Top 5 Disney World Hotels with the Largest Declining Reviews (2026)
Is your favorite Disney World hotel losing its magic? We’ve analyzed the data from 2023 to 2025, and the results are shocking. From "hospital-like" rooms to $1,200 nightly rates that don’t include basic service, here are the top 5 Disney resorts with the largest plunges in guest satisfaction.
I’ve been staying at Disney World hotels for decades, and if I’m being honest, the landscape has changed more in the last three years than in the previous twenty. Lately, I’m seeing more people than ever take to public forums like Google Reviews and TripAdvisor to share some pretty harsh feedback.
As prices for a Disney vacation continue to climb—with the average nightly rate for some official hotels hitting a staggering $1,300 in 2026—the margin for error has disappeared. Guests are no longer willing to "pay for the pixie dust" if the carpets are scuffed, the buses are late, and the rooms feel more like a sterile clinic than a deluxe retreat. In a recent article, I shared what $5,000 gets you in Orlando today.
I’ve crunched the numbers and identified the Top 5 Disney World Hotels that have seen the biggest plunges in review scores from 2023 to 2025. I’ll be real with you: one of my personal favorites is on this list, and it hurts to see it here.
Watch the full deep-dive video below, then read on for the data and the "why" behind these declines.
5. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: The Value Illusion
Review Score Drop: 8%
Starting our countdown at number five is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This is the perfect cautionary tale about price inflation in the "Value" category. While the theming here is some of the best on property—walking through the Cars wing feels like stepping into Radiator Springs—the price tag has started to outpace the actual experience.
The Price Disparity
The biggest issue here is the "Value Illusion." Standard rooms at Art of Animation (specifically the Little Mermaid section) are consistently priced $30 to $50 higher per night than functionally identical rooms at Pop Century.
When you pay that premium, you expect more. Instead, guests are met with:
The "Motel" Feel: Despite the immersive decor, you can’t escape the fundamental motel structure with exterior-entry doors.
Paper-Thin Walls: This is a hallmark of Value Resort construction. One reviewer on TripAdvisor put it perfectly: "I now know the bedtime story of the child next door".
The Logistics Gap: If you’re in the Little Mermaid wing, you are a long walk away from the main building and the Skyliner station. Paying more for a room that is less convenient is a hard pill for guests to swallow.
The Silver Lining: Disney began a major room refresh in early 2025 to address complaints about "worn" furniture in the Cars and Lion King suites. We may see these scores bounce back, but for now, it remains in the bottom tier of Disney’s portfolio.
4. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: The Struggle Bus
Review Score Drop: 12%
This one is tough for me because I love this hotel. The grounds are stunning, and the atmosphere is classic Disney World. However, Port Orleans Riverside has seen a 12% decline in satisfaction scores because, quite frankly, time has passed it by.
A Relic of an Earlier Era
While other Moderate resorts have been overhauled or gained massive transportation perks like the Skyliner, Riverside has remained largely the same. The specific metric fueling this decline is transportation wait times.
Internal Bus Nightmare: The property is sprawling. There are six bus stops just to get around the resort before you even head to a park. Guests are reporting an extra 15 to 20 minutes added to their commute just to exit the resort grounds.
Aging Aesthetics: Even the themed Royal Rooms, once a major draw, are now being criticized for feeling "dated and busy".
As one reviewer on WDW Magic remarked, "I think I earned a fitness badge just walking to my room". When the price for these rooms starts creeping toward Deluxe territory, guests expect more than just a "pretty walk."
3. Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The Location Premium Isn't Enough
Review Score Drop: 15%
For a flagship "Monorail Loop" hotel to see a 15% drop in satisfaction is a humiliation. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is coasting on its location and its history, but modern travelers paying $700 to $900 a night are starting to revolt.
The "Hospital" Aesthetic
The biggest source of negative reviews? The Incredibles-themed room refurbishment. While meant to be "Mid-Century Modern," many guests describe the vibe as sterile and cheap.
Clinical Vibes: One Google Review captured the sentiment perfectly: "We paid for a view of Cinderella Castle and got a room that looked like a hospital on the Starship Enterprise".
