The Most Underrated Things About Each Disney World Hotel

Walt Disney World offers over two dozen Resort hotels with enough activities, amenities, and recreational fun to keep everyone happy. 

The most popular experiences at each Resort are probably ones you already know about: dining at ‘Ohana, meeting the Main Mouse at Chef Mickey’s, and enjoying the animals on the savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

But do you know about the hidden gems? We’re talking about the most underrated things at each Disney World Resort! 

Disney’s All-Star Resorts

This includes Disney’s All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports Resorts. They’re known for their over-the-top theming and being some of the most inexpensive Disney World resorts.

The All-Star Resorts have some fun things many people don’t know about, though. All of the All-Star Resorts do Movies Under the Stars, so you can take in the show while relaxing near (or even in) the pool. If convenience is your thing, the buildings at the All-Stars tend to be pretty tight compared to larger, sprawling Resorts; it may be easier to get to the lobby from your room when you stay here!

Click here to read more about the All-Star resorts

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The most underrated thing at Art of Animation is the character statues.  Many kids love the giant Disney figures around the Resort, like Princess Ariel in the standard room section or Simba, Mr. Ray, and Lightning McQueen in the suite sections!

The theming is all around you (even in the landscaping!), which gives this resort some of the most “Disney” vibes compared to the others.

Click here to read more about Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

A great thing to do at Pop Century is to take a walk or run on the trails around Hourglass Lake! You can do a 1.1 or a 1.38 mile loop.

Take in the views of the lake during a nice evening stroll or kick off your Disney day morning with a quick run! Keep your eyes peeled for placards with info about each decade!

Click here to read more about Pop Century Resort

Fort Wilderness Resort

Fort Wilderness is known for its campgrounds and cabins, along with a few fun restaurants. However, there are a TON of outdoor activities you can do here!

They have archery, pony rides, canoes, kayaks, bikes, and more. Also, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride!

Click here to read more about Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach is a great spot if you want to use the Skyliner frequently during your Disney World stay; the system’s hub is located at the Resort. But when you’re ready to wind down for the day, you can hang out in a hammock on the beach!

Another underrated thing to do is just walk around the grounds and take it all in; it’s such a colorful and pleasant resort.

Click here to read more about Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

While it may be the newest part of Coronado Springs Resort and it’s pretty hard to miss, we still think Gran Destino Tower doesn’t get the attention it deserves!

The architecture and design inside is beautiful (having been inspired by a Disney/Dali collaboration!), including the lower-level lobby stop, Barcelona Lounge. The restaurant at the top of the tower, Toledo — Tapas, Steak, & Seafood, has some spectacular views, stunning interior design, and really good food!

Click here to read more about Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Port Orleans French Quarter has amazing theming that makes you feel like you could really be walking on Bourbon Street. One of our favorite things to do is visit Scat Cat’s Lounge and Scat Cat’s Lounge — Cafe!

The jazz club is a great spot to kick back and relax with a drink, and the Cafe is the spot to snack on delicious beignets!

Click here to read more about Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside

If you don’t know about the Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside, you should! They make you feel like you’re staying in a fancy palace with plenty of royal details.

The best part is the beds — the headboards can put on a fireworks show, and it’s ridiculously magical.

Click here to read more about Port Orleans — Riverside Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a beautiful resort that’s known for guests being able to see animals outside of their rooms! But some of the most interesting parts of the hotel can be found in the lobby.

The resort has the largest collection of African art in the world outside the continent of Africa, and much of it can be found in the lobby. So cool — don’t miss strolling through to check it all out!

Click here to read more about Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

Yacht & Beach are super convenient hotels if you’re going to frequent EPCOT on your Disney trip. They have some awesome activities for the kids, too!

Kids can take Pirate Adventure Cruises (when available) where they will follow clues to find hidden treasure. Don’t want to become a pirate for the day? They can play in the sand-bottomed pool or zip down the loooooong slide at Stormalong Bay!

Click here to see more about Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

BoardWalk is known for, well, the boardwalk, of course, but you can do so many other things at the resort!

They have yoga on the lawn, campfire activities, and those amazing Surrey Bike rentals to ride around on. The bikes are a great way to get around the boardwalk and have some fun at the same time!

Click here to read more about BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary is one of the oldest resorts on property, opening with Disney World in 1971. From the rooftop restaurant to the Monorail running through the middle of the A-frame structure, it’s safe to say it’s an iconic part of Disney World!

But sometimes the best thing to do over here is just grab a nice drink and hang out on the big dock over Bay Lake.

Click here to read more about Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Grand Floridian is possibly the fanciest Disney resort of them all! It even houses the most expensive restaurant (by far) in Disney World, Victoria & Albert’s.

When you think Grand Floridian, you might not think shopping, but there’s actually a really cool Basin store right inside the hotel! They have fun soaps and bath bombs galore. You might even spot a signature scent!

Click here to read more about Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian has those amazing bungalows, an interactive tiki bar, and one of the most beloved restaurants in Disney World: ‘Ohana. With all that’s going on here, it can be hard to see past the hustle and bustle, which is why you should hang out on the beach!

The beach at the Polynesian has an awesome view, especially at night when you can see the fireworks in Magic Kingdom from across Seven Seas Lagoon (and be sure to stick around for the Electrical Water Pageant!).

Click here to read more about Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Over at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge, you can find some incredible history. The Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room pre-dates the lodge itself (according to Disney’s “story”).

The room is full of Disney history and railroad memorabilia! Since Walt Disney was known for loving trains, this room preserves that legacy. There are tons of fun details to take in and even models of two trains that Walt loved.

Click here to read more about Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

The most underrated thing about Old Key West is the pool! There’s a slide inside a sandcastle, which is so fun.

Also the theming here is highly underrated. It’s the most Florida-feeling hotel in Disney in the best way! It really looks like it should be in the Keys.

Click here to read more about Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s newest hotel, Riviera Resort, is inspired by the Mediterranean. One of the best kept secrets here is Voyageurs’ Lounge; it’s inspired by Walt Disney’s travels around Europe!

And while you’re there, you can sip on some European inspired cocktails and snacks from Le Petit Café, located right next door!

Click here to read more about Riviera Resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Don’t want to miss your morning yoga classes while you’re on vacation? Then Saratoga Springs is the spot to be! They have sunrise yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7AM.

Yoga is a great way to start your day in Disney World, especially since park days can be a bit chaotic sometimes.

Click here to read more about Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Those are all the most underrated things about each Disney World resort! We hope this made you aware of some more fun things to do while you’re on vacation or help you choose the resort that’s right for you! Stay tuned to All Ears for more Disney tips and info.

Click here to read which Disney World resort you should stay in based on your horoscope

Do you know about any hidden details in the Disney resorts? Tell us in the comments!