Best DVC Resort at Disney World | Rankings

For the majority of our visits at Walt Disney World over the last 20+ years, we’ve chosen to stay at the Disney Vacation Club Villas, and now we want to show you why we love them so much!

In this post, we will share our list of the best Disney Vacation Club Resorts and rank them from best to worst. This is good for guests who are either looking to rent points for an upcoming vacation or for whoever is looking for a DVC property to call home.

As we covered in our article on renting DVC points, this is an incredibly effective way to save money on your hotel and if you are already staying at the Deluxe Resorts or would like to, it’s definitely worth looking into.

For this article, we’ll assume you have already decided you want to stay at one of the DVC Resorts, and reading our rankings and pros and cons list you will have a much better idea of the rooms, theming, amenities, pools, restaurants, you will find there.

You also are going to want to take into consideration the hotel location, price and transportation options at each one in order to choose the right one for your family.

Before we get started, if you haven’t had the chance to read them yet, here are some of our other best posts on Disney World Resorts:

• Best Disney World Resort Hotels Ranked
• Complete List of Disney World Hotels
• Best Disney Deluxe Resorts
• Best Disney Moderate Resorts
• Best Disney Value Resorts

Also, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we will update you with the latest Disney World Resorts updates, and share the latest vacation planning tips. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

DVC Resorts Overview

With DVC Resorts gaining more and more popularity amongst both DVC Owners and non-DVC owners, taking a closer look at the 12 Walt Disney World Vacation Club resorts will allow us to pick the perfect DVC Resort for YOU. 

While it’s certainly not easy nor possible to pick the best choice for everyone, as everyone has completely different tastes and budgets, we will help you best navigate the numerous different options. 

For those unfamiliar with them, DVC Resorts are Disney World Resorts that are either found:

• On the same grounds as a current Disney World Resort but in a separate building
• On the same grounds as a current Disney World Resort but on a different floor or in a different section of the hotel 
• Are standalone resorts that are strictly DVC Resorts without standard hotel rooms   

DVC Resorts are specifically designed to accommodate the more home-like accommodations that DVC Owners are looking for. They have certain amenities, such as kitchens, washers, and dryers that give guests additional comforts to stay for longer periods.

These resorts have all of the traditional standard amenities of Disney World Resorts and share the common areas with the actual standard hotel section of the resort. The DVC rooms can also be bigger, with many resorts having up to 3 bedrooms, enabling up to 12 guests in one unit. 

So how do you book or stay in a DVC Resort? When a DVC Owner purchases a DVC Membership they are given a set number of points, depending on how big a plan they want. This is the most common and obvious way for guests to stay at a DVC Resort if they specifically have a DVC Membership. 

But what’s become increasingly popular is guests without a DVC Membership renting DVC Points from a current DVC Member. This is one of the best ways to save money! 

DVC Resorts are all considered ‘Deluxe’, meaning they are considered the highest level of hotel tier. Renting DVC points from members or a respected reseller such as David’s DVC Rentals allows you to save significantly, sometimes far in excess of 50%!

List of Disney World DVC Resorts

Here are the 12 different Disney World DVC Resorts:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas 
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort & Bungalows 
• Disney’s Riviera Resort 
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Prices

Prices for staying at a DVC Resort can vary greatly, depending on ‘who’ you rent your points from or whether you’re a current DVC Member. Obviously, if you’re a DVC Member already, you won’t have to pay additional money.

If you’re renting points, you’ll pay a set number of dollars per point. Each resort and each room type has a set amount of points per night that is costs based on the time of year you’re visiting. 

Let’s say for example you’re staying at the Old Key West Resort and it’s during the cheapest time of the year and you’d like to stay in a Deluxe Studio, which fits 4 guests. (Similar to a standard hotel room) 

A night at Old Key West, during the slowest time of the year, will be 9 points per night on Sundays – Thursdays and 13 points for Friday and Saturday nights. These point totals are SET numbers by Disney’s Vacation Club Program. 

You’ll pay the variable amount, based on the rental company that you use. David’s DVC Rentals, who we recommend, charges $21 per point if you’re booking within 7 months of your vacation. So using the example of Old Key West, you’d pay $21 (David’s cost) times 9 (For Sundays – Thursdays) which would equal $189 per night.

Now that you have an idea of ‘HOW’ it works, we will give you prices based on David’s DVC Rental Pricing, which is $21 per point for booking within 7 months. 

As we mentioned in our price list above, there are four main room types:

• Deluxe Studios – Which fit generally 4-5 guests depending on the resort 
• 1-Bedroom Villas – These can fit 5-6 guests and have additional space in a living/kitchen area
• 2-Bedroom Villas – These normally fit 8-9 guests 
• 3-Bedroom Villas – These normally fit up to 12 guests

The other room types are the bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort which are comparable to a 2-bedroom Villa, as they will fit up to 8 guests. 

The Copper Creek Cabins have 2 bedrooms, which are equivalent to a 2-bedroom Villa, and will also sleep up to 8 guests. 

And lastly the three-bedroom Treehouse Villas at the Saratoga Springs Resort which fit 9 guests.

Reasons to Stay in a DVC Resort

There are a lot of reasons you’ll want to consider staying in a DVC Resort! Here are some of our favorites:

1. The Cost

As we talked about in our article about renting DVC points, the cost of staying in a DVC Resort can be a fraction of what it is paying for a standard room through Disney! This is the most obvious reason renting points should be a strong consideration!

2. Disney Resort Perks 

You’ll get all of the typical Disney World Resort Perks by staying in a Disney World Resort. This includes things such as

• Free transportation throughout the Disney World Resort 
• Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours 
• Ability to make advance dining reservations 60 days + up to 10 days prior to your trip
• Free parking both inside the parks AND at your resort
• 7:00 am booking window for guests that want to reserve Individual Lightning Lane

3. They’re Deluxe

All of the DVC Resorts are Deluxe Disney World Resorts. This means you’ll get the best Disney has to offer, including entertainment, accessibility, and sophistication. 

In our experience, you’ll get a little extra Disney Magic while having a little bit of a more upscale experience than guests staying at Value and Moderate Resorts.

4. Dining and Food Options 

The restaurant and quick-service options at the DVC Resorts are typically VERY good. Most of the DVC Resorts have tremendous versatility and options for guests looking for both quicker meals and upscale signature dining.

You won’t need to go far to find good food at a DVC Resort which can be great after a long day in the parks.

READ: Best Disney World Resort Restaurants

5. Home-like Amenities

You’ll truly feel like you’re at home when staying inside a DVC Resort. The theming and the feel of the DVC Resorts will bring you back home, with additional amenities and comforts that you’re used to from home including washer and dryers and full kitchens at times.

