In what should come as a surprise to no one I am in the midst of planning another Disney World trip for later this Winter. In the midst of planning I got to thinking about the best hotels for adults who maybe aren’t a Disney nerd like me. These hotels lean into “luxury and cocktails” rather than “cartoons and chaos.”
1. Gran Destino Tower (at Coronado Springs)
The “I Can’t Believe It’s Not a Deluxe” Choice This is my top pick for you. Since you’re interested in financial planning, you’ll appreciate the value proposition here: it is priced as a “Moderate” resort, but it feels like a high-end Vegas hotel.
- The Vibe: Sleek, Spanish-modern decor. No rustic timber in sight. It is the primary convention hotel, so you see more people in blazers than mouse ears.
- Why You’ll Love It: The rooms are crisp and modern. Plus, it has the Dahlia Lounge on the rooftop (16th floor), which offers incredible views and excellent gin tonics.
- The “Adult” Perk: It has a business-class feel that filters out a lot of the hyper-energy found at the other resorts.
2. Disney’s Riviera Resort
The “European Vacation” Choice If you want to feel like you are in the Mediterranean rather than Central Florida, this is the spot.
- The Vibe: It is arguably the most elegant and “modern” of the current Disney hotels. Think marble, metal accents, and art pieces that cost more than my car.
- Why You’ll Love It: It has the Skyliner (gondola system) that drops you directly at Epcot’s International Gateway. This means you are 10 minutes away from drinking around the World Showcase.
- The “Adult” Perk: Topolino’s Terrace on the roof. It’s a hard reservation to get, but the breakfast is fantastic, and the dinner is arguably top 5 on the property.
3. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The “Old Money” Choice Located right next to the Beach Club, but let’s be honest: the Beach Club (pictured) is chaotic. The Yacht Club is its stricter, well-dressed sibling.
- The Vibe: Nautical but polished. Dark woods (the expensive kind, not the log cabin kind), brass, and leather. It feels like a clubhouse for people who own boats they don’t drive themselves.
- Why You’ll Love It: You can walk to Epcot in 5 minutes.
- The “Adult” Perk: It has the best pool on the property (Stormalong Bay), but more importantly, it is generally much quieter in the lobby and hallways than the other Deluxe resorts.
4. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
The “Boutique” Choice This is the newest tower in the Swan & Dolphin complex.
- The Vibe: Extremely modern. Floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist furniture, and zero “Disney kitsch.”
- Why You’ll Love It: Since you are a state employee, it is worth checking if they are offering government/teacher rates (the Swan/Dolphin complex is famous for these discounts). It’s also walking distance to Epcot.
- The “Adult” Perk: It feels like a high-end Westin. You are close to the magic, but when you close your door, you are in a sanctuary of silence.
5. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The “Retro-Future” Choice This is the antithesis of the “log cabin.” It is made of concrete, glass, and steel, and a monorail runs directly through the lobby. It screams “modern,” even if it’s a mid-century version of it.
- The Vibe: Sleek and iconic. The rooms were recently renovated with an Incredibles theme, but don’t let that scare you—it translates to clean lines, platform beds, and a very sharp, minimalist aesthetic.
- Why You’ll Love It: Steakhouse 71. Since you have a mind for numbers and value, you will appreciate this restaurant on the ground floor. It serves one of the best steaks on the property for a fraction of the cost of the “signature” dining spots. It’s the smart money meal.
- The “Adult” Perk: California Grill on the 15th floor. You can book a late dinner (or just grab a drink at the lounge) and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the roof. You get the show without the crowds, the strollers, or the humidity.
I’m sure some of these choices, or probably more so the omissions are controversial to some. What do you think? What’s your favorite? What’s Missing?
