There are almost 30 options for Disney World hotels.
Not all hotels are created equal. Some hotels have great transportation options, while others are limited. Some hotels are spread out and can cause you to be away from all the action. With all of this in mind, these are five hotels that we would never stay in again.
All Disney World resort hotels can make you feel closer to the magic and even offer special perks. While we might not want to stay at these five hotels again, they may work for you and your family, and that is perfectly okay!
All-Star Resorts
The All-Star Resorts tend to make people’s skip list for a few reasons, but at the end of the day the All Stars are still a solid option. The All-Star Resorts consist of All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, and All-Star Music.
Our team chooses to avoid the All-Star Resorts for a few reasons. The first is the noise levels. These resorts tend to appeal to families with younger children because the resort has such immersive theming. It can be so fun to walk out into Andy’s room before you start your day.
These resorts are also where athletes who are competing at ESPN Wide World of Sports tend to stay, which can also bring noise levels up. If you are looking for a quieter stay, the All-Star Resorts may not be for you.
The All-Star Resorts are also spread out. If you are not by the main building, you may find yourself taking a hike over to pick up food or make it to the bus stop.Â
This resort is a value resort, and we think that there is a lot of value to staying here! Not only are the rooms cheaper, but they were recently refurbished. The theming at these resorts can really immerse you and make you feel like you are right in the middle of all the magic!
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge always ranks highly on our readers’ hotel reviews, but there is one reason why we sometimes avoid Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers picturesque views of the animals in Animal Kingdom. It can be so cool to wake up and open your window to see zebras right outside! There are also solid dining options that can be found at this resort.
Everything sounds great, right? Well, Animal Kingdom Lodge is set away from much of the other parts of Disney World property, and unless you have a rental car or want to pay for a Minnie Van, the only free mode of transportation is Disney buses.Â
This can cause a delay in your day as you not only have to wait for the bus, but the bus ride can be longer since Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bit of a distance from places like Disney Springs or Magic Kingdom.
We do love this resort, but transportation is a big reason why we sometimes skip it.
Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs
Did you know you could stay in a treehouse at Disney World? That’s right! Hidden behind a lot of trees, you can find the Treehouse Villas! These are part of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort but are located across the street.
Each villa features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and even a private patio! This resort can be a great place for big families to stay. It is also quiet, and you can sometimes feel like you are not even at Disney World.
The problem is the transportation. The Treehouse Villas offer boat transportation to Disney Springs, which can be a nice perk, but their bus system is not great. Since the Treehouse Villas are smaller, buses do not come as often. If you are trying to rope drop a park, sadly, the Treehouse Villas bus transportation might not always get you there on time.
If you plan to bring your own car or rental car, this resort can be a great value for your family. Unfortunately, if you need to rely on Disney bus transportation, you may find yourself getting frustrated.Â
Pop Century and Art of Animation
You may be wondering why these two resorts are grouped together, and this is because they both share the same fatal flaw.
Similar to the All-Star Resorts, Pop Century and Art of Animation are also value resorts. They both have heavy theming, meaning that they also tend to draw families with young children.
These resorts are not always the quietest, especially for those who have rooms near The Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation.Â
These resorts offer great theming, and it can be super fun to walk around and see all the fun-themed statues at each of the buildings.
The reason they are on this list is because of the Skyliner. It is awesome that these two resorts offer another mode of transportation besides Disney buses, but the Skyliner has its days. If you are planning to rope drop a park or stay in a park after fireworks, expect LONG lines. Not only do you have to worry about lines at the resort station, but also lines at the park stations, and the Caribbean Beach transfer station. Make sure to pack your patience!
It can also be frustrating when the Skyliner has to close due to weather. Disney does make sure to offer bus transportation to combat this, but it can be annoying to have to change your transportation plans.
All in all, these resorts can work for certain families and are all still solid options. These are just a few reasons why we tend to avoid these resorts.
Beware of these Hotel Red Flags!
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I like all of these. Haven’t stayed at AOA or Treehouse villas.
I would love for Skyliner resort. I don’t mind bus rides to AKL.
Hoping for POP or AOA in 2025
We liked Port Orleans. Beautiful and great food choices
Polynesian
We will never stay again at any of the AllStar Resorts for the reasons mentioned. Our theory was we weren’t planning on being in our room much anyway. We will save a little on the room. We couldn’t enjoy the pools as they were overrun with teens. The food court was literally trashed.
stayed at all star movies numerous times in the past. its good for what you get. my only complaint are the thin walls in the rooms. if you have a noisy neighbor, you’ll know right away.
So basically all of the value resorts…:/