It’s time to start planning your Disney World vacation and one of the first things you’ll have to decide is where you’re going to stay. Luckily, there are a lot of hotel options to choose from when you’re headed to “the most magical place on Earth.”

With over 25 Disney-owned and operated hotels plus even more hotels just outside of Walt Disney World, you’re sure to find a place to stay that fits both your needs and your budget. But, what’s the difference between all of the Disney World Resort hotels? How do you choose the best one for you and your family? Well, we’re here to help with a look at everything you need to know before you make your reservation. From pricing to where all the hotels are located to transportation options, restaurants, and even what comes with the room, here’s your complete guide to Walt Disney World Resort hotels!

Overview of Disney World Resort Hotels

Disney World Resort Hotels offer a wide range of options to fit almost any budget and preference. Whether you are looking for a luxurious stay or a budget-friendly option, you don’t have to go outside of Disney World to find it.

There are currently over 25 Disney World Resort Hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-conscious accommodations (also referred to as value resorts) to luxury resorts (or deluxe resorts) and everything in between. Each hotel has its own unique theme and amenities, so it is important to do your research to find the best fit for you.

Disney World Resorts are broken into three different categories – value resorts, moderate resorts, and deluxe resorts. Each category reflects the level of accommodation you’ll experience and the price point you’ll pay with value resorts offering the most basic amenities and deluxe resorts offering luxury amenities and fine dining options. Select Disney World Resort hotels are also considered Disney Vacation Club Villas which include suite-style offerings and come at a higher price point. These generally fall into the deluxe resort category due to their location and amenities.

Benefits of Staying at Disney World Resort Hotels

But, why even consider staying at a Disney World Resort hotel during your next trip? Well, quite a few benefits come along with the price tag including complimentary theme park transportation, early theme park entry, extended evening theme park hours, discounted MagicBands, early access to tickets for special events, and more. And, with all of the hotels located within the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be close to the parks, making it easy to get around and soak up every minute you have in the parks.

Now, let’s dig into the details of what you can expect at the resorts in each category.

Disney World Value Resorts

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your stay at Disney World, then you’ll want to consider staying at a Disney World Value Resort. These hotels offer a great balance between price and quality, making them ideal for families or travelers on a budget.

Disney Value Resorts are designed for families and Disney lovers alike with over-the-top theming that creates a fun, family-oriented atmosphere for your entire stay. There are currently five different Value Resorts at Walt Disney World with each offering standard rooms that come with two queen-sized beds or a king bed based on your preferences. Select resorts also offer family-suite options that sleep up to six adults.

When it comes to amenities, each hotel features multiple pools, a food court that opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, free theme park transportation, a gift shop, and resort activities. The cost of these resorts varies depending on the time of year and the specific resort you choose, but they are generally the most affordable option ranging between $100-$400+ per night.

Here’s an overview of each Disney Value Resort:

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a classic Disney Value Resort that is perfect for families with young children. The resort is themed around the pop culture of the 1950s to the 1990s, with oversized icons and decorations that will transport you back in time. The hotel is located on the Disney Skyliner route for quick and easy transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a newer addition to the Disney Value Resorts. The resort is themed around some of Disney’s most popular animated movies, including The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King. The unique thing about this hotel is that the majority of the rooms are family suites, making them the most spacious in the Value Resort category.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort is themed around different genres of music, including jazz, calypso, and rock. While most of the rooms here offer standard accommodations (two queen beds) and sleep up to four guests, there are a limited number of family suites available that sleep up to six guests and feature two bathrooms.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is themed around different sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. All of the rooms here are standard for the Value Resort category.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is themed around some of Disney’s most beloved movies, including Toy Story, Fantasia, and 101 Dalmatians. All of the rooms here are standard for the Value Resort category.

Disney World Moderate Resorts

If you’re looking for a resort that’s not too expensive but still offers a lot of amenities, then Disney World’s Moderate Resorts are a great option. These resorts are great for families who want to have access to more amenities than those in the Value Resort category without breaking the bank.

Currently, there are four Moderate Resorts at Disney World with each offering its own theming and atmosphere. These resorts offer more dining options compared to Value Resorts (including a quick service restaurant, a table service restaurant, and even a lounge in some cases), along with multiple pools (with a water slide!), recreation activities, a variety of free transportation options to theme parks, and larger rooms.

The cost of the Moderate Resorts ranges from $260 to $475+ per night (including tax). Not sure which one is best for your family? Here’s an overview of each Disney World Moderate Resort:

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropical-themed hotel that features a large themed pool with a pirate ship waterslide. The rooms are decorated in a Caribbean style and come with two queen beds or one king bed. The resort also offers a variety of dining options, including a food court and a sit-down restaurant. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is also the main hub for the Disney Skyliner. This makes it easy to get to and from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios without having to take a bus.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter is a charming resort that is designed to make you feel like you’re in the heart of New Orleans. The rooms are decorated in a Louisiana style and the resort features a pool with a sea serpent waterslide and a variety of dining options, including a food court, a sit-down restaurant, and a lounge with entertainment. You can take a boat to Disney Springs or a bus to the theme parks.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside is a relaxing resort that feels like you’re in the Louisiana countryside. The rooms are decorated in a Southern-style and come with two queen beds or one king bed. The resort features a pool with a water slide. Plus, there are a variety of dining options, including a food court, a sit-down restaurant, and a lounge with entertainment. You can take a boat to Disney Springs or a bus to the theme parks.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a Mexican and Southwest-themed resort that features a large pool with a water slide. The rooms are decorated in a Spanish style and come with two queen beds or one king bed. The resort also offers a variety of dining options, including a food court and a sit-down restaurant. You can take a bus to the theme parks or the Disney Springs area.

