6 Worst Disney World Resorts to Stay at in 2025 [these are the ones to avoid]

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Planning a trip to Disney World in 2025, and want to know the worst Disney World resorts to avoid?

Choosing the right resort is crucial for your Disney World experience.

But not all Disney World resorts live up to the hype.

In this post, I’ll highlight the worst Disney World resorts you should avoid in 2025.

From outdated amenities to inconvenient locations to lengthy refurbishments, these places could turn your dream vacation into a hassle. Keep reading to ensure your stay matches the magic of Disney.

This post is all about the 6 worst Disney World Resorts you may want to avoid staying at in 2025.

Table of Contents

Worst Disney World Resorts

Overview of Disney World Resorts

With a variety of resorts to choose from, it can be hard to decide which Disney hotels you should consider staying at.

Types of Disney World Resorts

Disney World offers three main types of resorts:

Value Resorts
Moderate Resorts
Deluxe Resorts

Each category provides different experiences and amenities. While some people expect a certain level of comfort and convenience, not all resorts meet those expectations.

Value Resorts

Value Resorts are the most affordable options. But, you get what you pay for. Here’s why they might not be the best choice:

Crowds: These resorts are usually packed with families and large groups, making for a noisy and busy atmosphere.
Small Rooms: The rooms in Value Resorts are often smaller and less luxurious.

Moderate Resorts

Moderate Resorts aim to strike a balance between cost and comfort. However, they sometimes miss the mark. Here are some common complaints:

Can be Expensive: Staying at a Moderate Resort can be more expensive than renting DVC points for Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Resorts – with better amenities and perks.
Average Amenities: The amenities are often not much better than Value Resorts but at a higher price point. And you still don’t get access to Extended Evening Hours!

Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe Resorts are the most high-end options available. They promise luxury but don’t always deliver. Here’s why they might disappoint:

High Prices: These resorts come with a hefty price tag, which might not match the expectations.
Not all Luxurious: Most Deluxe Resorts can hardly be described as “luxurious”. Whilst they’re all decently nice, you’re essentially getting 4-star hotels at 5-star prices (the Grand Floridian is the only Deluxe Resort at Disney World).

Criteria for Determining the Worst Resorts

When planning a trip to Disney World in 2025, choosing the right resort can make or break your vacation. While Disney offers plenty of places to stay, not all of them live up to the magic. I want to share what factors we used to identify the worst Disney World resorts. With these criteria, you can avoid potential disappointments and ensure your trip is as delightful as possible.

Amenities and Facilities

Disney resorts are known for their breathtaking amenities, from massive pools to immersive dining experiences. Yet, some resorts lag behind. Outdated rooms, closed facilities, or poorly maintained common areas can make your stay less enjoyable. Look out for:

Limited or outdated recreational facilities
Subpar dining options

Location and Convenience

Location is crucial when it comes to maximizing your Disney World experience. Some resorts are inconveniently located, making it tiresome to get to the parks. Resort guests who have to navigate long distances or wait eternally for transportation might find their fun dwindling. Watch for:

Long travel times to main attractions
Infrequent or unreliable transportation

Guest Reviews

One of the best ways to gauge if a resort will meet your expectations is by reading guest reviews. Poor reviews often point out consistent issues you might face.

Both positive and negative feedback tell a lot about what you can expect. So, reading and watching reviews before booking a Disney hotel is key to avoiding the worst resorts!

By considering these factors—service quality, amenities, location, and guest reviews—you’ll have a better chance of avoiding the worst Disney World resorts. These criteria can serve as your compass, guiding you away from potential letdowns and toward a much more magical stay.

Refurbishments

Want to stay at a resort with loud and disruptive daytime construction?

Yeah, probably not …

Though they may look amazing once the renovations are done, staying at a resort during the refurbishment can be less than ideal.

Worst Disney Value Resorts

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

First on the list is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This resort is popular due to its colorful themes and larger-than-life characters. However, it has some serious drawbacks.

Ugly Suites: The decor feels over-the-top and gaudy rather than magical. It’s like living inside a cartoon that never got the aesthetics quite right. The color schemes are loud and clash in ways that make the room feel chaotic rather than fun. A lot of guests end up feeling like they’re in a kid’s playroom which, after a long day at the parks, isn’t the relaxing environment you’d hope for. The suites here are also outrageously expensive for a Value Resort (between approximately $478 – $963 based on 2024 rates, without a discount) That being said, Art of Animation is beloved largely because of it’s “over-the-top” Disney theming – which makes it one of the best Disney World resorts for families with younger kids.

Dated Little Mermaid Rooms: While the Little Mermaid sections are initially eye-catching, they are beginning to show their age. The rooms haven’t seen significant updates in years, making them feel old and worn out. The amenities are basic and don’t live up to the standards you might expect from Disney. When you can find cheaper Standard Rooms at EVERY other Value Resort (and they have all been refurbished in the last few years), it’s hard to justify paying the premium to stay in one of these rooms.

Worst Disney Moderate Resorts

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: BUT ONLY if transportation is an issue

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a beautiful blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures.

With its recent updates and the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, it boasts stunning architecture and modern amenities.

This is an almost perfect resort (I mean, it’s usually the cheapest Moderate Resort, despite having some of the best amenities!).

However, despite its visual appeal, transportation can pose a significant problem.

Transportation Issues:

Bus Service: Coronado Springs relies completely on bus transportation to the parks. Unfortunately, the buses can sometimes be late and overcrowded, making it a frustrating start to your day. The resort is quite spread out, which means multiple internal bus stops. This can add a considerable amount of time to your commute.

Location: Coronado Springs is in the Animal Kingdom area, so it isn’t super close to the more popular parks, where you may spend more time.

