Disney Deluxe Resorts Part II

Here are the final four deluxe resorts. These are all located at the Magic Kingdom. Three of them (the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian) have direct access to Disney's monorail system. The monorail travels to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot with stops at all three hotels and the Transportation and Ticket Center.


Disney's Wilderness Lodge

This is my mom's favorite hotel, and definitely in my top 3. It is designed after the Yellowstone Lodge in Yellowstone National Park, and they did a fabulous job! As someone who has seen both in person, I can tell you that when I walked onto the grounds, I really felt like I was back in Wyoming. The landscaping is natural and wooded, with rock formations, waterfalls, and even geysers.
The swimming pool is like taking a dip in a mountain spring, but with a waterslide. There are also nature trails, fishing, a beach, fireside sing-alongs with Chip and Dale, and Disney movie showings under the stars.
There is great dining here, including Artist Point which gives you beautiful views while you eat.


Disney's Polynesian Resort

If you've always wanted to go to Hawaii, but can't quite get there, just walk into the Polynesian and you'll feel like you made it. This place is a tropical paradise, complete with a luau. There are beaches, palm trees, and even a waterfall inside. You can reserve rooms with garden, lagoon and Magic Kingdom views.
There are 2 heated pools. One features a 142-foot waterslide, while the other has its own volcano. There is also boating and canoeing, fishing, beaches, and more.
You can choose from four restaurant and quick-service dining options here, plus lounges. If you want a taste of Hawaiian food and entertainment, I highly recommend the Spirit of Aloha Show. We did this when I was 8 and I can still remember how the flavors danced on my tounge. Man, those Hawaiians can cook! And the entertainment is fabulous. They'll even teach you to dance the luau!


Disney's Contemporary Resort

Here's a little Disney trivia for you: The Contemporary is the only resort that Walt Disney himself helped design. I always thought it was so cool because the monorail runs right through the middle of the hotel. You can also get great views of Space Mountain and Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom.
There are two swimming pools and two hot tubs. There is also a beach, fishing, parasailing, firework cruises, tubing, wakeboarding, watercraft rentals and a lot more.
The Contemporary is home to the famous Chef Mickey character dining restaurant. You'll also find several other great restaurants, cafes and snack bars.


Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

I saved the best for last. The Grand Floridian is my absolute favorite of all the resorts. My husband and I got to stay here for our honeymoon (thanks mom-in-law!). It is top notch in elegance and luxury. I really felt like a princess here. The resort's design takes you back to Florida in the Victorian era, right down to the doorman. The rooms are inviting and spacious, and adorned with even the tiniest Disney details. There are views available of the lagoon and castle.
There are two swimming pools and white sand beaches. There are all kinds of water recreation, plus golf, tea parties with the Madd Hatter and even a two-hour pirate adventure for the kiddos. The Grand Floridian is also the home of Disney's wedding chapel, where you can get married overlooking Cinderella's Castle.
There are several great restaurants, including those that offer character dining. Two of the most popular include Citricos and Victoria & Albert's.


The final resort blog is going to be all about Disney's Deluxe Villas. Look for it next!