Choosing a Walt Disney World resort can sometimes feel overwhelming. With over 30 resort choices, it can be difficult narrow down just which of the myriad choices at the Most Magical Place on Earth is the right one for each guest. A family looking for a Disney magic might be frustrated by the unfeeling professionalism of The Swan and Dolphin. Introverts might be stressed out by the non-stop hustle of Disney’s Magic Kingdom resorts. Walt Disney World resorts are not all created equal, so besides considering price, how is one to pick which is a right fit?
While there are exceptions to every rule, there are certain Walt Disney World resorts that click well with different personality types. Are you one of these? Do your picks match ours?
1. The Extrovert – Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, The Walt Disney World Dolphin, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Image: Disney
An extrovert isn’t just someone who has an outgoing personality. Specifically, they are individuals who get a recharge from being around lots of social stimuli and activity. While the Magic Kingdom resorts would seem like a no brainer for extroverts due to their popularity, the Epcot resort area actually has two strong contenders for this group.
The first is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. While a glance at the rooms at might suggest a quieter resort, due to its position on Disney’s Boardwalk, the Boardwalk Inn is a constant center of activity. Many of the preferred view rooms are positioned right above where cast put on performances and street parties on select nights, and the resort never stops buzzing with guests. Even the theming screams extroversion.
The other surprise winner is The Walt Disney World Dolphin. While the Swan and Dolphin are usually grouped together, the Dolphin specifically is one of the craziest centers of activity in Walt Disney World due to its wide range of restaurants and frequent state as a conference hub. The entire place hums with life, and you can see this from the moment you step into the lobby. The resort has tons of activities, from free paddleboat rentals and nightly s’mores to regular pool parties with lively music.
We would, of course, be remiss if we didn’t mention the king of extrovert resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Both The Contemporary and Disney’s Polynesian resorts are busy enough to fulfill any extrovert’s needs, but The Contemporary’s set up surrounding the monorail is practically a monument to extroversion.
2. The Introvert – The Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and The Cabins and Villas at Wilderness Lodge
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega
We’ve written a surprising amount about introversion at Walt Disney World—mostly because introverts need a lot of special care when visiting a place as crazy as Disney. Introverts are individuals who feel drained after too much social stimuli. They do very well with quiet time to recharge, opportunities to explore, and time to sit back and imagine.
The Yacht and Beach Club are probably our favorite resorts for introverts, particularly due to their proximity to Epcot. There’s just something extremely inviting about both resorts, especially the Yacht Club. There’s a permission in the atmosphere for guests to take a breather and enjoy the quiet moments. We are especially fond of the one-bedroom villas at the Beach Club Resort due to their giant bathrooms, peaceful tubs, and kitchenettes which provide a way to enjoy breakfast away from the parks.
Another strong contender is Disney’s Old Key West Resort (another Disney Vacation Club property). Like the Yacht and Beach Club, there is a distinct encouragement for guests to take it easy and relax at Old Key West. I will admit, I found this resort a little dull as a kid until I grew up and realized its one of the quietest places in all of Walt Disney World. It’s theming is also surprisingly immersive.
Want to enjoy some proper cozy time during your vacation with some Disney magic? The Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge might be just the gentle getaway you’re looking for. Wilderness Lodge has some of the most beautiful walks you will find at Walt Disney World!
3. The adventurer – Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge
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Adventurous spirits will find plenty of great opportunities at Walt Disney World, and that doesn’t just mean on thrill rides. Animal lovers and those fond of exotic beauty cannot do better than Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, particularly their safari view rooms. There’s no telling what the animal denizens of the lodge will be up to on any given day, and the resort is chock full of places to explore.
Both Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are also great choices for the adventurous visitor. Both resorts host some of Disney’s most immersive food, entertainment, and recreation opportunities on property, from The Spirit of Aloha luau to nightly campfires. Want to really step up the adventure? Plan a camping trip at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. With tons of activities and beautiful trails for guests to explore, the campground is regularly described as one of visitors’ favorite gems at Walt Disney World. They even have an archery range!
4. The concrete thinker – Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort and The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega
Whimsical cabins and luaus aren’t for everyone. Many adult visitors have no idea that Walt Disney World hosts several resorts designed specifically with them in mind. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying simple, clean cut beauty.
Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort (another DVC resort) hosts some of the most gorgeous rooms we have ever seen at Walt Disney World, executed with beautiful design and respect for modern tastes. The entire place seems tailor made with concrete thinkers in mind. Even the splashes of Disney magic throughout the resort are tempered with contemporary aesthetics.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are also excellent choices for the practical-minded Disney visitor. While both resorts have their own flavor of magic, they are designed with the high standard of professionalism Sheraton and Westin guests are accustomed to. You won’t find any Mickey Mouse montages or giggling princesses here. While this can be off-putting for families looking for “the Disney experience”, concrete thinkers who need a break from the mouse each night will genuinely appreciate the crisp presentation of both The Swan and Dolphin. As mentioned, extroverts will probably appreciate the Dolphin more, while introverts will likely enjoy the quieter sensibilities of The Swan.