Lack of Atmosphere: Unlike the rich, immersive theming at Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary feels corporate. The pool area, in particular, is frequently cited for having "zero atmosphere" for a Deluxe resort.
I personally love the Tower rooms for the Magic Kingdom view, but the data doesn't lie: location is no longer enough to mask a lack of luxury.
2. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: The Sprawling Headache
Review Score Drop: 18%
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is perhaps the most polarizing resort on property right now. While it has the massive benefit of the Skyliner, its sheer size has become its downfall.
The Skyliner Catch-22
The resort's decline is best reflected in transportation efficiency. Because the Skyliner station was placed at the edge of the resort, it is impossible to have a room that is "conveniently located" for everything.
The Trade-off: If you’re near the pool and dining (Old Port Royale), you’re a 15-minute hike from the Skyliner. If you’re near the Skyliner, you’re in a "food desert".
Noisy AC Units: Unlike Coronado Springs, which has central air, Caribbean Beach still uses wall units that reviewers say sound like "a truck idling in our room".
One TripAdvisor user summed up the frustration perfectly: "The distance to do something as simple as fill up your refillable mug is too far".
1. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: The Premium Disconnect
Review Score Drop: 22%
Taking the top spot with the absolute largest decline is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This is a systematic failure of the "Premium Experience". When you are paying upwards of $1,200 per night, you expect flawless service. Currently, the Polynesian is failing to deliver.
The Density Problem
The primary driver of this 22% plunge is the crowding caused by the new DVC Island Tower. While the tower is now complete, the increased density has overwhelmed the resort’s infrastructure:
Service Failures: Reviews are flooded with mentions of Bell Service delays and long lines at the monorail station.
The "Magnum P.I." Effect: While the Moana rooms are pretty, the rest of the resort is starting to show its age. My favorite review comment of the year: "It’s a Magnum P.I. themed hotel straight out of the 1980s".
Guests are feeling the "Premium Disconnect." They are paying for paradise, but they are receiving a crowded, noisy, and overpriced experience that currently ranks lower in satisfaction than some Moderate resorts.
Why is this happening now?
The common thread through all five of these resorts is Price vs. Value. In 2025, the "Disney Premium" is higher than it has ever been, but the perks that used to justify those prices—like the Magical Express and complimentary MagicBands—are gone.
Furthermore, third-party hotels (like the Bonnet Creek resorts or the Drury Plaza) are now offering comparable amenities and better transportation at a fraction of the cost.
My Advice for Your 2026 Stay
If you are planning a trip in the coming year, don't just book based on nostalgia. Look for the resorts that are currently undergoing—or have just finished—significant improvements:
Disney’s Pop Century: Currently the best value on property with refreshed public areas and reliable Skyliner access.
Coronado Springs (Gran Destino Tower): If you want a Deluxe feel at a Moderate price, this is the gold standard right now. It has central air, incredible dining, and a modern aesthetic that blows the Contemporary out of the water.
Port Orleans French Quarter: While Riverside is struggling, its sister resort (French Quarter) is much more manageable and just finished its own room refurbishments in mid-2025.
What do you think? Have you stayed at any of these "declining" resorts recently? Was your experience as bad as the reviews suggest, or do you think people are just being too hard on Disney? Let me know in the comments below!
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Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Art of Animation is a visual masterpiece, but is it a good deal for your family? From the largest pool at Disney World to the "long walk" from the Mermaid wing, we’re breaking down the 2026 pricing, room hacks, and why this "Value" resort might actually be a splurge.
Choosing where to stay at Walt Disney World is often more stressful than planning the actual park days. You’re balancing budget, transportation, room size, and that elusive "Disney Magic." Today, we are deep-diving into one of the most popular—and polarizing—hotels on property: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Art of Animation is widely considered the "flagship" of the Value tier. It’s the resort you see in all the travel vlogs with the massive Cars characters and the underwater-themed pool. But is it actually worth the premium price tag it commands? As the Orlando Parks Guy, I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth. We’re going to look at why this resort might be your dream come true, or why it might be a massive drain on your vacation fund that could be better spent elsewhere.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort - lobby and check-in desk
1. Who’s It For?
This resort is tailor-made for families with young children (toddlers through elementary age) who want to be fully immersed in the Disney "bubble." It’s also a primary choice for larger families of 5 or 6 who want the convenience of staying on-property without booking two separate rooms.
