What’s Your Vibe?– A Handy Guide to Help You Choose Which DVC Resort Might Be the Best Fit for You!

Posted:  Resorts

With so many DVC resorts to choose from, you want to be sure you book your stay at the one that best matches your personal vacation vibe! From the theming to the restaurants, activities, and more, each DVC resort has its own unique atmosphere, so here’s a handy guide to help you match your ideal vibe to each of the DVC resorts at Walt Disney World!

Disney’s Old Key West:

A sign at the entrance of Disney's Old Key West Resort. The sign is white with a blue logo of Mickey Mouse's head, and it reads "Disney's Old Key West Resort, A Disney Vacation Club Resort."

Let’s start with the OG! Old Key West was the first DVC resort, so they’ve got this whole vacation thing down perfectly! In fact, my favorite way to describe it is that this resort is ideal for the person who wishes they could take a 6-month vacation twice a year. It’s laid back, mellow and sun-soaked, and perfect for those looking to recreate the dreamy summer vacations of their childhood. With leafy palm trees, pretty pastels, lots of activities, and a waterside location, you’ll likely find it hard to tear yourself away from the pools, hammocks, and super cool lighthouse sauna. It’s booked time after time by loyal return guests who get hooked on its spacious villas, friendly environment, and carefree vibes perfect for a relaxing getaway! 

The entrance to Disney's Old Key West Resort. The structure has a white wooden frame with light blue accents and a sign that reads "Disney's Old Key West Resort."

Closest theme park: Epcot

Transportation: Buses to all theme parks and waterparks. Water taxi to Disney Springs.

A two-story building at Disney's Old Key West Resort, designed in a pastel color scheme with light blue and white tones.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas:

Front of Disney's Beach Club Resort. The resort is a large, blue building with a white gazebo in the foreground.

Speaking of beloved summer vacations, basking in the sun poolside at the Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay, my all-time favorite Disney pool, is the ultimate in resort vibes for me! This resort has a perfect mixture of fun family activities and ways to kick back and relax. It’s casual yet elegant and, in my opinion, is a great place to stay if you plan to spend a little more downtime at your resort. There’s something for everyone, from lounging in the sun with an ice cream cone from Beaches & Cream to character dining, or even speeding down the shipwreck waterslide! It has major deluxe vibes but also still has all the fun of a retro beachside hotspot, and the location can’t be beat!

A picturesque scene of Stormalong Bay at Disney's Beach Club Villas. The pool is surrounded by lush greenery and features a rock formation in the center, reflecting the clear blue sky and white clouds above.

Closest theme park: Epcot (Hollywood Studios is also very close!)

Transportation: Walking path and Water Taxi to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, waterparks, and Disney Springs. Skyliner station at Epcot’s International Gateway is also within walking distance.

A woman holds a signature postcard from Cape May Cafe depicting Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy building a sandcastle on a beach.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas:

Entrance to Disney's Boardwalk Resort. The entrance features a large, arched structure with the word "BOARDWALK" written across it in gold letters.

The BoardWalk is like a mini entertainment complex that just happens to be attached to a deluxe resort! This place is perfect for someone who likes to be on the go and fill their vacation time with activities. It’s cheerful and upbeat, with cute and kooky circus and carnival inspirations from the turn of the century, but it also has an understated elegance that goes along with what you’d expect for deluxe accommodations. There are also many dining and lounge options right on site if you’re planning a night out! The vibe here is all about fun and recapturing the romanticized summer holidays by the seashore from a time gone by!

A colorful mural on the side of a building, advertising "Disney's Boardwalk." The mural features a red arrow pointing towards the boardwalk, and the text "TO THE BOARDWALK SHOWPLACE OF THE SHORE" in bold, stylized letters.

Closest theme park: Hollywood Studios (Epcot is also very close!)

Transportation: Walking Path and Water Taxi to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, waterparks, and Disney Springs. Skyliner station at Epcot’s International Gateway is also within walking distance.

A colorful and vibrant view of Disney's Boardwalk Resort. The resort's buildings are painted in various shades of red, yellow, and blue, and feature balconies and arched windows.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas:

Entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom villas - Kidani Village. The entrance features a large, thatched roof supported by wooden beams, and a large glass window behind it.

If your dream trip would be a safari, you’re an animal lover, or just looking for a magical resort that truly makes you feel immersed in its theme and transports you away from the everyday, look no further! Nowhere else on Disney property can you book a room where you might see a giraffe, zebra, or other exotic wildlife while you sip your morning coffee on the balcony! It doesn’t matter if you’re staying at Jambo House or Kidani Village; the vibes here are full of adventure, exploration, and warmth, and as it is a deluxe resort, an oasis of comfort. Not to mention, the dining options and pools here are fantastic! The Animal Kingdom Villas is unlike any other place I’ve ever stayed, and the atmosphere is wonderfully one-of-a-kind!

Entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House. The entrance features a large, glass-enclosed lobby with a waterfall on either side.

Closest theme park: Animal Kingdom

Transportation: Buses to all theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Shuttle service or walking path can be used between Jambo House and Kidani Village.

A giraffe stands tall in a grassy area, reaching up to eat leaves from a tree. The giraffe's long neck and spotted pattern are clearly visible, as well as the colorful balconies of the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in the background.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows:

Main entrance to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The entrance features a large, triangular roof with intricate patterns in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

The immersion continues at this resort! The “Poly,” as it is affectionately called, brings the sun-drenched vibes of a South Pacific paradise to central Florida. You’d almost forget that you’re right across the water from a major theme park! If you’re a sun-seeker who is all about swaying palm trees, white-sand beaches, tiki torches, poolside afternoons, island-inspired dining, and an ambiance where a feeling of enchantment is always in the air, this is the resort for you! Also, be sure to visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto for some mystical and lively bevvies and bites!

