Top 10 Walt Disney World Resorts to Stay At

Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

It’s London, and welcome back to HAA Disney: Top 10 — your countdown companion for all things magical.

Today’s list is for those of us who like a little more space, luxury, and comfort when we vacation. We’re diving into our Top 10 Resorts to Stay At Walt Disney World.

✨ Why These Resorts?

Here at Happily Adventures After, we love:

Spacious villas (especially for families!)
Full kitchens for convenience
Indoor-entry hotels (not motel-style)
Unique theming and immersive storytelling
On-property perks with off-property comfort

This is why we generally lean towards a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World. We also love to enjoy the resort stay, and have great resort days! Due to this, we have chosen the Top 10 Walt Disney World Resorts! Here is Our Top 10 Picks (In No Particular Order)…

1. Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (DVC Villas)

📍 Magic Kingdom Area | Opened: 1988
Disney’s flagship resort. The DVC building offers elegance, top-notch amenities, monorail access, and beautiful lake views. Perfect for luxury seekers and fans of Mary Poppins theming.

2. Polynesian Village Resort – Island Tower (Opening 2024)

📍 Magic Kingdom Area
We visited the model rooms and loved the tropical-meets-modern vibe. This brand-new DVC tower will offer indoor entry, kitchens, and deluxe charm with views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.

3. Riviera Resort

📍 EPCOT Area | Opened: 2019
A modern, elegant resort inspired by Walt’s travels through Europe. Skyliner access, deluxe rooms, full kitchens, and an on-site café make it ideal for families and DVC guests.

4. BoardWalk Villas

📍 EPCOT Area | Opened: 1996
Perfectly located between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Enjoy nightlife, bakery breakfasts, and the charm of a 1920s Atlantic City boardwalk.

5. Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village

📍 Animal Kingdom Area | Opened: 2009
Wake up to giraffes outside your window! Stunning architecture, full kitchens, and some of the best dining on property (hello, Sanaa!).

6. Wilderness Lodge – Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek Villas

📍 Magic Kingdom Area | Opened: 2000 / 2017
Cozy, rustic, and serene. Indoor entries, beautiful pools, boat access to MK, and some of the most peaceful resort vibes.

7. Coronado Springs – Gran Destino Tower

📍 Animal Kingdom/Hollywood Studios Area | Opened: 2019
The only moderate resort we recommend — because the Tower feels like a deluxe. Indoor entry, restaurants, rooftop views, and modern touches set it apart.

8. Yacht Club Resort

📍 EPCOT Area | Opened: 1990
Elegant and refined. Shared access to Stormalong Bay (arguably the best pool on property!), walkable to EPCOT and Skyliner.

9. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

📍 Disney Springs Area | Opened: 2004
A DVC-exclusive resort with a peaceful atmosphere, large villas, and full amenities. Bonus: walking distance to Disney Springs.

10. Old Key West Resort

📍 Disney Springs Area | Opened: 1991
The OG DVC resort! Spacious rooms, pastel architecture, and a laid-back vibe. You’ll feel like you’re on island time.

🛑 Not Our Faves — But Great for Some!

While we love deluxe resorts and DVC spaces, moderates and values just don’t hit the same for us. We find the outdoor entry doors, thinner walls, and motel feel less immersive. That said, they’re great options for shorter trips or budget-conscious guests!

🏁 Final Thoughts

Choosing where to stay at Walt Disney World is part of the magic! From monorail resorts to giraffe views, our Top 10 list includes options for every Disney dreamer who values comfort, story, and a little extra space.

What’s your dream Disney resort stay?