Resort Category: Value Resort (strictly speaking), though the pricing for Family Suites often bridges the gap into Moderate and even Deluxe territory.
Theming: Immersive and "Disney IP Heavy." This isn't a subtle resort. From the moment you pull up to the lobby, you are surrounded by sketch-art animation. The four wings—The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars—are essentially walk-through movie sets.
The Expert Review
If you ask a child to draw a "Disney Hotel," they would draw Art of Animation. It is loud, vibrant, and impossible to mistake for anything else. For many parents, seeing their kid’s face when they walk into the Radiator Springs section (the Cars wing) is worth every penny. You are surrounded by life-sized characters, and the level of detail in the landscaping is, frankly, the best of any Value resort.
However, I have a "tough love" take on Art of Animation. While it’s categorized as a Value resort, the price tag often suggests otherwise. The standard rooms in The Little Mermaid section are frequently $50–$100 more per night than the rooms at Pop Century next door, despite being almost identical in layout and utility. Furthermore, the Family Suites are incredibly expensive for what they are. You are paying for the theme and the brand, but you aren't necessarily getting "luxury" accommodations. It’s a great resort for the experience, but from a purely financial standpoint, the "value" in this Value resort is often hard to find.
2. Location & Transportation (The #1 Concern)
In the world of Disney real estate, location is everything. Art of Animation sits in the Wide World of Sports resort area, nestled along the shores of Hourglass Lake.
Proximity: You are centrally located, but you are physically closest to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. If you enjoy being in the heart of the action without the Magic Kingdom price tag, this is a solid middle ground.
Transit Options: * The Disney Skyliner: This is the biggest selling point of the resort. Shared with Pop Century, the Skyliner station is located on the bridge between the two resorts. It whisks you away to the Caribbean Beach hub, where you can transfer to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. It is fast, fun, and usually has a shorter wait than the buses.
Buses: For Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs, you’ll rely on the Disney Bus Service. There is one single bus stop located right outside the main lobby (Animation Hall).
The "Travel Time" Reality:
Hollywood Studios: ~12–15 minutes via Skyliner.
EPCOT: ~20 minutes via Skyliner (including the transfer).
Magic Kingdom: The bus ride itself is about 20 minutes, but with the "Value Resort" crowds, you should budget 45 to 60 minutes from your room to the park gate.
Animal Kingdom: A relatively quick 15-minute bus ride once you are actually on the bus.
Note on Fireworks: While you aren't in a "fireworks resort" like the Contemporary, you can catch the high-altitude bursts of EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular from the lakefront near the Finding Nemo or The Lion King buildings.
3. Room Types & Layouts
This resort is a "tale of two hotels." One half consists of traditional standard rooms, and the other half consists of interior-entry Family Suites.
Standard Rooms (The Little Mermaid Wing)
Bed Configurations: Two Queen beds or one King bed.
Occupancy: Sleeps up to 4 guests.
Square Footage: 277 sq. ft. These rooms are exterior-entry (motel style). While they were recently updated, they feel significantly smaller than rooms at Moderate resorts. If you have a stroller or a lot of luggage, things will feel tight very quickly.
Family Suites (Cars, Lion King, Nemo)
Bed Configurations: One Queen bed in a separate master bedroom, one Double-sized convertible "Inovabed" (a dining table that pulls down into a bed), and one Double-sized sleeper sofa.
Occupancy: Sleeps up to 6 guests.
Square Footage: 565 sq. ft.
The "Suite" Life: The standout feature here is the two full bathrooms. For a family of six, having two showers and two toilets is the difference between a smooth morning and a chaotic one. These rooms also feature a kitchenette with a microwave, small sink, and coffee maker.
View Options
Standard View: Usually looks out at the parking lot or the back of buildings.
Pool/Water View: Faces the themed courtyards or Hourglass Lake.
