856: March Magic 2026: Walt Disney World Resort Bracket Showdown

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Jeremy Stein

Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World, Disney Springs, Citywalk, Kids & Family, Disney World, Places & Travel, Disney Resorts, Society & Culture, Animal Kingdom, Wdw, Universal Studios, Disney Dining, Epcot, Islands Of Adventure, Universal Dining, Magic Kingdom, Disney, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney

4.6 • 782 Ratings

🗓️ 20 March 2026

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

We’re continuing our March Magic 2026 series as we shift from rides to resorts and build the ultimate Walt Disney World Resort Bracket. We’ve ranked and seeded 24 resorts from across property — including Deluxe, Moderate, Value, and even Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve — to determine which one truly deserves the crown. Using a mix of guest ratings, along with our own experiences, we evaluate each resort based on theming, amenities, dining options, location, transportation, and overall guest satisfaction. From iconic favorites like Polynesian Village Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Beach Club, to fan-favorite values like Pop Century and Art of Animation, every resort earns its place in the tournament. We break down the full 1–24 seeding, highlight which resorts earned a first-round bye, and set up some very interesting opening matchups — including value vs deluxe battles, sleeper picks, and a few potential upsets that could shake up the bracket early. Along the way, we debate controversial rankings, question whether location outweighs theming, and discuss which resorts we think have the best chance to make a deep run. Which Walt Disney World resort is truly the best? Which ones are overrated, underrated, or primed for an upset? Let the madness continue!

Transcript

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0:00.0	On this episode, we're continuing our March Magic 2026 series as we rank and seed 24 Walt Disney World Resorts to build the ultimate bracket showdown, debating everything from deluxe icons to value favorites to see who truly deserves the top spot.
0:14.4	Today's March 20th, 2026, and this is episode 856 of the Main Street Magic podcast.
0:20.9	Jeremy and Rhonda are more than a little fond of Disney World.
0:25.5	So they made this podcast to share it all with you.
0:29.4	Reports and resorts.
0:31.3	Top 10 lists of all sorts.
0:33.4	Main Street Magic's bringing it home for you.
0:38.6	Hello and welcome to another episode of Main Street Magic.
0:41.4	I'm your host, Jeremy Stein, and as always, I'm joined by my lovely wife, Rhonda.
0:44.9	Hey, guys.
0:45.7	If you want to be part of the community and join the conversation, get the latest theme park
0:49.5	news, as well as live streams from the parks and resorts, head to Facebook and search
0:53.6	for the Main Street Magic community and ask to join. Make sure you check us out on the web at mainstimagic.com,
0:59.8	as well as follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Maine ST Magic, and on TikTok at
1:04.7	MSM podcast. Planning a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World can be overwhelming and at times
1:09.7	just downright frustrating.
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1:14.9	reservations, alerting you when they spot availability for your desired restaurant, date,
1:19.6	meal, and time. Visit MSMFriends.com to use this free service.
1:24.7	And don't forget to hit the subscribe button so you can get brand new
1:27.5	episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Are you ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner,
1:32.3	MEI Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free
	...

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