The WORST Disney World Hotels in 2025

[@alma94_]

The lady who does these videos has a voice that I can trust 100%, I can’t explain it

[@robertbunch7829]

The lady is AJ lol 😆

[@michaeli.5691]

AJ's voice has perfect inflection. She knows when to emphasize which is a great skill.

[@mdf3530]

That's AJ. She owns both DFB and AllEars.

[@joseerodriguez6124]

THAT Voice issssss REALLY IMPORTANT TOO MOI THANKS AJ🎉🎉

[@04forerunner]

@@mdf3530I did not know that about Allears… thought I was knowledgeable. Good tidbit!

[@debbabe2254]

The Hollywood Tower Hotel is the worst WDW hotel. The guest elevator is broken, and have you seen the state of that lobby? They do have a nice gift shop...

[@vincent412l7]

The menu for the Sunset Room looks good but I have not been able to book a reservation for it.

[@dfbbreea]

The vibes are all off. And sometimes I feel like I hear a little girl singing? What’s up with that??

[@kristinschermann6581]

hahaha

[@jenniferzivoin3405]

Best themed DW resort? Animal Kingdom Lodge. It has giraffes. Live giraffes. No contest.

[@dfbbreea]

This is fair LOL

[@annefedoson4859]

I think the theming at Art of Animation is really cute and colourful, but we really enjoyed Pop Century, rooms were refurbished with good storage space, and it wasn’t overwhelmingly spread out like Caribbean Beach where we stayed once. And I would stay anywhere with access to the Skyliner, best way to get around!

[@WinnieRoe]

Okay but just last night I literally spent like over an hour researching DW hotels and reading one of the blogs you posted about the worst to best hotels. I was still overwhelmed as I didn’t realize how many there were and just gave up lol. Thank you for this!

[@estelaer]

It can be overwhelming! Especially when it’s a once in a lifetime trip and you want to make sure you make the right choice. Like another person commented here, I’d suggest starting with what’s more important for you- price, location, transportation, food options, the overall vibe of the hotel, aesthetics, pools, etc. and go from there. Thankfully there are a lot of resources for good info. And honestly, all hotels have their pros 👍🏼.

[@Kelly-jx2ej]

Start by contacting a Disney planner. They can help you get the best deals and plan almost everything for you. They are free. I think DFB has a few that they recommend linked somewhere on their website.

[@BryanEisenhart-yr4qd]

When I stayed at Art of Animation back in 2022, I found it very well themed. First of all, we got a bump up from a standard room to a suite and second, that skyliner really made the stay that much better. I'm kind of both and adventurous eater and love my comfort food so the Landscapes of Flavor food court had all kinds of great options for someone like me. Who knew they'd have chicken Tika Masala for dinner? But, gotta love those tots with my eggs for breakfast (I ordered a side of tots in addition to the tots that came with my breakfast one morning)

[@alyoung6088]

THE WORST WDW hotel is the one that is not right for you & your family/group. If you want convenience to Magic Kingdom, then the All-Star resorts are not for you. If you want the best value for your money, then Contemporary is not for you. Deciding ahead of time what is important to you will go a long way to make sure the resort you choose is the BEST for what you want. Great Pool--then Beach Club/Yacht Club or Art of Animation. Convenient to Epcot or Hollywood Studios--then Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, or Swan/Dolphin. Lots of fine artwork--Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower. The list goes on & on, but do your research & talk with your people about what they want. Disney Characters? Lots of real animals outside your resort? Great fine dining, or just standard food court fare? Lots of choices at WDW, but not every resort caters to everyone's interests.

[@lou4057]

Perfectly said 👏

[@randychestnut6591]

We select a resort for our WDW vacations based on location / convenience and we get the whole family involved in planning and making the final selections. The best part, no matter where we stay and what we do, is having our family all together. Our favorites resorts in order are: Boardwalk Villas, Polynesian Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian Villas, Bay Lake Tower.

