Today I’m running down my list of the best Walt Disney World resorts to stay at in 2021 and why. When it comes to choosing a Disney resort there are tons of factors to take into consideration. Location, cost, amenities, etc. All of these are playing a role in the choices below. Hopefully my insight and perspective will help guide a few of you as you book your upcoming travel for 2021. So without further ado, following are the best Walt Disney World resorts for 2021.
Caribbean Beach Resort
My favorite place to stay and top recommendation for 2021 is the Caribbean Beach Resort. You really can’t beat the quality for the price. This is a moderately priced hotel that ranges from around $250-350/night. It’s centrally located and especially easy to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It has access to the brand-new Disney Sky Liner transportation service and is walkable to the Riviera Resort. I love the rooms here. They have a modern, yet appropriate Caribbean feel to them. This hotel underwent major refurbishments a few years ago and it shows. It’s also one of the nicest resorts on Disney property and really does feel like a vacation destination with its sprawling layout and white sand beaches.
Pop Century Resort
If you need to watch your spending on this trip, then Pop Century is where it’s at in terms of a value resort. Rooms range from $175-250 which is about as cheap as you’ll find on Disney property. I love this resort for its location and access to the Sky Liner as well. It’s also one of the only values to have its own dedicated bus transportation. (All of the All Star resorts share buses which makes ride times longer. You have to wait for the bus to make multiple pick up and drop off stops.)
Contemporary Resort
When it comes to location, you can’t beat the Contemporary Resort. Located along the monorail line and RIGHT NEXT TO the Magic Kingdom, it’s actually only a short walk from the resort to the park front gates! This resort is making my Best Disney Resorts in 2021 list because Disney is offering insane deals for early 2021 stays. Currently you can get a standard room for $394. That’s AMAZING for a deluxe resort.
Art of Animation Resort
If you are in need of a larger room or suite to accommodate your size family, then this is the resort for you. Not only is the theming some of the best Disney theming on property but it’s also got one of the best pools for kiddos (the Finding Nemo inspired Big Blue pool). (I’d wait until later in 2021 to take advantage of this, however, as the pool is under refurbishment for the first half of the year). You can choose to stay in a Cars, Lion King, or Finding Nemo suite as well as regular sized Little Mermaid themed rooms. It shares Sky Liner access with Pop Century and has its own bus system as well.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
If luxury is what you’re looking for, then the Grand Floridian should be your go-to. With huge rooms overlooking the lake, it’s really one of the most beautiful and grand places you can stay on Disney property. It’s easy access to Magic Kingdom makes it a great choice for families with little ones. And it’s home to the most exclusive dining experience in all of Walt Disney World: Victoria & Albert’s, a AAA five diamond award recipient. If I had the money, I would stay here every single visit.
Yacht Club Resort
Last on my list is the Yacht Club Resort. Located near the Boardwalk and Epcot, this resort has a distinctly mature East Coast nautical vibe to it. It is also home to the only pool on Disney property with a sand bottom and lazy river! Spend your days lounging in the sun and your nights drinking around the world at Epcot. (Epcot is just a short walk from the resort!) If being near or within walking distance to Epcot is important to you, then this is also a great option for 2021 since it’s the Boardwalk/Epcot adjacent resort with the most availability currently. (Other Boardwalk resorts are slowly opening back up).
I hope you found this list of the Best Walt Disney World resorts for 2021 helpful. I get asked ALL of the time what my favorite resorts are and where I recommend people stay, and it honestly changes year over year. There are some other resorts that are really great as well that simply didn’t make the cut because of the pandemic.
If you have additional questions or would like to discuss another resort in greater detail, please don’t hesitate to reach out! And for more info regarding visiting Walt Disney World in 2021, check out Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Walt Disney World in 2021.
