Discover the Magic: Luxury Resorts that Feel Like Real-Life Disney!
Hotel Del Coronado - San Diego, California
Traveling as a family is about creating memories, sharing adventures, and experiencing the magic of the world together. Our love for Disney has always been the spark for our family adventures, but we've discovered that the magic doesn't end there. Many luxury resorts around the world offer experiences that capture the essence of Disney's enchanting resorts. Here are some of our favorite luxury resorts that bring the magic of Disney to life.
A Real Life Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Hotel del Coronado - San Diego, California
If you've ever stayed at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you'll find a similar charm at the iconic Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California. This historic beachfront resort boasts Victorian architecture, lush gardens, and luxurious amenities that transport you back in time. With its grand lobby, elegant rooms, and stunning ocean views, the Hotel del Coronado offers a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort that mirrors the grandeur of the Grand Floridian.
What Makes It Special
The Hotel del Coronado, affectionately known as "The Del," is a National Historic Landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1888. Its striking red-roofed turrets and wooden Victorian architecture make it a standout on the California coastline. The resort offers a range of accommodations, from charming Victorian rooms to modern beachfront cottages and villas.
The historic significance of The Del adds to its allure. Many notable guests, including Marilyn Monroe, Charles Lindbergh, and several U.S. presidents, have stayed here. The hotel was also the setting for the classic film "Some Like It Hot" starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. This rich history, combined with the stunning seaside location, provides a unique blend of elegance and beachside relaxation that few other hotels can match.
Activities for Kids
Children will be enchanted by the DelVentures kids' program, which offers a variety of activities inspired by the resort's beachfront setting. From treasure hunts and beach bonfires to surfing lessons and marine biology classes, there's no shortage of excitement for young adventurers. The resort's beachfront location also provides ample opportunities for building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, and enjoying water sports.
Additionally, the Del offers family movie nights under the stars and a range of dining options that cater to both adults and children, ensuring that everyone in the family has a memorable stay.
Real Life Boardwalk Resort:
Shutters on the Beach - Santa Monica, CA
A short walk away from the Santa Monica Pier and right on the Boardwalk, Shutters is the perfect combination of luxury and easy access to fun.
For those who love the lively atmosphere of Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California, is a perfect match. While Disney's BoardWalk Resort is a romanticized version of an Atlantic City resort, Shutters on the Beach offers a genuine beachfront experience with a luxurious touch. This luxurious beachfront hotel combines the charm of a classic beach house with vibrant dining options and the fun-filled Santa Monica Pier, offering a true BoardWalk-like experience.
What Makes It Special
Shutters on the Beach is a quintessential Southern California beachfront hotel that combines casual elegance with a relaxed, beachy atmosphere. The hotel's design features whitewashed wood, cozy fireplaces, and breezy balconies with stunning ocean views. Its prime location on Santa Monica Beach provides easy access to the vibrant Santa Monica Pier, bustling with games, rides, and entertainment.
The decor at Shutters is reminiscent of a classic Cape Cod beach house, with an added touch of West Coast flair. The rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with luxurious linens, spa-like bathrooms, and private balconies, making it a perfect retreat for both relaxation and fun.
Activities for Kids
Families staying at Shutters on the Beach will love the hotel's proximity to the Santa Monica Pier, where kids can enjoy the Ferris wheel, arcade games, and carousel. The beach itself offers endless opportunities for fun, from swimming and surfing to beach volleyball and sandcastle building. The hotel's concierge can arrange bike rentals, allowing families to explore the scenic beachfront bike path.
Moreover, Shutters offers family-friendly dining options, with menus that cater to younger palates while providing gourmet choices for adults. The hotel's pool area is also a hit with families, featuring poolside snacks and plenty of lounging space.
Real Life Animal Kingdom Lodge:
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the African savanna at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Tanzania. Just like Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, this luxurious resort offers breathtaking views of wildlife and lush landscapes. The Four Seasons Safari Lodge provides a unique opportunity to witness the Great Migration and enjoy guided safaris, all while indulging in world-class accommodations and dining.
What Makes It Special
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is situated in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, offering guests unparalleled access to one of the world's most iconic wildlife destinations. The lodge's infinity pool overlooks a watering hole frequented by elephants, zebras, and other wildlife, providing a front-row seat to nature's wonders. Accommodations include spacious rooms, suites, and villas, all designed with local materials and contemporary African decor.