[@janesdad]

I just got back from a trip and stayed at Pop Century. My tip is get a room in the 80s building , building 7 . It’s literally like a 10 minute walk to the buses and a 10 minute walk to the Skyliner. It was very quiet too. I was on the fourth floor. I’m definitely going to request this same room every time I go. Great video as always thanks for sharing.

[@anthonywolfe7865]

Favorite themed hotel - Wilderness Lodge, hands down. Calm, emersive, elegant, awesome!

[@randychestnut6591]

We love Wilderness Lodge. This was our first on-property hotel and we remember it like yesterday, My Mom and Dad were able to join us.

[@gregcauston7515]

After staying at both the Disney budget hotels vs Universal’s it’s hard to ever want to go back to Disney’s! Surfside blows away all the tired looking Disney budget hotels by a long shot and the food quality at Surfside can’t be beat!

[@danielvandersall6756]

And that new Helios hotel by Loewes looks incredible. And costs only a little more than a room at Pop Century.

[@ErikaEmody]

The bus ride to Animal Kingdom Lodge from Magic Kingdom truly is not that long. It’s a straight shot. I still think it’s a beautiful option. And once you arrive it’s SERENE

[@WOWitsANT]

I always wonder why everyone makes a big deal about the bus service from AKL. People exaggerate when they say it’s going to be an almost hour long bus ride lol.

[@nycp1969]

100%! It's not a big deal and it's a great resort.

[@hopehayes7131]

Right lol, we just stayed at AKL and it does not take that long...still exponentially better than diving to the TTC then taking a the Monorail or ferry boat.

[@lavenderkisses9461]

How long is the ride to wdw?

[@vincent412l7]

​@@lavenderkisses9461to WDW from where?

[@biddle0785]

I just stayed in Coronado at the end of September in Gran Destino. Disney Spring bus stops first at the tower. The rest of the buses, tower is the last stop.

[@emanuelreyes7889]

And it’s sucks that it’s a if you know you know type of thing bc waiting to be dropped off last at the end of the night does suck

[@thedg253]

I've stayed at 3 Value, 3 Deluxe, 2 Moderate, one good neighbor and the Military Shades of Green resorts over my 18 visits since 2000. All have their checkmarks and all have their downsides. But the resort I like for best Disneyfied theming is the All-Star Movies, the resort most relaxing for me was Wilderness Lodge. All depends on how much I want to spend and the mood I'm in that year!

[@sinistralwing]

Coronado is MUCH more centrally located on property than that "Animal Kingdom Resort area" label implies. It's a literal 9 minute bus ride from Gran Destino to MK, I even timed it one morning when staying in the tower.

[@GinaBCollecting]

Agreed 💯 I stayed at Coronado Springs and it’s a 10 minute bus ride to MK. And those buses came very regularly. I don’t know why Coronado was included in that “1 hour” comment

[@ES-fj7uc]

I am staying at All Star Movies in December! My first ever stay at a Disney Hotel, even though I have been to Disney world 3 times previously. I am still looking forward to it even though All Star resorts seem to be not everyone's favorite!

[@dfbbreea]

We still love ‘em!

[@jimford6478]

Happy for you! ENJOY !!!

[@davidantunez4147]

I stayed at all star sports for 8 days and it was great got the job done if ur their for the parks then why splurge extra on a room when ur gonna be in the parks anyway

[@HaleyFlood-fo1ll]

I’ve stayed at Disney’s gran destino tower and it was the absolute best amazing dining beautiful rooms and I also love how if you stay in a club level room you get to go to the theme parks 30 minutes before it opens how cool is that 😊

[@rwbashaw66]

My two favorate for themes are Port Orleans French Quarter and Animal Kingdom Lodge. I too am a work form Disney person (my boss calls the Work-Play visits…and encourages them as she says I am actually more productive from there . But all of them have great theming…just with consideration of what you want out of your stay in the way of immersion.

