A Spitting Match, Opinions and Commentary, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

What’s the Best Resort at Walt Disney World? | A Spitting Match

I tasked myself and three of my fellow writers to pick their top choices for Deluxe/DVC Resorts plus a non-Deluxe/DVC (aka Moderates or Value Accommodations) and then defend their picks to the interwebs with a few sentences. And thus, we have ourselves A Spitting Match. Let’s Begin!

DELUXE/DVC

Animal Kingdom Lodge, chosen by Pat Neistat

Look, I don’t give a shit about the argument “It’s so far away from everything.” The furthest drive is 22 minutes to MK and the shortest drive is 15 minutes to HS. That isn’t a big deal. It offers the best overall culinary experiences of any resort and the theming is kickass. For example, it has the largest collection of African art outside of Africa. To top it off, you have a goddamn zoo off your balcony. (mic drop) 

Beach Club, chosen by Bobby Burchins (aka the Disney Cynic)

Yes, there’s sand at the bottom of the pool. Can’t beat it

The Beach Club should be considered the best resort on property in my opinion. It shares, with its sister resort The Yacht Club, the best resort pool I have ever experienced. Stormalong Bay has a sand bottom, lazy river, water slide and a hot tub that feels like a Playboy grotto. It’s one of, if not the most centrally located resorts at Disney World, which means you’re never more than a short drive, boat ride or walk to the parks. 
For years, the worst kept secret was the International Gateway to Epcot, of which Beach Club is the closest to. Its rooms are comfortable in both space and decor, with relaxing pastels for a color scheme. While its on-site dining options have room for improvement, there’s an entire world of options within walking distance at Epcot and Boardwalk. It also hosts the best Ice Cream shop on property with Beaches & Cream. From a price perspective, it’s considerably less expensive than Magic Kingdom area resorts of the same caliber. Considering its amenities and location, The Beach Club is hands down the best resort on property.

Polynesian, chosen by Steve Rhodes

Regular readers of the blog already knew what I was gonna choose but for the new folks and anyone within teetering on where to stay on your next trip the Poly is pound for pound the best resort on property. It’s impeccable themed to the South Pacific and is home to great restaurants and from Ohana to Kona Grill to Captain Cooks for a quick bite. The Pineapple Lanai shells out Dole Whip and next door Trader sam’s is a bar experience you won’t soon forget. All of this plus comfy rooms with lots of space and a location just a 5 minute boat ride away from Magic Kingdom and a five minute walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center give this place prime location. Add in a sweet pool area and some chill luau music serenading you as you walk the lush grounds and you’re livin’ your best life.

Shades of Green, chosen by Becky Wells


Shades of Green wins for me. Read the whole freaking article. It’s a fraction of the cost of anywhere else, sometimes including values. It’s like the Poly junior except it lacks the theming and Trader Sam’s. However, SOG is more exclusive than DVC, so maybe that’s a pro. 

Value/Moderate

All Star Resorts, chosen by Pat Neistat

If you don’t give a shit about theming and just want a cool room and a pillow to lay your tired ass to sleep after a long day in the parks, this would be my pick. Why pay the extra bucks? You can Uber or MinnieVan your ass to any resort for food. Who gives a shit about paying an extra $300 to have a restaurant steps away.

Caribbean Beach Resort, chosen by Steve Rhodes

Without question my favorite non-deluxe accommodation has always been Caribbean Beach. Is that because I’m a huge fan of the Polynesian Resort and us Disney-geeks refer to the place as Poly-Lite, or possibly because the rooms were just remodeled in 2019, or because starting this Fall the Disney Skyliner gondola system is going to start lifting you off to Epcot and Hollywood Studios from here, or is it because an unsung hero in the Disney food game Sebastian’s Bistro calls this resort home? The answer is YES.

Coronado Springs, chosen by Bobby Burchins

Even before its recent renovations, Coronado Springs was borderline a deluxe resort based on dining variety and its resort pool. Adding the new tower will only make this a more popular resort which could potentially rival The Contemporary Resort with rooftop dining and distant firework viewing. Dining-wise, it sports all new Spanish and Southwest style table service restaurants, along with  Along with the new tower, all resort rooms were renovated and updated, making them some of the more comfortable rooms on property.
The pool boasts a 50 foot high recreated Mayan Pyramid with a water slide, meaning you can contemplate the merits of the Ancient Astronaut Theory and the lack of Armageddon in 2012 all while making a sliding drop. At a starting price point of $198, it has an outstanding value compared to the other available moderate and value resort options considering its available accommodations. It also has room options which exceed that of an entry level room at a deluxe resort. Especially for a couple that does not yet have kids, Coronado Springs is a wonderful option for those who want the amenities of a deluxe resort, but also have a tighter budget. 

Pop Century, chosen by Becky Wells

Pop Century is the best. AoA is amazing too, but they are almost one in the same. For the money saved, I choose Pop on the daily. Clean (recently refurbed), comfortable, efficient (as much as a value at WDW can be), and can use almost everything at AoA. I’m curious to see how the Skyliner will impact my love for walking back and forth and the quiet views if you’re back by the lake.  

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