Six of our beautiful Disney Vacation Club resorts have been recently recognized by readers in Travel + Leisure Co.’s 15 Best U.S. Resorts for Families in 2022. If you’ve never been to these six spots, here’s why these beautiful locales serve as the perfect backdrop for families to create magical memories to last a lifetime.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i
Aulani Resort, located in Ko Olina, Hawai’i, embraces the rich culture of Hawai’i with touches of Disney magic.
From snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef lagoon to unwinding at the award-winning Laniwai Spa to experiencing the breathtaking storytelling of KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au, there is a little slice of paradise for every member of your ‘ohana.
And a huge part of the resort experience are the Disney Vacation Club villas. Several villa types even feature full kitchens, washers and dryers, and whirlpool tubs!
And SPOILER ALERT for those new to Disney Vacation Club – all Disney Vacation Club resorts offer villa-types with these amenities. Talk about home away from home, am I right?
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort
Get ready to celebrate the Golden State at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Residing alongside Disney California Adventure park, some guest rooms feature spectacular views of the theme park. It also has its own private entrance to Disney California Adventure, making stays at this hotel a uniquely-themed experience. In the Craftsman-style lobby, you might even get the chance to enjoy live music! And don’t forget to take a dip in one of the hotel’s three pools and master the art of relaxation.
In addition to spacious rooms, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is home to a Disney Vacation Club member fan-favorite: Storytellers Café. In the morning, Mickey and his pals can help you start your day at this buffet breakfast (or brunch) adventure. Make reservations ahead of time, or join the mobile walk-up list from the Disneyland app (subject to availability).
This hotel is also the ultimate place for adults to treat themselves during their Disneyland vacation! Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the Tenaya Stone Spa or try some of the finest wines and cuisine in California at the award-winning Napa Rose.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in the Walt Disney World Resort
Home to over 200 animals and birds, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers sweeping savanna views and wildlife from a variety of spacious rooms – it’s like a safari but, all from the comfort of your villa!
Guests can scan a QR code on their mobile device to access a digital Wildlife Field Guide to help identify different species. You can also learn more about the resort’s vast wildlife through guided programs led by cultural representatives at one of the four savanna overlooks across Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge during your stay.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a charming New England-inspired retreat all near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Remember to pack your bathing suit and sunscreen! The resort also boasts a three-acre pool area called Stormalong Bay. Between its three pools, lazy river and 230-foot-long waterslide off a life-size shipwreck replica, this experience is nothing short of “splashtastic.” And if you need a break from the pool, bring your appetite. Disney’s Beach Club Resort is home to the legendary “Kitchen Sink” at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. This massive sundae consists of 8 scoops of ice cream smothered in every topping they have! See if you’re up for the challenge during your next stay.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Along the shores of South Carolina, discover a little Disney magic at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. With access to 12 miles of sandy beaches, bike trails, fishing excursions, and outdoor movie nights, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors!
If you’re a golf fan, then Hilton Head Island Resort is definitely on par with your interests! The resort is a short distance from Harbour Town, which hosts South Carolina’s premiere PGA Tour event every year. Guests can also tee off at nearby golf courses or arrange lessons. Make sure to talk to the front desk upon arrival to learn more about the courses or book a tee time.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida
Just two hours from Walt Disney World and nestled along the pristine coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is the perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.
Vero Beach is unique, in that it hosts one of Florida’s most active sea turtle nesting areas! The Disney Conservation team has recorded more than 20,000 sea turtle nests on our survey route since the program began, which has resulted in an astounding 1.5 million sea turtle hatchlings that have taken their first flipper strokes on our beaches.
During the summer, don’t miss your chance to learn more about these incredible animals and the beach ecosystem through the resort’s sea turtle nesting experiences.
On behalf of all our cast members, we are honored to be named among the best in family travel! We look forward to welcoming you back home real soon. To learn more about Disney Vacation Club, visit disneyvacationclub.com.
Did your favorite Disney Vacation Club resort make the list? Share with us in the comments below.
This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of vacation ownership interests.
References to certain accommodations, amenities, and activities may not be part of the ownership interest and may require an additional cost. Room views will vary. Full kitchen and washer/dryer are available in 1-Bedroom Villas and larger. Theme Park admission is not part of the ownership interest and is sold separately. HI Transient Accommodations ID#: W40189158-02.