Is it worth the upgrade? Honestly, no. At Art of Animation, you’ll likely spend your time in the courtyard or at the pool. Unless you plan on staring out your window for hours, save the $20–$30 a night and stick with a Standard view.
4. Dining Options
If you are looking for a fine-dining experience with a wine list, you are in the wrong place. Art of Animation is designed for efficiency and kid-friendly palates.
Quick Service: Landscape of Flavors is the primary food court. It is widely considered one of the best food courts at Disney. Why? Because they go beyond just nuggets and burgers. You can find "World Flavors" like Tandoori chicken, customized pasta stations, and high-quality salads.
Table Service: None. There is no sit-down or character dining at this resort.
The Drop Off Pool Bar: Located by the Big Blue Pool, this is where you can get your poolside cocktails, frozen drinks, and a limited selection of snacks.
Pro-Tip: If the line at Landscape of Flavors is out the door (which happens every morning between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM), walk across the bridge to Everything POP at Pop Century. They have different specialty items, like their famous Tie-Dye Cheesecake, and sometimes the crowds are slightly more manageable.
5. The Pool & Recreation
For many families, the "Resort Day" is just as important as the park days, and Art of Animation shines here.
The Feature Pool: The Big Blue Pool (Finding Nemo) is the largest hotel pool in all of Walt Disney World. It is a zero-entry pool, making it perfect for toddlers. It used to feature underwater speakers (though their functionality varies by season/maintenance). There is no slide here, which is a drawback for older kids.
The Splash Pad: The Schoolyard Spray Ground is right next to the Big Blue Pool and is a massive hit for the under-5 crowd.
Quiet Pools: If you want to escape the 500 screaming children at the Big Blue Pool, head to the Cozy Cone Pool (Cars) or the Flippin’ Fins Pool (Little Mermaid). The Cozy Cone pool is particularly cool because the cabanas are shaped like orange traffic cones and are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Unique Amenities: Like all Disney resorts, you’ll have nightly Movies Under the Stars and a campfire with marshmallow roasting. There is also a jogging trail around Hourglass Lake which is about 1.3 miles—perfect for a morning run before the heat kicks in.
6. My Insider Tips
Here is where we get into the "insider" knowledge. I've spent a lot of time in these halls, and here is what I tell my friends:
The Room Hack: If you are booking a Family Suite, request the Cars section. Building 1 or 3 is the sweet spot. It feels the most immersive (you truly feel like you are in Radiator Springs), and the walk to the lobby/bus/Skyliner is significantly shorter than the walk from the Lion King or Little Mermaid wings.
The "Why Skip It": I cannot stress this enough: The Little Mermaid rooms are a hike. They are located at the furthest possible point from the lobby and transportation. After a 12-hour day at the Magic Kingdom, that 10-minute walk from the bus stop to your Mermaid room feels like a marathon. If you don't have your heart set on Ariel, stay at Pop Century for less money and a better location.
The "Suites" Secret: If you have a family of 6, the price for a suite here can easily hit $600–$800 per night during peak season. For that same price, you can often find a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom luxury condo at a place like Windsor Hills or Bonnet Creek. You lose the Skyliner, but you gain a full kitchen, a private balcony, and triple the square footage. If you are on a budget, "Value" suites at Disney are actually a luxury expense.
Best Value Secret: The best way to "do" Art of Animation is to stay at Pop Century and just walk over to Art of Animation to take photos and eat at the food court. You get the Skyliner access and the photos for $70 less per night.
7. Pricing Expectation
As with all things Disney, prices fluctuate based on the "season" (which Disney defines by how many people are out of school).
Standard Rooms: ($200 – $380 per night)
Family Suites: ($480 – $900+ per night)
Quick Stats
| Feature | Art of Animation Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Value Resort |
| Primary Transport | Disney Skyliner (EPCOT/Studios) |
| Max Occupancy | 6 Guests (Suites) / 4 Guests (Standard) |
| Number of Pools | 3 (Largest on property) |
| Dining Style | Quick Service Food Court Only |
| Best Building | Cars Section (Buildings 1, 2, or 3) |
Disney Cars section at Art of Animation Resort
What makes it great
Most spacious value rooms on Disney World property.
