Okay, so I did something a little crazy. I stayed at EVERY Disney hotel in the US. Yeah, I know, right? Sounds exhausting, and honestly, there were moments where it felt like a marathon more than a vacation. But hey, someone’s gotta do it! And now, after countless nights spent battling pillow fights with my travel buddy (more on that later), battling Mickey-shaped waffles for breakfast and navigating ridiculously elaborate themed hallways, I’m ready to share my totally biased, super subjective top five Disney hotel picks.
First off, let’s get this straight: This isn’t some professional review – it’s just my opinion based on my very unique experience. There’s no magic formula, no secret scoring system. It’s purely based on things like how fluffy the towels were, how good the WiFi was (crucial, people!), and whether or not the hotel inspired spontaneous bursts of Disney-themed karaoke in the elevator (it happened. More than once).
My number one spot hands down goes to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii. I mean, come on, Hawaii! The sheer beauty of the location alone bumped it to the top of my list. The lush landscaping, the stunning ocean views… it felt more like a luxurious escape than a standard Disney hotel. The pools were amazing, the food was delicious (I’m still dreaming about those pineapple dole whips!), and the overall vibe was just pure relaxation. It’s pricey, for sure, but honestly, worth every penny for the sheer escapism.
Coming in at a surprisingly close second is the Coronado Springs Resort. Now, before you start rolling your eyes and thinking “budget-friendly? Disney?”, hear me out! This place offers incredible value for money. It’s a stunning resort with gorgeous architecture and a fantastic atmosphere, especially during the evenings. Plus, the food options were actually really good and surprisingly diverse, which is a huge plus for someone who likes to try a bit of everything.
Third place? Well, I’m a sucker for animal prints, so it’s got to be the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Waking up to the sound of exotic animals is pretty incredible, even if you have to battle a family of monkeys for breakfast pastries (another story for another time!). The theming is immersive and unbelievably well-done. You really feel like you’re on a safari adventure. Just keep the bug spray handy!
Next, we have the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which is all kinds of classic Disney elegance. Think Victorian charm, stunning architecture, and a location that puts you just a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. It’s a splurge, but the atmosphere is second to none. You really feel like you’re stepping back in time to a golden age of Disney magic. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and old-world Disney charm.
Rounding out my top five is the Wilderness Lodge. This one is a beautiful blend of rustic charm and Disney magic. The attention to detail is mind-blowing. I could spend hours just wandering around and soaking in the atmosphere. The huge fireplace in the lobby is truly majestic, and the whole resort has a lovely cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed getaway.
Now, for the promised funny story. Remember that travel buddy I mentioned? Well, during our stay at the Polynesian Village Resort, we decided to have a “spirited” game of hide-and-seek after a few too many Mai Tais. I won’t go into too much detail, but let’s just say a misplaced tiki torch, a very confused cast member, and a strategically placed potted palm tree were all involved. It was memorable, let’s just say that! Let’s just say it involved a lot of apologizing to the extremely polite staff the following morning.
And then there was the incident at the Grand Californian Hotel. We thought it would be fun to try to recreate a famous Disney movie scene in the lobby (don’t ask which one). It involved a lot of dramatic posing, whispering, and a very startled bellhop who clearly thought we were auditioning for a community theater production. We got some curious stares, but hey, at least we made a few people smile!
So there you have it! My top five Disney hotels. Obviously, everyone’s preferences are different, but hopefully, this gives you a starting point for your own magical Disney adventure. Just remember, always pack extra bug spray and maybe avoid too many Mai Tais before playing hide-and-seek.
