15 Resorts At Disney That Feel Like A Vacation Inside A Vacation
Picture waking to the sound of jazz drifting through the streets of New Orleans—or stepping out of your room and finding yourself in a 1940s boardwalk paradise, all without leaving your resort. Within Disney’s massive Florida resort complex, some stays go beyond comfy beds and themed lobbies; they drop you straight into a story. Intrigued? Keep reading for the full lineup.
Boardwalk Inn
Inspired by 1940s Atlantic City, this resort evokes vintage seaside bliss with its whimsical ice cream parlors and nostalgic carnival games. Just beyond the chatter, you’ll find EPCOT—a Disney park known for its globe-spanning World Showcase, visionary attractions, and immersive festivals. Yet, for many guests, the true magic might be found on the promenade after sunset.
Contemporary Resort
You’re checking in, and suddenly, a monorail zips past overhead. Step inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where retro-futurism meets modern innovation. And while the architecture is all about clean lines and function, the real wow factor is up top. California Grill sits high above Magic Kingdom, serving as one of the best spots to catch the nighttime fireworks.
Old Key West Resort
This resort stands out for reasons that go beyond its pastel charm and laid-back vibe. It was the first-ever Disney Vacation Club resort. That makes it the original blueprint for Disney’s timeshare program, and its design reflects that with huge villas built for longer stays. There’s also a sandcastle-themed pool with a sauna in a lighthouse.
Wilderness Lodge
You’re not in Yellowstone, but it might take a second to convince yourself. Wilderness Lodge goes all in on the national park aesthetic, complete with a roaring fireplace built from rocks representing all 50 states. Fun fact: Every hour, a geyser near the lake shoots water high into the air in a choreographed burst.
Beach Club Resort
What makes this resort distinctive? For starters, it shares access to Stormalong Bay, a huge pool area that lets you float along a scenic water route; sand-bottomed swimming areas; and one of the tallest waterslides at Walt Disney World. And inside, the resort is styled after turn-of-the-century New England coastal retreats, which only adds to the appeal.
Fort Wilderness Resort And Campground
Spanning over 750 acres of pine and cypress forests, this resort offers a rustic retreat with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy horseback riding and the popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner show. Moreover, the newly introduced Chip and Dale-themed cabins provide a unique “glamping” experience right on Disney property.
Port Orleans Riverside
At Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, you might catch the clip-clop of a horse-drawn carriage or the sweet scent of beignets drifting from the nearby food court. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Sassagoula River appears, gently carrying boats toward the shops and restaurants of Disney Springs.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Have you ever spotted a giraffe while sipping morning coffee? Over 200 animals roam the lodge’s 46-acre savanna, creating a living safari outside your balcony. Rich cultural immersion continues indoors, where over 800 African artworks form one of the largest curated collections outside the continent. Indeed, wildlife and art meet here brilliantly.
Riviera Resort
Influenced by Walt Disney’s European travels, this property brings the French and Italian coasts to Florida. Mosaic murals and a curated art collection raise the atmosphere. Also, a rooftop table at Topolino’s Terrace delivers sweeping views—and a menu infused with Mediterranean sophistication and Disney charm.
Polynesian Village Resort
The air starts to feel suspiciously like Tahiti, thanks to ukulele tunes drifting through the breeze, tiki torches flickering at twilight, and beachside luaus that keep the island mood alive. As one of Disney’s original 1971 resorts, it pairs tropical nostalgia with front-row fireworks and a monorail ride straight to Cinderella’s castle.
Coronado Springs Resort
At a glance, Coronado Springs whispers “moderate,” with terracotta rooftops and serene lakeside views. Drift a little deeper, and Gran Destino Tower stuns with a Salvador Dali–inspired lobby that feels more like an art gallery. Then there’s the Dig Site, where a towering Mayan pyramid watches over one of Disney’s biggest hot tubs.
Art Of Animation Resort
Color spills into every corner, from Ariel statues to the streets of Radiator Springs. The themed suites are a family favorite, packed with character and playfulness. Kids, on the other hand, make a beeline for the 310,000-gallon Big Blue Pool—Disney’s largest. And yes, you really can hear music underwater while swimming with Dory and Nemo.
Grand Floridian Resort And Spa
Victorian grandeur and Disney whimsy share the same ballroom here. White balconies and live lobby orchestra performances evoke Edwardian elegance. The real gem? Victoria & Albert’s, the only Disney-owned U.S. restaurant with a Michelin star, provides a formal dining experience that rivals top international establishments.
Saratoga Springs Resort And Spa
For guests craving relaxation with a side of history, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa doesn’t hold back. It wraps horse racing heritage in stable-like buildings and whimsical weather vanes, all inspired by 19th-century New York retreats. Add a spa, golf course, and ferries gliding to Disney Springs, and those spacious villas feel more like a home base than a hotel.
Caribbean Beach Resort
It all begins with pastel villages lining the water, giving Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort its relaxed island soul. That same spirit pulses through Old Port Royale, alive with music and coastal cuisine. And for a grand finish, the Skyliner offers a breezy ride with panoramic views of the parks.
