My UPDATED Unfiltered Ranking of Every DVC Resort at Walt Disney World!

Posted:  DVC Rentals Resorts Tips

In 2025 I wrote a blog about my unfiltered ranking of each DVC resort. Now, at the time, I had visited Walt Disney World twice and thought I had a pretty solid idea of which resorts I liked most. Since then, I have been back twice more, and my opinion of my favorite resorts has changed once again!

A circular blue sign reading “Disney Vacation Club. Welcome Home Disney Vacation Club Members” in white and silver lettering is posted on a beige wall.

I think this is bound to happen after each visit, but it’s always so much fun to discuss and reflect on what makes all these amazing resorts so great! As a reminder, this is just for fun and is a ranking of resorts I personally enjoy slightly less than others, to resorts I am obsessed with. My list might look different than yours, and that’s ok, but here is my updated, unfiltered ranking of every DVC resort at Walt Disney World!

 

#11: Old Key West (Previously # 10).

So, Old Key West has dropped one space to the bottom of my list. I know this is the OG DVC resort, and is a fan-favorite among many, but I just think there are so many other DVC resorts that are better. Once again, this ranking is just my personal opinion, and Old Key West is still a great resort; it’s just not the one I would pick first.

The drive-up entry way to Disney’s Old Key West Resort is seen under a blue sky. The building’s exterior is light blue and white and there are tropical flowers and palm trees in the surrounding landscaping.

Now, I do think this resort is great in terms of immersion, because it really does feel like you’re vacationing in Key West, Florida. It’s also a great resort for cost-effectiveness and for longer stays. However, that’s really all it’s got going for it in my opinion. I think the rooms desperately need a refresh, and maybe once this happens, I’ll change my mind! 

The amenities of Hospitality House including Olivia’s Café and the water taxi launch are seen under a sunny sky at Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

Also, the fact that Hospitality House is at the front of the resort, and that some Villas will be located quite far from all the amenities there, doesn’t really appeal to me. I love convenience and accessibility when picking DVC resorts, so this one unfortunately sits at the bottom of my list (at least for now).

 

#10: Bay Lake Tower (Previously # 11)

Yes, I still have Bay Lake Tower close to the bottom of my list. BUT, it has moved up a spot!

As I mentioned before, I want a resort that offers convenience and comfort, and while Bay Lake Tower has improved the comfort part with recently refurbished rooms, most other amenities, such as dining still require a walk over to the Contemporary side of the property. Plus, the lobby just feels so lacklustre to me and doesn’t really deliver the magical Disney touches I look for.

The circular exterior or Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is seen from a high floor at sunset under a pink and purple sky.

However, the thing I can appreciate a little more now is access to the monorail. After staying at another monorail resort recently, I have developed a new appreciation for its convenience. Additionally, I have to give props to the gorgeous, updated rooms. I especially love the artwork inspired by Mary Blair – they have quintessential Disney vibes that I absolutely love.

A Mary Blair-inspired piece of art featuring Mickey and Minnie and Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom is seen over the sofa in a Villa at Bay Lake Tower.

That said, it is still near the bottom of my list. Perhaps if I stay here in the future, that could change. But for now, it’s coming in at number 10.

 

#9: Saratoga Springs (Previously # 4).

Alright, this is the biggest shake-up yet! I was a die-hard fan of this resort and always willing to hype it up. However, after my most recent stay did not match up to my past experiences, I was left disappointed.

The pastel green and yellow exterior buildings of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa including the Horsing Around Rentals are seen under a sunny sky.

First off, one of my favorite parts of this resort is the smell of the lobby. I’m not sure what happened, but on my most recent visit, the lobby didn’t smell as intoxicating as it has in the past. Secondly, one of my favorite Disney bites was the pizza at the Artist’s Palette. This time, however, it was a little greasy and just did not hit the same.

A pedestrian walkway and the pink, green, and yellow pastel exterior buildings of the resort are seen under a bright blue sky at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Now, this resort is super cost-effective, so while my recent stay wasn’t as great as my past two trips, I’d still consider staying here since it is more budget-friendly and a nice, quiet resort. While I will say the proximity to Disney Springs is a big plus, and the Cast Members here are super friendly and accommodating, this past stay left me feeling like I was missing out on the previous magic. With this in mind, Saratoga has taken a big dip down my list for now, but I’m holding out for a redemption story for this resort.

 

#8: Animal Kingdom Villas (previously # 9).