[@DianneGallagher-m5f]

❤ Thanks AJ! After visiting almost every resort, at different times of the year and reasons, my favorite would be PO Riverside ❣😊

[@Adaranova]

❤how there will never be enough DFB videos to help us plan our perfect Disney Vacation

[@Dannyhoyle710]

The buses get a bad rep but I’ve always just used them having always stayed at the Port Orleans resorts! That and the boat to Springs. Nothing wrong with the buses when we visit. (Although that is generally last week in Aug into Sept) 🎉🎉

[@christinetownsend1100]

I haven't stayed at all the resorts yet (working on it) but out of Gran Destino tower, OKW, Saratoga Springs, Caribbean Beach, AK, All Star Movies and Port Orleans Riverside, I'd have to say Animal Kingdom Lodge has the best theming (savannah view is paramount). We also really liked Caribbean Beach. Next summer we'll be trying out the MK and EPCOT resorts, we'll see if my opinion changes!

[@KyleJablonowski-o8n]

Gran Destino is not the first stop in the Coronado Springs bus loop, it is the last (bus stop #2 is first drop off and pick up for park trips). The tower is the first stop for Disney Springs buses.

[@miathomas2308]

The Coronado Springs return buses to Gran Destino Tower give you an extra 15 minutes to contemplate why you didn't just pay the extra $70 to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The ramp from the tower elevators to the food court further reinforces that you are at a moderate resort. If you squint while looking out from your gorgeous, Water View room, you might even see the resort pool.

[@kristinavalcarce2404]

This is too hard! I'd say a tie between the Polynesian and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Both of them completely immerse you in the setting

[@dfbbreea]

Both valid choices!

[@joemisek]

We stayed at Pop Century in June and loved it, the kids were smitten by the theming there. Wouldn't mind a few more square footage in the rooms but otherwise, it was so cool.

[@Grovetrain74]

We just spent several days at Pop Century. We love the Skyliner access for Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Plus the theming is fun and the price is friends for our Disney budget. It’s our family go-to whenever we visit WDW.

[@demo2823]

Could you maybe make a "when money's not an option" video? Like where you showcase meals, snacks, hotels, souvenirs and experiences purely for peak quality without considering money when doing the ranking? Different people have different budgets and sometimes you are able to buy the best thing in a goven category, but videos which consider budget in the ranking befuddle what's really the best versus what has a good balance of cost and quality.

[@cindybissonnette437]

We recently stayed in a Little Mermaid room at Art of Animation. The room looked new. No carpeting which is a huge plus in my opinion. No wear on anything. The bed was as comfortable as the Animal Kingdom Lodge room we stayed in for the second half of our trip.

[@jennifermajor5013]

I know it’s huge and not everyone’s jam, but we love Caribbean Beach. I love the Skyliner and we just make sure that we either stay closer to the Skyliner OR the Front Desk. Wine. Need I say more?

[@PancakeNation]

Heads up for Coranado though: During cheer competitions and other competitions, the resort is HEAVYILY busy.

[@sbk123411]

Best theming for me is Polynesian Resort. I feel like I’m truly in the islands when I’m there. It’s just too bad that it’s so far out of my price range.

[@KadenStaab]

We’ve stayed at Old Key West, Coronado, Port Orleans, and Wilderness. Old Key West still tends to be our favorite but man it’s pricey. We only go once a year so that’s our excuse!

[@estelaer]

What do you like about old key west? I’ve only been there once for breakfast only and I’m interested in what’s the whole appeal of it.

[@KadenStaab]

@@estelaer super quiet. Large. Close to Disney springs. Just feels much more relaxed than a lot of the other places tbh. Idk. Just had a nice feel and charm to it!

[@amydoran9987]

My family and I always stay at the wilderness lodge hotel. It’s beautiful, and you can ride the boat daily to the magic kingdom. Once, we stayed at the Coronado hotel. It was awful. Way too far and the buses took over an hour to come. The main quick service was terrible too. We enjoyed pop century more. When my husband and I stayed there on our own, without our kids.

