What to expect: Understated opulence starts with bell-service attendants in pastels, white shoes, and knickers. The beautiful lobby reaches five stories to a Victorian ceiling adorned with three illuminated stained-glass domes, ornate chandeliers, and metal scrolls. Disney's Grand Floridian rooms are in the main building and in four- and five-story white-frame buildings around the swimming pool.

Amenity highlights: The monorail is a luxury for travel to Epcot® and the Magic Kingdom® Park. The resort’s spa is adjacent and includes a fitness center. Two of Disney’s finest restaurants—Citricos and Victoria & Albert’s—are adjacent on the hotel’s second floor. A pristine beach stretches along the waterfront with old-fashioned beach umbrellas decorating the white sand.

Insider tip: To get up close and personal with Disney characters, join Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare buffet restaurant, where she appears along with other storybook characters every night. Breakfast is with Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter. All characters make their rounds in the dining room, happy to pose for pictures.

What to expect: This unique Lake Buena Vista resort is reminiscent of a wildlife-reserve lodge on the African savannah. Arriving guests are greeted in a three-story lobby with a crackling fireplace, hand-carved wood furniture, and authentic African artifacts. As the sun sets, two outdoor patios flanking the lobby provide close-up views of exotic animals, including giraffes, ostriches, impalas, and zebras.

Amenity highlights: Simba's Clubhouse provides supervised children's activities for ages 4-12 (surcharge), while the resort also has a children's pool, playground, and game arcade. The Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center has exercise equipment, a sauna and steam room, and offers additional spa services (surcharge). The resort also offers a zero-entry outdoor pool, which has a 67-foot-long slide and two spa tubs. Two restaurants provide African-inspired multi-cultural cuisine.

Insider tip: Public viewing areas in the early morning and just before sunsets allow guests to watch the animals of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge gathering to graze on the savannah. Guest services provides advice on the best times for wildlife viewing.