Disney Resorts at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Tested by Military Disney Tips

Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel is a big commitment. We don’t want you to go into it blind.

We’ve stayed at almost all Disney Resorts and lurked around the ones we haven’t tested yet.

On this page we’ll share with you our thoughts on all the resorts.

Below you’ll see all of the Walt Disney World Resorts and Disneyland Hotels listed.

The Disney Resorts and Hotels that have personally been tested by the Military Disney Tips team will have a comment as to whether they are:

• MDT Tested – We’ve stayed there but probably wouldn’t again unless it was the only Disney Armed Forces Salute discount available
• MDT Approved – We will definitely go back
• MDT Favorite – Our favorite resorts
• MDT Most Favorite – These are our Most Favorite Resort In Each Category
• And saddly MDT Not Recommended – We do not recommend staying here

The resorts without one of these comments we have not stayed at yet.

Disney’s Resort Categories

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Value Resorts

See the All Star Movies – MDT Tested

• Cheaper option
• Very small rooms
• Very small beds for 2 adults to share

All Star Music – MDT Tested

• Cheaper option
• Very small rooms
• Very small beds for 2 adults to share
• Family Suites, Sleep 6

All Star Sports – MDT Tested

• Cheaper option
• Very small rooms
• Very small beds for 2 adults to share

The All-Stars are just what the bullet points say above. they are great for those on a tight budget, families with smaller kids, and those who know they don’t care to spend as much on the room as they’ll only sleep there.

All-Star Music has the cheapest 6-person Disney Suites on property.

Steve often stayed solo in the All-Stars on MDT research trips. But since the opening of the Disney SkyLiner Pop Century has filled this niche.

Pop Century – MDT Most Favorite (MDT Favorite Value for its Skyliner access)

• Cheaper option
• Very small rooms
• Very small beds for 2 adults to share
• SkyLiner Access

Our favorite Moderate, with easy SkyLiner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, plus the Caribbean Beach and Rivera for dining options.

Art of Animation – Not Yet Tested

• Most expensive value resort
• Highly themed rooms
• Very small beds for 2 adults to share
• Family Suites, Sleep 6
• Standard Rooms Sleep 4
• Best Value Food Court
• SkyLiner Access

AoA and Pop are now both SkyLiner Resorts. Prior to the SkyLiner opening these resorts were already more expensive than the All-Stars, but saw a $30 or so increase after the new transportation method opened.

As mentioned above Pop is now our bottom of the line price point for solo trips due to the ease of commute to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts

Caribbean Beach – MDT Approved

• Very Large – you can be a long walk from lobby, dining, etc
• Ask for a room closer to lobby when making your reservation

The CBR recently completed a big, much needed renovation. The common areas (Lobby, restaurants, lounges) look great now.

Coronado Springs Resort – MDT Tested

• Very Large – you can be a long walk from lobby, dining, etc
• Ask for a room closer to lobby when making your reservation
• New San Destino Tower
• Large Convention Resort
• Less “Disney Feel”
• Plentiful Food Options

We’ve stayed at the Coronado multiple times recently and it’s not a favorite for a family vacation due to the lack of Disney feel.The new food options that came with the recent remodel have definitely helped. We will be glad to go back if it’s the only Moderate with a Disney Armed Forces Salute discount.

Port Orleans Riverside – MDT Approved

• Mid sized Moderate
• Princess Rooms

This is a big spread out resort, with a pool area in the center.

Port Orleans French Quarter MDT Most Favorite (MDT Favorite Moderate for its small size)

• Smaller Moderate
• Quieter, more romantic setting

French Quarter is our Favorite Moderate! The small size is a big plus as far as we are concerned.

Fort Wilderness Cabins – Not Yet Tested

• Sleeps 6
  • Bed Room w/ double bed and bunk beds
  • Murphy bed in living area
• Full kitchen & grill
• Living Area

Lots of fun activities at Fort Wilderness.

Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts

Animal Kingdom Lodge – MDT Favorite

• Beautiful Rooms
• African animals right outside your room
• Cheaper Deluxe

Amazing to watch the animals right outside your window as in the picture above.

Beach Club Resort – MDT Most Favorite (MDT Favorite Deluxe for its easiest access to Epcot)

• Beautiful rooms
• Close to Epcot

Very short walk to Epcot’s International Gateway entrance. Our favorite Epcot Resort!

BoardWalk Inn – MDT Favorite

• Close to Epcot
• BoardWalk Restaurants

Our number 2 favorite Epcot resort. Just a little further than the Beach Club and all the fun BoardWalk goings on.

Contemporary Resort – MDT Tested

• Tower rooms have fantastic views
• Monorail Resort
• Very Expensive

Spectacular Magic Kingdom views on one side. Views of the lake on the other.

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – MDT Approved

• Monorail Resort
• Very Expensive

The priciest in our opinion. Probably a once in a lifetime stay. Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach.

Polynesian Village Resort – MDT Approved

• Monorail Resort
• Very Expensive

We love the vibe at the “Poly.” Great food and entertainment. Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach.

Wilderness Lodge – MDT Approved

• Cheaper Deluxe

One of the 2 cheaper Deluxes (along with the Animal Kingdom Lodge). Beautiful lobby. Great casual bar out by the lake.

Yacht Club Resort – MDT Approved

• Close to Epcot

Our number 3 of 3 Disney Epcot Resorts (but before the Swan and Dolphin).

Swan and Dolphin – MDT Tested

• Close to Epcot

If you have points stay here, otherwise why not stay with Disney?

Shades-of-Green – MDT Approved

• Technically not a Disney Resort
• Biggest rooms on property
• A Deluxe room for a Value to Moderate price

The military Only Resort at Walt Disney World.

Disney Vacation Club Resorts (Not co-located with a Deluxe Resort)

Bay Lake Tower – MDT Not Recommended (substandard: staff, concern for guests, and room quality)

Saratoga Springs Resort – MDT Tested

Old Key West Resort- Not Yet Tested

Riviera Resort – Not Yet Tested

Disneyland Resort

Paradise Pier Hotel MDT Approved

• Least Expensive

Great views of California Adventure on the one side, parking lots on the other. Have to cross the street to get to the parks or go out of the way through Downtown Disney.

Disneyland Hotel MDT Favorite

• Mid Price Rabge

Our favorite Disneyland Hotel. Right at the entrance to Downtown Disney, it has a magical feel. We love stopping by Trader Sams!

Garand Californian Hotel and Spa MDT Favorite

• Most Expensive

This hotel parallels Downtown Disney with some room overlooking it and two entrances to the shopping and entertainment area from the hotel. Super convenient back entrance to California Adventure!