Disney World Resort Hotels List 2024

Figuring out the difference between all the hotels at Disney World can be a difficult thing to do. That’s why we created a master list of Disney World Resort hotels so you can easily find and compare them.

Lastly, we’ll explain some Walt Disney World Resorts basics like prices, dining at the hotels, pools, amenities, recreation, transportation, parking, and other essential info. These are especially important if it is your first time staying at Walt Disney World, or if you haven’t been back for a long time.

If you are looking for which hotels are the best, make sure to read our rankings of the Best Disney World Resort Hotels to see them in order from best to worst and why we rank them the way we do. 

Our article on the Benefits of Staying at a Disney World Resort is also helpful to know if it’s better to stay on-site or off-site and all your options.

Before we get started, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we will update you with the latest Disney World Resorts updates, and share the latest vacation planning tips. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Disney World Hotels Overview

It can be incredibly overwhelming to examine all the available options at your disposal for places to stay on a Walt Disney World Vacation. The good news is, Disney makes accommodations that range significantly based on your levels of interest in particular theming. 

For instance, is your family interested in sports, music, pop culture, tropical locations, camping, national parks, or luxury? If the answer to any of those questions is ‘YES’, then there is a Disney World Resort that would likely be perfect for your interests. 

Disney World Resorts are highly-themed experiences that bring the magic and theming of the theme parks into the hotel! They are experiential places to stay that go above and beyond your typical ‘hotel room.’ 

And while you may pay a little more for accommodations, you’ll receive some of the highest levels of quality and convenience you can imagine!

Disney Resorts

When considering a Disney World Resort, many factors come into play. The most important one typically is price. Disney World Resorts are split into three categories: Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe Resorts. Within the Deluxe Resort category are also the Disney Vacation Club Resorts. 

Value resorts are the most family-friendly of your options, costing the least out of the three types of resorts. Moderate Resorts are a step up in price and luxury from Value Resorts but not quite as expensive as deluxe resorts. And Deluxe Resorts are the most luxurious and the most expensive of your Disney World Resort options. 

Each of these resorts includes the on-property perks of staying at a Disney Resort. Within these different tiers are great differences even amongst the different tiers. Things such as location, pools, activities, games, and restaurants can differ greatly!

When it comes to Disney Resorts or Disney Hotels, there are varying levels of amenities and luxury depending on the individual hotel class you choose.

Knowing the best fit for your family can be done by using our guide to pick the best fit for your budget and for your family’s interests.

Disney Vacation Club Resorts

A home away from home, Disney Vacation Club Resorts have a more homey feel while still being within the Disney Magic. DVC Resorts are considered Deluxe Resorts but with more condo-like accommodations.

There are 30+ Disney World resorts that are exclusively owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company and they are spread out all over 40 square miles of Disney World property. 

Many of these resorts include both a “Hotel Side” and a “DVC Villas” side. Some of these resorts are exclusively hotel rooms only and some of them are exclusively villa rooms only. In short, guests can book and stay on both sides or at either type of resort. 

There are an additional 12 hotels that are on Disney’s property that feature many of the same amenities as the Disney-owned resorts but they aren’t owned or operated by the Walt Disney Company.  

There are also additional 40+ “Good Neighbor Hotels” that are also located within a few miles of the parks and Disney Springs. These hotels have contractual agreements with Disney, they are very Disney-friendly and normally much more reasonably priced. 

The Good Neighbor hotels also have a staff person on hand to help with your Disney vacation. They typically also provide transportation to/from the parks each day at certain times of the day.

Disney World Resorts and Hotels List

Here is a full list of all the current Walt Disney World Resort Hotels including Value, Moderate, Deluxe, Deluxe Villas, and Campgrounds.

Value Resorts

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Moderate Resorts

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Gran Destino Tower
• Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Deluxe Resorts

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (Permanently Closed)

Deluxe Villas

• Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Treehouse Villas

Campgrounds

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Never-Built Resorts on Disney Property

• Disney’s Asian Resort
• Disney’s Persian Resort
• Disney’s Venetian Resort
• Disney’s Mediterranean Resort

List of Non-Disney Hotels Near Disney World

Besides the resort hotels that Disney owns, there are dozens more hotels on or close to Walt Disney World property that are owned and operated by third-party companies. Examples of these include hotels from Marriott, Hilton, and others.

It can get a bit tricky categorizing all these hotels and the benefits that guests staying there receive. Disney promotes many of them on its website and some of them even have the words “Disney” or “Disney World” in their titles, though they are not run by Disney.

