The Best and Worst of Walt Disney World
The following information has been formulated from the opinions of 18 other bloggers and myself, as my friends over at Behind the Ears Podcast like to say, "Because everyone does Disney differently." With that being said, I hope that this helps with planning a trip or looking for new things for your next one.
Walt Disney World Resorts
Currently Walt Disney World has 32 resorts on property, 30 of them being owned and operated by Walt Disney World Resort. What's great about staying on property is getting that extra magic hour either before park opening or after park closing. You would be surprised as to how much you can get done with the crowds lowered. If you fly, you also get to use the Magical Express to get you to your Disney resort and back to the airport for free. If you do bring or rent a car, you get free parking at all the parks. One downside of having a car is that Disney has now added an over night parking fee for anyone staying in a Walt Disney resort except for DVC members.Best Walt Disney World Resort
According to my fellow bloggers, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is the number one favorite Walt Disney World resort. What is great about the Polynesian is that it's right on the monorail so you can be transported to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot fairly easily. You can also see and hear the night time fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom from the resort.My favorite Disney Resort is the Polynesian. I love it for so many reasons! First, the theming is amazing, and I find it very relaxing. The tiki torches, landscaping, the smells....it's all amazing. Second, the pool area is fantastic for kids and families of all ages. There is nothing like sitting poolside and seeing Cinderella's Castle in the distance! There are so many amazing dining options, and I find it is easy to navigate. Plus, being on the monorail is the best! - Carrie from A Princess and Her PiratesThe great thing about Disney is that they try to make it so all different budgets can stay at a Walt Disney World resort. The Polynesian is in the top level known as Deluxe. Disney also offers Moderate and Value resorts.
There was a tie with the favorite Moderate resort - Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside and Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter.
I haven't stayed on many of the Disney Resorts but did a getaway with my daughter at Port Orleans Riverside in the Princess themed room and LOVED IT. We had an incredible time and the room was fantastic. I'm looking forward to taking my younger daughter there next year! - Emily from The Journey of Parenthood
Port Orleans French Quarter will always be my favorite because of the small size which makes it an easy resort to get around. The easy and relaxing boat access to Disney Springs is important for my family since we love visiting Disney Springs multiple times during our stay to dine and shop. Colorful atmosphere and the pool make it a fun resort for everyone in the family. - Janice from An Open SuitcaseThere was no real tie when it came to the Value resort, Disney's Art of Animation won hands down.
We are local annual passholders in Orlando so when we visit the resorts it is usually in a "staycation" capacity. Because our 3 children are under the age of 10, personally we enjoy the Art of Animation resort. That pool area is easily manageable for us and there something for each of their personalities. - Emily from Disney Parents
Worst Walt Disney World Resort
Amazingly, the least favorite Walt Disney World resort was all three Disney's All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, and Sports). These are the cheaper resorts and therefore can be the most crowded.Our least favorite Disney Resort is Disney's All Star Resorts. There are three different resorts; including Sports, Music, and Movies. We do love the larger than life theming, but these resorts are a little outdated. It is time for an upgrade! These resorts also host a lot of sporting and youth groups, so they tend to be really loud resorts, too. - Allison from Jones Family TravelFor Moderate, Disney's Caribbean Beach seemed to be the least favorite.
Caribbean Beach Resort has always been the Walt Disney World property that has underwhelmed me, and that before it was a massive construction zone. I really didn't care for that face that Customs House, the building where you check-in, requires bus transportation to get to and from the rest of the resort. It's the only Disney resort I've stayed in where I didn't feel like I was in the Disney bubble. - Theresa from In Sight: Full LifeThere was a tie in the Deluxe - Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary and Disney's Saratoga Springs.
