Disney4me Posted August 14, 2025 Report Posted August 14, 2025 When it comes to choosing a Disney World hotel, how do you know which is right for you? Port Orleans Riverside Resort We’ve done the research and know that just because a few hotels might be more popular than the rest — that doesn’t always mean they’re the ones you want to stay at on your vacation! Sure, some Disney World hotels are popular for a reason, but what if we told you there could be some even BETTER alternatives? You hereby have permission to SKIP these Disney World hotels and stay at the alternatives we recommend instead! SKIP All-Star Resorts and STAY at Pop Century or Art of Animation Listen, we know that the BEST part of staying at Disney’s All-Star Resorts is the price, but for just a little bit more money, you can stay at a Value Resort that has the added bonus of Skyliner access! All-Star Music At the All-Stars, you’ll be relying on buses for all your transportation needs, and the lines can be seriously long. Not to mention the large sports team groups that stay here, you might have to deal with! Disney’s Pop Century Resort Instead, consider booking a room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort or the Art of Animation Resort. They’re still Value Resorts in that they’re some of the cheapest on property, but they both provide access to the Disney World Skyliner, which can take you to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and some other hotels as well. The PROS And CONS Of Staying At Disney World’s Value Resorts SKIP Caribbean Beach Resort and STAY at Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside When it comes to Moderate hotels, many folks choose the Caribbean Beach Resort due to its location along the Skyliner route — which is a great benefit of this hotel. But, this is a HUGE resort with rooms spread out all over, meaning you could be doing lots of extra walking at the end of an already long day. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside Resorts both offer similar Moderate Resort vibes — but they’re smaller, so you won’t have to waste extra steps to get to transportation or dining. Port Orleans French Quarter The Port Orleans hotels are themed after New Orleans and Louisiana as a whole, and they’re SO charming. You’ll have boat transportation to Disney Springs from here, and it’s one of the only places at Disney World you can get Mickey beignets! FULL ROOM TOUR: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside SKIP EPCOT Hotels and STAY at the Swan & Dolphin Surprise! You don’t even have to stay at a Disney World-owned hotel to still be within walking distance of EPCOT. Sure, the EPCOT area hotels are nice, and the location is really top-notch, but, you can actually stay in another Deluxe-style resort within walking distance of EPCOT at a cheaper price. Stormalong Bay That’s right — the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is also in the same area, plus you get the same perks as you would at other Disney Deluxe hotels, including Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Not only that, but the Swan and Dolphin is home to some of the BEST dining you’ll find on Disney property, like Rosa Mexicano, Todd English’s bluezoo, and more. It typically costs less to stay here than at the other EPCOT resorts, and Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points here! The 4 Disney World Hotels That Still Have Room Service SKIP Riviera Resort and STAY at Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Riviera Resort is absolutely gorgeous and is one of the newest hotels at Disney World. And, while we love the theming and dining here, the standard rooms are some of the smallest rooms of any Disney World hotel. Considering this is an expensive Deluxe hotel, this can be disappointing. Disney’s Riviera Resort But, over at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, which is a Moderate hotel, the Gran Destino Tower feels anything but. The vibes are still immaculate, and it really feels like you’re staying in a Deluxe Resort at Moderate prices when you’re here. Coronado Springs The rooms are larger and generally cheaper than what you’d find at Riviera, and the dining is just as fantastic. Three Bridges Bar & Grill is underrated, as is Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood — and don’t miss out on the lounges like Barcelona Lounge and Dahlia Lounge. I Stayed in the Disney World Hotels Experts Like to Gatekeep — Is a $730 Room Worth It? SKIP Grand Floridian and STAY at Old Key West Resort The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the most expensive Disney World-owned hotel on property, but if you’re looking for Florida vibes — you won’t really find them here. The hotel was inspired by Victorian-era beach resorts that were built along Florida’s east coast in the late 19th century, but it doesn’t scream “Florida.” Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Courtyard Pool However, Disney’s Old Key West Resort is absolutely where you want to be if you’re after those classic, laid-back, Florida beach vibes. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s themed after Key West — with some of the largest rooms on property. Make sure you stop by Olivia’s Cafe for some classic Florida eats before hopping on a boat to Disney Springs! Old Key West We’ll be on the lookout for more hotel info you need to know about for your next Disney World trip. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What’s your favorite Disney World hotel to stay at on your vacation? Let us know in the comments.The post Why Disney Adults Keep Booking the Wrong Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote
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