I've stayed at every Disney hotel in the United States. These are my top 5 picks.
After staying at every Disney hotel in the United States, five stand out as the best, including Aulani and budget-friendly Coronado Springs Resort.
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Megan duBois
- I've stayed at every Disney hotel in the United States, and there are five I especially love.
- I love Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World for its theme and rooms with views of African wildlife.
- Disney's Vero Beach Resort is a fun hotel right on the Atlantic Ocean.
I've been going to Disney parks around the world for about 30 years.
As part of my travels, I love trying out new Disney hotels, which often have incredible themes and high-end amenities.
There are more than 25 Disney hotels in the United States alone, and the company has plans to open more throughout the next few years.
After staying at every Disney hotel in the US, these are my five favorites.
Megan duBois
I love the Villas at Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. These Disney Vacation Club rooms can be booked by timeshare owners using points or other guests with cash.
I've stayed in the deluxe studios, which can be themed to Disney animated classics "Sleeping Beauty" or "The Princess and the Frog."
My favorite part of the hotel is the rooms, which have special design details nodding to the movie that inspired them. The deluxe studios have ample storage space, a pull-down Murphy bed, and a large bathroom.
Even better, both Disneyland theme parks nearby are just a 10-minute walk from the tower.
Megan duBois
Disney's Vero Beach Resort is a cute retreat on the Atlantic Ocean about two hours from Disney World. The hotel is known for its beach access, ocean views, and sea-turtle nesting grounds.
On a recent visit to the resort, I was lucky to be walking on the beach at night when a nest of sea turtles began hatching. I watched in awe as they popped out of the sand and made their way to the ocean.
During sea-turtle-nesting season, guests can head to the beach to watch the Disney Conservation team protecting new nests and counting eggs.
Megan duBois
If I'm looking for a budget-friendly stay at Disney World, I book a room at Coronado Springs Resort. Although prices vary by time of year and availability, I've seen rooms go for about $200 or less.
The Southwest-themed hotel has multiple smaller buildings filled with rooms, plus the 545-room Gran Destino Tower. Each style of room I've had has been spacious and comfortable for me and my travel companions.
I love that Coronado Springs Resort feels like a quiet retreat. It's slightly isolated since it's not directly connected to any of the parks.
I also love the rooftop bar at Gran Destino Tower, Dahlia Lounge, which has great views of Hollywood Studios in the evening and good drinks.
Megan duBois
I recently stayed at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, for the first time, and I already can't wait to return.
The island resort was filled with incredible amenities like a lazy river, an adults-only restaurant, an on-site luau, and photo opportunities with special characters.
Above all, I love the stunning resort's theming and artwork inspired by Hawaiian heritage and culture, including the lobby's massive mural depicting local history.
During my stay, I also enjoyed going on one of the resort's complimentary art and culture tours where I learned about how Disney Imagineers showcased the traditions of Hawaii on the property.
Carly Caramanna
One of my favorite places for a staycation is Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World. I love that I can watch African wildlife like zebras, giraffes, and gazelles from most of the rooms here.
The resort also has a sprawling pool and incredible dining options. When I stay here, I try to make reservations at the lodge's restaurant, Jiko, which has an impressive collection of South African wine.
My favorite time to stay at the hotel is around the holidays, when a towering Christmas tree takes over the center of the lobby.