Disney World Deluxe Resorts

If you’re looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience at Walt Disney World Resort, then you should consider staying at one of the deluxe resorts. These resorts offer the highest level of comfort, convenience, and entertainment, and they tend to be located closest to the theme parks.

Currently, there are 10 Deluxe Resorts offering the most spacious rooms, including Deluxe Villa options that are part of the Disney Vacation Club and include one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas that come with a full kitchen and washer and dryer.

When it comes to amenities, the Deluxe Resorts offer the most including multiple dining options (usually a quick service restaurant, multiple table service restaurants, and lounges), full-service spas, and high-end shopping. Each hotel in this category is a little different, so here’s an overview of each one to help you decide which you prefer:

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney’s flagship resort that is designed with a Victorian-style and atmosphere. It is located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon making it a short monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The resort features top-of-the-line amenities such as a full-service spa, fine dining restaurants, a Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge, and a private beach.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a modern and sleek hotel that offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding area. It is located just a short walk away from Magic Kingdom. Plus, it is also on the monorail loop providing easy access to EPCOT as well. The resort offers several dining options, including one of Disney’s signature restaurants, California Grill.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a tropical paradise that offers a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. It is located on the monorail loop making it easy to get to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The resort features several dining options, including ‘Ohana, which offers a family-style feast with Polynesian-inspired dishes, and a hidden Jungle Cruise-themed bar called Trader Sam’s.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a rustic and cozy hotel that is located in the heart of the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, offering boat transportation to the park. The hotel has several dining options, including Whispering Canyon Cafe and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White where you can meet Snow White, The Evil Queen, and some of the dwarfs while you dine.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a nautical-themed hotel that is located just a short walk away from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There’s also boat transportation available to both parks if you prefer. The resort offers several dining options, including one of Disney World’s best steakhouses, Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a seaside-inspired hotel that is located just a short walk away from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There’s also boat transportation available to both parks if you prefer. The resort offers several dining options. This includes Cape May Cafe where you can meet Minnie and her pals in their best beach-day outfits.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is designed to make you feel like you’ve set foot on an early 20th-century Atlantic coast seaside boardwalk. It is located on the shores of Crescent Lake. And, it is just a short walk away from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a safari-inspired atmosphere with views of several savannas that are home to over 200 animals and birds. Unlike other Deluxe Resorts, bus transportation is the only way to get to the parks from this hotel. However, you’ll still find all the fine-dining offerings here including Jiko – The Cooking Place and Boma which both offer African-inspired cuisine.

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel

While owned and operated by Marriott, the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel is still considered a Disney Deluxe Resort due to its location and accommodations. The hotel is located on Disney’s BoardWalk, making it a short walk or boat ride away from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are also many dining options available at these hotels. And, they tend to be a bit more affordable compared to other Disney Deluxe Resorts. Just note that there is not any Disney-theming inside.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a new and modern hotel that is also located on Disney’s BoardWalk. It is operated by Marriott. So, you’ll find all of the same accommodations and offerings as the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel.

Other Hotels Near Disney World

If you’re looking for a hotel near Disney World that isn’t a Disney Resort, there are plenty of other options available. These hotels offer a variety of amenities and price points to suit any budget, making it a great option to explore if you don’t find what you need in a Disney World Resort or if you plan to visit other Central Florida attractions.

Off-site hotels near Disney World come in all shapes and sizes. Some are part of the Good Neighbor Hotel program. This means they meet certain standards set by Disney and offer Disney perks like shuttle service to the parks and extra time in the theme parks.

Most off-site hotels near Disney World offer comfortable rooms with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Some hotels also have pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, there are also several high-end hotels in the area that offer spa services, fine dining, and other upscale amenities. Just be aware that, while many of these hotels offer transportation to Disney World theme parks and other attractions, it may be an additional cost.

Full List of Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels

• Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Holiday Inn Orlando
• B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
• Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott at Western Entrance
• Home2 Suites by Hilton at Western Entrance
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott at Western Entrance
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Western Entrance
• Homewood Suites by Hilton at Western Entrance
• Residence Inn by Marriott at Western Entrance
• Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando
• Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Frequently Asked Questions

How many resorts are there in Disney World Orlando?

There are currently more than 25 Disney Resort hotels to choose from in the Disney Resorts Collection. Plus, even more off-site hotels nearby.

What are the benefits of staying on Disney property?

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel gives you many benefits, including early access to dining reservations, early theme park entry, extended evening theme park hours (at select resorts), complimentary theme park transportation, early access to tickets for special events, and early access to Individual Attraction Selections (one of the new ways you can skip the line at select attractions in the parks). You’ll also be in the middle of all the Disney magic, with over-the-top theming and top-tier customer service.

What Disney World resort hotels are on the monorail?

There are three Disney Resort hotels that are on the monorail. This includes Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These hotels offer easy access to Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT.

How much are Disney Resort hotels?

The price of a Disney Resort hotel varies depending on the time of year, the type of room you choose, and other factors. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 per night all the way up to $1,000+ per night depending on the hotel you choose. You can check current prices on the Walt Disney World website or by calling their reservation line. Keep in mind that staying on Disney property can be more expensive than staying off-property, but the benefits may be worth it for some guests.

Comments

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