5. The dreamer – Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Image: Disney
Ultimately, Walt Disney World is a haven for dreamers. This type of visitor doesn’t want chrome fixings or cold practicality. You’re looking to laugh, escape, and imagine.
We’ve already mentioned two of the best resorts for dreamers. You seriously cannot go wrong with Disney’s Polynesian Resort or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge if you have a penchant for letting your mind wander. Both resorts beg for visitors to let go and daydream, whether you’re doing so while taking a leisurely trail walk or relaxing in a hammock by the beach. While these are both strong contenders, Disney does have other resorts for the young at heart as well.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort is currently undergoing construction, but it is still a favorite of many visitors for its beautiful theming and pirate-style rooms. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is another excellent choice, probably the most praised of Disney’s moderate resorts for its great pricing, incredible theming, and eclectic atmosphere. Disneyphiles looking to save will likely love Disney’s Art of Animation resort. Though the resort doesn’t come with as many amenities as Disney’s moderate and deluxe resorts, the theming is some of the most pure of all the resorts.
6. The smart spender – Disney’s Value Resorts, villas, and The Swan and Dolphin
Image: Disney
Thrifty is just some people’s personality. You aren’t looking for frills, fancy theming, or other shenanigans. You just want a clean place to lay your head and a good deal.
Disney’s Value Resorts— the All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—are great choices for the thrifty visitor. Their proximity to the parks is surprisingly good, particularly if you will be spending a fair deal of time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While these resorts offer the basics required by adults, they also have huge appeal for kids due to their strong theming. If you are just looking for a room and proximity to the parks, the Value Resorts are a solid option if you don’t want to go with one of Disney’s Good Neighbor hotels.
Disney’s Villas—particularly those at Saratoga Springs and Old Key West—are a great value if you choose to rent Disney Vacation Club points. Not only will you save a huge amount to stay at some of Disney’s loveliest resorts, you will also have the option to prepare many of your meals and snacks in the villas kitchenette!
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega
The Swan and Dolphin sneak onto our list again for two reasons. First off, they offer deluxe level accommodations for a moderate resort price (though some might be put off by the resort and parking fees). Because they are owned by Starwood Hotels, there are often unique deals available for stays at both the Swan and Dolphin on Starwood.com and other travel websites that you won’t find booking directly through Disney. Second—and this is a huge one for smart spenders—if you are determined enough, you can actually get a substantial portion of your stay for free if you get enough points using a Starwood Rewards American Express. One gentleman actually devised a scheme to get his entire trip nearly for free by carefully accumulating rewards credit card points. If you have the discipline to avoid crippling debt, you can’t do better than free!
7. The luxuriant traveler – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and The Four Seasons at Walt Disney World
Image: Disney
Whether you simply have the means to do so or are a smart saver, there is a unique type of traveler who doesn’t like to mess around with mediocre vacation experiences. When you travel, you don’t care how long you have to save—you are going to have the vacation of a lifetime, complete with plenty of pampering, luxury, and the best service you can find. When you visit Walt Disney World, you are seriously looking to treat yo’ self.
For this very special variety of traveler, there are two clear winners at Walt Disney World, and you’re going to pay heftily for either of them. The first is the crown jewel of Disney’s deluxe resorts—Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The grandeur and amenities of the Grand Floridian cannot be overstated. It is one seriously beautiful resort. Its spa is world class, and its flagship restaurant, Victoria and Albert’s, has been rewarded AAA’s coveted Five Diamond Rating for over fifteen years. Still, guests might be shocked to learn that there is a resort that even one-ups the Grand Floridian.
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega
The Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World is one insane resort. Located in Disney World’s Golden Oak community, it is the apex of luxury at Walt Disney World. They have a massive 5-acre complex of pools and water activities for kids and adults, including a slide built into a pirate-style Spanish fort (complete with a rock climbing wall!). They have a complimentary kids’ club, a myriad of recreational choices for adults, a full spa, and a world-class character breakfast at Ravello that has been lauded as some of the best dining at Walt Disney World (not to mention three other restaurants, a coffee shop, and a pool-side bar that is classier than most restaurants in a 20-miles radius).
The perks of staying at the Four Seasons at Walt Disney World are so all-encompassing, it’s almost not worth bothering with a theme park admission. The price per night is steep, but Four Seasons never charges a resort fee, and you can be certain that during your stay, you will receive the brand’s world-renowned service.
Do you agree with our picks? What is your personality type and favorite resort?
