire day of theme parks. Also stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and I highly recommend to people don't do this resort when your trip is going to be cold. If its too cold they won't bring the animals out (I think they put them away when it dips below 40°F) so make sure the weather is nice during your stay.
Pop Century and Art of Animation were our go-to places to stay when we stayed at Disney World. With the elimination of perks, the price increases ( these used to be $120 - $150;@ night / now $250 ) and the lack of understanding keep there is no reason to return.
Sebastian's Bistro is actually one of the most memorable dinner we had at Disney and we sure will go back. Not only it offers one of the best value for all you can enjoy meals but also their sides are done really well.
I really like the Caribbean Beach when we stayed there in 2020. Granted the rooms were basic as they could be but the placement and skyliner were awesome.
“You’re gonna be greeted by Art. Not like Art Smith, like physical art. Artwork.” Me picturing Chef Art Smith in an apron and hat standing in the lobby waving at guests when they walk in👁️👄👁️ 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I'm shocked that Coronado Springs wasn't on this list. It just is NOT a "Disney" resort---it feels isolated, and more "business", despite the views around the lake. OTOH, if you're looking for peace and quiet, somewhat like SS, it could be a life saver; however, every time we've been there, business groups have been having meetings there, and that sort of ruins the experience, quite frankly.
My oldest is planning a Disneyworld trip in March 2024. We have 4 adults and 2 children. For a group of our size, he is going to rent a 3 bedroom Airbnb and rent a car. Coming from So. Cal. We're already been exposed to much of the Disney experience.
I prefer Saratoga Springs for its close proximity to disney springs and the more relaxing feel of the resort. Just because I'm going to Disney doesn't mean i want to be completely immersed in it and Saratoga allows you sit back and relax.
When I was working the All Star Music food court in 2012 the food quality took a noticeable nosedive that year. Management was definitely trying to save a quick buck on ingredients. Sounds like it has stayed that way.
as a European I'm truly shocked by these prices, here at Europa-Park resort you can get away with like 300€ in a pretty nice Hotel with water park and theme park entrance included
About 12 years ago we stayed at the Polynesian for $500 per night and it was a terrible experience. As soon as we walked into the building of our room there was a terrible smell of mold or dampness like someone's old basement. The walls were paper thin so you could hear guests in adjacent rooms and every sound from the hallways. When we would leave in the morning, the hallways were lined with room service trays on the floors and they would still be there when we returned later in the day. There was so much more. After this we rented a house with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a pool for half the price and only 15 minutes from Disney.
Stayed at All Star Movies first visit in 2013 then discovered Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and loved it we have stayed at CBR 6 out 7 of our visits . I’m going again in January of 2024 and ofc we are heading back to Caribbean Beach our “home resort “ love ❤️ that Caribbean Beach has skyliner for Epcot and Hollywood Studios and CBR is the main hub for Skyliner. Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort is our favorite for me and my mom and dad because we feel comfortable there and already know it well. We did have to go upstairs our 2015 trip I think we have it figured out my mom always requests a room on first floor. Last year I do remember walking to Riveria to get on the Skyliner maybe it was faster. I have been to Grand Floridan for Breakfast a couple times my first visit in 2013 and then we went in 2018 with my Uncle and Aunt the breakfast there at 1900 park fare was good it’s character dining ,but I don’t think we’d ever stay there too expensive
The worst, for us, was animal Kingdom lodge. It takes forever to get anywhere. I loved the animals, but the layout of the resort, coupled with the distance to get anywhere else, cost an extra 30-45 minutes per day.
All Star resorts: never again. Loud, drunk parents throughout the day and night. Then screaming cheerleaders at all times. They ran around doing cheers like we would actually care about them. Theming was much worse than at the more expensive resorts.
I'm going in a week and we are staying in one of Disney's good neighbors hotels. It was cheaper and we still get perks we are more than satisfied with 😊
I've liked all three resorts I stayed at. Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside were the nicest. I also stayed at All Star Movies, which was fine for a shorter stay, only a weekend.
I like outside doors, it actually is quiet compared to some built-in hotels which have thinner walls. Look at the noise level at some of the hotels. I remember a friend complained about next door flushing.
The first and "cheapest" hotel looks like a motel at the lowest end but nice paint elevates it from a looking like slum. Disney could easely made some afforable options..
Had a good experience with All Star Movies staying in September and January, with FL resident and passholder discounts. Room was as far from the busses as possible, but since it was the "slow" time, there were no occupants in the rooms on either side. Nice and quiet. Had a bad experience at Pop Century. LOUD people had set up their indoor furniture outside, and yapped until 3AM. All 30+ adults, no kids or teens. I called the front desk several times, but they never sent anyone out to tell these people to pack it in. They told me I could call security myself and see if they'd answer. Never staying there again.