Many of the DVC Resorts feature tremendous views of EPCOT or the Magic Kingdom. If you stay there you may be able to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your hotel balcony. 

Or you can enjoy beautiful views of the entire Disney World Resort, including that of Crescent Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon.

8. Proximity to the Parks

The Deluxe Villas and the Deluxe Resorts feature the most convenient access to the Disney World Parks. Most of them are within easy walking distance of at least one Disney World Park. The others are normally a short Disney Skyliner ride or a Monorail ride away! You can’t beat that kind of access!

Best DVC Resorts RANKED

Now that you know ‘WHY’ you should stay at a DVC Resort, let’s get into actually ranking them! We will countdown from 12th to 1st overall. Obviously, we have our own biases, but we will do our best to look at this from an objective outsider standpoint when it comes to looking at all of the DVC Resorts, as of right now. 

Our rankings will be slightly different from those in our Deluxe Resorts article because we are focusing specifically on the Villas portions of the hotel, which could SLIGHTLY differ in terms of amenities, types of room options, theming, and freshness of the villas themselves. 

The costs we will give will be based on David’s Vacation Club’s current cost for booking for less than 7 months away, which is $21 per point. This is a fairly standard price point amongst several different DVC Rental Companies. We will also base the costs on a Deluxe Studio, which is most reminiscent of a Standard Hotel Room. 

These of course are subject to change, and likely will! Without further ado, let’s rank our 12 Disney World DVC Resorts.

12. Disney’s Old Key West Resort

• 2024 Cost: $189 – $546 per night depending on the time of year
• Theme: An ode to the easy living in the Florida Keys 
• Rooms: 761
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes
• Address: 1510 N Cove Rd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

Themed after the Florida Keys and the heritage of Florida, the Old Key West was originally called Disney’s Vacation Club until being renamed in 1996. It’s a DVC Resort through and through, meaning all of its rooms are DVC rooms. 

Regrettably, the original DVC property, Old Key West comes in last on our list of best DVC Resorts.

We have a special affinity personally for Old Key West, and it truly doesn’t deserve to be ranked last on our list, even though we had no choice. The only reason it falls here is because it’s just the one we “LOVE” the least. 

The main reason we have it beneath the other resorts on our list is it just feels ‘less Deluxe.’ Some of the common areas, including the lobby, pool areas, etc… just feel old and outdated. 

To me it’s closer to a Disney Moderate Resort than a Deluxe Resort in terms of upscale and sophistication. Even the guests coming here can sometimes turn this resort into a rowdier and off-kilter atmosphere. 

While that’s what we don’t love about Old Key West, here’s what we like about it: 

Its lighthearted and relaxed Florida Keys vibe gives it a mostly chill feel while allowing guests to feel very removed from the Disney Parks. 

DVC Owners who frequently stay here are remembered by Cast Members, giving them extra special care with a family-friendly vibe. It’s a nostalgic place that certainly feels homey. In fact many DVC Owners LOVE Old Key West, and they wouldn’t stay anywhere else. 

Their rooms are the biggest DVC rooms out of all of the DVC Resorts, and it’s definitely noticeable! And considering the prices here are so reasonable, amongst the lowest out of the DVC Resorts, a stay at Old Key West is usually very affordable.

Pros

Massive Rooms – Every time we stay at Old Key West we are reminded how much bigger the rooms are here than the other DVC Resorts. It’s apparent from the moment you walk in. The rooms feel massive, including the common areas in the larger units. Not only are they bigger, but they’ve also all been redone in the last couple of years.  

Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere – Old Key West just feels relaxed and secluded, far away from the hustle and bustle of the Disney Parks. 

Boat Ride Away from Disney Springs – Despite being far from most other things on Disney Property, we enjoy the fact that you are just a boat ride away from Disney Springs and the nearby Disney World Resorts. This gives you easy access to dining and shopping with a beautiful boat ride on a nice Florida evening.

Excellent Prices – Old Key West has the cheapest 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units out of all of the DVC Resorts. This makes it a great location for larger families or larger groups to stay at, especially factoring that in with the big room sizes! It’s awesome for doing Disney on a budget.

Cons

Lot of Walking – Old Key West has a massive property with very spread-out buildings, likely requiring you to walk long distances to the bus stops, main lobby area, and main pool area. 

Bus Transportation – With 5 different bus stops for the Disney Parks, the intra-resort loop can extend your bus waits going and leaving the parks. This can be frustrating as you should likely account for some extra time, depending on which bus stop is closest to your room. 

Feels More Moderate – While the rooms were recently updated, the rest of the common areas of Old Key West can feel outdated and less sophisticated. It’s more moderate in terms of its feel, guests coming to visit, and overall extravagance. The fact that it opened in 1991 doesn’t help. 

Limited Dining Options – While Olivia’s Cafe is a fan-favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s essentially the only option for food, other than the quick-service locations. Compared to the other Resorts on our list, it really lacks in this department. 

11. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• 2024 Cost: $273 – $798 per night depending on the time of year and views 
• Theme: A futuristic look at tomorrow
• Rooms: 428
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes
• Address: 4600 World Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

At 11th on our list is the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This 15-story addition was officially opened in 2009, making the Contemporary Resort part of the DVC Family. The Bay Lake Tower was a beautiful new addition to the Contemporary Resort when it was built, perfectly tying into the theme of the resort.

Bay Lake connects to the Contemporary Resort via the Sky Way Bridge, which is a covered walkway on the 5th floor of the Bay Lake Tower. With convenient access to Magic Kingdom, and just a short 5-minute walk away, Bay Lake Tower is an unbelievable option for families that want to spend a significant amount of time at Magic Kingdom. 

It also has stunning views of the Walt Disney World Resort, and some rooms that even have fireworks views! 

Why we have it at 11th on our list is a few reasons. 

Despite being one of the newer DVC Resorts, it can feel very worn and outdated. The quality of the furnishing and decorations throughout the resort just look far lower in quality than some of the newer Disney World Resorts. 

It also fails to impress in terms of theming, feeling far more like a commercial outside hotel that you’d find outside Disney and it doesn’t have the classic Disney touches you’d expect. The room size is also very disappointing, with the smallest studios out of all of the DVC Resorts. 

While we like Bay Lake Tower, the accessibility and food options, we certainly don’t love it as much as the other options on our list.

Pros

Proximity to Magic Kingdom – You can’t beat staying at the Contemporary Resort, including Bay Lake Tower, when it comes to proximity to Magic Kingdom. It’s only a 5-minute walk to get to the front gates of the park, which is hard to top! 

On the Disney Monorail Loop – We love the fact that Bay Lake Tower is technically on the monorail loop and you can walk over to the main Contemporary Building and hop on the monorail. Whether you want to head to one of the other Monorail Resorts or you want to head to EPCOT or Magic Kingdom, being on the monorail is awesome! 

