5. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Image: DisneyI never win over anyone when I evaluate the Grand Floridian. It is unmistakably the crown jewel of the current Walt Disney World resort empire. Since the inception of the DVC program, members clamored for the inclusion of this property. Once it finally happened, guests rushed to buy as if Disney were running a Black Friday sale.

While I respect the property for its reputation and lavish décor, especially the tasteful tiles used in the rooms, my favorite part of it is the restaurant situation. Places like 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Narcoossee’s, and Grand Floridian Café are all divine, while Victoria & Albert’s is one of the best restaurants in the country. To me, the rest of the resort’s appeal is a bit overstated. Blasphemous as the thought is to some, the Grand Floridian is my least favorite of the three monorail resorts. Then again, that still makes it one of the top five properties in the DVC lineup.

4. Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Image: DisneyNow the sledding gets tough. Each of the top four DVC resorts is borderline perfect. At Beach Club, you’ll discover two STRONG selling points. The first is nearly instant access to Epcot. The villas on one side of the hotel are only a few hundred steps away from the back entrance to the park, the International Gateway. When you take this path, you’ll end up close to the France Pavilion at the World Showcase. It’s truly magical.

The other selling point is somehow even stronger. Guests at Beach Club are the only ones who get to use Stormalong Bay. It’s the best pool at Walt Disney World and rivals Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon in terms of value. You don’t have to pay extra to utilize this mini-water park whereas both actual water parks have substantial admission fees. 

Image: DisneyThe only thing that dings Beach Club is its perplexing hotel structure. You’ll get lost the first time you try to find your way into or out of your hotel room. Once you get past that small aggravation, you’ll fall in love with the appropriately beachy atmosphere here. Oh, and the food is phenomenal, too. DVC fans keep Beaches & Cream booked year-round.

3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

Image: DisneyIn the course of my being the DVC writer here over the past few years, I’m come into contact with some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry. No fewer than three of them have described Animal Kingdom Villas as the best of all DVC properties. I clearly disagree…but only by a fractional amount.

The glory of a stay here is unmistakable. You live amongst the animals while you reside here. While the catchphrase of all DVC resorts is, “Welcome home!”, it’s not quite true at Animal Kingdom Villas. The animals are home. You’re merely visiting.

As you walk among their natural habitats, you’ll receive a rare up-close perspective of the life of an animal in captivity. And thanks to some brilliant Imagineering, you’ll get to see them frolic from your hotel room, presuming that you book the right view. Yes, said view costs more DVC points. It’s a Disney facility, after all, but it’s the happiest that you’ll ever be to spend more of your precious membership points.