- Mar 13, 2024
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Which hotel you stay at during a Disney World vacation always comes down to personal choice, but there are a few hotels we need to warn you about.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
We LOVE the Disney World hotels. The theming, perks, proximity to the parks, and fantastic amenities keep us coming back for more. With all that said, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where you’re going to want to be very picky about where you stay. Not all Disney World hotels are created equal, and some of these resorts may disappoint you during your next stay…
Some Disney World resorts are lacking that famous Disney magic right now. Let’s talk about the ones we’d seriously consider skipping.
We’re lumping Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort altogether for this one. Look, we get it. They’re “Value” resorts, so they let you visit Disney World without leaving you completely broke. They’re colorful and nostalgic. They’re over-the-top in some of the best ways. And yet…
All-Star Resorts
The harsh reality for 2026 is that they’re not improving enough. These hotels are out of the way of basically everything. You’re relying entirely on buses. That means no boats, no monorail, and no Skyliner. While Disney transportation is solid, those bus lines at park close will make you reconsider staying at an All-Star Resort.
Bus stop at All-Star Movies
If price is your top priority, the difference in cost between the All-Stars and Disney’s Pop Century Resort is often shockingly small.
And Pop has Skyliner access.
Disney Skyliner at Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts
Being able to hop on the Skyliner to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a game-changer. It’s way faster and more relaxing than the bus, and it feels more like an attraction. If you ask me, it’s 1 million percent worth ponying up a little extra for Pop Century rather than saving a few bucks and relying on the All-Star bus routes.
Disney Skyliner Gondolas
Not only that, but the All-Star Resorts can have crowd issues. These hotels are group central. Youth groups, school trips, cheer competitions, and sports teams often stay here — especially at All-Star Sports. It can be loud, chaotic, and not at all what you signed up for.
Crowds
If you’re rope-dropping every day and just need a bed? Fine. But if you want the peace and quiet expected with a hotel stay while on vacation — well, I wish you the best of luck.
Now let’s talk about a hotel that should be elite. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is incredible, offering a location that’s within walking distance to Magic Kingdom, as well as monorail access, fireworks views, and a clean/modern aesthetic. It’s one of the nicer places you can stay during a Disney World trip.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The problem? In 2026, it’s basically a never-ending construction zone. We’re talking tons of renovations and exterior work. Not only is this construction an eyesore with construction walls and heavy machinery, but it also presents lots of noise and limited access to certain areas.
Bay Lake Tower
But don’t expect a discount. You’re still paying deluxe prices (or DVC points that you worked HARD for), and you’re not getting that full luxury experience. Yes, the location is still top-tier, but at these prices, we’re not too giddy about the prospect of construction waking us up early in the morning.
This one hurts a little. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is ICONIC — and for good reason. It’s Disney meets luxury. It’s situated in a prime location. It’s got tons of transportation options. A stay here will make you feel special…well, usually. But in 2026? We have some qualms.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney just extended the construction timeline again. Refurbishments are ongoing, meaning sections are walled off, and construction is ever-present. While the refreshed rooms look lovely and the new lobby has come together nicely, it’s all still so disruptive.
Grand Floridian Resort
With the opening of the new lobby bar, The Perch, as well as the return of the Garden View Tea Room, foot traffic is going to pick up at the hotel in 2026. The Grand Floridian already draws non-resort guests for dining, shopping, and monorail hopping. It’s only going to get worse.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Magical Guides-The-Perch-Lobby-Food-Grand-Floridian-Disney-World-Deluxe-Resort-Photo-Nov-08-2025-9-37-24-AM-4032-x-3024-2-700x525.jpg
The Perch
While the new shine will eventually wear off from these dining locations, construction is slated to continue through 2027…so expect the Grand Floridian to pop up on this list AGAIN in 2027.
Grand Floridian Resort
Ultimately, if you’re fine with these setbacks at any of these hotels, don’t let us stop you from following your heart! Our goal is to simply inform you of these updates and potential pitfalls so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.
We’ll be here in Disney World every day this year and beyond, so be sure to keep it posted right here at Magical Guides for all the latest Disney World hotel news, tips, tricks, and reviews!
