Disney World has a LOT of hotels, that’s no secret.

Pop Century Resort

Many hotels have wonderful perks but are wildly expensive, while others have fewer perks and are more reasonably priced. We give you recommendations all the time about what hotels are the best to stay at, but we’d be lying if we said there aren’t a few that stick out in our minds consistently. These are the two Disney World hotels that we CANNOT stop thinking about.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

First up is Disney’s most expensive value resort, Art of Animation. This hotel is known for being themed with larger-than-life Disney animated characters from Cars, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and more. In fact, it’s even home to one of the best pools on property — the Big Blue Pool!

Big Blue Pool

While this hotel doesn’t have the greatest dining options (just one big food court that has lots of options), it’s close to the Skyliner, and many families adore it for the theming. It’s a resort that really makes you feel like you’re surrounded by Disney.

Skyliner Station at Art of Animation

While it is the most expensive of the value resorts, it is still much more affordable (in Disney pricing standards) than many other Disney hotels. It also still gets you some Disney hotel perks like free parking at the theme parks, early entry, and complimentary transportation. In addition, many of the rooms here are family suites that offer more room and more beds — perfect for families! If you’re going to stay on property on a budget, this is the best value resort when you consider all it has to offer.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

On the complete opposite side of the coin, we have Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

This deluxe resort is PRICEY, but many feel it’s worth the splurge. With direct access to the Monorail, you can head straight into Magic Kingdom or transfer over to the EPCOT Monorail with no issues. Or, it’s so close to Magic Kingdom, that you can even WALK! 

Polynesian Monorail Sign

This hotel is also known for its incredible dining options like Capt. Cook’s, Tambu Lounge, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, ‘Ohana, and more. Yes, there are so many places to eat here it can feel overwhelming, so we really feel this resort is fit for longer stays and/or guests who love to eat.

Capt. Cook’s

And for all the money you’ll be spending on this beautiful resort, you’ll want to be sure to add in a rest day at the hotel during your stay to really soak it all in. Overall, if you’re looking for a nicer stay, want to stay close to Magic Kingdom, or are looking to do more at your hotel than just eat and sleep, and you have the money to splurge on a hotel, we strongly recommend the Polynesian Village.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

We know, we said two, but we had to give Port Orleans French Quarter an honorable mention!

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

This is a moderate resort — in between value and deluxe — and here, Mardi Gras is every day! The food, atmosphere, music, and everything in between are all dedicated to making you feel like you’re strolling down a New Orleans street. The dining here is beloved by many (especially those beignets), and while the thing here is also very large, it’s not necessarily Disney-themed.

Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

While the rooms are fairly simple, they’re also comfortable, and the pools also go down as a favorite of many Disney-goers. So if you’re looking for an option in between our favorites, check out Port Orleans French Quarter.

And there you have it — the Disney hotels we just can’t stop thinking about! It’s important to remember though that while you can collect all the recommendations from us, your family, and your friends, what’s best for you and your family is best determined by you. So go with your gut, and stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news!

Check out our definitive ranking of every Disney World hotel here!

What’s your favorite resort and why? Tell us in the comments!