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6. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Image: DisneyMajestic is the only word that can truly describe this resort. Immaculate in scope and lovingly crafted, the lobby of this resort was at one point the greatest in Disney history. Even when it was surpassed by a different resort also on this list, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge still staked a claim as the original of its kind.

Designed as a tribute to the great national parks lodges, it’s an eight-story tall log cabin interior. A pair of 55-foot tall totem poles signifies the strong Native American presence in the great Northwest. And Disney imported countless indigenous trees from the region for both the interior and grounds of the resort. You feel like you’re walking through nature as you traverse the property, and you’ll never feel smaller or more in awe of nature than when you gaze up in the lobby.

5. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Image: DisneyYou couldn’t possibly know what it was like to live in 19th century New Orleans. For that matter, some of you may not have been around for 20th century New Orleans. Thankfully, you still have a chance to see what the big deal was. Disney kindly gives you the ability to walk the streets of the Big Easy as if you had a time machine.

This Moderate tiered resort is small by Disney standards, which makes the theming stand out that much more. At Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, you’ll see all the decorations one would expect when hanging out in the Old Square around Mardi Gras. It aptly encapsulates seemingly opposite cultures that comprised the backbone of New Orleans culture 200 years ago.

The French are a snooty bunch with an odd sense of humor (see: Jerry Lewis), while southerners (like me) are a stubborn bunch known for our ill temper and lack of style. New Orleans is the odd child of that shotgun marriage, but it sure is fun. The resort mimics the French Quarter, the thriving part of the city, and it also added a secondary theming in recent years. It updated to include characters from The Princess and the Frog, a movie set in – you guessed it – New Orleans. It’s that extra bit of charm that enhances the theming even more.

4. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Image: DisneyDeciding where to rank the Grand Floridian was the most difficult aspect of building this list. On the one hand, it’s the most elegant of Disney’s Walt Disney World properties, the place where the elite stay. It’s elegant and classical thanks to its Victorian seaside resort theme.

With regards to theming, I struggle to define it, though. Sure, I know the elements well. From the cast member costumes to the sublime lobby to the gorgeous beachfront grounds, the Grand Floridian is absolutely wonderful. I fully understand why the one percenters love staying here. It’s also one of my favorite places to visit and (especially) to eat. I just couldn’t rank it in the top three because the theming of the resorts listed ahead of it is so much easier to encapsulate.

 
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