5 Of Our Favorite Underrated Walt Disney World Resorts
I’ve been helping clients plan magical vacations for quite some time and guests definitely have their clear favorites in every resort category! In the Values, people love to add a bit of Pop Century magic to their getaway, in Moderates Port Orleans reigns supreme and who can go wrong with one of Disney World’s awesome monorail properties? However, over my many visits to the Mouse, some of my favorite properties fall out with these fan favorites! That’s why I thought I’d share a handful of Disney’s most underrated properties that my family loves the most!
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
When it comes to Disney’s All-Star properties, All Star Movies typically steals all the thunder. However, there’s so much to love about Disney’s All Star Music Resort that it is perhaps the one that my family has stayed at the most! Let’s start with price, when it comes to standard rooms, All Star Music frequently comes out as the most affordable in Walt Disney World. Rooms frequently start in the $130 a night range before discounts. This makes it a fantastic option for families looking for the best bang for your buck. However, I’ve never felt like staying here means skimping on quality. I’ve always found the rooms to be clean, central amenities to be well maintained and my kids love the themed sections. From the giant cowboy boots adorning the Country section to the colorful Calypso section just off the main pool area, the resort is fun, vibrant and full of Disney charm. Customer service is top-notch (some of the best I’ve had at Walt Disney World) and you can even challenge your friends to a game of Guitar Hero in the lobby! The Intermission Food Court is also a nice place to fuel up and frequently offers special seasonal items. The pizza window also operates on a convenient buzzer system which means no waiting around for your slice!
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Because this is one of original Disney Vacation Club properties, it doesn’t seem to be as popular as some of the newer villas but don’t let that fool you. This stunning property makes for the perfect lush, tropical getaway for those looking to escape from it all! For those looking for accommodation for larger families, you’ll be hard to find more spacious rooms than at Old Key West. 1 Bedroom Villas come in at an impressive 942 sq feet and 2 Bedroom Villas at a staggering 1,333 sq ft. With full kitchens, living rooms, 2 bathrooms and beautiful views it’s the perfect haven! Other perks like a regular ferry service to Disney Springs and a ton of family activities at Conch Hall really make this resort something special. Oh and don’t get me started on the delicious food. The Gurgling Suitcase is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a burger and a brew and table service Olivia’s is a favorite amongst Disney regulars. The Sandcastle Pool area also offers plenty of space for guests to splash and sunbathe and includes a sauna, spa and waterslide for the kids. And best of all! This property is frequently the most affordable in the Deluxe Villa category! Studios regularly start in the $500 a night realm before discounts and this is one of the few properties where it’s possible to get a two bedroom villa for around $800 a night!
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
This moderate property was dated for a while, and then under construction for a while longer which meant that it’s gone off the radar of a lot of Disney travellers. But, Disney friends, things have changed! This resort has recently completed a refurbishment that is nothing short of spectacular. Guests will be wowed with brand new central amenities, al fresco dining, updated guest rooms and more! And as if that isn’t enough, this property will be the home of a new transfer station for Disney’s Skyliner System meaning guests opting to stay here in late 2019 will only be a short gondola ride away from both Epcot and Hollywood Studios! This property also boasts a large Spanish-fort themed central pool area complete with water cannons and waterslide that kids adore. Some of its rooms are also pirate-themed with beds shaped like pirate ships making it the perfect option for little swashbucklers. Those looking to spend a few days enjoying all the resort has to offer will also be impressed with extra activities like pirate adventures and mermaid school! Best of all, these recent changes haven’t changed the fact that Caribbean Beach Resort is consistently one of the most affordable Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World. It is still possible to get rooms here for under $250 a night non-discounted!
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Because they aren’t really resort rooms, but it isn’t really camping, these awesome cabins nestled in the Cyprus forests just across the way from Magic Kingdom often get overlooked by Disney visitors. However, they are one of my favorite places to stay in all of Disney. With full kitchens, living rooms and bunk beds, they are perfect for families looking to have lots of room to spread out. They are also ideal for those looking to spend time at the resort because trust me when I say that this property has it all. From horseback riding and fishing to canoeing , Segway tours and carriage rides, there is Disney magic around every corner. Fort Wilderness is also home to two amazing pool areas as well as one of Disney’s amazing Dinner Shows- Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue which is a hootenanny not to be missed. From the sandy shoreline, visitors can also enjoy views of the Electric Water Pageant in the evening and though your location makes you feel secluded, you’re actually just a short ferry ride away from the Magic Kingdom! With Cabins typically in the $450 range non-discounted, it’s slightly pricier than other moderate options but on par with the family suites you’ll find at Art of Animation and look at all the extras you get!
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Located just across the lake from other Deluxe Epcot Resorts the Yacht and Beach Clubs, this property tends to be the less popular of the three which to me remains a mystery. Sure it lacks the Stormalong Bay water play area but its turn of the century Atlantic City theming, playful Midway-themed pool area and access to dining, entertainment and more at Disney’s Boardwalk area makes it a clear frontrunner in our book! And did I mention you’re only a short water taxi ride away from Epcot and Hollywood Studios? Here guests will find an array of vintage themed rooms from standards to villas meaning that there’s something to accommodate families of all sizes. Kids will also love the Bon Voyage Breakfast that takes place at Trattoria al Forno each morning where you can mingle with Flynn Rider, Rapunzel, Ariel and Prince Eric. This resort is competitively priced with the neighboring Epcot properties with rooms starting in the $500 a night range and is regularly included in Disney discounts!
So what are you waiting for!? Make 2019 the year you give one of these under-the-radar properties a try! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation discount from MickeyTravels!
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook