Welcome back to another Disney Top 5.
Just about every year for as long as I’ve been writing for MousePlanet—which is a shocking 18 years—I’ve been doing a kind of yearly summary article about the current state of Walt Disney World and what’s been occupying my Disney-addled brain the most lately. We were just there for a visit for Father’s Day, something that has become a new family tradition since the loss of my dad three years ago. My sons are heading into their fourth year down there as cast members, so there’s always a reason to visit, and that keeps me up on new things, lost things, and everything in between. I don’t get sick of it. I haven’t seen it all. I’ll keep going back as long as I possibly can, and with a potential retirement in my not-too-distant future, my bet is that Walt Disney World and I will continue this beautiful friendship for many years to come.
Anyone who has read my Top 5 columns all these years can attest that, when it comes to Disney and Walt Disney World in particular, I consistently land on the positive side of things, and that’s pretty rare on the internet, social media, and blogosphere. People go online to complain, and Disney can’t miss a spot of paint or change a menu without the whole fandom being up in arms. That’s not who I am. Never has it been. Never will be. I’m realistic. I know the place isn’t perfect. I know the company sometimes makes mistakes. There have been losses that have upset me—I’m looking right at you, Magical Express! But on the whole, Walt Disney World still makes me happier than just about anything else, and I consider myself fortunate to be there as much as I am.
Another lap around the World, a few more miles on the sneakers, and a fresh batch of thoughts that surfaced somewhere between rope drop and that blissful late-night wander when the parks exhale. Some are long-held convictions, some are brand-new obsessions, and at least one will probably have folks sharpening keyboards in the comments. So, with that said, let’s take a look at my Top 5 Walt Disney World opinions, 2026 edition.
5 – Olivia’s Café at Old Key West
This restaurant has become a new favorite. We’ve only stayed at Old Key West once, and we loved the huge rooms, and it’s got one of my favorite hot tubs on property. But the real standout of this resort to me has to be its main restaurant, Olivia’s. The fresh bread hits the table, and you’re already halfway to paradise. I loved the Conch Fritters for an appetizer, very befitting a place modeled after the Florida Keys. The shrimp and grits? Creamy, peppery, and just the right kick—comfort food with coastal swagger. Cap it with a slice of key lime pie that actually tastes like the Keys, tart first and sweet second.
Olivia’s at Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a welcoming and peaceful respite to the hectic Disney dining scene. Photo by Chris Barry.
But the real reason it’s vaulted onto my must-do list is the cast. Warm, attentive, and sincerely proud that you chose their tucked-away spot. You don’t feel processed at Olivia’s; you feel welcomed. That’s the difference. Last trip, we were staying at Saratoga Springs, so we walked over to the Disney Springs dock and took a peaceful boat ride up to Old Key West, and an equally peaceful boat trip back in the dark, which gave the trip a whole different feel. It really was the perfect evening. If you think dinner is delicious, make sure you make a reservation for brunch! The banana bread French toast is not to be missed!
4 – Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs is now my favorite Moderate, probably tied with old favorite Port Orleans French Quarter. Not only has it risen the ranks of the Moderate resorts, but it’s also become a top-five resort on all of Disney property. Coronado Springs has grown on me so much over the last year or so. The food scene alone puts it over the top—especially another of our recent favorite restaurants, Three Bridges Bar and Grill. Give me a breezy evening, shareable plates, and lights dancing on the water, and I’m good for hours. And I’m not even mentioning the incredible Toledo atop Gran Destino Tower, the beautiful views from the adjacent Dahlia Lounge or the stunning Barcelona Lounge in the lower lobby. It’s not just the food, though. The pool complex is a destination with an impressive Mayan-style pyramid and the largest hot tub on Disney property. Put all that aside, and what it’s really all about is the vibe. Eating breakfast or having a late-night drink outside by the lagoon creates that rare Disney alchemy: tranquil but still electric.
It’s hard to beat the nighttime views all around Coronado Springs. Photo by Chris Barry.
Between the artful architecture, the long, reflective walks across the bridges, and the sheer variety of dining, Coronado Springs has graduated from “nice Moderate” to “where I actively want to stay,” even stacked against Deluxes.
