An Insider’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Disney World Resort Hotel for Your Family Vacation.
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right hotel. With so many different hotels to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. Fortunately, there are several factors that can help you narrow down your choices and pick the perfect hotel for your stay at Walt Disney World. From budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, there is something for everyone and all offer the added benefits of included transportation and perks such as early morning and extra evening hours on certain dates. Here are some tips on choosing a Walt Disney World Hotel that will make your vacation even more magical.
Location
The location of your hotel can make or break your experience. Staying on Disney property offers a convenience factor as you are closer to all the action. Transportation to the parks and resorts is efficient, with buses, boats, and the iconic monorail system. If you want to cut down on transportation time, consider staying at one of the resorts in the Magic Kingdom area. The proximity to the parks and restaurants is a huge plus.
Magic Kingdom Area Resorts
Accessible to MK by monorail or walking paths.
The Contemporary Resorts – 0.5 miles to MK
The Polynesian Resorts – 0.8 miles to MK
The Grand Floridian Resorts – 0.7 miles to MK
Accessible to MK by boat or bus
Wilderness Lodge
Epcot Area Resorts
Accessible to Epcot by walking or boat
Yacht & Beach Club
Boardwalk
WDW Swan & Dolphin Resorts (non-disney-owned resorts)
Accessible to Epcot by Skyliner:
Caribbean beach resort
Riviera Resort
ESPN Wide World of Sports Area
Accessible to EP and HS by Skyliner- All other parks by bus
Art of Animation Resort
Pop Century Resort
Disney Springs Area Resorts
Accessible to Disney Springs by boat – All other parks by bus
Old Key West
Port Orleans
Saratoga Springs
Disney Animal Kingdom Area
Accessible to all theme parks by bus
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Coronado Springs Resort
All-Star Sports Resort
All-Star Music Resort
All-Star Movies Resort
Budget
Staying at a Disney World hotel can be expensive, but there are options for all budgets. Determine your budget beforehand and look at options within your price range. Value resorts like the All-Star resorts offer affordable accommodations, while deluxe resorts like the Grand Floridian offer the ultimate luxury experience.
Deluxe Resorts (best amenities, theming, signature restaurants and closest proximity to parks)
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Beach Club Resort
- Boardwalk Inn
- Contemporary Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Wilderness Lodge
- Yacht Club Resort
Moderate Resorts (good amenities, theming at lower prices than deluxe resorts
- Cabins at Fort Wilderness Lodge
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Coronado Springs Resort
- Port Orleans Resort
Value Resorts (most affordable options, average amenities and food choices)
- All-Star Movies Resort
- All-Star Music Resort
- All-Star Sports Resort
- Art of Animation Resort
- Pop Century Resorts
Theme and Atmosphere
Each Disney World resort has its unique theme and atmosphere. The Polynesian resort is an island paradise, while the Wilderness Lodge captures the spirit of the great outdoors. Consider what atmosphere you are looking for and which themes resonate with you the most.
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Movies
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Music
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – Sports
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas – African Safari
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort- Animated Disney Movies
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Villas – New England Seaside
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas – Atlantic City Boardwalk
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Caribbean
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Towers – Retro, Modern, The Incredibles
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Mexico and American southwest
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Villas – Victorian
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Relaxed Island Theme
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Villas & Bungalows -South pacific/ Hawaiian, Volcanos
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort -Pop Culture from 1950’s – 1990s
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – New Orleans, Mississippi-Bayou area
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa -Upstate NY, Horseracing
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Villas, Cabins & Campgrounds – National Park, Camping
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – New England Seaside
- Disney’s Riviera Resort-Europe, Mediterranean Coastline, Beach Resorts in the South of France
Amenities
All Disney World hotels offer a wide range of amenities, but each resort has its unique offerings. If you are a foodie, consider staying at a resort with several dining options and signature restaurants. If you have young children, look for resorts with splash pads, playgrounds, and activities geared toward kids. Research each resort, or speak with your travel agent for the perfect fit for your needs.
Additional Considerations:
Disney Partner/Good Neighbor Hotels
For those not quite ready for the immersive nature of all things Disney, or looking to save more money, you may want to consider a hotel that is not Disney owned, but still near the parks that still offer some Disney perks. The categories will range from value to deluxe as well. These resorts and hotels have partnered with Disney and provide park transportation and some even provide added benefits such as early entry into the parks.
For a list of these resorts, click here.
Off Property
There are hundreds of hotels located off-site, but still within a short distance of the parks. Checking hotels.com, Travelocity or any hotel search engine will provide you with hotel details and pricing. These could include motels, timeshares, hotels, and resorts.
House Rentals
Another option is renting a house, condo, or timeshare unit through VRBO or Airbnb. We have also done this on occasion, and have found this to be a great option as well. We found it most beneficial when we had an itinerary that included visits to other theme parks in addition to Disney, such as Universal Studios, Lego Land, Sea World, etc. The benefit is pricing as well as amenities; having your own personal kitchen & laundry facilities on site is so useful, and some have amazing amenities such as private pools and /or community pools.
Choosing a Walt Disney World hotel is a crucial decision that can enhance your overall experience. Take the time to research your options, considering factors like location, budget, theme, amenities, and crowd level, to make the best decision for your family. And consider using a certified Travel Planner to help. No matter which resort you choose, the magic of Disney will ensure that you have an unforgettable vacation.