The lodge combines the thrill of a safari adventure with the comforts of luxury accommodations. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining with locally sourced ingredients, a luxurious spa, and educational programs about the Serengeti's ecosystem.
Activities for Kids
Young explorers will be thrilled by the lodge's Discovery Centre, an interactive museum that offers educational exhibits on the Serengeti's wildlife and ecosystems. The Kijana Klub provides a range of activities for children, including guided nature walks, wildlife tracking, and traditional African crafts. Families can also enjoy game drives, where they can spot the "Big Five" and other fascinating animals.
For a truly immersive experience, the lodge offers family-oriented safari excursions, where knowledgeable guides share insights about the wildlife and environment. The lodge's pool and dining options are also family-friendly, ensuring that both children and adults have an unforgettable experience.
Real Life Wilderness Lodge:
The Resort at Paws Up
For a luxury resort that truly captures the essence of a Rocky Mountain, log cabin, national park vacation, The Resort at Paws Up in Montana is an excellent choice. This luxurious all-inclusive resort offers the rustic charm of a giant log cabin combined with modern amenities and stunning natural surroundings, making it a perfect parallel to Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
What Makes It Special
The Resort at Paws Up is a five-star luxury ranch nestled in Montana's pristine wilderness. The resort features authentic log cabins and glamping tents that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Each accommodation is beautifully appointed with Western-inspired decor, plush furnishings, and private porches or decks overlooking the stunning scenery.
The Resort at Paws Up provides an immersive experience in nature while ensuring the utmost comfort and luxury. Guests can enjoy gourmet farm-to-table dining, a world-class spa, and a variety of outdoor activities that showcase the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
While real-life inspirations for Disney's Wilderness Lodge, such as the Old Faithful Inn, are charming in their own rustic way, they don't offer the level of luxury found at The Resort at Paws Up. These inspirations remain on our bucket list for their historical and natural significance, but for a truly luxurious experience, The Resort at Paws Up stands out.
Activities for Kids
The Resort at Paws Up offers the Kids Corps of Discovery, a kids' club with activities such as nature hikes, pony rides, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and outdoor games. The club aims to engage children with nature and the surrounding environment.
Families can enjoy horseback riding, ATV adventures, fishing, river rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The resort's expansive grounds feature hiking and biking trails, a swimming pool, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
In the winter, families can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing. The Resort at Paws Up also offers unique experiences like cattle drives and chuck wagon dinners, making it an exciting and immersive experience for all ages. The dining options cater to all ages, with special menus for children and gourmet choices for adults, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for the whole family.
Real Life Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts:
The Chatham Bars Inn
For fans of Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, The Chatham Bars Inn in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, offers a similar coastal charm. This historic seaside resort features elegant New England architecture, pristine beaches, and a range of family-friendly activities. From sailing and fishing to world-class dining and spa treatments, The Chatham Bars Inn provides endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
What Makes It Special
The Chatham Bars Inn is a luxurious seaside retreat that combines classic New England charm with modern amenities. The resort's stunning grounds include lush gardens, a private beach, and beautiful Cape Cod-style cottages. Accommodations range from elegant rooms and suites in the main inn to private cottages and beachfront villas.
The resort offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury, with beautifully restored buildings and state-of-the-art facilities. The beachfront location provides breathtaking views and easy access to water activities.
Activities for Kids
Children will love the Chatham Bars Inn's Kids' Club, which offers a variety of nature-based activities, including marine biology excursions, beachcombing, and birdwatching. The resort's extensive recreational facilities include multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a family-friendly beach club. Kids can also participate in arts and crafts, cooking classes, and evening campfires with s'mores.
The resort's private beach is perfect for building sandcastles and enjoying the ocean, while the nearby wildlife sanctuary offers educational programs and guided tours. Family-friendly dining options are plentiful, with menus designed to please both children and adults.
Real Life Polynesian Village Resort:
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Escape to the tropical paradise of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, where the overwater bungalows and lush surroundings evoke the enchanting ambiance of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. This luxurious resort offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a variety of water activities. Enjoy Polynesian-inspired cuisine, traditional dance performances, and breathtaking sunsets that capture the magic of the South Pacific.