I stayed at All Star Music resort a few years ago and although the buildings and grounds were designed awesome, the room was disgusting. The shower would barely drain, the table in the room was sticky, floor didn't seem to be vacuumed and the sheets on the bed didn't feel clean. I hope they have improved! I have stayed at Pop Century several times and enjoyed each stay
I love POR. I loving walking around the whole resort and the relatively short walk to POFQ. And you can take a boat to Disney Springs. The problem is getting to the parks. The bus system is kind of insane. I have to take rideshares everywhere, which runs into money, and it takes a long time to get back to your room if you need a mid-day break.
Agree with you. We stayed here and wasn’t our cup of tea but it’s not to say it’s not a nice place. Just didn’t like how much walking we had to do to get around.
We stayed at Art of Animation the first time we went to WDW and had a nice time but the food selection got old after a bit. (That's what Disney Springs is for tho!) We got lucky in Feb to get bumped up Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs and I can't stop raving about the experience. It felt so upscale and swanky. We had the best time and highly recommend it for couples or families with older kids.
The main problem i have with them is price Europa park and Phantasialand both have fantastic highly themed hotels that blow all star sports and movies out of the water for way cheaper.
Before I moved down here I always stayed at All-Stars because I was at the parks all day anyway. It was cheap and I could still visit other hotels for food and drinks. I have stayed at some Deluxe resorts as well, but the rooms were so much it made me feel like I should lounge around the resort more to get my monies worth. I found the middle-ground at the Moderate resorts. They were nicer resorts and had better food options, but didn't break the bank a decade ago.
About resorts with giant-sized figures and signs, I’ve been scared of stuff like that since I was a child (there was no Disney World then, but I was taken to lakes a few times and was terrified of the huge sails on sailboats.) Now I’m pushing 67, and I’m still scared of them.
@@mgseggerman I know KC has a magnificent museum (the Nelson Atkins??), but I appreciate the warning. I’m going to Google it so that I can freak myself out.
WOW the Saratoga Spring has been updated since this! The photos are of the OLD lobby not the newer one or the new spacious rooms! Compared to Coronado Saratoga is way better more space in the rooms and has a microwave at least.
I love Pop Century, but my last trip decided to try Art of Animation. The price was up there, but I thought the theming would make up for that and it did. My issue was with the size of the place. Compared to Pop it was much more spread out and because I was in the Little Mermaid section (solo trip) it was a VERY long walk to the room. At the end of a park day a lengthy hike was not what I wanted at all
Stayed there in March. Expensive and not very friendly for older people. Long walk from the parking lot. Nothing or no one to help. To spread out. Food is not great. The only good thing is the skyliner. Rooms are put together cheaply.
@@pamhendrickson9164 I am telling you. try the Pop Century. Give it a try. It's pure nostalgia for people that were born before 2000 and not as spread out Plus it has the skyliner too.
Yeah, I totally agree, it was the only thing I disliked about that hotel. I stayed at Ariel building and it took forever to walk there. After a long day at the park, it was very tiresome having to walk even more
Halfway through, but I’m noticing a common theme and maybe it’s just projection, but the common theme is transportation! That’s my pet peeve. I understand I’m going to have to wait but I hate staying at a hotel with an internal bus loop where you just kind of get abandoned at the bus stop and the sign doesn’t tell you when the next ones coming. I love Port Orleans. I would stay there every time I go, but I have been abandoned at the bus stop one too many times. One time we lost track of time and stayed there over an hour! and then you ask a cast member for help/ information and they get crabby about it. I hope they sort that out someday so I can stay there again.
My first WDW vacation with my kids was in April for spring break. We stayed at Allstar Sports and I loved it despite getting a room very far away from the pool and main building. My teenage daughter was not that impressed with it but my ten year old son liked it. I would stay there again provided we could get a room close to the from to cut down on the walking impact on my knees
I LOVED staying at Are of Animation. The only thing I really disliked was the fact that the Little Mermaid Suites, where I stayed, were quite far from the hotel lobby/ restaurant/ shop/ bust stop, and there are no shuttles or anything like inside the hotel for us to use. So it wasn't very nice when we would come back at night very tired from the parks and have to walk all the way from the bus stop to the building our room was located (and our room was in the Ariel building, the very last one 😅). But at least it was close to the bridge to Pop Century resort so we could walk there sometimes to eat at that resort or just walk around it to see the props
I stayed at art of animation last week. Not to impressed. The room was nice, but they didn't offer no room service. Plus the food was limited, didn't had a lot of choses for vegetarian people.