Great Restaurant and Dining Options – The Contemporary Resort has some terrific dining options, including Steakhouse 71 and California Grill, two outstanding options for meals! You’ll also have the popular character dining spot, Chef Mickey’s, and a few other solid quick-service locations. 

Views – With theme park room views available in some of the rooms (additional cost) as well as incredible views at the ‘Top of the World’ lounge on the 15th floor, you’ll have some of the greatest views in Walt Disney World at Bay Lake Tower.

Cons

Smallest Studios of Any DVC Resort – The studios here are VERY small, in fact, they are the smallest studio rooms out of all of the DVC Resorts. While they do a good job of maximizing the space, there’s no getting around that they are tight. 

Disappointing Pools – While you will have access to the Contemporary Resort pool area in addition to the Bay Lake Tower pool area, the truth is both are just ‘OK.’ On our list of the best Disney World Pools, these are near the bottom. 

Inherent Value – While the rooms here aren’t as expensive as some of the other options, they are still expensive considering what you get. You’re paying a premium for location, and if being near Magic Kingdom isn’t a priority for you, I’d consider staying elsewhere. 

Worn – This property is only around 15 years old, but it feels far older and more outdated than you’d expect. Some of the rooms and common areas are very worn and we can’t wait until it gets a redo.

Best For

Bay Lake Tower is ideal for guests who want to be on the Monorail Loop and as close to Magic Kingdom as possible. If you have kids and plan on spending several days at Magic Kingdom, being a short 5-minute walk away can be ideal and a stay here will grant you that.

10. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

• 2024 Cost: $189 – $588 per night depending on the time of year
• Theme: Equestrian-themed historic Saratoga Springs in the late 1800s 
• Rooms: 1260 plus an additional 60 Treehouse Villas 
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes
• Address: 1960 Broadway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

The largest DVC Resort in the world is the Saratoga Springs Resort, which was first opened back in 2004. Saratoga Springs is a massive complex with over 1200 rooms, that are spread out over a massive piece of property. It’s surrounded by Lake Buena Vista and the Lake Buena Vista golf course, one of the three full-sized Disney World Golf Courses.

The resort itself is inspired by the historic town of Saratoga Springs, which was made famous for its spa and horse racing. We enjoy staying here, and it’s generally the easiest resort to find availability for since there are SO many rooms! 

While there are certain things we don’t love, including how massive the complex is and all the walking required, there are things we truly DO love. 

For example, it’s the only official Disney World Resort that is within walking distance of Disney Springs, making it incredibly convenient! Depending on which building you are staying in, the walk can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes. 

Whenever we stay here, we have several Disney Springs nights on our schedule, allowing us to eat and drink comfortably at some of the best dining experiences in all of Walt Disney World. We also love how affordable Saratoga Springs is, with some of the most reasonably priced rooms out of all of the DVC Resorts. 

They’ve done a really nice job of keeping this resort updated, recently finishing a multi-year refurbishment project which has brought much newer and updated rooms. We are always comfortable staying here, and it’s often our budget pick. 

While it isn’t a place that will get you overly excited, it’s fairly bland in some respects, it’s a solid choice for guests looking to stay at a DVC Resort.

Pros

Modern Rooms – With recently redone rooms and pool areas, Saratoga Springs feels greatly refreshed and far more modern and updated than some of the other DVC Resorts. 

Golf Course – If you and someone in your group want to play golf, this is the best ‘Golf Resort’ in Disney, as it’s located within the Disney Golf Course and the clubhouse is right on the property. 

Quiet Resort – Despite being a massive property, the resort always just feels quiet and never too busy. The common areas, the pool areas, etc, all are generally very reasonable and serene. 

Walking Distance to Disney Springs – Being a short walkway to Disney Springs is outstanding! And if you can get a room at either ‘The Springs’ section or ‘Congress Park’ you can be within a 5-minute walk of the best Disney Springs restaurants! 

Insane Amount of Walking – Similar to Old Key West, Saratoga Springs is EVEN BIGGER! It is a massive complex with several different areas, making walks from Saratoga Springs to the main pool or lobby area 15-20 minutes! 

Outdoor Room Access – Like a motel, rooms at Saratoga Springs have only outside room access. This can be a little less desirable for some guests. 

Bus Transportation – Each resort area has a bus stop, with 5 in total. This can mean buses take a LONG time to both get there and get back at the end of the day. 

Limited Dining Options – Saratoga Springs has arguably the worst dining options out of all of the DVC Resorts, with The Turf Club Bar and Grill as the only sit-down table-service option for guests. The quick-service locations are solid, albeit nothing incredible. You’ll likely end up going to Disney Springs for most of your meals. 

Far from Everything – Everything is far away from Saratoga Springs, other than Disney Springs. Every other Disney Park will require bus transportation, which can take a LONG time. Compared to other DVC Resorts, its accessibility and convenience are truly lacking.

Best For

Saratoga Springs is a solid resort that has fun treehouse villas in addition to the larger 3-bedroom units that can be a great time for larger families and guests. We find that it’s a TAD bit nicer and more upscale than Old Key West since the recent updates. 

And its closer proximity to Disney Springs puts it a tad bit higher than Old Key West, although neither option is bad.

9. Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

• 2024 Cost: $189 – $609 per night depending on the time of year
• Theme: 20th Century New Jersey Boardwalk 
• Rooms: 532
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes
• Address: 2101 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista FL 32830

Overview

At 9th on our list of the best DVC Resorts is the BoardWalk Villas, located on the Disney BoardWalk. Since it shares the location with the companion hotel, the BoardWalk Inn, the Villas offer guests convenient access and within easy walking distance of both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

It’s hard to top the location here as you are so conveniently located plus you have access to all of the EPCOT-area resorts, the BoardWalk itself, and the Disney Skyliner. All of these things give you unbelievable accessibility and options for entertainment and dining. 

If staying here, we absolutely recommend you pay the additional money to get a BoardWalk View room, as people-watching outside of your room on the Disney BoardWalk is a wonderful time! Plus you’ll get terrific views of Crescent Lake, and possibly the EPCOT Fireworks! 

There are a few things we don’t love about the BoardWalk Villas. We aren’t the biggest fans of the recent refurbishment, as it left the resort rooms a little more bland than they used to be. We aren’t the biggest fans of the NJ-Boardwalk theming, although we know many personally are. 

The BoardWalk is a mixed bag for us. We love the location, but we don’t personally love the feel of the resort. But that’s a personal thing for us, and many feel different.

Pros

Reasonably Priced – In comparing their villa rooms with their standard hotel rooms, the villa prices are incredibly reasonable! The hotel prices can sometimes be amongst the most expensive rooms in all of Disney, so getting a Deluxe Studio for under $200 a night is an absolute steal! 

