Which Disney deluxe resort would you consider to have the best theme-ing/general ambiance. I always loved WL, AK, and Poly but where would Yacht Club fit in such a category ? Is it my imagination or do the Epcot area deluxe resorts miss the boat slightly in this category? Can't speak to GF bc never stayed or visited there.
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Best Disney Ambience Resort
- Thread starter ParkHoppa2000
- Start date
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
I know you said deluxe but for me, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and Port Orleans Riverside are the top 3 hands down.
Hard to pick between the lodges - they are both incredible. I’d probably pick DAK because of the Savanah views but the lobby of wilderness lodge is so breathtaking by itself.
And sure it’s 3rd to the lodges but Riverside has so much charm and ambiance everywhere you go. It’s not as majestic, but ambiance? They got it!
Hard to pick between the lodges - they are both incredible. I’d probably pick DAK because of the Savanah views but the lobby of wilderness lodge is so breathtaking by itself.
And sure it’s 3rd to the lodges but Riverside has so much charm and ambiance everywhere you go. It’s not as majestic, but ambiance? They got it!
experiment624
Well-Known Member
WL has always been my favorite for ambiance, now if they would just fix the geyser. AK is second for me. (I think the villas they keep building seem to be removing theming and start to dilute the feel of the whole resort.)
I used to love CS, but when i showed my DH the the official website picture today, he said it looks like a Marriot now. I haven't visited it in some time and it appears they built a large non descript building on, the additional pools look plain too, so CS lost my vote.
Then Poly, always had a special place in my heart, but now the ambiance has been destroyed along with the theming and again, the new villas just make it a glorified generic hotel. So I would not pay to stay there anymore.
I'm reading so many comments from posters about POFQ that I'm thinking I'm missing out on something and that I will have to try it out sometime.
I used to love CS, but when i showed my DH the the official website picture today, he said it looks like a Marriot now. I haven't visited it in some time and it appears they built a large non descript building on, the additional pools look plain too, so CS lost my vote.
Then Poly, always had a special place in my heart, but now the ambiance has been destroyed along with the theming and again, the new villas just make it a glorified generic hotel. So I would not pay to stay there anymore.
I'm reading so many comments from posters about POFQ that I'm thinking I'm missing out on something and that I will have to try it out sometime.
Tuvalu
Premium Member
What’s wrong with the geyser?
Blinkyrob
Active Member
Totally agree about CS!!! We stayed there several times when it was a “low rise” resort and really enjoyed the quant ambiance and atmosphere. The addition of the high rise section just looks like a Borg ship from Star Trek landed on top of the resort and your husband nailed it with the Marriot comment!
I guess people who stay in glass hotels shouldn’t throw rocks though because in all transparency we are booked into the Swan Reserve in October to give it a try
FiestaFunKid
Well-Known Member
Poly at night with the torches lit on the longhouses side is still cool - as with the ambiance inside the great ceremonial house.
The Boardwalk at night all lit up and humming with activity (should improve when things open on the left side).
I'm in the minority, but I enjoy the retro vibe behind the CR at the original pools - right on Bay Lake, monorails in view (lakeshore lodge is in the process of taking this down a notch).
Sitting outside at Geyser Point........WL and Grand Californian lobbys are amazing, but not the vibe I'm seeking when coming down from the northeast in the winter. I'm sure if Iived in FL/CA, I would love these places b/c of the contrast with the local environments.
Darkhorse - OKW near the hospitality house, Gurgling Suitcase, etc along the water. Overall vibe and music does transport me to a more relaxing place.
The Boardwalk at night all lit up and humming with activity (should improve when things open on the left side).
I'm in the minority, but I enjoy the retro vibe behind the CR at the original pools - right on Bay Lake, monorails in view (lakeshore lodge is in the process of taking this down a notch).
Sitting outside at Geyser Point........WL and Grand Californian lobbys are amazing, but not the vibe I'm seeking when coming down from the northeast in the winter. I'm sure if Iived in FL/CA, I would love these places b/c of the contrast with the local environments.
Darkhorse - OKW near the hospitality house, Gurgling Suitcase, etc along the water. Overall vibe and music does transport me to a more relaxing place.
experiment624
Well-Known Member
The last several times I had been there, it wasn't working and when we finally asked about it, a CM told me it was no longer part of the scenery. I failed to research if it was true. Is it actually working? That would be awesome.
Tuvalu
Premium Member
experiment624
Well-Known Member
LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing the pics
The entire area looks way better than the last time we were there (Aug 2025). They gave it some care. Reinforces that WL is my favorite for the ambiance.
Tuvalu
Premium Member
This was taken in June 2025.LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing the pics
The geyser must have gone down sometime after that. I also stayed at WL in August 2025 but I went through my pics and did not find any of the geyser or surrounding area. Just lots of rain pictures, it was a very wet week!
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
i really like both French Quarter and Riverside but to me - Riverside has this magical feeling that really isn’t matched anywhere else at WDW. The landscaping, varied architecture, winding pathways, island, rivers, etc. really just create this charming resort that feels truly unique.
Last edited:
heapster411
Well-Known Member
surfsupdon
Well-Known Member
It truly does come down to a preference. Yacht Club (plus Beach and BW) evokes such a great upper class nautical setting along the seashore. Lovely grounds, and a great Resort area connected to Beach, BoardWalk, Swan, and Dolphin. Especially gorgeous at night. It is all a fantastic seashore area with focus on the water. My preference for ambiance.
Though WL and AKL are absolutely stunning, it is not a preferred ambiance that I enjoy.
Poly has great ambiance in the evening, but the Resort is so crowded that takes away from the appeal for me.
I would say that the Epcot Deluxes do not miss the boat in this category.
I also think Riviera has great ambiance but that ambiance is ruined by its location near a sprawling island resort and a major highway. If it were more isolated lakeside, or on Seven Seas, I think it would feel better.
I also agree that OKW does a fantastic job by the Hospitality House area. Love it there.
KaliSplash
Well-Known Member
Wilderness Lodge and it's not close
Wendy Pleakley
Well-Known Member
Of the hotels I've stayed at Coronado Springs and the Port Orleans resorts make you feel like you're in the environment they were designed to imitate.
I love that about WDW, really feeling like you've stepped out of the real world into a completely different place.
I like the moderate resorts for how they're spread out. It's a joy just to walk the grounds.
The addition of boat transport from Port Orleans to Disney Springs is another element that makes you feel like you're living in a fantasy environment compared to daily life.
Coronado has the impressive temple at the pool which is a "only at Disney" touch and again feels different than any other hotel one generally stays at.
I love that about WDW, really feeling like you've stepped out of the real world into a completely different place.
I like the moderate resorts for how they're spread out. It's a joy just to walk the grounds.
The addition of boat transport from Port Orleans to Disney Springs is another element that makes you feel like you're living in a fantasy environment compared to daily life.
Coronado has the impressive temple at the pool which is a "only at Disney" touch and again feels different than any other hotel one generally stays at.
I have fond memories of POFQ bc it was the first place with my family, and my son's very first trip. That said, I agree -WL and AK both have a WOW factor that it so enjoyable. Stayed at Swan this past November with just spouse for the F&W fest and although cost-friendly and good location ...I missed the lack of Disney themeing. Next trip will be Disney property.
HakunaMatata89
Premium Member
AKL and the quiet that is Riverside.