March 07, 2024

8 DVC Resorts We Love – Ranked!

Disney is a world of dreams and magic. It’s the place to escape and to find yourself, but most importantly, to relax. Vacationers have been taking advantage of the DVC program to make their Disney getaways easier and more convenient.

The question becomes how to choose which ones are the best. When it comes to the best DVC resorts, we’re spoiled for choice. It can be hard to find the right one for our needs, as everyone has their favorites and preferences.

With this guide, we’ll rank and explore the top 8 DVC resorts. From which ones are worth renting, to which one you want as your home base, and everything in between, read on.

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8. Old Key West

As one of the oldest resorts going back to 1991, Old Key West is a tried and tested favorite for many vacationers. It’s located one relaxing water taxi away from Disney Springs with ample bus access.

It has the largest rooms on Disney World property for an affordable price. It might be the best value for your points out of any Disney World Resort. Olivia’s cafe offers great food while the gurgling suitcase lounge is relaxing.

For those seeking great bang for their buck (or point), then Old Key West is the place to go. The price point also makes it a hot commodity on the DVC resale market.

7. Bay Lake Tower

Bay Lake Tower is a wonderful option that lets you somewhat cheat the system. It’s connected to the Contemporary Resort by a sky bridge. This gives you access to the amenities and restaurants of both.

This flexibility lets you pick a cheaper room, but there’s an added benefit to Bay Lake Tower. It’s walking distance to Magic Kingdom, with a fast walker able to get there in 5 minutes.

Calfornia Grill and the Wave both have top-notch food and great lounges. Chef Mickey’s is also popular, but the star might be the Top of the World Lounge.

This lounge is one of the best places to see the world-famous fireworks display. This alone puts Bay Lake Tower (and, by extension, its brother) on the list of the best DVC resorts.

6. Beach Club Villas

The Beach Club is clean, elegant, and classy with nautical inspirations. It provides access to delicious dining options, including. They include Yachtsmen steakhouse, Cape May Cafe, and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.

You can also kick back and relax at Martha’s Vineyard Lounge or admire the beach or water of Crescent lake. Its feature pool also has a lazy river, sandy areas, and a long slide. You can walk right into the international gateway at Epcot, and the skyliner is nearby too.

5. Copper Creek Villas

Copper Creek is next to Boulder Ridge, allowing it to share the same dining options and amenities. These include artist point, whispering canyon cafe, and geyser point bar and grill. There are also places to relax, like the Roaring Fork Lounge.

Great pools, a marina, and a wonderful boat ride to Magic Kingdom are all at your disposal. The key draw, when compared to its neighbor, is it’s more updated and stylish. Why go with Boulder if you can check it out from next door?

One drawback is that the studios are smaller, but the Copper Creek cabins make up for this. They sit along the waters of Bay Lake, offering stunning views. These cabins have private hot tubs and screened porches but can cost a pretty penny in points.

That said, the experience is relaxing and worth trying at least once. For this reason, it’s a strong contender for the best DVC resort to rent out to other vacationers.

4. Riviera Resort

Riviera Resort is mesmerizing, transporting you to the actual French and Italian riviera. Its new and gorgeously designed interiors are a big draw, giving vacationers a taste of luxury. Fantastic dining options like Topolinos Terrace and Primo Piato provide great food.

There are several lounges and scenic spots to appreciate the Magic Kingdom fireworks from. You can use the Skyliner to get around, including to Hollywood Studios or Epcot. The main drawback is a stay here is expensive.

3. Boardwalk Villas

The boardwalk is a classic, with the actual boardwalk a standout attraction. The atmosphere of its lights, restaurants, and lounges is a sight to behold. The flying fish cafe, Trattoria al Forno, and Big River Grill sit next to Belle Vue lounge and Jellyrolls.

It offers easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as an assortment of pools. The real reason to stay here is to soak in the boardwalk vibe and take advantage of its cheap point coast.

2. Animal Kingdom Villas

Animal Kingdom is a smash hit for family vacations. It might even be the best DVC resort for families. It’s divided into Jambo House and Kidani Village, with plenty of space to explore in between.

The African wildlife and savannah theme are the main attractions, including beautiful art. There are even over 30 species of animals to check out. Animal experts and cultural specialists from Africa make it educational as well.

For food you have Sanaa at Kidani, and Jiko, Boma, and the Mara at Jambo. By far, Animal Kingdom has some of the best dining locations at Disney World. You may need to take the bus to get to other major attractions, but it’s still incredible value for your points.

1. Polynesian Villas

The absolute best DVC resort has to go to Polynesian Villas. Its rich cultural design is complete with amazing food and entertainment like Ohana and Spirit of Aloha.

Tamu lounge and Trader Sam’s are great hangout spots, with pool bars available too. Their lava pool is an incredible place to see Cinderella Castle as the fireworks go off over it. When it comes to the rooms, you have your choice of the largest studios of all Disney World Resorts (at 447sqft.) or their Polynesian Bungalows.

The Bungalows sit over the water and are a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth having. The studios are cheaper but still as close to all the amenities we’ve mentioned. The monorail takes you right to Magic Kingdom or Epcot, and you can even take a beautiful water taxi if you prefer.