Location Location Location – Being situated on the Disney BoardWalk with nonstop entertainment, dining options, the Disney Skyliner, and the Disney Friendship Boats is hard to top. You won’t run out of things to do here. 

Dining and Entertainment – There are so many great places to eat at the BoardWalk, both inside the hotel and on the actual BoardWalk itself. You won’t run out of lounges, food offerings, or top-end table-service restaurants. If you want, you don’t need to leave the Disney BoardWalk premises ever for dining. 

Views – The views atop a balcony at the BoardWalk Villas are completely enchanting with panoramas of Crescent Lake and the Disney BoardWalk.

Cons

Theming Isn’t For Everyone – While some adore the theming here, there are some (like me) who personally don’t love the boardwalk theming. It comes across as a little gimmicky and over the top, almost reminiscent of what you’d find with the theming at the Value Resorts. 

Loud At Times – The BoardWalk is a prevalent late-night spot for adults or guests leaving EPCOT after seeing the fireworks. You might find it on the noisier side at all times of the day, but especially at night and on the weekends. 

It’s also awesome for families that love the Boardwalk-theming of the resort, as it’ll take you back to the NY and NJ famous boardwalks!

8. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village

• 2024 Cost: $147 – $756 per night depending on the time of year and views
• Theme: African-themed lodge in an African Savannah
• Rooms: 458
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes
• Address: 3701 Osceola Pkwy, Bay Lake, FL 32830

Overview

Both 7th and 8th on our ‘Best DVC Resorts’ list are almost identical in nature. While they are technically two different DVC Resorts, they share the same amenities with almost identical rooms. Kidani Village is technically a ‘standalone DVC resort’ that is ONLY DVC.

Jambo House is mostly standard hotel rooms with SOME DVC Rooms that were converted several years back to DVC Rooms. Kidani Village is found just a short walk away via an outdoor walking path to Jambo House, or you can take a Disney Bus as well. The DVC Rooms at Jambo House are found within the main part of the hotel. 

In addition to being able to utilize the main sections of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, those staying at Kidani Village have their own conveniences as well, including a smaller but charming lobby and a terrific pool area that is comparable to the one at Jambo House. 

We love stays at Animal Kingdom Lodge, as it’s truly a unique resort that is perfect for staycations and locals. It feels like a complete oasis that is far removed from the chaos of the Disney Park experience while giving you access if you need it. 

Every time we stay here we are reminded why we love it, from the incredible authentic feel of an African lodge to the terrific dining options available on site. Kidani has some good options for food and dining, although you can easily head over to Jambo as well. 

The main downside to both of the DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge Resorts is that they are FAR from everything. We love them for staycations and just relaxing and utilizing the resorts, but if you plan on being at the parks a lot, they aren’t overly convenient.

Pros

Authentic African Lodge – The theming at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is among the best Disney World-themed resorts. It’s incredible with authentic African artifacts everywhere. 

Dining Options – Both Jambo and Kidani have completely underrated dining experiences, especially if you’re an adventurous eater. Jiko and Boma at Jambo are both outstanding and totally different. And Sanaa at Kidani is equally as good, perhaps even better! 

Cheapest Studios – With studio rooms here starting at only $147 a night, how can you beat that? They are the cheapest studio rooms out of all of the DVC Resorts. 

Better Rooms Than Jambo – Kidani’s rooms are slightly bigger and more spacious than the rooms at Jambo House. Also if you’re staying in a one or two-bedroom unit at Kidani, you’ll also have an additional bathroom as opposed to Jambo. 

Great Pools and Common Areas – Both the Uzima Springs Pool at Jambo House and the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani are terrific. The combination of the two pools gives these two resorts perhaps the best 1-2 punch out of any Disney World Resort.

Cons

Far from Everything – The most common complaint about the Animal Kingdom Villas is that they are FAR from everything other than the Animal Kingdom Park. To get to Disney Springs or any of the other three Disney Theme Parks, you’ll need to take Disney Buses everywhere which can sometimes seem like an eternity. 

Very Isolated – Located at the far western part of the Disney World Resort, a stay at the Animal Kingdom Villas can feel very isolated and separate from the rest of civilization. 

Unlike most of the other options on this list, you can’t walk to ANY of the Disney Parks or Disney Springs from the Animal Kingdom Villas. And while some might like that quiet and removed feel, if you plan on spending time elsewhere it can be frustrating.

Best For

We’d recommend Kidani Village to guests who truly want to escape and aren’t overly worried about being further away, in fact, they’d like the idea of seclusion. It’s also an incredible place to be if you want to see animals and are a true animal lover.

7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House 

• 2024 Cost: $147 – $756 per night depending on the time of year and views
• Theme: African-themed lodge in an African Savannah
• Rooms: 214
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes
• Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Bay Lake, FL 32830

Overview

Standard Hotel Rooms at the Jambo House were converted to DVC Rooms, giving Jambo House both standard hotel rooms AND DVC rooms and all of them are located on the 5th floor, other than the club-level rooms on the 6th floor.

While both Kidani and Jambo House are practically identical, we slightly prefer Jambo House because of its location. Being in the main building makes everything easier. It requires less transportation and gives slightly better accessibility to things, including most of the dining options. 

Cons

(See Kidani Village CONS)

Best For

We’d recommend Jambo House to guests who want to feel a completely immersive resort experience that is somewhat removed from the rest of Disney World, where they can get some rest and relaxation. 

If you’re OK being a little further from the Disney Parks and want to spend a significant portion of your trip at the resorts, you’ll be more than happy at either of the two DVC Animal Kingdom Resort Resorts.

6. Disney’s Beach Club Villas

• 2024 Cost: $294 – $588 per night depending on the time of year
• Theme: New England-style Beachside Resort
• Rooms: 282
• 3 Bedroom Suites: No
• Address: 1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

We are massive fans of the Beach Club Resort, in fact, it’s our 2nd favorite Walt Disney World Resort. And while there is so much to love about the resort, the DVC portion of the resort isn’t quite as great as some of the other options.

The Beach Club Villas are found at the back portion of the resort connected to the Beach Club Resort via a covered outdoor walkway. The Villas are in a separate building and have access to a smaller lobby and quieter pool area. 

Let’s start with what we love, and that’s the location. Just like the BoardWalk Villas, the Beach Club Villas are within easy walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. In fact, the Beach Club is practically within touching distance of the Disney Skyliner and the International Gateway of EPCOT. It’s SO close! 

We of course also love Stormalong Bay, which is the best pool area in all of Disney World, and quite frankly it’s not close! Guests staying at the Beach Club Villas have access to this 3-acre beachside wonderland in addition to guests staying at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. 

