Summer is upon us! That means fun, sun and maybe a little summer vacation, right? Well if you’re headed to Walt Disney World, there are some things to consider. One of those things is where to stay. Here are the best resorts for summer at Walt Disney World!
Summer at Walt Disney World
Summer at Walt Disney World is hot. Like melt your face off hot. So while sometimes we don’t think that your Disney resort can make or break your trip, in summertime, it really can. Each family is obviously different in what they may or may not want for their summer vacation at Disney. But when it comes to beating the heat at Disney, I think we can all agree that some things are just better than others. We’ve come up with a list of the best resorts to stay at Disney in the summer. Read on for our top picks!
Beach and Yacht Club
If you’re looking for the ultimate Disney resort for summer, look no further than Beach and Yacht Club! Though these are technically two separate resorts, yes, we grouped them together because they share the same amenities. The Beach and Yacht Club Resorts at Disney are the perfect summer resort for many reasons. The number one reason of course: the pool! Stormalong Bay is more than just a pool. It’s an entire complex. With multiple areas for swimming, a lazy river, volleyball net and a sandy bottom, this pool is by far the coolest pool you’ll find at Disney. The pool bar also makes it super easy to enjoy a cool beverage poolside.
Not only is the pool incredible, but these resorts are also close walking distance to EPCOT, making afternoon breaks a breeze. They also have boat transportation to Hollywood Studios, meaning you’ll only have to wait for busses when visiting Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, the theming of both resorts just screams summer. So, you’ll feel summer vacay ready as soon as you arrive!
Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort just feels like you’re on vacation. Maybe you couldn’t actually go to the Caribbean this year, but this resort can definitely help you transport there mentally. We love Caribbean Beach Resort for many reasons. But for summer, there are a few things in general that we are big fans of. Caribbean Beach Resort has multiple pools. Which is a must for summer fun at Disney. The main pool is one of the best pools at Disney. But aside from that, each “island” has its own pool as well. So, there will always be plenty of space for anyone wanting to spend time swimming.
The theming of the resort is colorful and beachy of course. So having access to actual beaches (sans the ocean) where you can lie on a hammock and enjoy the palm trees makes relaxing mid- afternoon a literal breeze. Add in the Banana Cabana poolside bar at Caribbean Beach Resort and you’ve basically escaped to an island with good drinks, good food and lots of time to relax.
Additionally, guests staying at Caribbean Beach have access to Disney’s Skyliner. This means less time waiting in the heat for busses, and more time enjoying the parks. Or getting back to your resort when the heat starts to hit.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Another Disney resort that was just made for summer is Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Not only does the Polynesian feel like summer, but it also tastes and smells like it too! With access to Pineapple Dole Whip most of the day, and the ability to drink your alcohol from a pineapple at Tambu Lounge, not many resorts can feel as much like summer as this one. Add in Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace with live music, and enjoy that summertime feeling no matter where you are in the resort.
The pool is fantastic here, with a super fun water slide and views of Cinderella Castle. And thanks to its perfectly situated beaches, you don’t even need to leave the resort to see the Happily Ever After fireworks. Which means less fighting for space in sweaty, overheated crowds at Magic Kingdom.
Being on the monorail loop makes it super easy to get back and forth from Magic Kingdom and Epcot, leaving you with less time waiting for busses.
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
If we had to pick one Disney resort that just feels like summer vacation from our childhood, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground would probably be it. Not only does camping in general feel very summer-y, but the resort itself offers some unique experiences that can really enhance your summer experience. Or anytime experience! With activities like archery, horseback riding, and Chip and Dale’s campfire singalong, there are endless ways to spend time at this resort without ever having to go to the Parks. And trust us, that’s a good thing! The parks get super hot, so having things to do at your resort are a must when it comes to spending time in the summer at Disneyworld.
The beach here is super spacious if you love relaxing in the sand. And the ferry boat transportation makes getting to and from Magic Kingdom quick and easy.
Coronado Springs Resort
We know. Coronado Springs Resort might not seem like the best resort for a summer vacation at Disney, but hear us out. It’s not the most convenient. And it’s certainly not the most manageable. But it does make for a great Disney staycation. Over the years, it really has become a great spot for all things food. With options like Three Bridges Bar and Grill and Toledo, along with bars and lounges like Dahlia Lounge and Barcelona Lounge, Coronado makes it kind of difficult to leave at times. Especially when you know how hot it is outside.
Guests staying here can also see the Epcot fireworks from the three bridges area. Or any of the higher floors or restaurants of Gran Destino Tower. And to add to all that goodness, the main pool is a ton of fun. While also offering up plenty of quieter pool options around the resort. This resort may not be for everyone. But if you’re looking for a resort that will give you plenty of wiggle room in your day and dining plans, Coronado is one to consider.
Summertime can be intense at Disney. But we hope this list has helped you find the perfect resort for your Walt Disney World summer trip. And as always, if you’d like help planning your Disney trip, we can help with that!
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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