Setting My DVC Resort Goals
Greetings and salutations, my fellow travelers! Like a lot of you, I find myself fantasy booking my next Disney trip. Also, like a lot of you, it can be really hard to pick which resort I want to stay at. Every time I think my mind is made up, I’ll think of a dining option I’d really like to try or some unique feature of another resort, and I find myself back where I started.
So, today, I’d like to talk about five DVC resorts I really want to stay at. Let’s begin with:
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The flagship resort of Walt Disney World is one of my favorites just for how beautiful it is. This is the resort for when you want to feel like living a life of luxury and opulence. As a fan of Victorian-era décor, I love how this resort looks.
The Grand Floridian also has some of the greatest dining options of any resort, with choices ranging from the quick and convenient Gasparilla Island Grill to the relaxed and casual Grand Floridian Café to the fine dining of Narcoossee’s and Cítricos and, for the very indulgent, there’s the legendary Victoria and Albert’s. And there’s also the Enchanted Rose lounge, which is a great place to unwind at the end of a long day. If you want to enjoy Disney World while feeling like you’re rich and famous, this is a great choice.
Like the Grand Floridian, the Riviera Resort is very beautiful. If the Grand Floridian embodies Victorian luxury, the Riviera has the charm and flavor of France and Italy. The first time I saw this resort, it immediately became one of my favorites.
I love a lot of the art you’ll find throughout the resort and in the rooms, from the famous time mosaics on the way to the Skyliner to the numerous themed paintings, including an Aristocats-themed one that I absolutely love.
Speaking of the Skyliner, it has become one of my favorite ways to get around Walt Disney World. It’s not for those who have an issue with heights, but I love the view from the gondolas, and it provides an easy way to get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
With the Villas at Disneyland Hotel opening, there are finally more DVC options for Disneyland resorts. Like a lot of people, I’ve always wanted to experience Disney’s West Coast offerings, including wanting to stay at this fantastic resort.
Of course, there are more reasons to stay at the Grand Californian than just its location. The décor is very warm and inviting. It reminds me a bit of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and any lobby that has a fireplace and rocking chairs in the lobby is a definite positive in my books.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Speaking of fireplaces and rocking chairs in lobbies, it’s time to head to Walt Disney World’s little slice of the Pacific Northwest, Wilderness Lodge. Wilderness Lodge can make you feel like you’re enjoying a rustic, woodsy getaway, even while surrounded by all the comforts of a deluxe Disney resort.
The dining options are fantastic at Wilderness Lodge with Geyser Point Bar & Grill and Roaring Fork. I definitely want to try out the Signature Skillets at Whispering Canyon Café. And the Territory Lounge is the perfect spot to relax for a bit.
Now, I’ve picked the Boulder Ridge side of Wilderness Lodge. I recently wrote about the recent refurbishment these rooms got, and the result is amazing.
Also, be sure to check out the Carolwood Pacific Room if you have the chance. It’s a great place to explore and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina
I mean… it’s a resort in Hawaii with all the amenities of a deluxe Disney resort. It’s like the Reese’s peanut butter cup of resorts. Also, the Mickey Mouse lamps in the rooms are amazing, and I want one.
There might not be any parks to visit, but there’s still plenty to do. There’s snorkeling with tropical fish at Rainbow Reef, golf at the nearby Ko Olina Golf Club, and a vast array of excursions from dolphin encounters to island tours to kayaking.
The dining options are excellent! ‘AMA ‘AMA, an open-air restaurant on Ko Olina beach, Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands, which offers the always popular character breakfast, and Ka Wa’a, a full Lūʻau experience for when you really want something special.
So there you are, five DVC resorts I’m really looking forward to staying at. Although, you can’t go wrong with just about any DVC resort. The hardest part, as always, is picking which one you want to stay at next.
Until next time, fellow travelers!
~Stephen