3 – Disney Springs Boat and Bus Restrictions
The new bus and boat restrictions at Disney Springs are justified. I know this isn’t winning any online popularity contests. As I said, we were staying at Saratoga Springs recently and watched the boat queues to Port Orleans balloon far beyond what seemed sustainable, and it’s hard to believe those lines were all resort guests. I love resort hopping as much as anyone, but there’s a line between fun exploration and overwhelming a system meant first for the people paying to stay there. When non-resort guest usage starts to erode the experience—crowded docks, long waits, diminished atmosphere—Disney’s got to recalibrate. It’s not about being unwelcoming; it’s about protecting the promise made to resort guests and keeping the vibe intact.
The Mickey beignets from Scat Cat’s Club—Cafe in Port Orleans French Quarter Resort are incredible, but so are the lines to get them. Photo by Chris Barry.
I can’t disagree that the French Quarter beignets are outstanding—they are. But is it fair that, when we were staying there last time, the wait for a plate of beignets might as well have been the wait for Peter Pan’s Flight on a busy park day? And do we really need ropes and queues in hotel lobbies just to see the Christmas decorations? I know this is a very different example, but the reason refillable mugs now have RFID chips in their bases is that guests were filling up Popcorn buckets with soda from the resort machines! Disney can be incredibly accommodating to guests, but when they’re pushed to the edge, they’re sometimes left with no recourse but to enact new restrictive policies. That seems to be the case here, and as someone who stays on property several times a year, I kind of have to agree with Disney on these new rules.
2 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The 4th park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is set to be a top favorite once the new additions open. Encanto and Indiana Jones will be tremendous additions to this park’s lineup. I’ve never bought the “half-day park” narrative as it is. Tropical Americas is going to finally put that old critique to rest. Animal Kingdom has always been a full-sensory park—lush, layered, and brimming with Disney magic. Attractions like Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and the Kilimanjaro Safari are all outstanding and true Disney classics; the food is consistently interesting, and that intangible vibe—the music, the pathways, the way the park breathes—sets it apart.
The Tree of Life as seen from the path from Africa to Asia, one of my favorite spots in Animal Kingdom. Photo by Chris Barry.
When the new projects come online, Animal Kingdom will be a contender attracting more guests and earning the respect it deserves. I’ve never had an issue with this amazing place. If you slow down, follow the drums instead of the crowd, and let the place work its spell, you realize it already competes with the very best days you can have at Walt Disney World. The upcoming additions will just make that clearer to everyone else.
1 – The Amazing Walt Disney World Cast
Walt Disney World cast members are still the gold standard in hospitality. This hasn’t changed, and I don’t see it ever changing. Under tougher circumstances, with more eyes, more pressure, and a louder chorus of critics, they still bring the magic. It shows up in small saves and big smiles, in patient answers and the sincere enthusiasm that greets you at 7 a.m. and, somehow, again at 11 p.m. It isn’t about flawlessness; it’s about care, consistency, and heart. And no, this isn’t just because my sons wear the name tag—though I’m proud that they do.
Let’s not forget that it takes a cast of thousands to bring the magic to life here at Magic Kingdom and throughout the entire Walt Disney World resort. Photo by Chris Barry.
The standard is evident everywhere you look if you’re willing to see it. The smiles. The positive attitude. It’s still here, no matter what the complainers online insist. We made a point of thanking a cast member at Saratoga Springs profusely for helping us out with an issue regarding our room. But we also made the extra effort to find their manager before we checked out and make sure they heard our praises as well. My advice to you is to always take the time to thank these incredible individuals as often as you can.
There you have it—five opinions from the trail. A plate of shrimp and grits that won’t quit, a Moderate that thinks like a Deluxe, a critical course correction on the water, a park poised to level up, and the people who make the whole thing sing. It’s these few things and so many more that keep me coming back to Walt Disney World. Sure, I’m going as much as I can to see our boys, but it helps that we’re still enthralled by the place and still get to experience the unmistakable Disney magic after all these years. We’ll be back in a month or so, and I can’t wait.
That’s all for this time. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time with another Disney Top 5.
