The DVC Resorts with the Best Views: A Complete Guide

Disneyland Disneyworld Mickey

The view isn’t just a window — it’s the experience.

I learned this the hard way.

Years ago, I booked a standard room at Animal Kingdom Lodge, thinking the room itself would be enough.

Spoiler: it wasn’t.

Staring at a parking lot while sipping Joffrey’s didn’t feel like Disney magic at all.

Lesson learned: views matter. And at DVC resorts, they matter more than you think.

This guide is for anyone using DVC points who wants the best views at Disney World — the views that make mornings magical, evenings unforgettable, and vacations worth every point.

Why Views Matter at DVC Resorts

  1. They change how much time you spend in your room.
    I’ve had mornings at Bay Lake Tower where the sun hit the balcony just right, and suddenly sitting down with coffee felt like part of the trip, not downtime.

  2. They give you built-in relaxation.
    Disney trips are exhausting. Watching fireworks from your balcony or seeing animals wander past at AKL? Instant recharge, guilt-free.

  3. They affect resale and rental value.
    People remember the feeling of a resort. A Savanna View at AKL sells more resale contracts than a standard room. Emotion drives value, not just square footage.

  4. Not all “good views” are equal.
    A Lake View at Grand Floridian is calming. A Theme Park View at Bay Lake is exhilarating. Understanding the difference matters when allocating your points.

 

The Resorts and Their Top Views

 

1. Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo & Kidani

animal kingdom lodge view

Savanna View is the gold standard. You’re not just seeing animals — you’re living in a miniature safari. Giraffes, zebras, and ostriches wander past your balcony like it’s normal.

  • Jambo House: Dramatic and central.

  • Kidani Village: More intimate, animals often closer.

Standard View? Only if points are tight. It’s fine for the theming, but the magic is in the Savanna.

2. Bay Lake Tower (BLT)

bay lake tower view

 

BLT is all about the angle.

  • Theme Park View: Fireworks from your balcony. Iconic. Bucket-list worthy.

  • Lake View: Peaceful mornings over Bay Lake. Underrated and often better value than Theme Park View.

  • Standard View: Risk of parking-lot vibes. Only choose if points are tight.

 

 

3. Disney’s Riviera Resort

riviera photo with fireworks

Riviera views depend on floor and orientation.

  • Preferred View: Nice courtyard or lake vistas. Not jaw-dropping, but pleasant.

  • Standard View (high floor): Surprisingly sweeping skylines, good value.

  • Lower floors: Slivers of scenery or courtyard — less impressive.

 

 

4. Grand Floridian Villas

grand floridian view

 

  • Lake View: Serenity defined. Calm waters, Electrical Water Pageant at night. Totally worth it.

  • Standard View: Beautiful landscaping, hidden parking lots. Nice, but you’re missing “wow” moments.

 

 

5. Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

polynesian bungalow view

  • Lake View: Fireworks, lagoon reflections, tiki glow. Absolutely worth points.

  • Standard View: Surprisingly good — lush landscaping, partial lagoon. Good value if you want to save points.

  • Bungalows: Private hot tub, over-the-water decks. Spectacular but extremely point-heavy.

 

 

6. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

copper creek villas view

 

  • Cabins: Water views, cozy patios, soft night lighting. Secretly one of the best DVC experiences.

  • River View Rooms: Calm, relaxing. Not flashy, but memorable.

  • Standard View: Functional and clean. Not spectacular; upgrade only if you plan to stay in-room often.

 

 

7. Aulani

 

aulani disney resort

Even though it’s in Hawaii, it deserves mention.

  • Ocean View: Deep-blue water, swaying palms, “I can’t believe this is real” vibes. Worth every point if you’re visiting.

  • Island Garden View: Subtle, relaxing, scenic.

  • Standard View: Parking or side angles. Only for tight budgets.

 

 

8. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

saratoga springs view 2

  • Congress Park Preferred: Disney Springs skyline at night. Surprisingly premium.

  • Standard View: Water, golf course, or parking lot — pick wisely.

Saratoga proves that a good view can elevate a practical resort into a standout experience.

9. BoardWalk Villas

 

disney boardwalk villa

  • BoardWalk View: Crescent Lake, performers, lights reflecting on water. Vibrant, energetic, and Instagram-ready.

  • Standard View: Courtyards or pools. Nice, but less memorable.

This is the resort where the view keeps you entertained without leaving your balcony.

10. Beach Club Villas

beach club villa balcony

  • Lake / Marina View: Calm, subtle, relaxing. Perfect morning coffee spot.

  • Pool View: Lively, fun if you have kids.

  • Standard View: Fine, but location is the real draw here, not the view.

Upgrade only if you want a quieter or specific scenic angle.

Worth It vs Skip It: DVC Views at a Glance

Absolutely Worth the Points:

  • AKL Savanna

  • BLT Theme Park

  • Poly Lake

  • Grand Floridian Lake

  • BoardWalk View

  • Copper Creek Cabins

Worth It If You Value Balcony Time:

  • Riviera Standard / Preferred (high floor)

  • Saratoga Congress Park

  • Copper Creek River

  • Beach Club Lake / Pool

Skip Unless Budget Allows:

  • Wilderness Lodge Standard

  • Poly Standard

  • Riviera lower floors

  • BoardWalk Standard

  • Beach Club Standard

 

Personal Top 5 (Opinionated)

  1. AKL Savanna – unmatched immersion

  2. Poly Lake – Disney magic reflected in water

  3. BLT Theme Park – iconic, once-in-a-lifetime

  4. BoardWalk View – fun and lively

  5. Grand Floridian Lake – serene luxury

 

 

Final Thoughts

The best DVC view isn’t the one with the most points.

It’s the one that makes you think: “This is why we come back.”

Points come and go.

Trips blur together.

But the right view? That memory sticks.

The balcony becomes a stage for magic moments, big and small — giraffes wandering, fireworks blazing, sunsets glowing.

Before you book, ask yourself:


“Do I want a room, or do I want a memory?”

Don’t scroll endlessly, guessing availability or hoping you picked the right building.

MagicalVacationPros.com can help you:

  • Find real-time availability

  • Recommend the best views for your points

  • Suggest the right buildings and floors

  • Avoid parking-lot surprises

Book smarter, stay happier, and get the view that makes your Disney trip unforgettable.

Visit MagicalVacationPros.com today.