Official Walt Disney World Hotels & Disney Springs Hotels

The next category is “Official Walt Disney World Hotels” and the “Disney Springs-area hotels”.  Again, the name makes you think these hotels are owned and run by Disney, but that is not the case at all.

These hotels are located on Disney property and have some perks that are useful for guests. Here is the current list of Official Walt Disney World Hotels and Disney Springs Hotels:

Disney Recommended

• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
• Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

• B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
• Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Holiday Inn Orlando
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
• Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels

“Good Neighbor Hotels” as they are called, are hotels located near the Walt Disney World theme parks and have a partnership with Disney even though they are not owned by Disney itself.

The perks here are almost nonexistent for most hotels except for shuttles that bring you to the parks, though there may be a fee associated with them. On rare occasions, they may include other perks like Early Theme Park Entry. As always, check with the hotel before booking to find out what benefits it has. 

Right now there are 44 hotels on the list of Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels:

• Best Western Plus – Kissimmee – Lake Buena Vista South Inn & Suites
• Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista
• Buena Vista Suites
• Candlewood Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Caribe Royale Orlando
• Comfort Suites Maingate East
• Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre
• Courtyard by Marriott/Marriott Village Hotels
• Crowne Plaza Orlando
• Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration
• Delta Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Embassy Suites Orlando – Lake Buena Vista Resort
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando – Lake Buena Vista South
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center
• Fairfield by Marriott Celebration
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake Buena Vista
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Village Hotels in Lake Buena Vista
• Floridays Resort Orlando
• The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
• Hampton Inn & Suites – South Lake Buena Vista
• Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista
• Hilton Garden Inn Orlando/Lake Buena Vista
• Holiday Inn Orlando Southwest – Celebration Area
• The Holiday Inn Express & Suites – South Lake Buena Vista
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites-Waterpark
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive South
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Lake Buena Vista – Orlando
• Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista
• Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
• Margaritaville Resort Orlando
• Meliá Orlando Celebration
• Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
• Residence Inn Orlando Convention Center
• Residence Inn Lake Buena Vista
• Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista
• Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort
• Sonesta ES Suites Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
• Springhill Suites Orlando Theme Park/Lake Buena Vista
• SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village
• Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando Kissimmee
• SpringHill Suites Orlando Convention Center/International Drive Area
• TownePlace Suites Orlando Theme Park/Lake Buena Vista
• WorldQuest Orlando Resort

Disney World Resort Types

Now, let’s look at each of the Walt Disney World Resort types (Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas) and get a breakdown of each one and the differences between them all.

Disney Value Resorts

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Value Resorts Overview

Value resorts are the least expensive of your options, affording opportunities for families with small children the most cost-conscious way of staying within a Disney Resort. 

There are currently 6 Disney World Value Resorts: All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, All-Star Music, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and the campsites at Fort Wilderness.  

Don’t confuse cheaper with boring though! These resorts are designed to be fun and entertaining for families! They include bright and colorful decorations and Disney themes to make it a great time for kids! Think of a motel with outdoor room access and over-the-top Disney theming throughout. That’s a Disney Value Resort. 

Value resorts include large food courts, laundry services, swimming pools, and Disney Transportation. Two of the resorts, Pop Century and Art of Animation, also include access to the Disney Skyliner. This is an added perk of staying at these two resorts allowing you quicker and more painless access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Food options are limited at value resorts, with no table service restaurants found. The only options you’ll have are the food courts which are quick meals.

While there are certainly perks of staying at a value resort, namely saving money, there are certainly some downsides to consider.

• READ: Best Disney World Value Resort Hotels

Disney Moderate Resorts

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Gran Destino Tower
• Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Moderate Resorts Overview

Moderate resorts present a nice ‘in-the-middle’ alternative. They allow guests to save some money while also featuring some of the fancier Deluxe-like perks. 

There are 5 Disney World Moderate Resorts: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. 

Moderate resorts feature a big step-up in perks, including pools with slides, hot tubs, and larger rooms. Some of the moderate resorts can also accommodate a 5th person in a room. 

The level of detail and theming on moderate resorts stretch outside of simply the outside areas, and even include themed rooms that kids love! The common areas and lobbies are also more tastefully done and upscale, making them more attractive for older families and adults. 

One of the moderate resorts, Caribbean Beach, is the hub for the Disney Skyliner. This makes it incredibly easy to get around to some of the other Disney Resorts and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

 Food options are more plentiful at moderate resorts, with all of them featuring at least one table service restaurant in addition to quick service options. 

