This breakdown covers each Walt Disney World Resort and assesses whether they are overrated or underrated. I’ve excluded DVC properties that are part of larger hotels, such as Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort or The Villas at the Grand Floridian. Additionally, the Swan and Dolphin resorts are not included since I have not stayed there and cannot provide a fair evaluation, and they aren’t owned by Disney.
Let me clarify: this isn’t a list suggesting that overrated resorts are bad—they’re simply overrated. In fact, one of my favorite resorts is on this list, not because it’s lacking, but because some people perceive it as the best thing ever at Walt Disney World. On the other hand, underrated resorts may not always be exceptional, but if they’re constantly dismissed as subpar when they are just as good, or even better, than other resorts in their same value tier (Value, Moderate, Deluxe), they end up being labeled underrated.
Value Resorts:
All-Star Movies: Overrated
Often viewed as the best All-Star resort, the All-Star Movies resort was labeled overrated. What it offers isn’t all that better than the other All-Star resorts, but due to it being labeled the best, it is often priced slightly higher than All-Star Music and All-Star Sports.
All-Star Music: Underrated
This resort is seen as the worst Disney resort on property, and while that might be true, the piling on it receives goes way beyond what it actually is. In fact, the family suites are an extremely nice option and the theming isn’t all that different from the other two All-Star resorts. I’ll be honest that while this might not be the best resort on property, and might even be the worst, it is nowhere near what people claim it to be.
All-Star Sports: Overrated
At certain times of the year, this resort can be one of the worst on property, especially during cheerleading events. No disrespect to the kids—they’re just having fun—but if you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep and there are 15-year-olds playing hide-and-seek outside your room at 3 a.m., you’ll probably regret not booking somewhere else. While all the value resorts occasionally host these groups, All-Star Sports seems to attract them more frequently than the others. So, while it might be a slightly better resort than All-Star Music, it is certainly overrated when teenagers take over the resort.
Pop Century: Underrated
It might seem odd to call Pop Century underrated since it’s arguably the most popular value resort, but its popularity is well-deserved. This resort offers one of the best deals on property, with amenities like the Skyliner right on site—a convenience that even many moderate resorts cannot even offer.
Art of Animation: Overrated
This one’s tough because I really love the theming and the convenience of interior hallways, but wow, this resort is pricey. Yes, it’s mostly suites, but you can get a suite at All-Star Music for a lot less, and I have a hard time justifying that it’s worth the extra cost. Honestly, I almost listed it as “Fairly Rated,” but I just can’t get over the price every time I look at it.
Moderate Resorts:
Caribbean Beach Resort: Underrated
This resort has undergone a remarkable transformation. Just a few years ago, it was my least favorite on property as nothing really stood out, and I had no interest in staying there. Now, everything has changed. With access to two Skyliner stops and its proximity to the Riviera Resort, it offers a variety of dining, bar, and shopping options. I think many people still overlook this hotel based on its old reputation, not realizing how much it deserves a fresh look today.
Coronado Springs: Underrated
Similar to the Caribbean Beach Resort, this resort has had a major glow-up, with the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, which has brought better dining and bar options. Also new bridges across the pond have also significantly reduced the long walks that used to make getting to your room feel like a marathon. While I don’t think it’s quite as underrated as Caribbean Beach, it’s definitely not overrated, either.
Port Orleans Riverside: Overrated
I used to think this was the best moderate resort on property, and some people still see it that way. Although it does have Yehaa Bob Jackson, a hilarious performer at River Roost Lounge, I’m not sure what else about the resort excites people so much. It’s still a good resort, but it doesn’t quite live up to the praise it gets. In fact, it might even be my least favorite moderate resort now, yet it’s often considered the best by some simply because of its past reputation.
Port Orleans French Quarter: Overrated
I absolutely love this resort, but its devoted fan base makes it seem like it’s the best thing at Walt Disney World. It’s fantastic, no doubt, but it’s not so extraordinary that you’d reconsider your entire vacation if they don’t have availability. This resort’s issue in being overrated is simply the cult-like following that makes it seem better than it actually is, despite it being great.
Fort Wilderness Cabins: Underrated
Some people see Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campsites as just a campsite, but they’re missing out on so much more. It’s not only home to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue but also features a lively community where guests go all out decorating their campsites for the holidays, parading through the resort on festively decorated golf carts, and more. While Port Orleans French Quarter might be overrated, with its appeal often exaggerated by enthusiastic fans, Fort Wilderness is clearly underrated. Its dedicated fans elevate it far beyond its perceived status, offering a truly exceptional experience that often surpasses expectations. Even those who hear about it can be surprised by just how wonderful it truly is.
