The 12 best Disney World hotels and resorts

The Art of Animation resort, one of the more affordable, budget-friendly options within Walt Disney World resorts, pays homage to the colorful characters of Disney and Pixar movies throughout the property. Themed rooms and suites are nods to movies such as "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," "Finding Nemo," and "Cars." Rooms and grounds are a bit more standard here, and not as immersive, expansive, or whimsical as other properties. However, you'll still enjoy prime Disney perks, making it a good option for those who want access but don't have added budget to splurge on an expensive resort, or plan to spend more time in the parks than in their rooms.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 7 out of 403

Hotels.com Rating: 8.6

While Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter celebrates New Orleans proper, the Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is an ode to the rural Louisiana Bayou. While all the rooms have a bit of N'awlins flair, you can upgrade to one of their Royal Guest Rooms, which includes more opulent furnishings and tributes to Tiana from "Princess and the Frog," alongside other classic Disney princesses.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 127 out of 360

Hotels.com Rating: 8.6

The romance of New Orleans's historic French Quarter is the theme at the sprawling Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. The Antebellum era style is present from the Mardi Gras touches to the wrought-iron balconies to the jazz music wafting through the public spaces. They even offer horse-drawn carriage rides.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 out of 403

Hotels.com Rating: 8.8

The African-themed Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my personal favorites when it comes to themed hotels, not just in Walt Disney World, but in all of my travels. I've stayed here a handful of times, and the experience feels like sleeping inside a theme park.

While not cheap, the four-star Animal Kingdom Lodge is ideal for families or discerning adults who yearn for something beyond a bed, bathroom, and four walls, and view their hotel choice as part of the entire experience.

Indeed, the hotel grounds are filled with over 200 animals and birds from zebras to giraffes and exotic birds. Opt for a Savanna view room and you'll see them from your bedroom window.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 out of 403

Hotels.com Rating: 8.8

Those looking for a rustic experience will enjoy Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. While you can rent a space to pitch up your own tent or a space for your RV, I'm partial to the fully equipped cabins at the Fort Wilderness Resort.

The cabins sleep six and include a living room, bedroom, full bathroom, patio, grill, as well as a kitchen complete with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave oven. Bonus: housekeeping does your dishes for you!

Trip Advisor Ranking: 9 out of 37

Hotels.com Rating: 9.4

Inspired by America's Great Northwest and the grand lodges of National Parks, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a beautiful escape elevated by natural elements and rustic touches. I've stayed here a few times and loved each visit, experiencing a range of rooms including a standard room, corner studio, and the unforgettable Cooper Creek Cabins, which are deluxe waterfront villas and well worth the splurge.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 61 out of 360

Hotels.com Rating: 8.6

Located alongside Disney's Boardwalk, which is teeming with dining and nightlife, Disney's Yacht Club Resort is an ideal match for guests looking for a relaxed yet sophisticated experience with easy access to other attractions.

Inspired by classic New England-style yacht clubs, this waterfront hotel features tasteful nautical touches and even has a sand-bottom pool. It's a short walk from Epcot and a leisurely boat ride to Hollywood Studios making it a convenient choice for visiting multiple parks in one visit.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 14 out of 403

Hotels.com Rating: 9.0

Disney's BoardWalk Inn harkens back to the turn-of-the-century era of Atlantic City. It's one of the more popular resorts for vacationing adults and couples, as there's a fair amount of nightlife at the adjoining Boardwalk filled with bars and restaurants, which are a draw in their own right. It also has a Coney Island-style boardwalk, carnival games, and the whimsical Luna Park pool.

The hotel is also adjacent to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, making it a great base to rest when park hopping.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 17 out of 403

Hotels.com Rating: 9.2

The Contemporary Resort is the closest hotel to the Magic Kingdom, and although you can walk to the park, it's more fun to hop on the Monorail that stops right inside the hotel.

Disney history buffs like myself love to bask in the glow of the charming Mary Blair murals that flank the aggressively modern lobby.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 12 out of 403

Hotels.com Rating: 8.2

The most regal of all the Walt Disney World resorts, the Grand Floridian Resort reflects a Victorian elegance and lavish style. As such, it's also expensive. But despite being a luxury property, it still can cater to families, weddings, and couples looking for a romantic escape.

Inspired by the legendary Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California, this sophisticated resort includes a white-sand beach, a spa, and is just one stop away from the Magic Kingdom on the Monorail.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 9 out of 403

Hotels.com Rating: 9.0

I love staying at the Polynesian Village Resort. It's an exotic South Pacific themed oasis right in the middle of Orlando with lush landscaping, a tropical-inspired lobby, and whimsical rooms. It's also one of the closest options to Magic Kingdom and has it's own monorail stop, making it quite easy to get around the parks.

If you stay here, don't forget to grab a tasty Tiki drink at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar, or catch the in-house luau, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 98 out of 360

Hotels.com Rating: 8.4