Hello there, Greg!
We're so glad to welcome you to planDisney today. I love your enthusiasm and am happy to help! Like you, I’m always eager to get vacation details finalized so my family can start counting down toward our next magical visit. 2025 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year, but I can’t help daydreaming ahead to what’s to come in 2026.
Theme park tickets and bookings for most 2025 Vacation Packages were released on February 27, 2024. This was a bit earlier than previous years, but I'm hopeful things follow a similar timeline for future releases. I recommend keeping an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog and the
official social channels for details on 2026 availability as soon as they are announced.
Speaking of announcements, when 2025 dates were released a fantastic
arrival day water park perk for resort guests was also announced. I can't wait to take advantage of this on my upcoming January visit and will be crossing my fingers that this resort guest benefit sticks around for future years.
Now, as for “the best” resort at Walt Disney World Resort, there are so many opinions, and you truly can’t go wrong. I always recommend Disney's Art of Animation Resort for guests with young kids and
gushed all about the Family Suites there for another guest. If you and looking for a space to accommodate your party of 4 plus a set of grandparents, this might be a good option. You'll also find Family Suites at Disney's All-Star Music Resort, but this hotel does not have Disney Skyliner access to the parks.
If you’d prefer a little extra space and maybe separate rooms, the resorts along Crescent Lake offer beautiful accommodations, abundant dining and entertainment options, and walking proximity to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. My family loves staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn but I’m also a big fan of Stormalong Bay- the incredible pool shared by Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts on the other side of the lake. A stay in this area allows for easy midday breaks in the room, beachfront movies under the stars, and even some nightlife just a short walk away.
Finally, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a fan-favorite, offering an iconic tropical-inspired stay with Monorail access to Magic Kingdom Park. The Lava Pool has a great waterslide and features views of Cinderella Castle while soaking up some sun and fun. I love grabbing a DOLE Whip from Pineapple Lanai and sitting along the sandy shores watching the watercraft float by. Along with fantastic family-style dining at ‘Ohana, a stay here places you just one Monorail stop away from Cítricos and Narcoossee's, two of my favorite restaurants located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
I hope this helped, Greg. I'd be happy to share more recommendations if you'd like to
write me directly with more details about your family's ages and interests. Wishing you a magical visit!
Magic and memories,
Amy