Just Moments from the Magic – The DVC Resorts of the Magic Kingdom Area!
Over the years, the Walt Disney World property has grown tremendously, and with it has come a city-like system of roads and transportation methods to connect the ever-growing number of parks and resorts. As a result, as a DVCR team member, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “which resort is best if we’re going to spend most of our time at the Magic Kingdom?”
There are 5 different Disney Vacation Club options in the Magic Kingdom area, each with fantastic theming and amenities to offer! If this is the area you’re planning to stay in for your next trip, you have some fabulous choices to consider, so let’s take a closer look at each of the DVC resorts near the Magic Kingdom!
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:
If I had to pick three words to describe Bay Lake Tower, I would choose modern, convenient, and chic. To me, this resort feels like an upscale, sophisticated, big-city skyrise that’s been sprinkled with pixie dust!
The décor combines sleek lines with rounded edges, splashes of bright colors mixed with warm neutral tones, and modern pop art showcasing the mouse who started it all – Mickey! The villas are polished and streamlined in their design, but in my opinion, they still have that warm fuzzy feeling that reminds you you’re on vacation at the most magical place on Earth!
Not only are the villas gorgeous, but this resort also offers some of the most magical views I’ve ever seen! This is the only DVC resort to offer a Theme Park View booking category, and if that’s the view type you reserve, you’ll likely be able to spot the spires of Cinderella Castle or the peak of Space Mountain right from your balcony!
Beyond the villas, Bay Lake Tower is home to the Bay Cove Pool and is also conveniently connected to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
A quick trip across the Skybridge will lead guests to the other side of the property, where they can access additional pools and recreational activities, dining locations, shopping, and the monorail station! Along with monorail transportation, guests looking to visit the Magic Kingdom also have the option to easily make their way to the park by using the walking path. Within minutes your feet will land you right at the park turnstiles!
To me, saving that transportation time is a huge plus, and I love the anticipation of seeing and hearing more of the sights and sounds coming from the park as my steps lead me along the way! One thing’s for sure; there’s definitely a lot to love about staying at Bay Lake Tower!
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort:
Often referred to as Disney’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian is overflowing with elegance, luxury, and splendor! The shimmering reflection of the iconic red rooftops in the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon beckons guests to visit and experience its Victorian charm.
The design and décor of the villas here are refined and tasteful, with soft colors and understated patterns subliminally reminding you to relax, unwind, and enjoy your time away from the real world. Vintage Disney artwork, often with a nod to Mary Poppins (my personal favorite movie of all time), adds a magical touch, and the rooms feel plush, bright, and cheerful.
The Grand Floridian doesn’t just offer swanky accommodations either! You’ll also find Signature Dining locations, a Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge, two large and refreshing pools, recreational activities, multiple shopping boutiques, and three different ways to reach the Magic Kingdom!
Guests can choose to hop on the monorail, glide over the Seven Seas Lagoon using the water taxi boat service, or stroll along the new pedestrian path to reach the park! Personally, I think this resort is full of Disney whimsy and enchantment!
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows:
When I’m on vacation, I love to soak up the sun, kick my feet up on a lounger by the pool, and let the calm breeze from the palm trees wash over me. If your vacation daydreams are similar to mine, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows might just be the perfect Magic Kingdom area resort for you!
As the small, gentle waves of the Seven Seas Lagoon lap at the sandy shores and the Magic Kingdom sparkles across the water, you’re sure to find yourself feeling the spirit of the South Pacific!
That island-inspired spirit is also easy to feel in the DVC Villas and Bungalows at the Polynesian! Bright pops of blue, green, yellow, red, and orange, along with dark wood furnishings and tiki-inspired artwork, give the rooms a warmth perfectly befitting a tropical getaway. The villas are also expertly designed with families in mind, with plenty of space for storage, relaxing, and getting everyone ready to hit the parks each morning!
Not only are the villas and bungalows at the Polynesian a perfect vacation oasis, but the resort is also home to two amazing pools, fan-favorite restaurants, including Pineapple Lanai that serves up tangy Dole Whip treats, and many activities to enjoy. The Polynesian offers a laid-back and fun atmosphere with an immersive theme, as well as close proximity to the Magic Kingdom! Guests can reach the park by water taxi service, monorail (though the station is currently closed for refurbishment, guests can access the monorail route by walking to the nearby Transportation and Ticket Center), or by using the walking path from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian, which then leads on to the Magic Kingdom! A stay here is the perfect way to combine your dreams of a tropical island adventure and your love of Disney parks!
The Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is home to 2 Disney Vacation Club options – The Boulder Ridge Villas and the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins! When visiting this resort, it’s easy to forget that you’re just a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom, as the stunning landscaping and setting magically transport you to America’s Pacific Northwest.
As I follow the covered walkway from the main lodge lobby over to the building housing the Boulder Ridge Villas, I am always blown away by how calm and serene I feel and how I can’t believe I’m still in central Florida! The cozy feel of the villas is perfect for relaxing after a busy day in the parks, and the earthy tones used in the décor are perfect for bringing that feeling of serenity into your room.
The Copper Creek Villas & Cabins have a very similar feel; however, the decor is more on the modern side. You’ll find geographic and nature-inspired artwork and accessories, with pieces such as the wooden headboards and mirrors made to look like they were plucked from the natural surroundings and skillfully turned into chic furnishings.
Though I’m not what you would describe as “outdoorsy,” the tranquil environment and beauty of nature are easy to fall in love with, not to mention all of the other amazing amenities that Wilderness Lodge has to offer! From the awe-inspiring stone fireplace in the lobby to the two pools, delicious dining options, loads of recreational activities to enjoy, and more, there are a lot of reasons that this resort is a favorite of mine!
Though not connected to the monorail route, this DVC location is still just a stone’s throw from the Magic Kingdom, with a quick and relaxing boat ride or bus trip taking you to the park for a day full of fun! A stay at the Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek Villas allows you to get away from it all while still being close to the magic!
As you can see, there are a lot of enchanting DVC resort options to consider for your next stay in the Magic Kingdom area! Though they are all different with unique features and themes to enjoy, these resorts are all big on fun and are great choices for your home away from home at Walt Disney World!
~Stacy