What we don’t love about the Beach Club Villas is it’s small, and getting rooms here can be incredibly difficult even if you’re booking at the 11-month window. You also don’t have options for 3-bedroom units, preventing larger families the opportunity to stay together.  

We were also greatly disappointed by the recent room updates, as they truly lacked any kind of upgrade or enhanced look and feel. The rooms as a whole are just ‘OK’ and certainly not on par with some of the other DVC options.

Pros

Stormalong Bay and Additional Pools – I don’t need to say much more about Stormalong Bay, the lazy river, and the terrific waterslide, do I? It’s amazing and easily the best in Disney World. Plus you’ll have 3 additional leisure pools you can utilize as well. 

Unbeatable Location – Located a 5-minute walk away from EPCOT, it’s hard to top the location of the Beach Club. 

Right Next to Skyliner Stop – It’s also right next to the Disney Skyliner Station found here. This allows you to easily hop over to the Riviera Resort, or transfer at the Caribbean Beach Resort to the Hollywood Studios Line. 

Solid Restaurants – Both Table-Service options at the Beach Club are solid picks for families, Cape May Cafe, and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. They are well-priced and offer dependable food. Cape May actually is a character meal for breakfast too, which offers another nice touch! 

Bright and Colorful Theming – A walk inside the Beach Club lobby will immediately take away your concerns and stresses. It just feels airy and relaxed, and immediately puts you in vacation mode. We love the theming here!

Cons

No 3-Bedroom Units – Unfortunately you won’t find any 3-bedroom units at the Beach Club Villas, limiting your biggest option to 2 bedrooms which only fit 8 guests. Not great if you have a huge family.

Limited Rooms – The Beach Club only has 282 rooms so getting a room here is next to impossible, especially during peak travel periods which is very frustrating! 

Lack of Personality in Rooms – The rooms at the Beach Club Villas, even with recent renovations, are very vanilla. They lack any kind of noticeable charm in keeping up with the main part of the resort. 

Shared Transportation – The Beach Club shares bus transportation with the Yacht Club for visits to Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom, at times. This can make trips a bit longer!

Best For

The Beach Club Villas are a great option for families that want to maximize their time near the resort, making full use of the outstanding pool area. It’s also great for those who want to spend a lot of time at both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

5. Disney’s Riviera Resort

• 2024 Cost: $210 – $840 per night depending on the time of year and views
• Theme: Modeled after the famous Italian and French Riviera 
• Rooms: 300
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes
• Address: 1080 Esplanade Ave, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

The Riviera Resort is a standalone DVC Resort, meaning that it’s a completely DVC Resort without standard hotel rooms although anyone can stay here, and the rooms are bookable through Disney.

Opening in 2019, technically this is the newest Disney World Resort and its wonderful theme will take you to the shores of the Italian and French Riviera. 

The Riviera Resort is a solid 5th choice on our list, and we LOVE staying here. While it lacks some of the identity of Disney theming, make no mistake about it, this resort FEELS exclusive and deluxe. To us, the only resort in Disney World that feels as elegant as the Riviera is the Grand Floridian Resort. 

It’s one of the smaller Disney World Resorts and it feels quaint and serene, far more so than the other EPCOT-area Resorts. And considering its affordable price point and convenient short Skyliner ride away from EPCOT, the Riviera Resort holds fantastic value. 

Still Has That New Car Small – The newest Disney World Resort, the Riviera just feels fresh and pristine in every way. 

Quietest Skyliner Location – Located on its own Skyliner stop, the Riviera stop is the quietest Skyliner location, meaning small lines and far more occasional people. 

Food Options – While there aren’t a LOT of food options at the Riviera, every single one is amazing! From the best coffee shop in Disney (Le Petit Cafe) to one of the best breakfasts and dinners in Disney (Topolino’s Terrace) to an exceptional quick service spot (Primo Piatto). 

Spectacular Views – Along with the Contemporary Resort and the Gran Destino Tower, the views at the Riviera Resort are amongst the best in all of Walt Disney World! Grab astonishing views of the Skyliner along the top floor outside of Topolino’s. You’ll get some Instagrammable shots! 

Wide Array of Room Types – From Tower Studios, which only fit up to 2 guests to three-bedroom grand villas, the Riviera Resort has FIVE completely different room types!

Cons

Can’t Walk to EPCOT – Unfortunately, you can’t walk to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios from the Riviera. Despite how close you are, you will still need to take the Disney Skyliner.

Requires Transporting Skyliners to Get to Hollywood Studios – Unlike the other EPCOT Hotels or even Caribbean Beach, a stay at the Riviera is a bit more tricky to get to Hollywood Studios. You’ll be required to take the Skyliner to Caribbean Beach and transfer to the Hollywood Studios line.

Lacks Disney Theming – Like some of the other more recent Disney World Resorts, there have been considerable complaints about the Riviera lacking some of the nuance and theming of older Disney World Resorts.

Limited Transportation Options – Unlike many of the other DVC Resorts, you won’t be within walking distance of Disney Springs or any of the Disney Parks. You’ll be required to take either the Disney Skyliner or Disney Buses to get everywhere.

Best For

We think guests who enjoy its theming and staying at a high-end resort will love the Riviera. It’s awesome for people who want a more tranquil resort and don’t have to pay the costs of staying at some of the other DVC resorts.

4. Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• 2024 Cost: $273 – $588 per night depending on the time of year
• Theme: A tribute to America’s Great National Parks 
• Rooms: 136
• 3 Bedroom Suites: No
• Address: 901 Timberline Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

There are actually three separate areas of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. There are the main hotel rooms, there are the Boulder Ridge Villas, and there are the Copper Creek rooms.

Coming in at 4th on our list is the Boulder Ridge Villas, which is actually the first DVC resort at the Wilderness Lodge. These rooms are located within a separate building, but they are connected via a covered walkway. 

You’ll have a calmer atmosphere here and you’ll also have a separate lobby area as well. You also get all of the benefits of staying at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, including being a quick boat ride away from Magic Kingdom! 

The Boulder Ridge units just got completely updated with recently refurbished rooms, giving them a brand-new feel! Most villas at both Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek are the same price, and it’s just a matter of personal preference, room size choices, and availability. 

Picking between them is very hard and I slightly prefer Copper Creek because they are in the same building as the main hotel and they have 3-bedroom units and beautiful cabins that are located on the shore of Bay Lake. It does help though that the Boulder Ridge Villa rooms are nicer now with the recent updates.

Pros

Cheapest Magic Kingdom DVC Villas – Along with Copper Creek, these two properties have the cheapest units for guests desiring to be near Magic Kingdom. You can find studios for as little as $273 a night! 

Larger Studio Units that Fit 5 – Unlike the Copper Creek Studios, the ones at Boulder Ridge will fit up to 5 guests with a single pull-down bed as well. 

