Choosing a Disney World resort can be overwhelming, with over 25 different hotel options ranging from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. But don’t worry—I’ve broken it down into four key categories to help you find the best resort for your needs: Best Budget Hotel, Best Leisure Hotel, Best Convenient Hotel, and the Best All-Around Hotel.
Best Budget Hotel: Pop Century Resort
If you’re looking for a Disney resort experience without breaking the bank, Pop Century Resort is the way to go. This value resort celebrates the pop culture of the 1950s through the 1990s, featuring larger-than-life icons like giant yo-yos, Rubik’s cubes, and Play-Doh sculptures.
Why It Wins:
✅ Affordable Rates – Pop Century consistently has some of the lowest room prices on Disney property, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
✅ Access to the Disney Skyliner – Unlike most value resorts, Pop Century has a Skyliner station, providing easy transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
✅ Fun and Nostalgic Atmosphere – The vibrant, themed buildings and pools make it a great choice for families and Disney fans of all ages.
Downsides:
- Rooms are basic and smaller compared to moderate or deluxe resorts.
- Only one main dining option—Everything POP Food Court—though it has solid quick-service choices.
- No table-service restaurant or bars like the moderate and deluxe resorts.
Who Should Stay Here?
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable stay with great transportation to the parks, Pop Century is the best budget-friendly pick.
HM: Every All-Star resort
Best Leisure Hotel: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
For those who want a resort that offers fantastic food, top-tier drinks, and a tropical, relaxing atmosphere, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the ultimate leisure destination. This resort transports you straight to a South Pacific paradise while still being right next to Magic Kingdom.
Why It Wins:
✅ Amazing Dining Options – The Poly is home to ‘Ohana, one of Disney’s most beloved restaurants, and Kona Café, famous for its Tonga Toast. The quick-service Captain Cook’s also has some excellent grab-and-go options.
✅ Top-Tier Bars & Drinks – The legendary Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is one of the most immersive tiki bars in Disney, serving strong, tropical drinks with a side of interactive fun. The resort’s other bars, like Tambu Lounge, also serve up some of Disney’s best cocktails.
✅ Relaxing Atmosphere – The Polynesian’s lush landscaping, tiki torches, and waterfront views make it the perfect place to unwind. You can even watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach!
Downsides:
- One of the most expensive Disney resorts.
- Rooms book fast due to its popularity.
- No dedicated spa or fitness center (though the Grand Floridian’s is a short walk away).
Who Should Stay Here?
If you love good food, great drinks, and a relaxed but luxurious atmosphere, the Polynesian Village Resort is the best leisure resort at Disney.
HM: Grand Floridian
Best Convenient Hotel: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
If your priority is easy park access and efficient transportation, it’s hard to beat Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Located right next to Magic Kingdom, this hotel’s monorail access and walkability make it the most convenient place to stay.
Why It Wins:
✅ Walking Distance to Magic Kingdom – No other Disney resort allows you to walk straight into Magic Kingdom in just 5–10 minutes.
✅ Monorail Access – The Contemporary is directly on the monorail loop, giving you quick access to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and other monorail resorts.
✅ Fantastic Dining Options – The Contemporary is home to California Grill, one of Disney’s best signature restaurants, offering incredible views of the fireworks. It also has Steakhouse 71, a great casual option with fantastic food.
✅ Spacious Rooms with Theme Park Views – Some rooms offer stunning views of Cinderella Castle, meaning you can watch the fireworks from your balcony.
Downsides:
- Lacks strong theming compared to other deluxe resorts—feels more like a modern hotel than a Disney experience.
- Pool area is not as immersive or themed as other deluxe resorts.
- Rooms can be pricey, especially for theme park view rooms.
Who Should Stay Here?
If you want the absolute best transportation options and the shortest commute to Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort is the most convenient choice.
HM: Boardwalk Resort
Best All-Around Hotel: Disney’s Riviera Resort
For those who want a little bit of everything—luxury, good food, great transportation, and a relaxed atmosphere—Disney’s Riviera Resort delivers. This newer deluxe resort combines European elegance with the charm of Disney, making it a perfect blend of leisure, convenience, and affordability compared to other deluxe resorts.
Why It Wins:
✅ Skyliner Access – The Riviera has direct access to the Skyliner, making it one of the easiest resorts to travel from, especially to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
✅ Fantastic Dining – Topolino’s Terrace is one of Disney’s best restaurants, offering delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes and an amazing character breakfast with Mickey and friends. Even the quick-service Primo Piatto is a step above most resort food courts.
✅ Beautiful and Relaxing Atmosphere – Inspired by the French and Italian Riviera, the resort features gorgeous views, cozy fire pits, and elegant decor.
✅ Spacious Rooms with Great Amenities – Even the standard rooms feel modern and luxurious, and the Tower Studios are perfect for solo travelers or couples.
Downsides:
- Themed more like a luxury hotel than a “Disney” resort—if you want classic Disney theming, this might not be the best pick.
- No monorail or walking access to parks, though the Skyliner helps make up for it.
- Smaller resort, so rooms book quickly.
Who Should Stay Here?
If you want a resort with great food, easy transportation, modern rooms, and a relaxing atmosphere, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the best all-around choice.
HM: Caribbean Beach Resort
Final Thoughts: Which Resort is Right for You?
- On a budget? Stay at Pop Century Resort for a fun, affordable Disney experience.
- Want a resort with amazing food, drinks, and relaxation? Choose Polynesian Village Resort.
- Need the best transportation and easy park access? Go with Contemporary Resort.
- Looking for a little bit of everything? Riviera Resort is the perfect all-around Disney hotel.
No matter which Disney resort you choose, you’re in for a magical stay!
