Choosing a Disney World Resort hotel can be overwhelming. With more than 25 options on property (and far more located right off-site), you have your choice of options. Disney World breaks down their hotels into four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Each offer their own benefits and drawbacks, with plenty to consider when it comes to making your choice.

Underrated Disney World Hotels

While there are plenty of hotels you’ve probably heard plenty of hype for (the Monorail Resort area hotels especially come to mind), there are also some incredible Disney properties that may fly a little more under the radar. These are five of the most underrated Disney World Resort hotels to consider for your next vacation.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century is one of five Value Resort hotels on Disney property, with sections themed to different decades. You’ll find different sculptures of famous figures from the past like Roger Rabbit, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, as well as Baloo and Mowgli. The rooms were given a big update in 2017 and 2018, and now come complete with decor showing Mickey and Pluto in pop art. A standard room here can sleep up to four adults, with a Queen Bed and one Queen-size Murphy bed that pulls down.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Typically, a stay at Disney’s Pop Century will cost you a little more than any of the three All-Star Resorts, but that cost difference may be worth it for one major reason: the Disney Skyliner. Pop Century shares a Skyliner station with Disney’s Art of Animation, meaning you’re just a walk away from a gondola ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT. For the price, theming, and transportation options, Pop Century has our vote for the most underrated of the Value Resorts.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

As far as the Magic Kingdom Resort area goes, the three Monorail Resorts (Disney’s Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Village Resorts) tend to pick up all the glory. But, just a short boat ride away you’ll find the rustic wonder that is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. And for our money, it’s the most underrated accommodation option in the Magic Kingdom area.

Inspired by National Park lodges, the Wilderness Lodge impresses from the first moment you step inside the lobby. Inside you’ll find the Grand Fireplace, an 82-foot tall stone fireplace with rocking chairs placed out front. You immediately feel like you’ve stepped a world away from the parks, with details like an artificial geyser and hot springs on the resort grounds. There are also plenty of options within the resort to stay at, including the main building, and then the two DVC properties: Copper Creek Villas and Boulder Ridge Villas. The former of the two even includes 26 Cascade Cabins, luxurious cabin properties on the waterfront of Bay Lake. It’s a completely unique place to stay, and one that’s well worth a look if you plan on spending a lot of time at Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

For a similarly unique experience, we head on over to the Animal Kingdom area where Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is located. This Deluxe Resort often gets overlooked for its lack of transportation (it only has buses available), but the pros far outweigh the cons. The resort is home to Jambo House, as well as the Disney Vacation Club Kidani Village. But the true standout point of the resort is that it’s not just guests staying on site — there is an entire savanna of animals just outside the building! You can choose a savanna view room where you’ll be able to watch giraffes, zebra, and other creatures roam around from the view of your balcony. Even if you aren’t in a savanna view room, there are lookout points all around to see the animals (and learn from Cast Members who are experts on the subject!).

Photo by Dad’s Guide

If that weren’t enough, the dining options at Animal Kingdom Lodge are also some of the best you’ll find at a hotel in Disney World. At Jambo House, you can find quick-service at The Mara, or dine at Boma – Flavors of Africa, or Jiko – The Cooking Place. Kidani Village is home to Sanaa, where you’ll find a bread service dish that will have you going back again and again. Even if you aren’t planning on staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, it’s a must-visit.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

As far as an underrated Disney World Moderate Resort, our pick for that would be Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter (though its sister site, Riverside, could be included as well!). Both Port Orleans Resorts offer Southern-inspired theming, with French Quarter themed to New Orleans and Riverside to the Louisiana Bayou. Both resorts offer boat transportation to Disney Springs, as well as plenty of great amenities on site.

But, what gives French Quarter our vote over Riverside is one things: beignets! Over at Scat Cat’s Club you can pick up Mickey-shaped Beignets, as well as Specialty Beignets or Baton Rouge Beignets (booze-infused versions of the treat). It’s a unique and delicious snack to pick up, and lends itself well to the fun theming of the resort in general. But, if you have any Princess Tiana fans in your party, you may also want to consider Riverside for its Royal Rooms. These specially themed rooms are themed to The Princess and the Frog, with luxurious royal amenities. Both hotels offer unique experiences that are well worth considering for your next trip.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Speaking of a fun theme and tons of amenities, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a Deluxe Resort in the EPCOT Resort area. Located on Disney’s BoardWalk, the hotel is themed to early 20th century Coney Island and Atlantic City. Because of its prime location, you are literally surrounded by dining, including the BoardWalk Deli, Big River Grille, Trattoria al Forno, Flying Fish, the Pizza Window, and BoardWalk Ice Cream. Plus, the hotel is home to one of the most fun pools on property with Luna Park Pool, which features the 200-foot Keister Coaster Water Slide and is themed after a 1920s carnival.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

While the resort is fun for all ages, it’s an especially underrated choice for an adults-only vacation because of its location. Just steps away, you’ll find night life at Atlantic Dance Hall, the Abracadabar, as well as Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar open to guests 21 and up. With its prime location, nightlife, and theming, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is one Deluxe Resort you don’t want to sleep on when choosing your hotel.