Despite these transportation issues, remember that Coronado Springs Resort has a lot going for it.

The resort features beautiful grounds, great dining options, and a lively atmosphere.

But if you’re someone who values convenience and quick access to the parks, this might not be the best fit for you.

Remember, the worst Disney World resorts can still have great aspects, so weigh the pros and cons based on what matters to you.

Worst Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the oldest hotels located on Disney property. You might think its retro vibe adds character, but it often feels outdated.

I mean, if this building doesn’t scream “1970s”, I don’t know what does.

The view of the monorail passing through the hotel is cool at first, but it lacks a clear theme.

You could argue that the Contemporary has no distinct theme. I mean, it’s far from modern. It feels like it’s stuck in the past, but not even in a clear era. The 1970s? Yeah. The 1990s? Kind of.

It’s a mix of eras that makes it far from “contemporary”.

And the addition of The Incredibles theming cheapens the very expensive resort.

Can you believe that Disney actually thought The Incredibles theming was a good fit for this resort?!

That being said, Bay Lake Tower – the DVC building – does feel a little more upscale, but is due for a one-year refurbishment – which started in September 2024.

worst resorts to stay at walt disney world — But even Bay Lake Tower is hardly the prettiest Disney hotel building!

And if the Studios and Villas receive The Incredibles theming, maybe it won’t feel slightly “luxe” anymore … 😂

(Update: the new rooms didn’t received The Incredibles theming! They have subtle Magic Kingdom inspired theming which is WAY nicer!).

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is unique with its safari views, but it also comes with trade-offs. Theming-wise, it may be the best resort Disney has created (and it’s unlikely that any future Disney resort will be as immersive).

The biggest downside is its location. It’s far from most of the parks, making transportation a bit of a headache. It only offers bus transportation, which is unfortunate, considering the Deluxe price tag.

While the exotic animals are fascinating, not all rooms have a savanna view.

If you’re unlucky, you’ll end up overlooking a parking lot.

The rooms can also feel quite dark. Whilst I think that adds to the incredible theming, it’s worth noting, in case this bothers you.

Furthermore, the Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House and Kidani Village are scheduled for a refurbishment in 2025. This may bring more noise and disruption during your stay.

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

worst disney hotels.png — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts have a prime location near Epcot.

They are modern and tastefully themed.

worst disney resorts — Disney’s Beach Club Resort

So, what’s the problem?

The resort is primarily known for its feature pool, Stormalong Bay. This sand-bottomed pool has a lazy river!

But between January 2025 to June 2025, Stormalong Bay is scheduled for a refurbishment (and knowing Disney, it may take longer than this).

Unless you’re planning a stay at the end of the year, you may want to give these resorts a miss.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Since the opening of new DVC tower at the Polynesian Village Resort at the end of 2024, this resort accommodates even more guests.

More guests can mean more people getting on the monorail and longer wait times may occur (and the Monorail can often already be pretty full by the time you get to the Polynesian.

That being said, the Polynesian is a gorgeous resort (arguably the best at Disney World). From great theming to dining, there’s a lot to love about the Polynesian.

If you don’t mind a *potentially* slightly longer wait for the Monorail and the high room rates, it’s still a wonderful resort.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Worst Disney World Resorts

Which Disney World resort is the best?

I wish there was an easy resort, but the truth is there’s pros and cons of EVERY Disney World resort! Here are some useful posts that can help you to determine the best Disney World resort for your vacation:

Which Value Resort is the best at Disney World?

If you’re looking for the least expensive option, the All-Star Resorts (including Movies, Music and Sports) will be your best bets.

If good transportation is also important to you, check out Disney’s Pop Century Resort – the least expensive resort on the Skyliner.

How can I save money on a Deluxe Resort stay at Disney World?

Rent DVC Points – By renting DVC points, you can stay at Deluxe DVC Resorts (from BoardWalk Villas to The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) at a lower price – sometimes even 50%+ less than booking direct with Disney. If you use a trusted broker – like David’s Vacation Club Rentals – you can request a stay or book a confirmed reservation and save money on your Disney hotel!

Look for Disney Hotel discounts – Check out the Special Offers page (the best deals are often for members of the U.S. Military, Annual Passholders, but they may have discounts that are applicable to all!).

Who gets Extra Evening Hours at Disney World?

Extended Evening Hours is where twice a week, a Disney World park – often Magic Kingdom or Epcot – stays open for two extra hours for select guests who:

Are staying in a Deluxe/DVC Resort at Walt Disney World
Are staying at other select hotels including the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve and Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort.

Who gets Early Hours at Disney World?

Luckily this is different from Extended Evening Hours, as all guests staying at Disney World resorts qualify for Early Entry, as well as other select resorts.

What’s the slowest time at Disney World?

This can differ year to year, but typically January-February (excluding RunDisney weekends) and late summer-early Fall (August-September) are on the quieter side.

What is the Disney Incredi Pass?

The Disney IncrediPass is the highest level of Annual Pass offered by Walt Disney World, with the highest price tag, most perks and least restrictions.

Final Thoughts & Ta Ta For Now

After exploring some of the worst Disney World resorts to stay at in 2025, it’s clear that not all accommodations offer the magical experience you might be dreaming of.

So, before you book your 2025 Disney World vacation, make sure to do plenty of research.

And just so you know, even the hypothetical “worst Disney World resorts” are hardly awful.

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at most Disney World resorts, and of course, some are better than others, but I have never hated any (even if I’ve stayed during refurbishments).

Which do you think are the worst or best Disney World resorts to stay at in 2025?

This post was all about the 6 worst Disney World Resorts you may want to avoid staying at in 2025.