[@carriepohlman2453]

We booked our first World Disney World vacation a few weeks ago. I did so much research on deluxe resorts and decided on The Beach Club Resort. The next day after booking we got an email about the closure of Storm Along Bay 😢. It was not listed on the renovation info on the resort website. We are a bit disappointed but it's not a deal breaker. I guess renovations aren't always listed. I know we will have fun anyway. We are excited!!

[@estelaer]

That sucks! But if it was a deal breaker for you, they’re usually very flexible with modifications. In February I had to make a last minute modification to my stay and they were very quick to arrange it and giving me the corresponding refund. It was within one week of my stay.

[@patrickcutter6811]

Greg, please don’t let your audience think this is a done deal/red wave. Can’t take anything for granted man! Love your message and love the channel brother! 🙏🏼

[@familyfehl9975]

Psh. Idc if im staying in the most basic hotel as long as im at Disney and on property lol.

[@skilletfan4]

We're hardly at the hotel anyway.

[@Isaiahkunn]

Wish they made a moderate deluxe priced hotel that has elements of art of animation and all stars. Tired of the new Disney hotels looking like modern hotels .

[@Magnasynn]

0:03 I absolutely guarantee that Yacht and Beach are on this list before I go much further, just because of that pool closure lol

[@vel0babe]

I just looked up the prices for the Coronado Springs in mid-Feb and they were priced over $800/night!!! I’m used to between $200-300 for that resort, yikes! Must have been the only available rooms for that period of time?

[@vincent412l7]

The website lists the lowest priced available roon. If rooms are not available they may show concierge rooms or suites. Also you have to look out for Presidents Day or Spring Break.

[@spiritedreviewexc]

French quarter (Duh) its quiet, and i was able to sleep. The pool is centrally located, but the down side is, the beds are high up. Not a problem for me really, but you might want to ask for a handiecapped room if you have someone who cant easily climb

[@bunkbed643]

Staying at Pop Century next year mostly because of the sky liner. Can't wait to go back to my room to relax then go right back to Epcot at night

[@bradbarefoot2986]

For me....Coronado Springs, have loved it since 1997 !

[@metallicnole4514]

What’s up with the value hotels having a table bed you have to pull down?

[@matt_ski05]

When I stayed at Coronado last summer, GDT was the last stop on the bus loop with the Casitas stop being bus stop 1. This could have changed but just what I experienced for an entire week recently

[@KFHydePark]

There's a reason for this. If a guest is in Ranchos area of resort and wants to bus to El Centro or the Tower then the last stop has to be Bus Stop 1 or they would have to go to a park first and then come back.

[@dherko]

I only need a bed, bathroom and a mini fridge. That's all I use. Sometimes I splurge to have sky rail access but that's it.

[@maddog6620]

You are awesome 🤩

[@braylonlee1924]

by the way epic universe is universal's 4th park, volcano bay is the 3rd park

[@MrZachary5757]

I haven’t watched this video yet but…. Omg yacht club is literally the best Western of hotels…. I am writing this from my room rn. Very very disappointed water view facing Epcot which is nice for sure. But rooms are paper thin walls. Our room (4171) the big problem about this room it’s up against the maintenance room… absolutely terrible. But I walked in the hall ways going toward the boardwalk i feel terrible for those people.

[@lilangryirishman5696]

My favorite is port orleans.

[@edwinvazquez4230]

For all Suite Life fans, Zack and Maddie might have to make a tough decision for their next suite date at a Disney World hotel…depends on how they wish to spend their vacation.

[@LynnBurrows-m5n]

I like 2 stay at the Florida resort (the red building). If I go there sometime.

[@mofal1703]

If you wanna save 25% you're gonna have to stay in a deluxe resort, oh and All-Star sports too lol

[@tibofinds3726]

Is there a vid on non-Disney hotels within 15 min shuttle ride of magic kingdom. I stayed at a Radisson like 15 years ago and there was no negative aside from lack of Disney theme.

[@meganm8226]

Are the water park pools heated? I couldn’t find info about that on the website…

[@texasburbs4380]

SOOOO ready for Universal! Eeekkkk

[@charleshamilton9274]

Thank god! The lines at the parks are too long as it is and who would want to be stuck next to you in line for Haunted Mansion. Bye, Felicia!

