- Mar 13, 2024
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I’ve been staying at Disney hotels for decades, and one thing I learned is that not every Disney hotel is a good fit for every Disney trip.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney World has over 25 on-site hotels, and they’re all very different. Disney resorts are typically grouped into Value, Moderate, and Deluxe categories. While staying on Disney property has amazing benefits, I’ve learned the hard way that not every Disney hotel is right for every trip. These are the Disney World hotels I regret impulsively booking and what I would book instead.
All-Star Resorts are tempting because they’re usually the lowest-priced Disney hotels, but booking one just to save money can backfire if it doesn’t match your trip style. The rooms are small, the resorts are spread out, and the food courts can feel chaotic, especially during breakfast and dinner.
Better alternative:
If budget is your main concern, but you still want a better overall experience, Disney’s Pop Century is often worth the small price increase. You’ll get access to the Skyliner here as well, which can save you time.
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Deluxe resorts are incredible, but paying full price without checking for discounts can lead to serious regret. Disney frequently releases room-only discounts, seasonal deals, and special offers that can save hundreds (or even thousands). Make sure you are subscribed to our Magical Guides emails to get the latest news on Disney deals so you won’t miss one!
Better alternative:
If you want deluxe vibes without deluxe pricing, look at renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points or consider a Moderate resort with a lot of dining options, like Disney’s Coronado Springs.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Disney Skyliner is amazing, until it’s not. During Florida’s storm season (late spring through fall), the Skyliner can go down frequently due to lightning or high winds. It’s also taken down annually for maintenance in January, which many guests don’t realize until after booking. Be sure to always check Skyliner refurbishment dates before booking Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, or Riviera.
Better alternative:
If reliable transportation matters, choose a Monorail resort or a hotel with direct bus access only.
Monorail at the Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is stunning, but its dining leans heavily into African-inspired flavors. If your family prefers familiar, kid-friendly foods, dining can feel limiting, especially if you enjoy eating meals at your resort instead of the parks.
Better alternative:
Consider Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This resort offers immersive theming but more approachable menus with familiar favorites. We think Whispering Canyon is a hit with kids.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Value resorts usually have one food court and maybe a pool bar, and that’s it. If dining is a big part of your Disney experience, this can get repetitive fast.
Better alternative:
The Deluxe Resorts will offer the most variety in restaurant options. Still, Moderate resorts like Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Riverside, or Coronado Springs offer table-service restaurants and lounges as well.
Island Tower
Cheerleading, dance, and sports competitions often book out entire All-Star resorts. That means huge groups, loud nights, crowded buses, and packed food courts. As someone who stayed here on one of the teams competing, you can get met with crowded pools and early wake-up times while the teams begin practices in the common areas. Be sure to check the calendar for ESPN Wide World of Sports if you are booking a value resort.
Better alternative:
During competition season, I would look at staying in a moderate or deluxe resort, as many of the competition teams won’t be likely to stay here. Or, you can book a Good Neighbor hotel since many of them have the same perks, like Early Entry and transportation.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Just because you can stay anywhere doesn’t mean you should. Resorts heavily geared toward families can feel loud, busy, and overstimulating when you’re planning a relaxing adults-only getaway. Look for resorts with multiple bars, quiet pools, and sit-down restaurants if relaxation is your goal.
Better alternative:
For adults-only trips, I’d choose Coronado Springs or Disney’s Yacht Club with lounges and signature dining.
Disney’s Yacht Club
With so many different hotels to choose from at Disney World, you are likely to find the right fit for you. For more Disney news and tips, be sure to follow us at Magical Guides!
What is one Disney World hotel you won’t be staying at again? Tell us in the comments below!
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney World has over 25 on-site hotels, and they’re all very different. Disney resorts are typically grouped into Value, Moderate, and Deluxe categories. While staying on Disney property has amazing benefits, I’ve learned the hard way that not every Disney hotel is right for every trip. These are the Disney World hotels I regret impulsively booking and what I would book instead.
1. Booking an All-Star Resort Just Because It Was the Cheapest
All-Star Resorts are tempting because they’re usually the lowest-priced Disney hotels, but booking one just to save money can backfire if it doesn’t match your trip style. The rooms are small, the resorts are spread out, and the food courts can feel chaotic, especially during breakfast and dinner.
Better alternative:
If budget is your main concern, but you still want a better overall experience, Disney’s Pop Century is often worth the small price increase. You’ll get access to the Skyliner here as well, which can save you time.
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
2. Booking a Deluxe Resort Before Checking for Discounts
Deluxe resorts are incredible, but paying full price without checking for discounts can lead to serious regret. Disney frequently releases room-only discounts, seasonal deals, and special offers that can save hundreds (or even thousands). Make sure you are subscribed to our Magical Guides emails to get the latest news on Disney deals so you won’t miss one!
Better alternative:
If you want deluxe vibes without deluxe pricing, look at renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points or consider a Moderate resort with a lot of dining options, like Disney’s Coronado Springs.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
3. Booking a Skyliner Resort During Storm Season
The Disney Skyliner is amazing, until it’s not. During Florida’s storm season (late spring through fall), the Skyliner can go down frequently due to lightning or high winds. It’s also taken down annually for maintenance in January, which many guests don’t realize until after booking. Be sure to always check Skyliner refurbishment dates before booking Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, or Riviera.
Better alternative:
If reliable transportation matters, choose a Monorail resort or a hotel with direct bus access only.
Monorail at the Contemporary Resort
4. Staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge With Non-Adventurous Eaters
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is stunning, but its dining leans heavily into African-inspired flavors. If your family prefers familiar, kid-friendly foods, dining can feel limiting, especially if you enjoy eating meals at your resort instead of the parks.
Better alternative:
Consider Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This resort offers immersive theming but more approachable menus with familiar favorites. We think Whispering Canyon is a hit with kids.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Choosing a Value Resort When You Want Lots of Dining Options
Value resorts usually have one food court and maybe a pool bar, and that’s it. If dining is a big part of your Disney experience, this can get repetitive fast.
Better alternative:
The Deluxe Resorts will offer the most variety in restaurant options. Still, Moderate resorts like Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Riverside, or Coronado Springs offer table-service restaurants and lounges as well.
Island Tower
6. Booking an All-Star Resort During Competition Season
Cheerleading, dance, and sports competitions often book out entire All-Star resorts. That means huge groups, loud nights, crowded buses, and packed food courts. As someone who stayed here on one of the teams competing, you can get met with crowded pools and early wake-up times while the teams begin practices in the common areas. Be sure to check the calendar for ESPN Wide World of Sports if you are booking a value resort.
Better alternative:
During competition season, I would look at staying in a moderate or deluxe resort, as many of the competition teams won’t be likely to stay here. Or, you can book a Good Neighbor hotel since many of them have the same perks, like Early Entry and transportation.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Just because you can stay anywhere doesn’t mean you should. Resorts heavily geared toward families can feel loud, busy, and overstimulating when you’re planning a relaxing adults-only getaway. Look for resorts with multiple bars, quiet pools, and sit-down restaurants if relaxation is your goal.
Better alternative:
For adults-only trips, I’d choose Coronado Springs or Disney’s Yacht Club with lounges and signature dining.
Disney’s Yacht Club
With so many different hotels to choose from at Disney World, you are likely to find the right fit for you. For more Disney news and tips, be sure to follow us at Magical Guides!
Join the Magical Guides Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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What is one Disney World hotel you won’t be staying at again? Tell us in the comments below!