Signpost in front of a Polynesian-style building at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The building has a thatched roof and colorful accents, and there are lush tropical plants surrounding it.

Closest theme park: Magic Kingdom

Transportation: Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Water Taxi and walking path to Magic Kingdom. Buses to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, waterparks, and Disney Springs.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The resort features a charming, Victorian-style building with a green tower and a red and white striped awning over the entrance.

The grounds are large and lush, it’s adjacent to a golf course, and it’s across the water from endless shopping and dining at Disney Springs! These are just a few reasons to love Saratoga Springs. In addition to its wonderful amenities and cozy villas, the laidback and homey vibes of this resort are what make it one of my very favorites. It’s an underrated gem, with some of the friendliest Cast Members and fellow guests that I’ve ever come across. “Home away from home” is the best way I can describe it. Not to mention, the villas themselves are gorgeous, there are FIVE pools, and the Treehouse Villas are some of the most unique accommodations you’ll find on Disney property! 

A Treehouse at Disney's Saratoga Springs. The villa is elevated on stilts and has a hexagonal shape with large windows overlooking the surrounding forest.

Closest theme park: Epcot

Transportation: Buses to all theme parks and waterparks. Water taxi or walking path to Disney Springs.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

Entrance to Bay Lake Tower. The building is surrounded by lush greenery and features a pedestrian bridge connecting it to Disney's Contemporary Resort in the background.

Many people describe Bay Lake Tower as feeling like a modern high-rise apartment building, and I see where they’re coming from. This resort is all about modern vibes, sleek lines, and classic characters captured in pop art. Convenience is also a big reason that so many guests (including me) love it, as you’re connected to all the amenities of the Contemporary Resort, including the monorail, by the Skyway Bridge. With the Magic Kingdom so close, there’s just an extra sense of anticipation and excitement that seems to wash over the grounds! If being mere moments away from Cinderella Castle is what you dream of, this resort could be the perfect match for you!

Backside of Bay Lake Tower. The hotel towers are visible on either side of the image, with palm trees and a bocce ball court in the foreground.

Closest theme park: Magic Kingdom

Transportation: Walking path to Magic Kingdom. Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Buses to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, waterparks, and Disney Springs.

Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:

Exterior of Boulder Ridge Villas. The building is made of wood and has balconies overlooking a grassy area.

While there are some subtle differences between the two DVC options at Wilderness Lodge, they both celebrate the wonders of the natural world around us! Surrounded by lush trees and foliage and backing onto beautiful Bay Lake, there is a spectacularly serene vibe here. The atmosphere is tranquil, away from the hustle and bustle of the parks, and has a coziness about it that just begs you to cuddle up in front of the big stone fireplace in the lobby. You might initially think “rustic,” but trust me, once you arrive, “wow” is the word that will likely roll off your tongue when you enter the incredible lobby – and it only gets better from there! 

Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The resort's building is visible in the background, with a large waterfall flowing into a pond in the foreground.

Closest theme park: Magic Kingdom

Transportation: Water taxi to Magic Kingdom. Buses to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, waterparks, and Disney Springs.

Disney’s Riviera Resort:

Disney's Riviera Resort. The resort is reflected in a large lake, showcasing its Mediterranean-inspired architecture with pastel colors and balconies.

If you are the person who is always dreaming of packing your bags and joining the jet set to live a lavish life in the Mediterranean, this is the resort for you! Riviera’s vibe is all about la dolce vita, soaking up the sweetness of life and relaxing while surrounded by luxury and beauty. Here you’ll find sleek designs, delicious dining at both the quick service and table service restaurants, and in my opinion, some of the most beautiful Disney artwork ever created, all with a European flair. Even the splash pad for little ones looks chic, and the waterside seating with views of the Skyliner has become one of my favorite places to enjoy a non-park day afternoon! 

Exterior of Disney's Riviera Resort. The resort's building is a large, white structure with blue shutters and balconies.

Closest theme park: Hollywood Studios

Transportation: Skyliner to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, waterparks, and Disney Springs.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: 

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The resort is a large, white building with red roofs and a prominent tower.

WDW’s flagship resort is all about elegance, luxury, and opulence, and has the vibes to match! Everything at the Grand Floridian is upscale, yet there is still an air of whimsy that keeps it feeling warm and welcoming. Sweet and soft Disney touches in the Victorian-inspired décor add to the magical ambience, and the iconic red roof pops perfectly against Florida’s blue skies and sunshine! You’ll find some of the finest Signature Dining at Disney here, and I also have to mention that the Cast Members at this resort have been some of the kindest and most helpful I’ve encountered. If you want to splurge and are looking for the height of exquisite sophistication that still leaves plenty of room for playful activities and ways to unwind, you’ve found it at the Grand Floridian!

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa lobby. A large, ornate vase filled with colorful flowers sits in the center of the room, surrounded by potted plants and marble columns.

Closest theme park: Magic Kingdom

Transportation: Walking path and water taxi to Magic Kingdom. Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Buses to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, waterparks, and Disney Springs

Personally, I think all of these resorts easily pass the vibe check, and I hope this guide has helped you choose your next DVC dream stay!

 

~Stacy 

 

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