Which Disney World hotels are your favorite (and least favorite)? Let us know in the comments!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
We LOVE the Disney World hotels. The theming, perks, proximity to the parks, and fantastic amenities keep us coming back for more. With all that said, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where you’re going to want to be very picky about where you stay. Not all Disney World hotels are created equal, and some of these resorts may disappoint you during your next stay…
Some Disney World resorts are lacking that famous Disney magic right now. Let’s talk about the ones we’d seriously consider skipping.
All Three All-Star Resorts
We’re lumping Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort altogether for this one. Look, we get it. They’re “Value” resorts, so they let you visit Disney World without leaving you completely broke. They’re colorful and nostalgic. They’re over-the-top in some of the best ways. And yet…
All-Star Resorts
The harsh reality for 2026 is that they’re not improving enough. These hotels are out of the way of basically everything. You’re relying entirely on buses. That means no boats, no monorail, and no Skyliner. While Disney transportation is solid, those bus lines at park close will make you reconsider staying at an All-Star Resort.
Bus stop at All-Star Movies
If price is your top priority, the difference in cost between the All-Stars and Disney’s Pop Century Resort is often shockingly small.
And Pop has Skyliner access.
Disney Skyliner at Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts
Being able to hop on the Skyliner to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a game-changer. It’s way faster and more relaxing than the bus, and it feels more like an attraction. If you ask me, it’s 1 million percent worth ponying up a little extra for Pop Century rather than saving a few bucks and relying on the All-Star bus routes.
Disney Skyliner Gondolas
Not only that, but the All-Star Resorts can have crowd issues. These hotels are group central. Youth groups, school trips, cheer competitions, and sports teams often stay here — especially at All-Star Sports. It can be loud, chaotic, and not at all what you signed up for.
Crowds
If you’re rope-dropping every day and just need a bed? Fine. But if you want the peace and quiet expected with a hotel stay while on vacation — well, I wish you the best of luck.
Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary
Now let’s talk about a hotel that should be elite. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is incredible, offering a location that’s within walking distance to Magic Kingdom, as well as monorail access, fireworks views, and a clean/modern aesthetic. It’s one of the nicer places you can stay during a Disney World trip.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The problem? In 2026, it’s basically a never-ending construction zone. We’re talking tons of renovations and exterior work. Not only is this construction an eyesore with construction walls and heavy machinery, but it also presents lots of noise and limited access to certain areas.
Bay Lake Tower
But don’t expect a discount. You’re still paying deluxe prices (or DVC points that you worked HARD for), and you’re not getting that full luxury experience. Yes, the location is still top-tier, but at these prices, we’re not too giddy about the prospect of construction waking us up early in the morning.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
This one hurts a little. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is ICONIC — and for good reason. It’s Disney meets luxury. It’s situated in a prime location. It’s got tons of transportation options. A stay here will make you feel special…well, usually. But in 2026? We have some qualms.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney just extended the construction timeline again. Refurbishments are ongoing, meaning sections are walled off, and construction is ever-present. While the refreshed rooms look lovely and the new lobby has come together nicely, it’s all still so disruptive.
Grand Floridian Resort
With the opening of the new lobby bar, The Perch, as well as the return of the Garden View Tea Room, foot traffic is going to pick up at the hotel in 2026. The Grand Floridian already draws non-resort guests for dining, shopping, and monorail hopping. It’s only going to get worse.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Magical Guides-The-Perch-Lobby-Food-Grand-Floridian-Disney-World-Deluxe-Resort-Photo-Nov-08-2025-9-37-24-AM-4032-x-3024-2-700x525.jpg
The Perch
While the new shine will eventually wear off from these dining locations, construction is slated to continue through 2027…so expect the Grand Floridian to pop up on this list AGAIN in 2027.
Grand Floridian Resort
Ultimately, if you’re fine with these setbacks at any of these hotels, don’t let us stop you from following your heart! Our goal is to simply inform you of these updates and potential pitfalls so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.
We’ll be here in Disney World every day this year and beyond, so be sure to keep it posted right here at Magical Guides for all the latest Disney World hotel news, tips, tricks, and reviews!
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
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!
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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Which Disney World hotels are your favorite (and least favorite)? Let us know in the comments!