Serene Atmosphere – Staying at the Boulder Ridge Villas is quieter, with its own quaint lobby area and it allows you to escape from the louder common areas of the Wilderness Lodge Resort. You’ll feel a bit removed while still getting the same rustic National Park Lodge vibes. 

Awesome New Rooms – With brand-new rooms including new furniture, appliances, upholstery, floors, and decor! There’s something nice about staying in brand-new rooms!

Cons

No 3-Bedroom Units – Unlike Copper Creek, guests staying at Boulder Ridge will have more limited choices of rooms with only studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units. 

Not in the Main Building – While some guests might like the peaceful atmosphere of Boulder Ridge, it does put you slightly further away from the lobby and action of the main Wilderness Lodge Resort. 

Further from Different Disney Parks – While you’re just a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, you’ll be further from the other parks, requiring Disney Bus Transportation. 

Shared Transportation – Guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will often have to share transportation with the Contemporary and the Polynesian Resorfts.

Best For

We’d recommend guests book a villa at Boulder Ridge if they love the lodge-like feel of the Wilderness Lodge Resort. It’s awesome for guests who want to be near the Magic Kingdom, but also feel far removed.

Boulder Ridge feels even more isolated than the regular hotel because it’s located in a separate building.

3. Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• 2024 Cost: $273 – $588 per night depending on the time of year
• Theme: A tribute to America’s Great National Parks 
• Rooms: 220
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes 
• Address: 901 Timberline Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

The Copper Creek Villas officially opened in 2017 and is one of the newest DVC properties.

What we love about Copper Creek is that the rooms here are located inside the main building of the Wilderness Lodge. This puts you right in the middle of the action, limiting the need for additional walking.

You won’t have to worry about taking cover during a bad Florida storm, as you would if you were staying at Boulder Ridge. 

The Copper Creek Villas also have 3-bedroom units, fitting up to 12 guests, perfect for larger families! They also have the beautiful Cascade Cabins, which are beautiful 2-bedroom cabins with covered hot tubs and fireplaces. 

These cabins are actually located outside and right off the shore of Bay Lake and are amongst our favorite rooms in all of Walt Disney World! A stay here will also give you straightforward accessibility to all of Wilderness Lodge’s amenities, including its entertaining restaurants and stunning lobby.

Pros

Larger 3-Bedroom Units – Copper Creek has 3-bedroom units that will fit up to 12 guests in each of them. This is different from Boulder Ridge, which only has 2-bedroom units. 

Connected to Main Lobby – Unlike Boulder Ridge, when you stay at Copper Creek you’re in the main Wilderness Lodge building, your rooms are just on a different floor. This makes everything far more manageable to get to and puts you in a better position.

Cheap Magic Kingdom DVC Rooms – A stay at Boulder Ridge along with Copper Creek is significantly cheaper than staying at the other Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resorts, the three three Monorail Resorts.

Cons

Smaller Deluxe Studios that Only Fit 4 – Unfortunately the deluxe studio rooms at Boulder Ridge will only fit a max of 4 guests, unlike the larger studios at Boulder Ridge. 

Further from Other Parks – While you’re just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, you’ll be further from the other Disney Theme Parks, requiring Disney Bus Transportation. 

Shared Transportation – Guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will have to share transportation with the Contemporary and the Polynesian Resorts at times.

• 2024 Cost: $294 – $903 per night depending on the time of year
• Theme: Celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific Islands 
• Rooms: 380
• 3 Bedroom Suites: No
• Address: 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

Overview

Although our #1 favorite Disney World Resort, it’s our 2nd rated DVC Resort. There are so many things to love about the Polynesian, including its tremendous theming, its solid family-friendly dining options, and its Monorail access! Plus, it’s also the ONLY Monorail Resort that has direct access to EPCOT as well!

The Polynesian Resort is spread out of 11 different buildings called longhouses, each one being 2 or 3 stories high. The Villas are located in three different longhouses, the Tokelau, Moorea, and Pago Pago. 

Unlike some of the other DVC Resorts, there’s no real distinction between the DVC area and the hotel area of the Polynesian.

Rooms here sell out very quickly, but with the eventual addition of the Polynesian Tower, which is projected to finish in late 2024, there will be additional options for guests looking to stay at the Polynesian Villas. 

It’s very likely the Polynesian Villas will jump to the top of our DVC Resort Rankings once the new tower opens up, but for now, they simply can’t. Why?

First off, the Polynesian is in the middle of another giant construction project with loud noises, cranes, and construction sights going on all around it. Second, the room options for the Polynesian Villas are extremely limited currently. You only have the option of a Deluxe Studio (which fits 5 guests) or one of the two-bedroom overwater bungalows. 

That means there are no 1-bedroom units, 2-bedroom units, or 3-bedroom units. And the bungalows, while unbelievable, are so wildly expensive that the majority of people they appeal to can never afford to stay there. 

With that being said, we do have to say that we love the recent room refurbishments to the Polynesian Villas as well as the actual Polynesian Resort. These updates have made the resort an even more attractive resort that perfectly balances Disney Imagineering with a Deluxe feel. 

We are so excited for the Tower, but for now, the Poly ranked 2nd on our list despite how much we love the resort itself.

Pros

Fireworks Views – A stay at the Polynesian allows you to get some of the best fireworks views in all of Walt Disney World. Find a spot on the beach, grab a lounge chair, and just relax and enjoy Happily Ever After!  

Solid Dinner and Lounges – You can dine at one of the most popular restaurants in Disney (‘Ohana) and the underrated Kona Cafe, but the Polynesian also has excellent lounges and quick-service spots. Trader Sam’s and the Tambu Lounge are two of our favorite lounges in all of Disney World and shouldn’t be overlooked!

On the Monorail Loop – The nice thing about the Polynesian is that not only is it on the Monorail, but it’s also located near the Transportation and Ticket Center, which allows you to get to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT directly. 

Awesome Pool Area – We love both of the pool areas at the Polynesian, one which is far more tranquil and the other which has an awesome water slide and a terrific zero-entry.

Cons

Expensive Rooms – While not as costly as the Grand Floridian Resort, the Polynesian Villas are still the 2nd most expensive of the Magic Kingdom Resorts, and the Bungalows are among the MOST expensive rooms in all of Walt Disney World.

Furthest Away of the Monorail Options – It’s in a more neutral location for visiting both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, but it’s the furthest of the three Monorail Resorts from the Magic Kingdom. 

No Signature Dining Options – Kona Cafe and ‘Ohana are great, but there are no signature dining experiences at the Polynesian. And considering the fact that the nearby Grand Floridian has three, it’s a bit disappointing, particularly for adults who are looking for something a little more upscale. 

