Best places to stay in disney world
There’s a lot of pressure to get the best deal on your Disney vacation. But if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Disney World, there’s no need to sweat it—because we’ve got you covered!
We’ve researched all the different hotels and resorts at Disney World so that you don’t have to, and we’ve come up with a list of best places to stay in Disney World.
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’ve probably done your research.
You’ve got your tickets and lodging booked, but you’re still wondering: “Where do I stay?”
Don’t worry—we’re here to help! Here are great places to stay in Disney World:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
When you stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you may start each day by waving to giraffes, zebras, and other creatures. This resort offers an experience unmatched anywhere else in the United States, with a sense of an African safari. The Deluxe resort is close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, but because to the animal activities and savanna-view suites, it truly feels like a part of the park. Additional on-site features include themed swimming pools and distinctive dining options that highlight African cuisines.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
A popular among visitors thanks to its Polynesian-inspired decor and close proximity to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of two hotels in Disney World that have existed since the resort’s opening day fifty years ago. Great dining options are offered at the Polynesian Village Resort. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto gives tiki beverages with a dash of Disney enchantment, Pineapple Lanai offers Dole Whips, and customers gush over breakfast and supper at ‘Ohana. The monorail stop at the Deluxe hotel makes it simple to go to the theme parks, and you can even see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach. Overwater bungalows and new guest suites with “Moana” themes are recent additions.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
With decor inspired by the country’s majestic national park lodges, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers rustic luxury with comfortable rooms and lots of character. The Deluxe resort provides boat transportation to Magic Kingdom (and bus transportation to other parks), as well as several eateries with crowd-pleasing American menus. Themed pools and outdoor areas that draw inspiration from U.S. national parks give this Disney World hotel a unique atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Nautical and sophisticated, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers easy access to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — both a short walk, boat ride, or Skyliner trip away. This Deluxe resort has one of the best pools at Disney World: Stormalong Bay is a three-acre themed pool area with a lazy river, waterslide, and more. Like its name implies, the resort has an old-school New England yacht club theme that is elegant without feeling stuffy, and it has great views of the charming BoardWalk Inn across the lake.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened 50 years ago, and guests still love its iconic A-frame main tower. The modern Deluxe resort has a fantastic location — the monorail runs right through the middle of the hotel, and you can walk to Magic Kingdom Park — and plenty of great amenities, including fun pools and fantastic views. California Grill is a guest-favorite restaurant, and Chef Mickey’s offers a character breakfast that’s the perfect start to a Disney-filled day. The resort got some updates just in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary, including a new dining venue, Steakhouse 71, and reimagined guest rooms with a theme inspired by “The Incredibles.”
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts
Like a few other properties on this list, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts aren’t Disney-owned properties, but their close proximity to the parks and on-site Disney resort benefits make them worth checking out. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy members will be happy to know that they can earn (or use) points here because these are Marriott-managed hotels. Guests can enjoy perks like early entry and extended hours at Disney parks and complimentary transportation (you can even walk to Hollywood Studios or Epcot from these hotels). These hotels offer a range of suites and guest rooms, plus, the brand-new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve offers an even more upscale vibe and fresh design.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
It feels like you’re entering a seaside Victorian resort when you check into Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (with a sprinkle of Disney flair, of course). You may see the nightly fireworks or the Electrical Water Pageant for a spectacular conclusion to a day at the theme parks at this charming Deluxe resort, which is only one stop away from Magic Kingdom Park on the monorail. You may walk (or take the monorail) from the resort to the Magic Kingdom, ride the monorail to Epcot, or take a bus to any of the other Disney parks. There are many eating options, including the Enchanted Rose lounge with a “Beauty and the Beast” motif, as well as swimming pools, a spa, and other amenities.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Tucked away in a picturesque residential setting, yet just a short drive from the Disney World theme parks, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort offers five-star luxury with upscale accommodations, an outstanding food and beverage program, and incredible amenities. The AAA Five Diamond resort has a beautifully landscaped family pool complex with waterslides and a lazy river, plus an adults-only pool oasis (a rarity at Disney World). From the calming spa to the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando to the rooftop Capa steakhouse and lounge, adults will love the luxe amenities. Plus, the Kids for All Seasons program offers supervised children’s activities, so parents can enjoy some much-needed alone time. And there’s plenty on property for Disney fans, too, including a character breakfast, rooms with views of the theme parks and nightly fireworks, and perks like early entry to the Disney parks.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Since its recent refurbishment and the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has become one of the top choices in the Moderate resort category. Located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this Spanish-, Mexican-, and American Southwest-inspired hotel has one of the best pools on property, with a 50-foot Mayan pyramid centerpiece and a 123-foot waterslide (the resort also has the largest hot tub at Walt Disney World, plus three other pools spread across its sprawling grounds). Rooftop Toledo — Tapas, Steak, & Seafood and Dahlia Lounge offer upscale Spanish flavors with a great view. We recommend staying in the Gran Destino Tower for easy access to the restaurants and resort transportation — with nearly 2,000 rooms spread out in many buildings across the resort, some are a bit of a walk from the main tower.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Located in the Bonnet Creek area near the Disney theme parks and Disney Springs, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers a luxe stay with perks like transportation to the parks, early theme park entry, and rooms with theme park views. The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, award-winning Bull & Bear restaurant, Waldorf Astoria Spa, and beautiful pools are among the amenities that make this a top choice for a hotel near Disney World.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The “Finding Nemo,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” and “Cars”-themed hotel areas of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are perfect for families with young children (and nostalgic adult guests). This Value resort provides excellent value for the money; in addition to many pools, visitors can benefit from bus and Skyliner transportation to the theme parks. After spending days riding Space Mountain and waving at Mickey Mouse, the whole family can sprawl out and unwind in a family suite decorated to resemble the aforementioned Disney and Pixar animated films. These suites can sleep up to six people.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
One of Disney’s newest hotels, Disney’s Riviera Resort transports guests to the European coast with Mediterranean decor and dining influences inspired by Walt Disney’s travels. This Deluxe Villa property is located in the Epcot resort area, connected to both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot via the Skyliner. Topolino’s Terrace is a standout dining option, offering a delightful character breakfast featuring Mickey and friends (and French and Italian flavors) in a beautiful rooftop setting.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
One of the most highly anticipated Disney projects of the decade opened in spring 2022. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is taking immersive experiences to the next level with two-night adventures aboard the Halcyon starcruiser, where travelers can become the heroes of their own Star Wars journey. The package includes a two-night stay on the “ship,” meals, and onboard experiences (think: lightsaber training, interactions with Star Wars characters, a trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and more). It’s not your typical hotel stay — and that’s exactly what makes it such an unforgettable experience.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
Located near the Waldorf Astoria in the Bonnet Creek area, the JW Marriott offers tons of family-focused perks, including family loft suites, the Hidden Garden Kids Club, and more. A rooftop terrace features views of Disney’s nightly fireworks, and the spa offers relaxing treatments — much needed after a few long days in the parks.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our list of the best places to stay in Disney World.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a budget option, or something in between, we know that this list will help find your perfect fit!