Deluxe and DVC Resorts:
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Overrated
Often viewed as the go-to resort to feature in Walt Disney World commercials, this resort is slightly overrated. The dining is fantastic, and the views are great, but it has a couple of flaws, like being in the corner of the entire Disney World property, leaving it far from almost everything, and having no great transportation options. Some people love this resort, and there is a lot to love, but for me, it’s overrated because people prop up the great views and dining and overlook where the resort is lacking.
Beach Club: Overrated
I have mixed feelings about all the Epcot Resort hotels. They’re very popular due to their great locations, which is a definite plus, but the dining options, especially for quick service, are disappointing. I enjoy a good sit-down meal, but if I’m looking for a quick bite before or after a busy day at the parks, the options here fall short. The pool is exceptional, and the ability to walk to nearby resorts is a nice feature, but they share the same issue of lacking quality quick service options. In contrast, Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Epcot resorts have opposite strengths—one offers excellent dining while the other boasts a prime location. If I’m paying deluxe pricing, I want the best of both worlds.
BoardWalk Inn: Overrated
For the most part, see my above response to Beach Club, but to make matters worse, the BoardWalk Inn doesn’t benefit from the awesome pool. The scary lobby chairs are fun, though.
Contemporary Resort: Overrated
With a prime location, excellent dining options like California Grill and Steakhouse 71, and the unique feature of the monorail passing through the building, this resort has a lot going for it. However, aside from that, what else is there? Chef Mickey’s has lost some of its former charm, and while the rooms offer great views, I’m not a fan of the theming. I’m torn on this one—walking to the Magic Kingdom is fantastic, but considering the high price, there are a few other places I’d prefer to stay. For all it has going for it, it lacks in something that would have me staying somewhere else.
Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Underrated
It might seem odd to call the flagship resort underrated, but upon reflection, it’s often undervalued by people who say it isn’t worth the cost. The main criticism seems to be its high price, which is already factored into how people rate it. Beyond the cost, the resort offers a lot, if not more, than other Deluxe resorts. It features excellent dining options across all categories, a prime location, great transportation, an impressive lobby, and pretty much everything you’d want in a top Disney resort. While the pools could be better, the high price often leads to this resort being underrated, even though that cost is already part of people’s expectations.
Old Key West: Underrated
While all of these ratings reflect my personal opinion, this one might be the most biased—not because I’m a DVC owner or have a special connection, but because I’m a dad with kids and understand the significant benefits of having a spacious, townhouse-like accommodation on a Disney World vacation. Need to do laundry? It’s right in your room. Want to cook something beyond just using a microwave? You’ve got that too. Many DVC resorts claim to be a home away from home, but this one truly delivers. Although it falls short in terms of location, dining options, and other areas, these shortcomings are often factored into people’s lower ratings. Much like the Grand Floridian’s high cost, the limitations here are already considered in people’s perceptions.
Polynesian Village Resort: Overrated
It pains me to say this, but despite my love for this resort—it truly has everything you could want—its reputation as the best resort on property often seems exaggerated. While there’s little to complain about, but the perception of this resort has become inflated. It’s hard to call it underrated when people constantly hype it up as if it’s miles better than resorts like the Grand Floridian or Wilderness Lodge. It may be preferred by some, but it’s certainly not as exceptional as it’s often made out to be.
Riviera Resort: Underrated
I’ll be honest: the lobby here leaves a lot to be desired and should be better, which leads some people to view this deluxe resort as inferior to others. However, the food here is among my favorites on property, and the Skyliner access is fantastic. While it’s not my top choice for a Deluxe resort, the way some Disney fans criticize it makes me believe it’s actually underrated.
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa: Overrated
Being close to Disney Springs isn’t the advantage some people think it is. Most families visit Disney Springs once or twice, and beyond that, the location isn’t as impressive as it seems. Additionally, the Saratoga Springs, NY theme, isn’t as exciting when compared to other resorts in the same tier that are themed after places like Polynesia, Africa, or Yellowstone National Park.
Wilderness Lodge: Underrated
This resort should be considered on par with the Polynesian Village Resort or the Grand Floridian. It offers everything you could want: a prime location, excellent food, boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom, one of the best lobbies, and a fantastic place to relax with a drink at the Geyser Point Bar & Grill. Although it’s not on the monorail line—which is a drawback—it often doesn’t receive the same level of prestige and is sometimes viewed as inferior. However, it more than makes up for this shortcoming.
Yacht Club: Overrated
Refer to my comments on the Beach Club, but this one feels even worse, with a vibe that’s reminiscent of an old folks’ home. It’s quite dull and uninspired…and simply overrated.
