5 over-the-top luxurious places to stay at Disney World
Based on my personal experience, there's no bad hotel room at Disney World. I love the cost savings of value resorts like Art of Animation and the All-Star resorts and I equally love the Victorian charm and Magic Kingdom views at the Grand Floridian. I've stayed in pretty much every type of accommodation Disney World has to offer ... or so I thought.
Hidden in some Disney World resorts are lavish suites that most guests don't know about. Some aren't even advertised on Disney's website – you'll have to work with a Disney vacation planner or give Disney a call directly for pricing and availability.
From square footage larger than my first apartment to ultra-luxe amenities, here's a peek at the sweetest suites at Walt Disney World.
Wilderness Lodge Yosemite Suite
Disney's Wilderness Lodge brings lush evergreen trees, rocky outcroppings, waterfalls and overall natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest to sunny Central Florida in a way that only Disney can do. Indoors and out, the resort has a rustic feel, but the Yosemite Suite is anything but rustic.
The Yosemite Suite still brings the outdoors in with nature-inspired art, wood furnishings and floorings and muted, earth-hued textiles throughout. For the tried-and-true Disney fan, there are still a few understated Disney details, like sketches from the 1942 classic "Bambi," hanging above the oversized soaking tub. All of this is thanks to a recent renovation that dropped the over-the-top cowboy motif for a more subtle lodge feel.
In the large, open living space, there's a dining table that seats six, a small kitchenette and a cushy sectional that converts to a queen-size sleeper. The primary bedroom has a king bed and en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and oversized soaking tub. There is also a connecting bedroom that adds two queen beds to the mix if you are traveling with a large group.
You may not be spending much time inside, though, with the furnished wraparound balcony that somehow offers a mix of pool, lake and nighttime fireworks views. If you do decide to leave your room, the Magic Kingdom is just a short ferryboat ride from Disney's Wilderness Lodge. And, if you can't find your way into the Yosemite Suite, the nearby Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge will still scratch your over-the-top Disney lodge-themed accommodation itch.
Animal Kingdom Lodge's Royal Asante Suite
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge celebrates the art, architecture, food, customs and, of course, wildlife of Africa. The resort is spread over 45 acres of savannah, where you can view more than 30 species of African wildlife either from your savannah view balcony or the hotel's nature paths. Animal Kingdom Lodge is also home to gorgeous pools and some of Disney's best dining (we're particularly partial to the Sanaa Indian-style bread service).
The hotel's Royal Asante Suite brings together the best of everything Animal Kingdom Lodge has to offer – from unforgettable savanna views to one very special piece of artwork you won't find anywhere else at Disney.
The suite has two bedrooms, one with a wood-carved canopy bed and the other with two queen beds, a kitchen with dishes and silverware at the ready and a soaking tub with wildlife views in one of the two full bathrooms.
The entryway is decorated with African art and artifacts, setting the tone for what you'll find inside. Highlights include a large circular living area with a thatched roof and fireplace and a wraparound balcony where you can watch zebras and giraffes and other animals while you drink your morning coffee (or run on the included treadmill). There's art all over the suite, but the Mufasa mask from the Broadway musical "The Lion King" hanging in the living room is truly spectacular.
Polynesian Village Resort Ambassador Suite
The Polynesian Village Resort is one of Disney's original opening day hotels, and it's delivered a bit of South Seas ambiance to the Orlando resort for 50 years. The Polynesian has received upgrades over the decades, but recently underwent a major renovation that brought the magic of Disney's "Moana" to the resort. It's also super close to Magic Kingdom, has one of the best pools on property and serves up copious amounts of Dole Whip (with rum, if you so desire).
The Polynesian's Ambassador Suite was pixie-dusted with the same Moana touches as the rest of the resort, but it's subtle. Think Maui as part of a lampshade pattern and characters hidden in colorful paintings on the wall. You'll also find wood floors, natural wood furnishings and pops of tropical colors and patterns.
There are two bedrooms – one with a king bed and one with two queens – and each has a full bath with a separate tub and shower. Up to eight adults can stay in this suite if you use the convertible sleeper sofa in the living area. The living space also houses a kitchenette with Nespresso coffee maker. What really blew me away about this suite was all the storage (can you tell I have three kids). The beds were elevated for suitcase stowage and there were ample closets and shelving. It was an overpacking mom's dream.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando Grand Suite
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando isn't technically a Disney-owned hotel, but it is on Disney property and it is the pinnacle of Central Florida luxury, so it easily earned a spot on this list. The property is hidden in plain sight near The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness and has its own spa, water park, golf course, fine dining and even a character breakfast. According to rumors, Four Seasons may have their own loyalty program on the way for points-savvy fans of the VIP hotel chain, too.
Four Seasons has a variety of suite types to choose from, including the option to buy out the entire top floor. I chose to highlight the slightly less palatial Grand Suite here because most travelers don't need nine bedrooms on vacation (but if you do, now you know where to find them).
The Grand Suite is 1,700 square feet in size, with one bedroom, a large living and dining area with kitchenette, one full bathroom, and a powder room for visitors. There is a queen sofa bed in the living room, but you also have the option of adding on additional connected bedrooms for larger travel parties.
The decor is mostly white with touches of soft color and a few dark accents, giving the suite an airy, ethereal feel. The furnished balcony spans 250 feet and, thanks to its location on one of the hotel's top floors, provides impressive views of the resort's pools, surrounding woodlands and Disney's fireworks.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn Steeplechase Suite
Disney's Boardwalk Inn overlooks Crescent Lake, but as you stroll the quarter-mile promenade with midway games, glowing golden strung lights and historic coastal architecture, it could just as easily be the Atlantic Ocean. Disney's Boardwalk Inn perfectly embodies turn-of-the-century Atlantic City style and The Steeplechase Suite showcases that sentiment perfectly.
With plush furnishings, ornate details, marble bathrooms and an elegant-yet-inviting feel, when you step into the Steeplechase Suite, it's like taking a step back in time. It's the kind of place you feel like you should show up to with a trunk or two full of gowns and jewels in tow.
The suite has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a spacious open living area with tufted chairs and sofas, a dining table and a kitchenette. The furnished balcony runs the length of the suite and looks out over Crescent Lake and the entire Boardwalk area – perfect for one of my favorite Disney activities, people watching.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.