[@BirdsNNVA]

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge have the best theming, IMHO

[@ChelseaDubois-b8q]

I have been to Disney many times and stayed in alot of hotels. The one I liked the Least was animal Kingdom Kadani and Animal Kingdom lodge. If you do not have a Savanna view this hotel is not worth the 500 price tag on a room to stare at a parking lot, and to be honest the hallways are dark and rooms are dark and drab. I know its theming but to be honest as someone with anxiety it is really off putting and the Kadani pool was not all that great. On the other hand My favorite is Coronado Springs and not just in the tower. It's quiet and sprawling and well themed and bright with out being obnoxious. I don't feel like I'm in Disney there but in another country. The motel style suites me as I feel less trapped with my anxiety and the restaurants and pool are amazing. The walks with my husband around those paths at night are peaceful. My husband and I go to this one every time even if we do a split we stay there for part of it . However, him and I drive to Florida and have our own car so getting to the parks is a breeze. This hotel does not get enough credit for how romantic it is except during cheer week... for the competitions ...schedule around those.

[@scarletnight1077]

Ugh I subscribed to your newsletter for the promised snack map in your old videos but never received it :/

[@vincent412l7]

Chech your junk folder and your blocked list

[@scarletnight1077]

@@vincent412l7 i have! I receive there newsletter and everything

[@lovingit824]

Hi ash do we know if all star movies pool will be open mid to late April? Thanks x

[@jeanettesmith765]

Some of us just have to go with what is within our budgets.

[@cbj-fi2wl]

Wahhh, poor me.

[@MastigosAtLarge]

Good thing many of the resorts she mentions as worst are Deluxe resorts.

[@2744ducksdman]

There is no shame in that. All those people you see going to Deluxe Resorts may not actually be able to “afford” it and go into debt for that short feel of satisfaction.

[@lolfu6492]

People need to stop buying from disney direct and are better off renting dvc points. Way better hotels for WAY cheaper.

[@marissakaiser7834]

Do we know what the construction is for pop in December 2025?

[@heidifedor]

The parks should build sleep pods.

[@dfbbreea]

Where would you put a park sleep pod? I’d probably put one somewhere inside the Mexico Pavilion. Seems like it’d be cozy to sleep in a night market 💤

[@alexisbk9576]

DFB, please start rating the AC thermostats in the resorts. Like does it have motion detectors that turns it off, or is it programmed to not go under 72. Also if the front desk is willing to send maintenance to turn off the Disney programmed settings, so you can actually control the thermostat. For us, we find only the deluxe/villas are willing to do that. So far, only the Tim Tracker reviews how the AC worked, but they rarely stay at resorts. DFB you are our only hope to a cool night’s sleep ❄️☃️❄️ The ballon trick rarely works anymore

[@chadfoster1329]

Animal kingdom lodge hands down

[@mdf3530]

Best themed Disney resort is Animal Kingdom Lodge

[@dfbbreea]

GOOD ANSWER, GOOD ANSWER 👏👏

[@pats6599]

My family will probably be going in 2026 or 2027, and we'll be staying in Shades of Green. Have any of your team stayed there? If so, what do they think about it?

[@jaredvititoe4815]

Why is DFB trying so hard to make “soda goblin” a phrase people say?

[@sarunasj]

Please review the videos after they're posted. Need to fix the spanning shots. The stuttering is really bad.

[@pauldaley8637]

For theme, it has to be animal kingdom..all of the African themes inside and actual animals outside

[@victoriadell614]

🙂

[@derek81222]

Worst hotel is definitely Saratoga springs. Spa is closed, terrible transportation, the restaurants aren't that great and turf club was closed Monday and Tuesday during our last visit and from my understanding thats normal, hotel looks like an apartment complex but it's deluxe you might get some extra hours 😂

[@dfbbreea]

I miss the Saratoga Spa!!!!