Hotel rankings for adults?

[OrlandoGuy]

Really appreciate the responses here. Into everything you’ve all said. I will share with my BF! The Boardwalk as a hotel we’re not obsessed with, but the boardwalk area itself is so appealing. So Swan and Dolphin and Yacht Club are intriguing, to me at least.

I’m a Swan and Dolphin truther, and the majority of the time it is a better deal than the Boardwalk/Yacht & Beach Club. But one thing to keep in mind is they do charge a daily resort fee and parking fee…I know the resort fee is $50/day but can’t remember parking. So make sure to factor that in if you’re comparing rates.

 

[Jake S]

Look into DVC rental options for studios! Usually pretty affordable for the larger resorts.

Seconded! We've got a studio at Grand Floridian for $2,300 for five nights next May. Much, much cheaper than list price.

 

[SkiBum]

I would recommend either Old Key West of Port Orleans Riverside. We also rented points for OKW and it was a quiet and enjoyable stay. POR does have kids but its layout makes that a non-issue. The pool area is the only area that really has curtain climbers. One other note, though. OKW is better is you have your own/rental car.

 

[MrRoamer]

Specifically Disney: the boardwalk hotels to me all feel fairly romantic but could be because I love the boardwalk at night
Yacht or Beach
Swolphin
Polynesian is beautiful but I highly recommend trying to get further away from the side the ferry launches from, we went for an anniversary and that thing starts blowing its horn EARLY and we were really close
Port Orleans either side
Wilderness Lodge - especially when its cold

 

[HandsomePete]

For Swan/Dolphin, remember that they do charge quite a bit for parking and a resort fee. Also to bus to MK drops you at TTC and not the front door.

If you have a car, I might look into renting points for Old Key West or Saratoga … they used to be easy to book, and they’re a slightly older crowd since, at least for OKW, almost everyone bought in there like three decades ago.

(alright at this point I think we’ve collectively named every hotel lol)

Edit: didn’t realize someone else mentioned Swan/Dolphin fees… it’s been a long day ha

 

[Columbo]

I'm just going to be echoing what others said here largely, but for a more adult experience I'd aim to stay in the Disney Springs or Boardwalk resort areas

Disney Springs has the perk of being the larger of the two areas to end your night (Jock Lindsey's is a lot of fun), but the con of meaning you're taking buses everywhere

Boardwalk area is smaller, but very cut and you are within walking distance of two parks. Added bonus that one of the parks you're near is EPCOT, and the World Showcase is a great place to end your night at in the parks

On the topic of buses from the Swan and Dolphin, we often just walk from our resort to the Monorail station at EPCOT's entrance. You already get dropped off at the TTC these days, so it's the time it takes to walk there and take the monorail vs. the time to wait for the bus and take it to the TTC. You need park hopper to do this of course. If EPCOT is closed and you're coming back from MK you will need to take the bus though

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Y’all are the best and I appreciate responses here. We are deciding for next spring, boyfriend has read this thread, and we will update with bookings! Riveria I’m wondering if is worth the splurge cause the food itself looks fan-tas-tic. Hotel seems lovely as well. It’s tippy top of our price range so we’re 50/50. Swan and Dolphin being Marriot’s feel like great deal but lack of Disney theming (besides possible room views) is disappointing.

 

[Disneyhead]

Wilderness Lodge. Best resort on property.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Y’all are the best and I appreciate responses here. We are deciding for next spring, boyfriend has read this thread, and we will update with bookings! Riveria I’m wondering if is worth the splurge cause the food itself looks fan-tas-tic. Hotel seems lovely as well. It’s tippy top of our price range so we’re 50/50. Swan and Dolphin being Marriot’s feel like great deal but lack of Disney theming (besides possible room views) is disappointing.

How much will you actually be at the resort? Plus you're minutes walk from Yacht Club and Boardwalk. Also you're a quick skyline ride to the Riviera .

Wilderness Lodge. Best resort on property.

My family bought into DVC the past few years and our first choice was Copper Creek as it matched all our criteria - a favorite hotel of ours, close to our favorite things, and a destination we'd want to go to on its own without the parks. I'm taking my boyfriend for his first time at the resort this December and I know he'll want to spend a full day just at the resort. When I took him to AKL in Jan 2025 he loved it all (just not Jiko, he's a picky eater).

 

[Jwhee]

If you’re not dead set on staying at a Disney-owned hotel, but still want to be on Disney property, I’d 100% recommend the Waldorf or the JW Marriott next door.

You’re often paying around the same price, or even less, than the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian, while getting a noticeably more upscale property. The rooms are nicer, the service feels more refined, and they offer basic luxury amenities that Disney’s deluxe resorts usually lack: like room service, turndown service, in-room features like, robes, little chocolates, etc. Poolside cocktail service.

The bars, restaurants, pools, and hotel grounds also feel much more geared towards adults. You still get transportation to the parks, so you’re not giving up much in terms of convenience. Also way less kids running around.

I find it crazy that Disney gets away with charging Ritz & Waldorf prices while not providing the same level of experience

 

[Mad Dog]

If you’re not dead set on staying at a Disney-owned hotel, but still want to be on Disney property, I’d 100% recommend the Waldorf or the JW Marriott next door.

You’re often paying around the same price, or even less, than the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian, while getting a noticeably more upscale property. The rooms are nicer, the service feels more refined, and they offer basic luxury amenities that Disney’s deluxe resorts usually lack: like room service, turndown service, in-room features like, robes, little chocolates, etc. Poolside cocktail service.

The bars, restaurants, pools, and hotel grounds also feel much more geared towards adults. You still get transportation to the parks, so you’re not giving up much in terms of convenience. Also way less kids running around.

I find it crazy that Disney gets away with charging Ritz & Waldorf prices while not providing the same level of experience

Wow, you just described Portofino like amenities/services. Loews has me so spoiled. @Cup_Of_Coffee : Just uber from Portofino and enjoy both Universal & Disney....

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Debate is now strictly between Swan, or Wilderness Lodge. We won’t really wanna split the trip up but that’s the coin toss as of today.

Given its price point we did not love Yacht Club for many reasons. It wasn’t the worst or anything, but we did feel the “Disney run hotels are hit or miss” I hear from many who stay at all of them. At same time Wilderness seems beloved. Location for Swan is crazy good though. Lucky to have good options!

 

[Skipper Justin]

Wilderness is amazing. Like I said we rented points at boulder creek which is a part of it. I honestly loved the second smaller lobby and the access to resort as a whole. I’ve stayed in the main building too which was very nice!

 

[Jake S]

Swan for the amazing location, Wilderness Lodge for the immaculate vibes (and still a good location if you like Magic Kingdom!)

 

[MAC]

Swan for the amazing location, Wilderness Lodge for the immaculate vibes (and still a good location if you like Magic Kingdom!)

This is the right answer. Wilderness is an amazing hotel, but I think typically you can get 2-3 nights at the Swan for one night at the Wilderness and have access to a ton more in terms of location/proximity.

Wilderness is a great hotel though.