Bay Lake Tower - While we enjoyed our stay and loved how close this resort is to Magic Kingdom, we thought it lacked that "Disney" feel and theme-ing that you get from other Disney Resorts. - Devon from Mama Cheaps
I don't have a least favorite so far. If I have to choose one resort it would be Saratoga Springs. The property is massive and it's hard to walk around it without getting lost. - Kim from This Ole Mom
Restaurants at Walt Disney World
When it comes to Walt Disney World, there are so many different restaurants to eat at. We're not talking about quick service, these are the places were it's best to have advanced dining reservations for. There are around 100 different restaurants on Disney property, either in the parks, resorts, or even Disney Springs. There is something for everyone.Best Restaurant at Walt Disney World
While there were a wide range of favorites mentioned among the bloggers, Ohana was the one that won out. There were two that tied for second place - Sanaa and 50's Prime Time Cafe.Ohana Dinner is so good. Make your reservation for 8:30 and ask to sit by the window for fireworks it the best. - Jamie from Florida's Family Fun
Worst Restaurant at Walt Disney World
While I may not agree with this, my fellow bloggers have chosen Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant with Restaurant Marrakesh a close second.Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant ~ Sadly, it was dark, the food was mediocre, there was a disconnect with the chef when it came to our son's food allergies, the movies can only be watched so many times. Just not enough of a good experience to pull us back in for another try. - Tina from Footprint in Pixie DustThere are currently over a dozen different character dining experiences offered in all 4 of the parks as well as several resorts. This is always a great way to interact with the characters and might be the best way to help the little ones warm up to meeting characters.
Best Character Dining at Walt Disney World
The one that stood out the most among my fellow bloggers was 1900 Park Fare with Garden Grill a close second.1900 Park Fare breakfast. I absolutely love the character interaction at this experience. The buffet is big and varied, and includes their famous strawberry soup. Plus can also have ice cream for breakfast. - Lisa from Adventures in Familyhood
Worst Character Dining at Walt Disney World
Hollywood and Vine was highly disliked and there was a 4-way tie for second with Tusker House, Ohana, Crystal Palace, and Chef Mickey's.Vine at Hollywood Studios. Our children are still young enough to really enjoy the characters, but the food/service doesn't compare to some of the other options. - Janine from Along With the Youngs
Theme Parks at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World offers 4 main theme parks and 2 water parks. When asked which park was the best, it was almost unanimously the Magic Kingdom.Magic Kingdom because it's the original park and just so fun! - Jennifer from My Boys and Their Toys
Top 5 Rides at Walt Disney World
Among the parks there are over 150 attractions to ride or watch. When asked what each of our top 5 rides were, it's no surprise that there ended up being ties.5 - Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Slinky Dog Dash Roller Coaster, and Haunted Mansion
4 - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
3 - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Expedition Everest
2 - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and "it's a small world"
1 - Soarin' Around the World and Avatar Flight of Passage
Snacks at Walt Disney World
To me, Disney parks and snacks go hand in hand. I have just recently started my journey of purchasing Disney snacks - have mostly stuck to popcorn and ice cream. Even though I have not been adventurous with Disney snacks, the one thing I think of is the famous Dole Whip and so do my fellow Disney loving bloggers.
Must Do's at Walt Disney World
When asked about what our must do's where, watch the fireworks or specifically Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom was mentioned the most. It is true that you will never see a better fireworks show than at any Disney park. Some other ideas were to explore the Disney resorts and to just watch your kids experience Disney.
Best Walt Disney World Planning Tip
You should always do some sort of planning when it comes to a Walt Disney World vacation. Not preparing yourself for what all Disney has to offer may overwhelm you. Just make sure that your plans are always flexible and just enjoy your time with the family.Don't expect to do it all in one trip. Have each child (and adult) select one restaurant that they must eat at, and 1-2 rides per park that are must-do's for them. This way everyone gets to do some of their favorite things. - Patty from A Mother's Random Thoughts and WDWPov
A Walt Disney World vacation is not a sprint. Stop and soak in the experiences, take breaks, and be in the moment. - Tammy from Living the Disney Dream
Don't over plan your day. Disney can be overwhelming, especially for small children. Take a break in the afternoon. - Melissa from The Farm Girl Gabs
Have low expectations and enjoy the magic. - Megan from Gingy Love
Stay on property - the perks are the best, especially be able to book FP+ and dining ahead of time. - Ashley from Ashley & Company
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