This resort is slowly bumping up on my list! I previously ranked this resort one spot lower because, while it is gorgeous and the immersion is unlike anything else, it is a bit farther out and only offers bus transportation (which I don’t mind, but after experiencing the convenience of the monorail, I get the appeal). Also, the hallways at this resort can feel like they go on forever!

Guests explore the African-inspired décor and artifacts in the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House.

Otherwise, the Animal Kingdom Villas are pure magic. The fact that you’re staying among the animals on the Savanna and can wake up to a giraffe outside your room, is such a unique experience. The pools at this resort are also some of the best on property, in my humble opinion, and I think they are regularly slept on. 

A giraffe wanders the savanna under a sunny sky, surrounded by green vegetation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village.

Finally, the redeeming factor that bumped this resort up a spot? Refurbishment! Both Kidani Village and Jambo House are being refreshed in 2026! 

I do think that if I get the chance to stay here, it could go even further up. For now, it remains at number 8.

 

#7: The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (Previously # 6)

I will admit this resort is definitely for some, not all, but as someone who has enjoyed camping adventures in her youth and adult life, I think this resort would be a hoot to stay at and a very unique experience for a Disney vacation!

The brown and green exteriors of some One Bedroom Cabins are seen within the wooded grounds of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

The DVC Cabins are a super-fun accommodation option that offers a quiet, cozy cabin vacation perfect for many different kinds of trips! Whether you’re going solo and want some peace and quiet, looking for a fun girls’ weekend, or staying with family, I think this would be a really fun option if you’re an adventure-loving group. Plus, there is so much to do at this resort! I’m talking pony rides, canoeing, archery, and more! There’s also so much camaraderie among guests, with people decorating their campsites and golf carts; it’s just great vibes all around. I also still say to this day that Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is one of the best dining experiences at WDW.

Cast Members perform on stage in frontier-inspired costumes during the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

The only downside to this resort for me is its size. Of course, a campground needs LOTS of room, but you would definitely want to consider renting a golf cart (at an additional cost) to get around, or take advantage of the internal bus service. Overall, it might not be for everyone, but if you love a quiet retreat with a dash of Disney Magic, you’ll enjoy this resort.

 

#6: The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Previously # 8)

This resort jumped up two spots from my last rankings, as I always find something new to love when I visit. While this resort still feels like “Old Money” vibes to me, it is super pretty and fun to explore.

Guests enjoy the Victorian-inspired décor and amenities in the main lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The Resort Studios are at the top of my bucket list, as these Mary Poppins-themed rooms speak to me on a deep level! You also cannot beat all the food and shopping options here, plus the new lobby refurbishments are gorgeous, especially with the addition of The Perch!

A Resort Studio featuring décor and accessories inspired by the film Mary Poppins Returns is seen at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

However, just as I said in my last rating, while my heart has a champagne taste, my wallet has a water budget. The Grand Floridian does check every box for me – convenience, dining, and lots of pixie dust. But it’s definitely still a splurge for many Disney lovers out there. I’m still manifesting a future stay here to one day live out that elegant Disney fantasy, but for now, I’ll still be making dining reservations here to soak up the magic for a short time.

 

#5: Disney’s Beach Club Villas (unchanged)

This resort is holding strong at number 5 on my list. I didn’t really get a chance to hang out or look around on my most recent trip, but I hope to stay here sometime in the future!

A metallic statue of Ariel, The Little Mermaid, sitting on a stone with a sign for the Disney Vacation Club sits outside the pastel green and white entry door to Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas is still a very popular resort pick, and is one of the most requested by our guests. This resort is so stunning, and the building colors are so calming. It also offers some of the most popular amenities, especially with Stormalong Bay, essentially a mini water park within the resort. There’s some fantastic food options (shout-out to Beaches & Cream!), and lots of great spaces for lounging and relaxing. You also cannot beat the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios!

Lounge chairs, sand, and a portion of the Stormalong Bay pool area is seen at Disney’s Beach Club Villas under a clear evening sky.

My only critique of this resort is just how hot a commodity it is! It’s definitely important to book as early as possible with this resort, because it has a limited inventory and can sell out quickly!

 

#4: Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and new Island Tower (Previously # 7)

Listen, I will gladly admit when I am wrong about a resort. I did have this resort ranked lower on my previous list, but after my recent stay here, it has jumped dramatically because it’s UNREAL.

