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Relaxing Disney World Resorts to Visit In 2023

The beauty of the Walt Disney World Resort, superb amenities, and fantastic dining opportunities make Walt Disney World so much more than a theme Park vacation. Walt Disney World Resort Hotels exude hospitality and grace and are the perfect place to relax on vacation. If you want a Disney Resort experience that delivers on the relaxation aspect of a vacation, we have some recommendations. Here are relaxing Disney World Resorts to visit in 2023.

Yacht Club Resort

Yacht Club Pool

Credit Disney Dining

The Yacht Club is my all-time favorite Walt Disney World Resort. The crisp nautical theme with a touch of Disney makes it easy to forget you are vacationing anywhere but the New England coast. Spacious rooms with beautiful balconies overlooking the bay and Disney BoardWalk are the perfect place to relax in the evenings.

While Disney Parks are so much fun, we can all agree that a day in Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom is fun but not relaxing. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort just might have you rethinking your choice to head out to a theme Park each day. The Yacht Club has an impressive pool that is the perfect place to relax for a few days during your vacation. The pool area boasts two water slides, several pools, many lounge chairs, and a lazy river, but wait, that’s not the best part! The pool floors are covered with sand.

The lazy river winds around near Disney’s Beach Club Resort, which is right next door and shares the pool complex. Floating by admiring the beautiful architecture from a pool float is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Lounge beside the beautiful beaches at the Resort or warm up in one of the toasty hot tubs during a day at Yacht Club.

Hurricane Hanna’s poolside cabana is a delicious spot that serves refreshing poolside beverages. If you are looking for a more formal dining option, Yachtsman Steak House is a delicious table service option that serves juicy steak and seafood options right at the Resort.

Port Orleans Riverside

A change of pace from the other resorts on our list, Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter offers incredible amenities at a lower price. My relaxing Resort recommendation for a moderate is Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Just a short bus ride away from the Parks, this old south-inspired Resort offers a slow relaxing pace for Guests. Water taxi service to Disney Springs is available to provide an enjoyable and scenic way to access shopping and dining. My favorite way to unwind in the evenings at this Disney Resort Hotel is floating down the waterway to Disney Spring and enjoying the solitude of the Florida twilight.

Port Orleans Riverside

Credit: Disney

If you are looking for a delicious table service dining experience without the need to leave your Resort, snag a reservation at Boatwright’s Café. This southern spot serves delicious cuisine like shrimp and grits and savory crawfish macaroni and cheese.

Dining Room

Credit: tripadvisor.com

If you are looking to get out and about at this Disney Resort Hotel, bike rentals, fishing outings, and Disney movies under the stars are all ways to enjoy time at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Lounging in a hammock near one of the Resort’s five pools or sliding down the waterslide at the main pool, “Ol Man Island,” is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the property.

RelatedWhich Disney Water Park Should You Visit: Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon?

Polynesian Village Resort

The theming of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort exudes classic Disney charm while paying homage to the Caribbean. The location of this Disney Resort is central to the magic and is just a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The Bay Lake beach of the Polynesian is the perfect place to watch the evening fireworks display under the stars.

Disney Polynesian Village Resort

Credit: Disney

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is home to some fantastic restaurants that range from counter service at Captain Cook’s to Kona Café and Ohana. The pool theming is on point with the rest of the Resort design, sporting a volcano and lush greenery around the pool and slide. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is the place to go for a flavorful cocktail with serious personality.

Classic Disney World nostalgia in this opening day Disney World Resort is part of its charm. The laid-back South Seas vibe of the décor, convenient location, delicious dining options, and array of Resort activities makes the Polynesian a relaxing Resort perfect for your Disney World vacation.

Grand Floridian Resort

When it comes to famous Walt Disney World Resort spots, Grand Floridian Resort probably comes to mind. This Resort has a spectacular Victorian design, and a full-service spa creates a serene and classic atmosphere for Resort Guests. The classical pianist in the lobby sets the perfect mood for the Resort.  Afternoon tea is served each day in the Garden Tea Room.

Grand Floridian Grand Suite

Credit: glassslipperconcierge.com

Centrally located on the monorail line, transportation to Parks is a breeze for Guests staying at The Grand Floridian. Delicious dining opportunities at this Resort include the premier fine dining experience at Victoria and Albert’s. 1900 Park Fare is a fun buffet character meal for Guests, and Citricos table service restaurant offers a delectable seasonal menu for Guests to enjoy. If you are searching for a more casual meal during a day at the Resort need, look no further than The Grand Floridian Café.

Disney hotels

Credit: Conde Naste

Great shopping opportunities at the Resort are abundant, and the beautiful pool area features a splash pad for kids and a water slide. Viewing the electrical water parade from the Bay Lake beach is a relaxing way to end your evening at the deluxe Resort.

RelatedWhy We Love Walt Disney World’s Value Resorts

Wilderness Lodge

The blazing fireplace surrounded by rocking chairs scattered under the gorgeous totem poles in the lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the picture of serenity and relaxation. Styled after the National Parks of the American Northwest, this Resort is complete with waterfalls, a stream running through the lobby, and a working old faithful geyser active every half hour.

Lobby, wilderness lodge, walt disney world

Credit: Disney Dining

Gorgeous pools, complete with a waterslide and rustic landscaping, help Guests achieve full relaxation as they lounge beside the pool. Bike rental, fishing expeditions, and movies under the stars are the makings of a fun day at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

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Because the Resort is just a short ferry ride away from the Magic Kingdom, Guests can easily travel to enjoy evening extra magic hours and tour the Park when the crowds have calmed, and the Park takes on a magical stillness after dark.

A Disney vacation can still be relaxing. Which Walt Disney World Resort will you choose for your relaxing Disney World getaway?

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.