The Best Disney Resort Revealed: Compare Hotels, Prices, and Perks

Choosing the best Disney resort can feel overwhelming, especially with so many themed hotels, price points, and park locations to consider. The right resort can make your entire vacation, from shorter travel times to better dining and more downtime for kids.

In this guide, we’ll compare Disney World resorts by family-friendly amenities, dining options, budget level, and proximity to the parks so you can confidently choose the best Disney resort for your next trip.

Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your Disney vacation!

Deluxe Resorts: The Best Disney Resorts for Luxury & Convenience

If you’re looking for premium amenities, unbeatable locations, and immersive theming, Disney’s Deluxe Resorts offer the highest level of comfort.

Top Picks:

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Elegant, close to Magic Kingdom, and perfect for families who want luxury and convenience.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Walkable to Magic Kingdom and great for families with older kids.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – A guest favorite with island vibes, fireworks views, and monorail access.

Why choose a Deluxe Resort?
✔ Larger rooms
✔ Signature dining
✔ Easy transportation to parks
✔ Ideal for families who want to maximize time in the parks

Moderate Resorts: The Best Disney Resort Balance of Price & Comfort

Moderate resorts are often considered the sweet spot for families who want comfort without deluxe pricing.

Top Picks:

Caribbean Beach Resort – Skyliner access and great pool areas
Port Orleans – Riverside – Quiet, scenic, and perfect for families who enjoy relaxed evenings
Coronado Springs Resort – Modern amenities and one of Disney’s best pool complexes

Why families love moderate resorts:
✔ Larger rooms than value resorts
✔ Fun pools and theming
✔ Better dining options
✔ More affordable than deluxe resorts

Value Resorts: The Best Disney Resort for Budget-Friendly Trips

If affordability is your top priority, value resorts still deliver big Disney magic.

Top Picks:

Art of Animation – Best Disney resort for families with young kids thanks to themed family suites
Pop Century Resort – Great value with Skyliner access
All-Star Resorts – Most budget-friendly option for larger families

Why choose a value resort?
✔ Lowest price point
✔ Fun Disney theming
✔ Great for families who spend most of their time in the parks

Dining Options by Resort Category

Dining plays a big role when choosing the best Disney resort for your family:

Deluxe Resorts: Table-service restaurants, character dining, lounges
Moderate Resorts: Mix of quick-service and sit-down dining
Value Resorts: Food courts with quick, kid-friendly meals

Pro tip: Character dining is most common at Deluxe resorts and books quickly!

Park Proximity: A Major Factor in Choosing the Best Disney Resort

Location can save you hours during your trip.

Monorail Resorts: Magic Kingdom access (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian)
Skyliner Resorts: Easy access to Epcot & Hollywood Studios
Bus-Only Resorts: Budget-friendly but longer travel times

If convenience matters most, choosing a resort with Skyliner or monorail access can make a huge difference.

Disney Resort Comparison Chart

Resort Type	Best For	Budget	Dining	Transportation
Deluxe	Luxury & convenience	$$$$	Table-service & character dining	Monorail / Walking
Moderate	Balance of comfort & price	$$$	Mixed dining	Bus / Skyliner
Value	Budget-friendly trips	$–$$	Quick service	Bus / Skyliner

Top Disney Resorts by Price Level: My Personal Favorites

When it comes to choosing the best Disney resort, price level plays a huge role—but value doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality. Here are my top picks in each category and why they stand out for families.

Best Value Resort: Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century is my favorite value resort because it delivers fun theming, convenience, and affordability all in one place. Families love the bright, larger-than-life décor and lively pool areas, but the real win is Disney Skyliner access, making trips to Epcot and Hollywood Studios fast and stress-free. It’s a fantastic option for families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks but still want an enjoyable resort experience at a lower price point.

Best Moderate Resort: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

While Caribbean Beach often takes the top spot for moderate resorts—and for good reason with its Skyliner access, Coronado Springs is my personal favorite. It offers a deluxe-level atmosphere at a moderate price, with beautifully updated rooms, a stunning lake setting, and one of the most impressive pool complexes on Disney property. It’s ideal for families who want a quieter, more refined resort without the deluxe price tag, making it a hidden gem for value-conscious travelers.

Best Deluxe Resort: Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beach Club is hands down my favorite deluxe resort thanks to its unbeatable location and relaxed coastal vibe. With walking access to Epcot, quick transportation to Hollywood Studios, and access to Stormalong Bay, one of the best pool areas at Disney World, it’s hard to beat. The laid-back atmosphere combined with premium amenities makes Beach Club perfect for families who want convenience, comfort, and a little extra magic built into every day of their stay.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Disney Resort?

The best Disney resort depends on your family’s travel style, budget, and priorities.

Want luxury and walkability? → Deluxe Resort
Want comfort without breaking the bank? → Moderate Resort
Want the most affordable Disney stay? → Value Resort

No matter which you choose, the right resort can make your Disney vacation smoother, more relaxing, and more magical.

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