A carved Tiki figure holding a torch welcomes guests to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Behind the statue the resort’s dark brown exterior as well as lots of tropical plants and flowers are seen.

I think this resort would absolutely be one of the first resorts I consider staying at again. I can confirm I loved having easy access to a Dole Whip every night of my trip. The dining here definitely delivers, with lots of options to choose from. The nachos from Capt. Cook’s are also especially good!

he new Island Tower stands to the right of the Longhouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows while the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon shimmer in the sun.

I also got to tour some of the rooms at the new Island Tower, and oh my goodness – these rooms were STUNNING! The OG Deluxe Studios are so spacious, too, and the split bathroom is the best amenity! You also have access to the monorail and are close to the Transportation and Ticket Center, making this resort super convenient for getting to the parks.

My only critique about this resort? It is still very busy due to its popularity. There were times my trek to get a Dole Whip was met with a very long line. Still, I think this resort is absolutely amazing, and I want to stay here again ASAP.

 

#3: Disney’s BoardWalk Villas (Previously #2)

Now, despite slipping down a spot, this still remains one of my favorite DVC resorts on property. My top few favorites are usually rated within a very slim margin of each other because they’re all so amazing, and the BoardWalk Villas still remain solidly in my top 3.

The word “BoardWalk” is spelled out in white lights over the main exterior entryway to Disney’s BoardWalk Villas under a hazy evening sky.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the vibes of this resort are so whimsical and charming, and it’s ESPECIALLY great at night, when the Edison bulbs are aglow, and the resort is buzzing with excitement. There’s loads of great food offerings here (special shoutout to Trattoria al Forno for the best tiramisu I’ve ever had), and I love all the cool decor in the lobby as well. And, just like Beach Club, you really cannot beat the proximity to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios!

Two Friendship Boats sit docked in front of Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. The lights along the BoardWalk are lit as the sun begins to set over the resort’s colorful exterior.

Like other fan favorites, however, this resort sells out quickly, so make sure to book early; you’ll be thankful later!

 

#2: Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Previously # 1)

I KNOW! I said this wasn’t up for debate previously and that this is the best DVC resort. I STILL THINK THIS RESORT IS AMAZING! This is practically tied for first place, and I will still praise this resort until the end of time, so don’t hate me for going back on what I said!

Little orange and yellow flowers pop in the landscaping outside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, as seen under a hazy sky at twilight.

Everything I said before still rings true – the lobby is absolutely breathtaking, and I truly could spend hours at this resort curled up with a coffee, people watching or reading a good book. I also think this resort has some of the best holiday decorations around, too. 

A very tall Christmas tree decorated with white lights and themed ornaments delights guests in the log cabin-style lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge during the holiday season.

It truly feels like a wilderness getaway in the Rockies, despite being a 10-15 minute boat ride away from Magic Kingdom! Plus, you really can’t go wrong with the different food offerings here. From Whispering Canyon Cafe (one of my favorite dining spots) to Roaring Fork and Geyser Point, there are delicious bites all around. 

I would recommend this resort time and time again!

 

1: Disney’s Riviera Resort (Previously # 3)

So, after touring some of the rooms at this resort, I’ve decided this is actually my top DVC resort! I am manifesting a future stay here.

The white and grey exterior or Disney’s Riviera Resort is seen under a blue sky as palm trees line the pedestrian path leading to the building.

The main reason this resort has crept up to my #1 spot is because of how gorgeous and luxurious it is. The rooms are just so posh and exquisite, and I absolutely LOVED the decor when I saw it in person. Additionally, the resort itself is so compact, and you don’t have to go too far to access any amenities or eateries.

Another thing I adore about this resort – the mosaics just outside the Skyliner station. The Tangled and Peter Pan designs are just so pretty, and the little vestibule they’re in is such a peaceful place to sit and relax after a park day as well.

The Tangled-themed mosaic at Disney’s Riviera Resort is seen leading to the resort’s Skyliner station. The mosaic features Rapunzel’s tower and floating lanterns.

I’m also a huge fan of the Skyliner, as it is a super fun way to get around and offers gorgeous sights. It’s so much fun flying into Epcot over the France pavilion, so this resort gets two thumbs up from me!

 

Well, it has been a fun adventure revisiting my resort rankings! I feel like they are always and consistently changing, plus, I LOVE hearing everyone else’s resort rankings, so don’t be afraid to share them with us. I’ll probably write another updated list in the future, too!


~Elyse

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