Construction Noise – The Polynesian is in the middle of another giant construction project and we envision the noise and the eyesores being a bit excessive until the Polynesian Tower project is complete at the end of 2024. 

Limited Room Options – Unfortunately your only option to stay at the Polynesian Villas right now is to get a studio room or bungalow. If you want something in-between, you’ll have to wait until the Tower is ready in 2024.

Best For

The Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Polynesian are great either for a complete splurge if you want to stay in one of the overwater bungalows or if you’re traveling and just need a smaller room.

1. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• 2024 Cost: $336 – $777 a night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A Victorian-style hotel that depicts early 20th-century Palm Beach
• Rooms: 147
• 3 Bedroom Suites: Yes
• Address: 4600 N World Dr, Orlando FL 32830

Overview

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are located in an entirely separate building just a short walk away from the Main Grand Floridian Building. Opening up in 2013, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian are our FAVORITE villas in all of Walt Disney World, despite the price.

Since the Polynesian Resort, and the Contemporary are within a short walk of Magic Kingdom, it gives The Villas a unique advantage over the other resorts.

The lobby and interior of The Villas are beautifully done with all of the elegance you’d expect from a building that shares a space with the Grand Floridian Resort. In fact, we’d go as far as to say The Villas are EVEN NICER, and look less dated (that could change with the new lobby refurbishment in the main building). 

The rooms found here are perfectly themed and beautiful, including recent updates that have given them an even greater use of space and feel including the pull-down Murphy beds. They’ve also recently converted the Big Pine Key building to Resort Studios, giving guests even more options. 

New Walkway – With the new walking path direct to Magic Kingdom, and easy short walks to both Contemporary and the Polynesian, the Villas are ideally situated! You are also located right next to the spa and the fitness center when you need some relaxation time.

Immaculate Theming – The lobby at The Villas here is stunning, and it’s jaw-dropping in a smaller but high-end way. Everything is so intricately created and crafted in a more subtle and modern way than the Grand Floridian itself. 

Top-Notch Dining – This is my favorite part! With 5 different sit-down restaurants ranging from high-end to family-friendly, the dining options here are amazing!

The Monorail – Since it’s one of the three Monorail Resorts, the Grand Floridian allows you to take the ‘Highway in the Sky’ to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or the other Monorail Resorts. 

Good Options for Rooms – The room types here are balanced, which gives families of all different sizes the opportunity to share a living space. With everything from studios to 3-bedroom Grand Villas, there is something for everyone!

Cons

Might Have to Share Transportation – Other than going to Magic Kingdom, you can expect to share Bus Transportation at times with the other Magic Kingdom Resorts to the other theme parks or Disney Springs. 

Sometimes Loud – All the Magic Kingdom Resorts tend to be loud, but The Villas here can be loud and chaotic due to its proximity to the magic. 

Weddings – The Villas at the Grand Floridian are located right next to the wedding chapel which can often mean that some of the public areas are blocked and your usage of the resort can be reduced. 

Most Expensive Villas – The Villas here in general are the most expensive DVC Villas at Walt Disney World. So get your checkbook out!

Small With Not a Lot of Rooms – There aren’t a lot of rooms at The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort, so if you need to book one, you’ll need to do it quickly! The likelihood of you getting a room can be low, especially if visiting during a peak travel period.

Best For

A stay at The Villas at the Grand Floridian is perfect for families of couples that want the greatest Disney Experience. It truly is the ideal luxury resort, and The Villas might up the ante even more than the regular hotel. If you can afford to stay here, you will not regret it!

What is the Best DVC Resort for Families?

When it comes to the best DVC Resort for families, we’d give the slight edge to the Copper Creek Villas at the Wilderness Lodge Resort. 

Kids absolutely love the Wilderness Lodge, and the Copper Creek Villas have three-bedroom units that will fit up to 12 guests, making it perfect for larger families. 

It’ll transport you to the favorite National Parks of the United States with terrific theming and ambiance and the fact that it’s right next to Magic Kingdom makes it even more ideal for parents.

We slightly prefer the Copper Creek Villas as opposed to Boulder Ridge due to the fact that they are inside the main Wilderness Lodge Resort, giving them convenient access.

DVC Resorts with 3 Bedroom Villas

There are 9 DVC Resorts which house 3-bedroom villas fitting up to 12 guests. They are:

1. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
2. Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
3. Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
6. Disney’s Old Key West Resort 
7. Disney’s Riviera Resort  
8. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
9. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

READ: Best Disney World Suites for Big Families

Best Disney World DVC Resort for Adults

When it comes to adults, we’d give the slight edge to The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 

Gorgeously-themed and high-end luxury house at this DVC Resort, featuring immaculate grounds and marble fixtures throughout and with a spa on hand and 5 different table-service restaurant offerings, it’s hard to top the Villas here. 

Adults love The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and if you want to truly make it unforgettable get a reservation for Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant. This is a true signature dining experience and one of the best (and most expensive) restaurant experiences you’ll ever have! 

This is an easy pick and it’s clearly the Beach Club Villas. The Beach Club Villas are home to the ever-popular 3-acre water paradise known as Stormalong Bay where you can enjoy a sand-bottomed pool, a lazy river, and a 230-foot water slide, the largest waterslide at any Walt Disney World Resort. 

Getting a room at the Beach Club Villas isn’t always easy, as it lacks significant quantities of rooms, but if you can do so, the kids will absolutely adore the pool area! Just make sure if you’re staying here you plan on lots of pool time. Not only will the kids want to use it, but you will too!

Which DVC Resort Has the Best Restaurants?

While there are several that have great restaurant offerings, once again we will have to go with our 1st choice for DVC Resorts and that’s The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 

There’s something for everyone here to choose from. While there aren’t any restaurants in the actual villas, if you walk over to the main part of the Grand Floridian Resort, you’ll have 5 different table-service restaurants to choose from. 

• The Grand Floridian Cafe is an underrated American eatery on the ground floor of the resort that features breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
• Narcoossee’s is a high-end signature seafood experience that is located in a separate building near the Seven Seas Lagoon, giving terrific views of the fireworks. 
• Citricos is another high-end Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that is found upstairs at the Grand Floridian. 
• Victoria & Albert’s is a signature multi-course dining experience that is the very essence of luxury and sophistication and is the true crown jewel of the Walt Disney World Resort when it comes to dining. 
• 1900 Park Fare is a character dining experience that has NOT reopened. Even the quick-service locations and the lounges at the Grand Floridian are spectacular!

Most Luxurious DVC Resort

While Disney’s Riviera Resort comes awfully close, the edge still has to go to The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Basking in the elegance of Victoria-style splendor, the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers guests a timeless charm that depicts the golden era of Palm Beach. 

