5. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Image: DisneyI'm not taking the easy way out here by listing all of the Value Tier hotel properties. You'll find only one on this list. No, I'm not saying that the unlisted resorts are better than the ones mentioned here. To the contrary, I've spent plenty of time at almost every resort and would prefer them to Value Tier hotels, all things being equal. Things aren't equal, though. The cost of the hotel is a factor in identifying the best and worst.

I've never seen Saratoga Springs as good value. It's sadly lacking in quality dining options. The primary amenities onsite, golfing and spa days, don't appeal to me. And its access to Disney Springs, while welcome, is only marginally better than Disney's Old Key West Resort or either Port Orleans property.

In short, the selling points of Saratoga Springs don't fit my needs as a traveler. While I love Disney Springs as much as the next person (and probably much, much more), the short walk from the hotel isn't a huge amenity to me. The negatives, on the other hand, matter a great deal. Saratoga Springs is an extended bus ride away from any of Disney's theme parks. Its closest neighbor is Typhoon Lagoon, which only helps me a couple of days per trip.

I understand that Saratoga Springs is a lifestyle choice for many. It’s laid back and calm, seemingly isolated from the rest of the Disney campus. To lots of travelers, that’s a huge positive. It just doesn’t work for my family. To us, the strongest selling point and only reason we’d stay at Saratoga Springs is the Treehouse Villas.

4. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Image: DisneyThis selection is again based on lifestyle. I’m not really an RV person. I don’t even have a hitch attached to my SUV. And I grew up next to a farm, negating the appeal of such rustic settings. When I’ve looked at the videos of The Cabins at Fort Wilderness, I’ve liked them well enough. They just wouldn’t hold any interest for me personally.

On occasion, I recommend this property to friends who DO spend time on RV adventures. So, I'm not opposed to them. I just don't see the point of trying to mix a Disney trip with a dude ranch vacation. It's a distinct either/or for me rather than two philosophies to pair. In conversations that I’ve had with others, this seems like a consensus opinion. A night’s stay at Fort Wilderness is undeniably niche, but park officials know that this niche is large enough to justify the existence of the resort.