This moderately priced property boasts the largest pool in the whole of Walt Disney World ——" along with colorful, whimsical theming that transports guests to a universe of Disney artistry and imagination. Wander amid the landscapes of classics including "Finding Nemo," "The Little Mermaid" and "The Lion King" and chow down at Art of Animation's stellar food court, considered by most to the best in its hotel realm. This is a mostly-suite property, which means guests have room to spread out and relax after a long day exploring the magic of the theme parks. Theming extends to the guest rooms; your children will be delighted.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: Art of Animation is one of Disney's value resorts, one of the realm's most colorful ——" and affordable.
Guests here enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant and the fireworks over Cinderella's Castle without leaving the hotel. And indeed, the Contemporary may conjure some feelings of retro-love for long-time Disney lovers ——" it's been around since the beginning and the monorail still whizzes right through its lobby. And by the way, it is no less cool to experience as a grown-up (particularly for guests heading back during Florida's rainiest seasons!) Proximity to the Magic Kingdom makes fireworks-views from your room entirely plausible and Chef Mickey's character breakfast is a perennial favorite for fans of interaction and photo-ops during meal time. It's also one of the more moderately priced deluxe venues.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: Disney's Contemporary is modern and retro all at once. And its Magic Kingdom convenience is unbeatable.
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Disney-philes eager to plumb all that the new Disney Springs has to offer once Downtown Disney's new face is completed might look to stay at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Guests can take an easy walk or ferry to enjoy its many (and soon to be more!) spoils. Inspired by upstate New York's famed mountain resort town, the grounds here are lovely ——" as is the golf. And hidden in its clubhouse ——" the Turf Club Bar & Grill, a lesser-known venue that insiders laud for its course views and excellent steaks and prime rib. For something exceptionally special, consider a stay at Saratoga's private Treehouse Villas.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: Planning a trip just to check out all the new Disney Springs will have to offer? Saratoga Springs is just a boat ride away.
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Capture Cajun and Creole spirit in the heart of Louisiana ——" er, Orlando ——" amid the wrought-iron balconies of Disney's Port Orleans Resort ——" French Quarter. Fragrant magnolias and potent hurricanes (the kind you drink) add to the New Orleans ambiance, but the Disney fun is close at hand. King Neptune holds court at the whimsical Mardi Gras-themed pool, where the young and young-at-heart will revel in the water slide while others revel at the Mardi Grogs pool bar. Hey, it's your vacation! Horse-drawn carriage rides beneath towering, moss-draped oaks make for full-on Old South immersion and its easy-access boat ride to Downtown Disney makes meandering to shop, dine and play very convenient.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: Port Orleans - French Quarter is loaded down with friendly Southern charm that's also friendlier to your wallet.
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How charming to breeze down the Atlantic City Boardwalk ——" we'll Disney's turn-of-the-century take, anyway ——" on a bicycle, not a care in the world…. Guests at the Boardwalk Inn & Villas can rent one for their pedaling pleasure. And inside the property, other delights beckon. The Luna Park pool (that's actually an homage to Coney Island, so you've got two famed boardwalks to imagine) and a walking distance location to Epcot at Disney's Hollywood Studios mean it's park-convenient, as well. Illuminations cruises depart nightly from the resort marina so guests can enjoy the fireworks and out on the Boardwalk a host of shops and eateries await. Its newest offering, Trattoria al Forno, and one of Disney's all-around top-rated restaurants, the Flying Fish Café, are among the temptations.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: The beautifully themed Boardwalk Inn has its own dining/shopping/entertainment complex built in. Water views make it that much more enjoyable.
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Walk to Epcot, grab a boat to Disney's Hollywood Studios or do what so many guests of the Yacht Club ——" and her sister Beach Club Resort ——" love most and stay put, enjoying the spoils of Stormalong Bay. Considered by many to be the most epic hotel pool in Disney. This three-acre complex encompasses a scalable shipwreck, towering water slide and a luxurious lazy river, among other things. Zero-entry makes enjoying the water easy with little ones but three other quiet pools make relaxation central for those who want it. Also on site at this New England-themed property, the Yachtsman Steakhouse, one of the Disney realm's best.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: Disney's Yacht Club Resort brings New England to Orlando. An incredible pool complex makes it feel like a hotel and water park in one.
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This is it, Folks: the Grande Dame of Disney luxury. Unwind on the waterfront beach as the night sky blazes to life with fireworks over the Magic Kingdom, treat your taste buds with the world-famous, AAA Five-Diamond Award extravagance of Victoria & Albert's, lose yourself in pampered opulence at Senses ——" A Disney Spa. Disney's Grand Floridian is especially popular for weddings; its on-site gazebo allows for splendid photography with Cinderella's enchanting castle as the backdrop. While an exceptional options for adults visiting the parks, families are hardly left out at this elegant, Victorian-themed property. For example, little ones aged 4-12 can embark here for a Pirate's Adventure Cruise where they'll cast off in search of hidden treasure.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: Victorian elegance meets Walt Disney World family fun at this deluxe property. Dinner at Victoria & Albert's is not to be missed.
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It's difficult to choose the most beautiful among Walt Disney World's themed deluxe properties but the Wilderness Lodge ——" with its soaring lodge design ——" is rustic, Pacific Northwestern charm at its most epic proportions. Nature trails and pine forests enclose the property, a geyser blasts regularly from its recently refurbished Silver Springs Creek pool and its on-site restaurant ——" Artist Point ——" is among WDW's lesser-known dining gems, which makes for an oft-quieter Disney fine dining experience as you sample Northwestern wines and excellent fare. For more family-centric fun, enjoy the interactive experience at its Whispering Canyon Café! Magic Kingdom convenience comes in the form of a resort-based boat that can shuttle guests to the park without the need for extra transportation.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: With its lush pines and towering totem, Wilderness Lodge captures the rustic Pacific Northwest (in a region where vacation tans are more prevalent).
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Disney's Polynesian Village Resort recently underwent a massive renovation that added some spectacular over-water bungalows to the mix, along with a beautiful pool upgrade and the fun, new Trader Sam's Grog Grotto ... and of course, the lush landscaping, koi ponds and torch-lit pathways guests are used to are no less enchanting. The signature Hawaiian vibe here is one part retro, one part posh and 100 percent charming, whether guests are taking in the Magic Kingdom's signature fireworks ——" visible from the property ——" or the nightly Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show with its hula dancing, fire dancing and all-you-can-eat tropical feast. The young (and young at heart) will enjoy its audience participation, as well. Monorail access to both Epcot and Magic Kingdom ——" the latter is also accessible by boat ——" make it a convenient property, as well.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: The new upgrades took the Poly from sweet to spectacular. And of course, here's where you can get Dole Whip sans park admission!
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Is there another deluxe property at which you and your family can spy the animals of Mother Africa's beautiful savannah via night vision goggles from the comfort of your own well-appointed balcony? Disney's majestic Animal Kingdom lodge boasts not only splendid savannah-views by which you can observe more than 200 animals (and you need not spring for the priciest room; anyone can enjoy the zebra, kudu, giraffes and more in the public viewing area out back ——" and in the company of guides, as well) but spectacular theming that includes African art and cuisine among other things. An 11,000-square-foot pool with a water slide and zero-entry section, much like the water holes in Africa, makes for a stellar oasis at which guests may gather to cool off.
Recommended for Disney® Hotels because: Gorgeous, unique and with its own on-site zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom is a delight for guests of all ages and truly spectacular at Christmas time.
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