As for the negatives, similar to the value resorts, the moderate resorts unfortunately are spread out over all large footprints, meaning typically that you could have a LONG walk between your room and the lobby or the pool areas. 

At some of the moderate resorts, there are several bus stops throughout the property making your trip back to your resort after a long park day even longer. 

Also, Moderate resorts can be significantly more expensive than value resorts, making the value arguably a downgrade. 

Families weighing out value resorts and moderate resorts should give careful consideration to how much time they will spend at the resort. If staying and relaxing at your resort is a higher priority, in our view it’s worth the additional costs.

While moderate resorts do have some nice added perks over value resorts, you’ll need to consider the downsides to see whether the extra cost is worth it for your family.

• READ: Best Disney World Moderate Resort Hotels

Disney Deluxe Resorts

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Deluxe Resorts Overview

Lastly, are the deluxe resorts. These are the most expensive and most luxurious of the Disney World resorts. What separates the deluxe resorts from the moderate and the value resorts? 

• Proximity to the parks – Deluxe resorts have the best and easiest access to Disney Parks. In many cases, they are situated right next to the parks which allow you to walk, take a ferry, or the monorail into one or two of the parks.
• Unique theming – The deluxe resorts bring up the theming two notches! The level of immersion brought by the details within the resort is unparalleled. 
• Food options – Most deluxe resorts have multiple table service options and quick-service food options. The table services restaurants at deluxe resorts feature some of the nicest Disney restaurants on the property. Most Deluxe resorts also have character dining options which kids love.
• Less walking – When staying at a deluxe resort, you don’t need to walk as far to the lobbies or the hotel lobbies. Everything is much more convenient.
• Shopping – If you enjoy shopping every chance you get, each of the Disney Deluxe Resorts has at least one gift shop in it with a wide variety of exclusive resort-specific items you can purchase. Some of them even have multiple shops with even more merchandise options.
• Other amenities – Deluxe resorts have the best pools, rooms, lobbies, and common areas. They also feature spas, concierge levels, and, better overall transportation to the parks.

These are just a few things that separate the deluxe resorts, and in a vacuum, yes, they are better than the other resort types. However, with the added perks, come significant upticks in prices!

Other Deluxe Resorts

• Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

These three resorts fall into a different class of their own. The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are technically NOT Disney World Resorts although they fall on Disney World Soil. They are right on the Disney Boardwalk and within a short walk to both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. 

If they were owned and operated by Disney, they WOULD be considered Deluxe resorts in terms of quality. The positive news is, they can be booked for significantly less money than other Disney Deluxe Resorts.

Disney Deluxe Villas

• Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Deluxe Villas Overview

Staying at a Deluxe Villa allows you to fully get the deluxe resort experience while saving money using DVC points. In fact, most of the deluxe villas are found within deluxe resorts. Often they are just separate buildings connected to the main part of the hotel, yet a few of these resorts are strictly DVC resorts. 

The only main difference between deluxe resorts and deluxe villas is the room situation. Deluxe villas are more home-like in their style with larger accommodations available. 

These rooms include additional amenities compared to regular hotel rooms. Deluxe studios, which are the most basic rooms, include a kitchenette with microwaves, toasters, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, a sink, paper plates, bowls, and paper cutleries.

One and Two-Bedroom Villas have larger and full kitchens with stoves, ovens, and refrigerators. They are stocked with pots and pans and kitchenware so that you can cook in your room. They also have washers and dryers and provide laundry detergent. 

These rooms can come in handy as they allow you to pack fewer clothes while you can easily do your laundry in your room! There’s something nice about coming home from vacation with a suitcase with fresh and clean laundry! 

If you know someone who will allow you to stay at their DVC resort or if you rent DVC points from an existing DVC member, this can be a luxurious and home-like experience that allows you to fully get the immersion and luxury of a deluxe Disney resort, at a reasonable price.

You can of course also book a deluxe villa directly through Disney, you just will pay a more premium price than using points.

READ: Best Disney World Deluxe Villas

Magic Kingdom Area Resorts

In this section, we will talk about the Disney World Resorts that are in the Magic Kingdom area. These resorts are all completely unique, although in the same general vicinity.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a Deluxe Disney Resort that has the unique privilege of being the closest Disney World Resort to the Magic Kingdom. That means you can walk there! That makes this resort ideal for families with small children that plan on being at the center of the magic. 