With the comforts of a full-service spa in addition to countless other amenities, these villas are in a class of their own. The Villas here take the main part of the Grand Floridian Resort and even kick it up a notch with more modern furnishing and elegant touches of Disney sprinkled throughout. 

Whether it’s the incredible tile work or the classic Victorian-style fixtures, the villas here are SURE to wow.

Cheapest DVC Resort

In general, Disney’s Old Key West Resort tends to have the cheapest available options for most times of the year. 

There are some exceptions, such as the Kidani Village and Jambo House Value Studios (which are essentially impossible to find availability for), and there are other times of the year when the Saratoga Springs is slightly cheaper in some of the room types.

But more times than not, the Old Key West Resort is the cheapest for all of the room types whether it’s studios, 1-bedroom units, 2-bedroom units, and 3-bedroom units. Kidani Village, Jambo House, and Saratoga Springs all come very close to the Old Key West Resort though.

If you are looking for resorts in other classes, check out our Guide to the Cheapest Resorts in Disney World.

Reasons to AVOID Staying at a DVC Resort

Believe it or not, there are some reasons why some guests might steer away from staying at a DVC Resort. Why? 

Limited Housekeeping – Guests who are used to getting full maid service every day will be sadly mistaken when staying at a DVC Resort. 

You get limited trash and towel service only after the 4th day of your stay. You’ll also only get a full cleaning on the 4th day of your visit as well. Some guests like this and some do NOT. 

Limited Cancellation Policies – Unfortunately when you’re staying at a DVC Resort, you’ll likely be renting points from a current DVC member. These reservations are not easy to cancel, and DVC Owners renting points generally do NOT give you money back in the event you’ll need to cancel prior to your trip.

It’s not the DVC owner’s fault, as it’s more the fault of the DVC membership which limits the owner’s abilities to move points around.

Less Control – If for any reason you have any questions or want to make any kind of changes or adjustments to your trip, you’ll need to do so at the mercy of the DVC Owner your renting points from. This gives you less control of your trip, always needing to have a ‘middle man’ of sorts. 

Less Availability – Popular DVC Resorts sell out fast, especially if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World during a busier travel period! 

When it comes to saving money on DVC Resorts, the best thing you can truly do is utilize a service such as David’s Vacation Club Rentals. They have YEARS and YEARS of experience in renting points and they’ll do all of the legwork for you by matching you up to a DVC Owner who has what you’re looking for. 

It’s an incredibly simple and easy process. Read my post here on exactly how it works, and the crazy amounts of savings you can get! If you want to save even MORE money, take a look at the “Dedicated Rentals for Rent” on David’s Vacation Club Rental Site. 

These Dedicated Rentals are already booked and cannot be altered or changed. You have to take them as-is, but they can be significantly cheaper! 

David’s rental rate is either $21 per point if booking at the 7-month window or $23 per point if booking at the 11-month window. And with the Dedicated Rentals, you can sometimes find rates as low as $15 per point! 

The other main way you can save money on DVC Resorts is simply by traveling during one of the cheapest times of the year. 

For example, if you’re able to visit during September, it’s the cheapest month of the year for DVC Rentals! This one tip can literally save your family thousands of dollars, as opposed to traveling during popular spring break times and Christmas Break.

Is It Worth It to Stay at a Disney Vacation Club Villa?

Absolutely! With Deluxe-like accommodations at most of the best Disney World Resorts for typically the price of Moderate or even Value Resorts, it’s hard to see a reason NOT to stay in a Disney Vacation Club Villa. 

This is often our families’ way of going to Disney World, giving us an affordable way to stay at our favorite resorts without feeling like we are breaking our budget. 

We also love the home-like accommodations at the villas, which allows us to do laundry, have a full-sized refrigerator, and even cook meals in some of the larger rooms. 

We typically will get groceries delivered and get enough stuff for our villa so that we have more than enough snacks and alcoholic beverages for the week. This saves us even more money! 

There is little downside to trying one of the Disney Vacation Club Villas out. I’d recommend following our suggestions and staying at the one that is most appealing to you. 

I truly feel that there are NO bad choices when it comes to DVC Resorts, and even the Old Key West Resort is a perfectly great resort that many guests absolutely love! 

READ: Our Best Money-Saving Tips at Disney World

FAQs

What is the Best DVC Resort?

We prefer The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as they are the best mix of dining, entertainment offerings, and location. Plus the actual DVC portion of the resort is absolutely terrific and gorgeous!

What is the Oldest DVC Resort?

The oldest and original DVC Resort is Disney’s Old Key West, which was opened in 1991 and known originally as Disney’s Vacation Club Resort.

Which DVC Resort is Closest to the WDW Theme Parks?

Disney’s Beach Club Villas are within a 5-minute walk to EPCOT and the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is within a 5-minute walk to Magic Kingdom. They are essentially tied, depending on which park you prefer to be near.

Do DVC Guests Get Other WDW Perks?

Guests staying at DVC Resorts get some additional WDW Perks, even if they aren’t technically DVC Owners and are just renting points. The DVC Resorts have dedicated laundry facilities that are free to use. 

They also get all of the typical Disney World Resort perks, such as:

• Free transportation throughout the Disney World Resort
• Early Theme Park Entry
• Extended Evening Hours
• Free Parking inside the resorts and the Disney parks
• 7:00 am booking window for guests who want to reserve Individual Lightning Lane
• the ability to make advance dining reservations 60 days + up to 10 days prior to your trip

Booking DVC Resorts can be confusing just as with all facets of a Walt Disney World trip these days! That’s why we’ve never been more convinced to utilize a Disney travel agent, even if you technically enjoy or know how to handle booking your Disney World trip. 

We recommend Show You the World Travel, as they are our preferred choice and we’ve had nothing but top-notch experiences every time we’ve used them. Their team of agents are incredibly competent and helpful, making your trip their priority! 

We wouldn’t recommend them if we weren’t 100% convinced of them as far as a company and all our readers that have used them have LOVED the experience. 

They will help you book your DVC Resort, whichever one you’d like to book. They’ll look at the latest promotions, and ensure your traveling during cheaper times of the year. They’ll also be happy to help you with any additional questions you have, ensuring that all aspects of your trip are taken care of. 

They can help you do things such as booking dining reservations, purchasing your park tickets, and familiarizing you with all the essential information you need to enjoy your vacation. Trust me, you won’t regret using them!

Besides using a Disney Travel Agent, you can book a room with David’s DVC Rentals. This will give you better prices, but you won’t get the personal service as you have to do all your planning yourself.

Either way is perfectly fine, it just depends on what you prefer. Read our Guide to Booking a Disney World Vacation for a more in-depth look at all your options.

That wraps up our ranking of the top DVC Resorts. We hope that we helped you understand the pros and cons of each one enough so you can pick which one is right for your family on your next vacation!