On the Disney Skyliner Transportation System.
Heavily themed to Disney movies and characters
The flagship Value category hotel at Walt Disney World
Family suites have interior hallway access to rooms
Rooms
There are 2 categories of rooms here: standard rooms and family suites. Family Suites come in 3 themes: Lion King, Disney Cars, and Finding Nemo. Standard rooms are themed to the Disney classic, The Little Mermaid. The majority of rooms at this hotel are family suites.
Room Categories
Little Mermaid Standard Rooms - about 270 square feet and come with 2 queen beds or 1 king bed. Rooms have views of the courtyard, pool or parking area. There’s no way to reserve a king bed room specifically but I can enter a request for one. Sleep 4 adults + 1 child up to age 3 in a crib.
Family Suites - about 560 square feet with views of the courtyard, pool, or parking area. Finding Nemo-themed family suites cost more than other suites because they are closest to the feature pool, lobby, and dining. You have the option of booking an unassigned family suite where Disney will choose a room for you, based on availability. You’ll save money by going with this option, however, odds are you will get a room in Lion King. Each section of Art of Animation has its own pool, plus there’s a main pool for the entire resort. However, Lion King does not have a pool, it has a playground instead. You can, of course, use any pool at the resort no matter which section you’re staying in. Family suites sleep up to 6 guests. Family suites at Art of Animation Resort have 1 Queen Bed 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Double-Size Table Bed.
Suggested Similar Resorts
If Art of Animation isn't sounding like the perfect fit for your family or your wallet, check out these three alternatives:
Disney’s Pop Century Resort: Directly across the lake. It has the same Skyliner access and refurbished rooms, but it is consistently cheaper. The theming is "nostalgia" rather than "characters," but it’s the best bang for your buck on property.
Disney’s All-Star Movies: If you want the giant 30-foot tall Buzz Lightyear and 101 Dalmatians statues but you don't want to pay Art of Animation prices. You lose the Skyliner (it’s bus-only), but you’ll save enough for a few extra character meals.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: If you are looking at the price of a Family Suite at Art of Animation, look here instead. It’s a Moderate resort with a much better pool (with a slide!), a sit-down restaurant, and it’s the main hub for the Skyliner.
The Cars section has its own pool complete with traffic cone cabanas.
The Big Blue pool, the main pool at Art of Animation, is the largest pool at Walt Disney World.
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Why Summer 2026 Might Be the Best Time Ever to Visit Walt Disney World (And How to Save Big)
Looking for the best Disney World 2026 deals? From summer room discounts to Florida resident rates and kids’ free dining, here’s everything you need to plan your magical vacation.
Every year, right after the holidays, Disney World quietly rolls out a new wave of discounts. And every year, I get that same thrill of opening up my laptop, diving into the offers, and immediately starting to mentally plan a summer vacation to Orlando. But this year feels different. For Summer 2026, Disney has released four major offers that, when used correctly, can lead to some of the biggest savings I’ve seen in years.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
If you’ve been dreaming about a Disney World vacation in 2026, wondering whether you should stay at a Disney Resort hotel, debating whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it, or just trying to bring down the cost of theme park tickets, these offers are absolutely worth a look.
To see more about Disney’s full lineup of hotels, check out my Disney Hotel reviews pages.
Here are the four big offers Disney World is promoting:
| Offer Name | What the Offer Is | Who It’s Best For | Valid Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy 4 Nights, Get 2 Nights & 2 Park Days Free | Book six nights at a Disney resort and pay for only four, plus get two free park days. | Families planning a full-week Walt Disney World 2026 vacation. | May 26 – Sept 15, 2026 |
| Up to 30% Off Summer Room Discount | Save up to 30% off regular Disney resort hotel rates. | Guests who already have tickets or want room-only discounts. | May 1 – Oct 4, 2026 |
| Florida Resident & Annual Passholder Discounts | Special discounted resort room rates for eligible Florida residents and Annual Passholders. | Locals, short trips, and Disney staycations. | May 1 – Jul 29, 2026 |
Disney World hotel reviews in 2026 show clear trends in what guests love most. Here’s what’s driving rave feedback — and why it matters before you book.