Best DVC Resorts for Resort-only Stays

For many DVC Members, the resorts are the best part of a Disney vacation! Even if you are traveling to Disney World and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the theme parks, you don’t need to visit the theme parks to have a great time. The resorts themselves have so much to offer. In fact, a resort-only stay can be a wonderful way to have a more relaxing vacation.  Here are some top picks for a resort-only stay.  

Animal Kingdom Villas

Animal Kingdom Villas is easily one of the best resorts for a resort-only stay because it has so much to see and do. Of course the highlight is the stunning African wildlife that you can find on the resort’s savannas from the many public viewing areas or even from your own Savanna View room. If you want a closer look at the animals, you can use the night vision devices at the Pembe Savanna Overlook at Kidani Village, meet with an Animal Keeper by the Kidani Village resort lobby terrace or Jambo House Uzima Overlook, or register for the Starlight Safari at Kidani Village.

Uzima Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House

Between Jambo House and Kidani Village, there are also lots of crafts, such as painting classes at Jiko and African mosaic art at the library at Kidani Village, as well as crafts at the Kidani Village community hall and Simba’s Cubhouse at Jambo House.  

Having access to both Jambo House and Kidani Village is also advantageous when it comes to dining. With the two buildings, there are more restaurants to please both picky eaters (The Mara and Boma) and more adventurous ones (Jiko and Sanaa).  

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Some DVC Members find it cumbersome to get to the theme parks from the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, but they are a cozy place for a resort-only stay. The Cabins are such a unique DVC accommodation that it’s nice to take some time to enjoy the spacious cabin with its full kitchen, living room, and private patio.  

Cabin at Disney’s Fort Wilderness (Photo Credit: Paul and Amy Krieger)

If you love to spend time in the great outdoors, the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort have the most outdoor activities of any DVC resort! Besides the usual basketball courts, playgrounds, and bike rentals found at other resorts, Fort Wilderness has canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, and an archery experience. Fort Wilderness also offers horse-drawn carriage rides, wagon rides, pony rides, and horseback riding at Tri Circle D Ranch. For a scenic tour of Fort Wilderness, you can sign up for the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure, which is a 2-hour guided tour of the resort grounds on a Segway X2.  

While you’re at Fort Wilderness, be sure to check out the classics like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long at the Campground Theater!

Beach Club Villas

For some, pool time is the ultimate relaxation. If spending time at the pool is a priority for your family, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the Beach Club Villas. The Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay is considered the best resort pool on Disney World property. The 3-acre water park area includes a sand-bottomed pool, a 230-foot-long shipwreck-themed waterslide, 3 whirlpool spas, a lazy river, and a tanning deck.

Stormalong Bay

To elevate your pool time, you may want to consider renting a cabana. These cabanas can accommodate up to 6 guests and have lounge chairs, a table, television, a mini-fridge with complimentary water and soda, a fruit tray, towels, sunscreen, charging outlets, a safe, and cocktail service.

Aside from Stormalong Bay, there’s Bayside Marina, where you can rent a motorized boat to cruise along Crescent Lake. These boats accommodate up to 10 people. You can also go on a 2- or 4-hour guided fishing excursion.  

Even if you aren’t visiting the theme parks, you can still see characters at the Beach Club with Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe. At this breakfast buffet, you’ll find Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in their beachwear.  

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