4 min readIf you’ve ever heard someone mention “the happiest place on Earth,” they’re likely talking about Disneyland—the destination that inspired the phrase. But even if you’re not a regular theme park goer, there’s still lots to appreciate about Disney’s myriad properties. Turns out, the House of Mouse has a stunning portfolio of hotels that will make any design lover stop in their tracks.
Below, we’re highlighting Disney’s must-see hotels and resorts across the country, from Florida to Hawaii. You won’t necessarily find Mickey Mouse in the lobby or a Dole Whip dispenser on-site, but you will discover thoughtful, well-executed design around every corner. In fact, these spaces are so compelling, you might just be tempted to rethink your next vacation—and book a stay at one of these Disney resorts instead.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Don’t be fooled by the Pacific Northwest–inspired surroundings! This massive resort is actually located just outside of Orlando, Florida. But every detail is designed to channel Washington State’s laid-back, nature-first spirit. Think adventure-driven, but more refined—and on a much grander scale.
Despite the lush, forested backdrop, the resort is surprisingly limited in size, with just 184 accommodations: 26 waterfront Cascade Cabins and 158 Disney Vacation Club units (essentially Disney-owned timeshares that are also available to book).
Once you arrive, there’s little reason to leave unless you want to. The property offers plenty to explore, from two pools designed to resemble natural ponds to five on-site restaurants, making it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
While some Disney resorts are located in one place but inspired by another, the Hilton Head, South Carolina, property is firmly rooted in its surroundings. Designed with its Lowcountry setting in mind, it doesn’t immediately read as “Disney”—largely because it isn’t tied to a nearby theme park like many of the brand’s other destinations.
Instead, the resort leans into an authentic coastal-camp aesthetic, complete with wide porches, sweeping marsh views, and a relaxed, distinctly Southern feel. It’s one of Disney’s standalone Disney Vacation Club properties, meaning guests can book with Disney Vacation Club points—or simply reserve a stay like any other traveler, as it’s also open to the public.
Disney's Vero Beach Resort
When you think of the opulence that put South Florida on the map decades ago, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort easily comes to mind. Though it opened in 1995, its design channels 1950s-era Floridian architecture, with the charm of a grand seaside inn.
Set just back from the shoreline, the resort offers oceanfront rooms alongside a distinctly polished, coastal aesthetic. Details like the green gabled roof, gingerbread trim, and sandy exterior—which glows warm orange at sunset—add to its understated yet unmistakable sense of luxury.
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
In our entirely unofficial design research, we’ve noticed people tend to fall into one of two camps when it comes to beloved styles: Art Deco or Arts and Crafts. The former leans glamorous and refined, while the latter feels more grounded and rugged in its appeal.
Disney’s Grand Californian clearly embraces the Arts and Crafts tradition—and does so beautifully. You won’t find sleek metallic finishes or bold geometric patterns here. Instead, the design is defined by heavy timber beams, rich stained glass, and wide overhanging eaves, all of which echo the authenticity and craftsmanship of the late 19th century.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
If you’ve ever spent time in cities across Colorado, Utah, or even parts of rural California, you’re likely familiar with 1890s railroad-era architecture—and that same spirit is fully realized here, even in Florida. Located on the same property as Copper Creek, this resort offers a completely different look and feel.
Aesthetically, it leans older and cozier than Copper Creek, which has a slightly more modern edge. What stands out most—beyond the sense that you’ve stepped back into a bygone era—is the accommodations. Rather than traditional guest rooms, the resort features villas, ranging from studios to spacious three-bedroom layouts.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani, in Kapolei, Hawaii, isn’t the gimmicky beach resort you might expect from one of the island’s many large-scale properties. In fact, Disney worked closely with local artisans to design a resort that feels deeply connected to its surroundings, with architecture and details that reflect the landscape and cultural traditions of Hawaii.
As our editor Janae McKenzie says of the resort: “Aulani’s design is deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian traditions, where harmony comes from the relationship between parts and the whole. You can see it everywhere, starting with the resort’s architecture. The sweeping, arched roofline echoes the shape of traditional canoes and paddles, a motif that reappears throughout the property.”
That said, this resort is one of the most enormous properties on this list. In addition to more than 350 standard guest rooms, the property includes 481 Disney Vacation Club villas, three swimming pools, and 10 distinct dining options—making it feel more like a self-contained destination than a typical beachfront hotel.
