Over 52 million people visit Walt Disney World each year. If you’re one of those, you know how magical and special a Disney vacation can be.
If you visit yearly, have you considered joining the Disney Vacation Club (DVC)? Disney’s version of the timeshare program offers great value and fantastic benefits for members.
Even better, you have access to some of the best hotels in the world of Disney! Here are some of the best DVC resorts— read on to learn which one might be best for you.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Did you know not all DVC properties are near the theme parks? If you’re looking for one of the best resorts away from Orlando, you can’t miss Aulani.
This spectacular, Polynesian themed resort can be found on the beachfront of Ko Olina, Oahu. If you’re heading to Hawaii, skip overcrowded Waikiki and stay at Aulani.
Kid-friendly snorkeling and boating can be found just steps from the resort in Auluni’s peaceful lagoon, and the facilities are world-class.
You’ll love the spacious rooms and the Ohani Disney Movie Nights, but the real winner at Aulani is the swimming pool. Enjoy an 8,200-square-foot, easy entry pool, complete with a thrilling tube slide, hot tubs, and the best lazy river in town.
Old Key West Resort
If you love the charm of Florida’s Key West, then Old Key West Resort might be for you. It was recently updated and has some of the largest and best villas at Disney World.
This spacious resort is designed in white and pastels, with plenty of balconies and touches of gingerbread architecture. You’ll also find a golf course, plenty of green, open spaces, and playgrounds for the kids.
If you enjoy shopping and dining, Old Key West is only steps from the fantastic Disney Springs, which you can walk to or arrive by boat.
It’s Disney’s largest shopping marketplace, and your Disney dining credit can also be used at the restaurants there.
The Grand Floridian
If you’re after luxury at any cost, you can’t go past the Villas at the Grand Floridian, one of the top Disney Vacation Resort properties.
The iconic property, in a Victorian theme, has been a favorite with Disney guests since it opened in 1988.
Ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, look for whimsical references to Mary Poppins throughout the property. The rooms are elegant, in marble and neutral color schemes, but with the Disney touches you’d expect.
Enjoy a range of pools and restaurants as well, from casual take away spots to fine dining at the Garden View Tea Room or Victoria and Albert’s.
Are you still trying to decide on a DVC home resort? It’s tough, with so many great options!
Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower is the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom, only about a ten-minute walk away. This makes it a very convenient choice for families, especially if you want to pop back the room for an afternoon nap before the fireworks.
Set at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, enjoy the spectacular architecture and the novelty of the Monorail, which runs right through the property and is a quick way to get to Epcot.
The villas are designed with a smart and minimalist design, and you’ve got access to the epic pools, featuring a white sand beach, cabana rentals, and a 17-foot water slide.
It’s hard to beat the fun or convenience of the resort, located very close to the Magic Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Imagine waking up every day and looking out over the African savannah, complete with giraffes and antelopes. Only, instead of being in Africa, you’re in Florida.
Wait, what? Yes, the Villas at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are one of the best places to stay with the Disney Vacation Club.
Designed in the style of a luxurious safari lodge, it’s also very close to the Animal Kingdom, making it a top choice for animal lovers.
Jambo House, the part of the resort for DVC members, has rooms from studios up to three bedrooms. Guests will enjoy the 11,000 square-foot pool, the Hakuna Matata playground, and the fantastic spa.
However, the real drawcard to the property is the wildlife. Home to over 30 species of African wildlife, guests can view the animals from many locations, including many of the rooms, or sign up for a tour with an Animal Specialist to learn more about African animals and conservation.
It’s also especially beautiful at Christmas, with elaborate decorations all through the property.
Villas at Wilderness Lodge
The Wilderness Lodge, designed in the majestic style of an American National Park lodge. The Boulder Ridge Lodge, created especially for DVC guests, has gorgeous apartment-style units and two large pools, Copper Creek Springs and Boulder Ridge Cove.
Also enjoy bike hire, powerboat and sailboat rentals, nightly campfires, and Fire Rock Geyser, which erupts on the hour! It’s a great resort for families who love nature and the outdoors.
Polynesian
It’s hard to pick a favorite from all the DVC properties, but if we had to, we’d lean towards the Polynesian. One of the original Disney hotels, the Villas at the Polynesian are created in a wonderful and retro South Pacific theme.
They’re very close to the Magic Kingdom and along the Monorail as well, making it easy to get around.
For the ultimate splurge, stay in one of the overwater Bora Bora bungalows, which sleep up to eight people.
Enjoy a dip in the Oasis and lava pools, boat rentals, outdoor movies, and campfires and nightly shows in the Polynesian Village.
Which of the DVC Resorts is Your Favorite?
There are so many incredible DVC resorts that it can be hard to pick the best one for your family! However, you can’t go wrong with one of the above, so select a resort based on the number of points you want to use, the preferred location and amenities, and availability.
Part of the fun of DVC is mixing it up and trying out new resorts, so book today to start the countdown for your next Disney vacation!
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