This resort is one of 3 Disney World Resorts that are found on the Disney Monorail, making it unique and incredibly convenient for both entries to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, in addition to two other Disney Resorts, Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. 

This modern resort is the most affordable of the three monorail resorts and it includes a giant 90-foot-tall by Disney Legend Mary Blair. The Contemporary is one of the original two Disney World Resorts and it includes some of the most beautiful views of the Magic Kingdom, including beautiful award-winning dining at the California Grill.

Bay Lake Tower

In 2009, Disney added a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property that is connected to the Contemporary and shares the property, called Bay Lake Tower. Bay Lake Tower is a beautiful property that includes the best pool on the Contemporary’s property called Bay Cove Pool. 

It also includes a lounge that is located at the top of the tower called Top of the World Lounge, which includes stunning views of the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom! 

Guests of either Bay Lake Tower or the main hotel share the same facilities and can use both properties. The main difference in staying at Bay Lake Tower is it is more reminiscent of condo-like accommodations, with larger rooms that have more home-like amenities. 

To stay in a DVC property, like Bay Lake Tower, you can do it in a number of different ways. You can book it directly through Disney, which is often the most expensive. 

If you know a DVC owner that is willing to part with their points, you can have them book you a stay. Or you can also rent points from a fellow DVC member, which can be a great value! 

As with all villas, these rooms can be booked directly through Disney, an authorized Disney Travel Agent, such as Show You the World Travel, or through a DVC Owner.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is also a Deluxe Resort, with beautiful Victorian-style furnishings and grandness sprinkled throughout the resort. 

The Grand Floridian is a gorgeous property and is incredibly close to the magic, being on the Disney Monorail loop. In fact, a hop to Magic Kingdom is only one stop away on the monorail! 

The Grand Floridian is the picture of luxury and class with one of the most beautiful and jaw-dropping lobbies in all of Walt Disney World. If getting a spa treatment is high on your list during your vacation, the Grand Floridian has one of the best full-service spas on property.  

One of the newest properties finished in 2013 is The Villas at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These beautiful villas were added as a means to give the property more rooms and are exclusively part of the DVC Collection at Walt Disney World.

It’s basically a newer and more up-to-date version of the main part of the Grand Floridian!

This property is gorgeous with beautiful marble mosaics on the floor, modern Victorian-style furnishings, and top-of-the-line bathroom amenities! The property also includes 200 new resort rooms with a slight Mary Poppins flare to them yet still remaining timeless.

It is also connected to the main part of the Grand Floridian through a covered walkway making it easy to get to in the rain.

Guests of either The Villas or the main hotel share the same facilities and can use both properties. The main difference in staying at The Villas is it is more reminiscent of condo-like accommodations, with larger rooms that have more home-like amenities.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the last of the three Deluxe Resorts on the Disney Monorail, making it incredibly convenient to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. It is the most laid-back of the three resorts, with beautiful and unique theming geared towards celebrating the Islands of the Pacific. 

It is located along the beach of Seven Seas Lagoon with awesome views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the evening! If being on a tropical hideaway while sipping tasty island cocktails is something you enjoy, the Polynesian might be your jam! 

In fact, it’s the only resort outside of the parks that contain its own Dole Whip Stand! 

The Polynesian includes one of the most fun restaurants for families (Ohana) and some of the best lounges for adults in all of Disney World! It also features my second favorite pool in all of Walt Disney World, behind Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Pool. 

The Polynesian is one of the more expensive resorts on the property and is usually somewhere in the middle price-wise between the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary.

Villas & Bungalows

Another Disney Deluxe Resort in the Magic Kingdom Resort area is the Wilderness Lodge. It’s the quietest of the Magic Kingdom Resorts. 

The Wilderness Lodge is uniquely different from the other resorts and transforms you into a completely different locale, one that brings you to the Great Outdoors in a Pacific North National Park setting. 

While Wilderness Lodge isn’t on the monorail, it is just a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, or you can take a bus of course. 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has one of the most beautiful and grandiose lobbies in all of Disney World, reminiscent of the most beautiful mountain lodge you can imagine! It also has arguably the greatest theming out of all the Disney World Resorts, especially if you like rustic! 

Wilderness Lodge is on the lower end of deluxe resorts when it comes to price, making it more affordable than the monorail resorts. It also features a couple of solid family restaurant options, including a very unique character dinner. 

