I don't know if I'll use the wording 'worst' as the list gets near the bottom - this is mostly just a list of
DVC places I've stayed at by preference of where I like staying the most and like staying the least. Not that the bottom of the list are 'bad', just that I generally don't prefer to stay there as much as the ones higher on the list. My home is Boardwalk.
1. Boardwalk. I bought there for a reason - proximity to Epcot. But other perks are walking access to DHS as well, plus 5 other resorts within walking distance for lots of restaurant and bar choices, and entertainment...and 4 other resorts easily accessible on Skyliner.
2. Saratoga Springs. Seems strange to put this one so high when I really enjoy the theming of others so much - but when it comes down to it, the convenience of walking access to Disney Springs for restaurants and nightlife, plus additional busses to any resort from there, make this a regular pick for me, especially when traveling solo.
3. Boulder Ridge. Just love the general atmosphere of the Lodge and grounds, especially in summer when its so hot - somehow the theming and design trick my mind into feeling just a little bit cooler.
4. Beach Club. Similar reasoning to Boardwalk, but I stay there less often because I have Boardwalk and the additional booking window.
*5. Cabins at Fort Wilderness. I haven't stayed here yet, so this is just a theoretical on where it will fit in my list - but I'll be staying there next year in late January and looking forward to it - my family stayed in the old cabins here for decades and just the overall relaxed vibe, golf carts to tool around in, boats to Contemporary and MK, picnicking in front of the cabin, etc. just feels so vacation-y.
6. OKW. for some of the same reasons as the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, when I stay here it gives me a getaway vibe - though I'm doing the parks, when I get 'home' I feel almost like I've left Disney's hustle and bustle and am just on a nice relaxing vacation. Love the boat to Disney Springs, love the Jimmy Buffet and reggae music on the grounds and boats, and love the giant rooms.
7. AK Lodge (Jambo). Beautiful theming, lovely atmosphere, always enjoy the main lodge, and often go to the resort even when not staying here. Downside for me, and reason I don't book as often, is that it feels the least connected of all the resorts - busses to EVERYTHING.
8. BLT. Even though access is so much better than AK Lodge with the monorail and boats, and walking distance to MK, I just never really gelled with the 'hotel' feel of the building. Long inner hallways, many floor elevators, smaller rooms, higher points (at least for the better views)...it just feels the least 'DVC" of any of the places I've stayed. Still enjoy my time there and make the most of the easy walk to MK and transportation to other resorts, but in general, it doesn't give me the DVC villa vibes as much.
I haven't stayed at Kidani, Villas of Grand Floridian (have stayed in the hotel, just not DVC side), Copper Creek (also have stayed at the hotel but not DVC), Polynesian (hotel yes, DVC no), or Riviera. I also have not stayed at any DVC outside of Disney World.