What Makes It Special
The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a dream destination that offers unparalleled luxury and natural beauty. The resort's overwater bungalows and beachfront villas provide stunning views of Mount Otemanu and the turquoise lagoon. Guests can indulge in world-class dining, relaxing spa treatments, and a range of water sports, including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The resort's design reflects the local Polynesian culture, with traditional thatched roofs and locally inspired decor. The overwater bungalows offer direct access to the lagoon, providing a unique and immersive experience.
Activities for Kids
The Tamari'i Kids Club at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers a variety of fun and educational activities, from Polynesian crafts and storytelling to fish feeding and marine biology lessons. Families can also enjoy guided snorkeling tours, where they can explore vibrant coral gardens and swim with colorful fish. The resort's private beach and infinity pool provide plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
The resort also offers family-friendly excursions, such as boat trips to explore nearby islands and cultural tours that introduce guests to the local traditions and history. Dining options include menus that cater to younger guests, ensuring that everyone enjoys their meals.
Real Life Contemporary Resort:
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
For those who appreciate the sleek, modern design of Disney's Contemporary Resort, The Langham, Chicago is a perfect match. This luxurious hotel features a mid-century modern aesthetic with a simplistic vibe that harmonizes with its urban waterfront location. The Langham offers a sophisticated retreat with breathtaking views of the Chicago River and exceptional amenities.
For those who appreciate the sleek, modern design of Disney's Contemporary Resort, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is a perfect match. This luxurious hotel features a futuristic aesthetic with cutting-edge amenities and spectacular views of the city skyline and Marina Bay.
What Makes It Special
Marina Bay Sands is an architectural marvel, featuring three soaring towers topped by the iconic SkyPark, which offers 360-degree views of Singapore. The hotel's design incorporates clean lines and modern furnishings, creating a sophisticated and dynamic atmosphere. The accommodations include luxurious rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing stunning vistas of the city.
The SkyPark itself features the world's largest rooftop infinity pool, lush gardens, and observation decks, making it a destination in its own right. The resort also houses a casino, a world-class spa, and numerous dining options, including celebrity chef restaurants.
Activities for Kids
Marina Bay Sands offers a variety of family-friendly activities:
Infinity Pool: The rooftop infinity pool is a highlight for families, offering breathtaking views and a unique swimming experience.
ArtScience Museum: The resort's museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs that are engaging for children.
Spectra Light and Water Show: Families can enjoy the nightly light and water show, which is a dazzling spectacle of music, lights, and water effects.
Shopping and Dining: The resort's shopping mall features family-friendly stores and dining options, catering to all tastes and preferences.
Real Life Riviera Resort:
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat
For a luxurious experience reminiscent of Disney's Riviera Resort, consider the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. This prestigious hotel offers a blend of elegance and glamour with its stunning Mediterranean views, lush gardens, and exceptional service. The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat provides an idyllic retreat that captures the essence of the French Riviera's charm and sophistication.
What Makes It Special
The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is a historic palace hotel located on the picturesque Cap-Ferrat peninsula. The hotel's Belle Époque architecture, combined with its beautifully landscaped gardens and panoramic sea views, creates a truly enchanting atmosphere. Accommodations range from luxurious rooms and suites to private villas, each offering a unique blend of classic elegance and modern comfort.
The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant offers gourmet dining with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and the on-site spa provides a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and relax.
Activities for Kids
The hotel's Le Club Dauphin is a highlight for families, featuring an Olympic-sized seawater pool, a children's pool, and direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. Kids can enjoy swimming lessons, water sports, and a variety of outdoor games. The hotel also offers a kids' club with activities such as treasure hunts, arts and crafts, and educational programs about the local marine life.
The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat also offers family-friendly excursions, such as boat trips along the coast and visits to nearby cultural and historical sites. Dining options cater to all ages, with special menus for children and gourmet choices for adults.
Wrapping Up
Whether you're a Disney enthusiast or simply seeking magical experiences, these luxury resorts offer a taste of Disney's enchantment in real-life settings. Each resort provides a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and family-friendly activities, making them perfect destinations for creating unforgettable memories. As you explore these incredible resorts, you'll find that the magic of Disney can be found all around the world, waiting to be discovered by your family.
Ready to embark on your next magical family adventure? Let our team help you find the perfect destination and plan the trip of a lifetime. Contact us today to start creating unforgettable memories at one of these enchanting luxury resorts. Together, we can make your dream vacation a reality.
