Remote Disney Resort Beats Major Hotels in the U.S.A.
Disney just proved you don’t need a theme park to create the ultimate family vacation. Aulani, Disney’s resort in Hawaii, topped U.S. News & World Report’s list of best family hotels in America for 2026, and it doesn’t have a roller coaster, parade, or firework show anywhere near it.
The win is pretty remarkable when you think about it. Aulani beat over 31,000 hotels across the country, including four Disney resorts that actually sit next to theme parks at Walt Disney World. So what’s the secret?
Hawaii Does the Heavy Lifting
Aulani sits in Ko Olina on Oahu’s west coast, and instead of building attractions, Disney let the island speak for itself. The 4-star resort features a massive pool area called Waikolohe Valley with an 8,200-square-foot zero-entry pool, water slides like the Volcanic Vertical tunnel slide, and splash zones for kids of all ages.
The real standout? Rainbow Reef, the only private snorkeling lagoon on Oahu. Families can explore marine life without dealing with crowded public beaches or worrying about strong currents.
Disney still adds its signature touches. Character breakfasts happen at Makahiki restaurant, kids can hang out at Aunty’s Beach House, and families can do a high-tech scavenger hunt along the Menehune Adventure Trail. The Ka Wa’a luau showcases authentic Hawaiian culture with traditional arts demonstrations, island food, and performances about Hawaiian wayfinding and the legend of Maui.
But here’s what Aulani doesn’t have: early morning wake-up calls for rope drop, Lightning Lane stress, or the pressure to cram in as many attractions as possible before closing time. It’s just families enjoying Hawaii with Disney-level service.
Other Disney Resorts with Theme Parks Still Performed Well
Four Walt Disney World resorts made the top 20 list, showing that proximity to theme parks still matters to plenty of families. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge ranked #11, offering everything from standard rooms to three-bedroom villas that sleep 12. The resort has two pools and Story Book Dining with Snow White at Artist Point.
Right behind at #12 is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, one of the original Disney World hotels. The recently expanded property now includes the Island Tower with a Moana-themed splash area and zero-entry pool. Guests get monorail access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, plus fan-favorite dining spots like Ohana and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
The Walt Disney World Dolphin landed at #13. As part of Marriott Bonvoy, guests get perks from both companies. The resort sits walking distance from Epcot and Hollywood Studios and offers access to 22 restaurants across the Swan and Dolphin complex, six pools, and the Mandara Spa.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge took #14 with its unique savanna views. Families can watch zebras, giraffes, and flamingos from their rooms or around the resort’s two themed pool areas.
Staying at these Disney World properties comes with solid perks: 30-minute early park entry, free transportation throughout the resort, complimentary parking, early Lightning Lane purchase windows, and extended dining reservation windows. Deluxe resort guests also get extended evening hours at select parks. This summer, resort guests even get free water park admission on check-in days.
What It All Means for the Disney Resort
Five Disney properties in the top 20 shows the company knows how to create great family experiences. But Aulani taking the top spot says something bigger: families are craving vacations where they can actually relax.
U.S. News evaluated hotels based on awards, star ratings, and thousands of guest reviews. For Aulani to come out on top means guests genuinely loved their experience, theme park or not.
The Hawaiian resort works because it doesn’t try to compete with the island. Instead of building artificial attractions, Disney created a beautiful home base for families to explore Oahu while enjoying pools, dining, and activities when they want downtime.
Theme parks will always have their place in family travel. But Aulani proves that sometimes the best Disney vacation is the one where you can sleep in, spend the day at the beach, and never once check a park app.
