Best WDW Resorts to Visit

[Tanya Tink]

Which Disney World resorts are a must see (even if not staying at them)? I’m particularly interested in those with great gift shops!

 

[paradesintherain]

Animal Kingdom Lodge! The Lodge itself is stunning and there’s animal lookout spots all over. The gift shop is also wonderful. However, depending on when you go, the resort may not be completely open.

 

[Minnie1222]

Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Grand Floridian.
Polynesian.

 

[UA DVC Member]

I think the Contemporary Resort is really fun to visit even if you’re not staying there. It‘s an original, and seeing the monorail go through the resort is really cool no matter how many times you’ve seen it. It has great places to eat and get a drink and has probably the best gift shops of any resort.

 

[PopGirl26]

I’ll add the breathtaking Wilderness Lodge to the list, though I agree with all of the above. It’s my favorite theming and has such a sense of place. Be sure to check out the working geyser!

 

[UA DVC Member]

I’ll add the breathtaking Wilderness Lodge to the list, though I agree with all of the above. It’s my favorite theming and has such a sense of place. Be sure to check out the working geyser!

Great call on WL! That lobby is absolutely beautiful. Make sure to sit in the rocking chairs in front of the big fireplace. Also, the outside dining at Geyser Point is really nice. Pre-COVID it was pretty easy to snag a table there. Don’t know if it’s open now or if it’s hard to get into the resort to eat there is you’re not staying at WL.

 

[FredPinsocket]

Boardwalk
Polynesian
Animal Kingdom Lodge

 

[Wood Nymph]

Art of Amination is worth a visit. It has a wonderful theming. You will have to wait until they open that resort, though. It is closed right now.

 

[Brett Wyman]

I think literally all of them, minus the All Stars, are worth at least a one time visit. Obviously the MK/Epcot deluxes and AKL will have some of the biggest wow factor.

 

[Best Aunt]

Animal Kingdom Lodge! The Lodge itself is stunning and there’s animal lookout spots all over. The gift shop is also wonderful. However, depending on when you go, the resort may not be completely open.

Currently closed. The only thing open at Jambo House AKL is the DVC rooms and the pool.

 

[paradesintherain]

Currently closed. The only thing open at Jambo House AKL is the DVC rooms and the pool.

yes, but the poster didn’t mention their dates so it’s possible it may be open by the time they visit.

 

[mamamelody2]

I visited Wilderness Lodge last year for the first time. It's really beautiful! Had a huge pin board in the lobby, too (if you're interested in that sort of thing). Loved taking the boat from MK! Hoping to eat at Geyser Point with my husband this November!

 

[peabody58]

2 years ago DW got food poisoning and spent most of our 4 nights in the room (fortunately a 1 BR at SSR). We cancelled our park days and dining reservations and while DW recovered, I decided do some urban exploring and tour all of the WDW resorts with a great book in hand. Took a couple of days. It was a great time checking out every resort, finding little nooks to curl up in an read a bit, and then move on. AKL second floor was awesome for reading and relaxing. Every resort has a special something if you only take the time to soak it all in.