food IS a theme park
For over 5 decades, hotels have been an essential part of the Walt Disney World experience, with the opening-day Polynesian Village and Contemporary resorts joined by more than 25 hotels since 1971.
Art of Animation Resort
Over that time, Disney’s hotels have served up a litany of special perks to guests, and in the summer of 2026, Disney has added some distinct… character to four of their resorts.
There’s no shortage of dining options across Walt Disney World, which can sometimes make it a bit overwhelming to find the best option for each guest.
Taste of the Caribbean Platter
Especially hotel options like Sebastian’s Bistro, which may fly under the radar!
Disney World hotels are kinda our secret spots to grab some of the best snacks. Lately, there have been a lot of treats released, and honestly, we can’t get enough.
Let’s try some snacks!
This time, we’re heading to two resorts to check out the latest snacks to see if you should add them to your list. Some snacks are worth it if you’re staying at the resort, but others are worth the extra trip to grab them. Let’s check them out!
As the summer vacation season creeps up upon us for 2026, those looking to book a trip to Walt Disney World this year have something NEW to consider.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
At the start of the year, Disney changed how it categorizes rooms in one of its most popular hotel tiers, which could lead to some confusion among long-term guests familiar with the traditional nomenclature.
There are Disney World hotel rooms people rave about, like they personally descended from the heavens on a cloud of pixie dust and refillable mug coffee.
Port Orleans — Riverside Room
And look, some of them are lovely. But “lovely” and “worth that price” are not always the same thing.
It’s no secret that Disney World’s hotels are loaded with dining options, from quick service eateries and food courts to award-winning table service restaurants. However, the best all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant at a Disney hotel may be hiding a bit under the radar.
Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding
Sebastian’s Bistro, which Disney calls a place where guests can transport their “taste buds to ‘island time’ with delightful family-style dishes infused with rich Latin and Caribbean flavors”, is located at the Moderate Tier Caribbean Beach Resort.
Something you may not know about Disney World is that before they can do ANYTHING construction-wise (and we do pretty much mean anything), they have to file a permit to ensure it’s approved and all done properly.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
This goes for the hotels, parks, Disney Springs, and everything in between, and the best part is that those permits are available to the public to see! They’re a little tricky to find, but we’re always on the lookout for new ones, and this time, our search turned up not one permit, but TWO. Yes, that means that in addition to all the construction currently happening around the resort, there will soon be even more.
There are over 20 Disney World resorts you can book right now (with another one set to open in 2027). That’s a lot of options — and a lot of decision stress. So… where should you stay on your next trip? Which hotels are actually worth the splurge, and which are just coasting on the Disney name?
Coronado Springs
We’ve done the homework (and the hotel hopping) so you don’t have to. We’re ranking every single Disney World hotel from worst to best, giving you the real pros, cons, and “is it worth it?” breakdown for each one.
With a roster of nearly 30 hotels, there’s arguably a stay for every kind of traveler on Walt Disney World property. However, some of the resorts could use a bit of TLC.
Dalmatians section
Over my 30 years visiting Disney World, I’ve spent a significant amount of time at each of these properties, which run the gamut of Disney’s hotel tiers, from Value through Moderate, all the way to the Deluxe level.
When you’re choosing a Walt Disney World resort, dining options are a major part of the vibe—especially if you love escaping the parks for a chill meal. There are dozens of restaurants scattered across the resorts, and some real culinary gems fly under the radar. Even if your whole trip revolves around park days, a late lunch or dinner at your hotel can be a game‑changer.
Dining room with shades
Curious which resort restaurants are worth booking—and which are better off skipped? We’ve got you covered with the latest must‑book spots and the ones that feel meh. You don’t have to stay at a Disney resort to snag a reservation—many of these dining rooms welcome off‑site visitors. After all, you’re paying for the experience just as much as the meal.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