While it’s not as convenient and easy to get around as the other monorail resorts, it is close enough to Magic Kingdom that it allows families with small children to have a more affordable option.

Boulder Ridge Villas

One of the older DVC properties, Boulder Ridge is a separate building attached to the main part of the Wilderness Lodge by covered walkways, just to the right of the main Wilderness Lodge Lobby. It is one of two DVC resorts within Wilderness Lodge as it opened in 2000 (Copper Creek is the other DVC resort), and they share the same amenities and properties as the main hotel guests at Wilderness Lodge.

Boulder Ridge Villas have more of a rustic and cabin feel as you would imagine while camping in a nice elegant cabin in the northwest.

This resort is ideal for those that want additional seclusion as it is disconnected from the main lodge, and while it is older than Copper Creek, Disney recently renovated Boulder Ridge in 2014, keeping it up-to-date.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

This is the other of the two DVC properties at Wilderness Lodge Resort and one of the newer DVC properties having opened in 2017.

Copper Creek is newer and a bit more stylish and modern than Boulder Ridge. It is also connected to the main part of the hotel, offering a little more convenience. 

Both Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek share the same beautiful grounds as the Wilderness Lodge Resort so you can use all the same pools and eat at the same restaurants.

The main difference is that they are DVC properties and have different accommodation types. Copper Creek also has beautiful 1,700-square-foot cabins overlooking Bay Lake. These are amongst the most luxurious accommodations in all of Disney World, but come at a steep price.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is one of the most unique experiences for larger families that want to have a more rustic trip, reminiscent of a camping trip, but on Walt Disney World property! At the Fort Wilderness Resort, you can either camp on one of the campsites or you can stay in a 6-person cabin. 

This property is set on a 750-acre wilderness setting with access to fishing, tennis, two heated pools, an arcade, laundry facilities and multiple dining options, including one of our favorite dinner shows “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.” 

It’s also located conveniently to Magic Kingdom, allowing you to easily take a boat over to the magic within just a few minutes. The other Disney Parks are also accessible utilizing Disney Buses.

The Campsites

The Campsites are considered a Value Disney Resort and the cheapest way to stay on Walt Disney World property for larger families, allowing up to 10 people to occupy a campsite.

There are 847 different campsites that are approximately 25 feet wide while ranging in length from 25 feet to 65 feet, allowing you to bring your own tent, tent trailer, or RV. 

All sites have running water, electricity, wifi, cable TV hookups, charcoal grills, and picnic tables. There are also full hook-up sites that will provide sanitary disposal. If you need a preferred hook-up site, these sites will cost additional money. 

Air-conditioned stations are found throughout the resort that have restrooms, private showers, laundry facilities, icemakers, and phones. It’s one of the most pet-friendly resorts and they are allowed in certain designated areas or can be boarded in a kennel.

The Cabins

Sharing a property with The Campsites, The Cabins are a more luxurious stay on Fort Wilderness’s grounds allowing up to 6 people to share an air-conditioned cabin that features fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, television, outdoor grill, picnic tables, and a private deck. 

Each cabin has a separate bedroom with a double bed, bunk beds, and a pull-down bed in the living area. In the living and dining area, there is also a sofa with a TV. 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a relaxed and family-friendly hotel that brings New England-style Beach Club theming to the forefront. As a Deluxe Resort, the Beach Club shares many of the same amenities as its sister hotel, the Yacht Club including the best pool on Disney property Stormalong Bay. 

In addition to the amazing pool area, the Beach Club also has outstanding accessibility and transportation for guests. It’s located right on the Disney Skyliner, which brings easy access to several of the other Disney Resorts in addition to Hollywood Studios. 

The Beach Club is also located only a few minutes walk to the back World Showcase entrance of EPCOT. Hollywood Studios is also walkable but it’s a bit longer of a walk, usually about 20 minutes or so. 

It features several dining options in-house as well as all the Disney Boardwalk restaurants, in addition to having a myriad of other options only a few minutes walk away in EPCOT. 

The pricing of the Beach Club is deluxe, but it is usually middle-of-the-road pricing for deluxe resorts, and more affordable than some of the other deluxe options.

Beach Club Villas

The fourth Disney Vacation Club Villa to open in 2002, the Beach Club Villas are connected to the main part of the hotel with a separate walkway in the back part of the hotel. 

Guests staying at the Beach Club Villas will have access to all the other amenities of the Beach Club Resort in addition to a separate and smaller pool area that includes a hot tub. 

Besides a separate entrance and building, the only real difference is the room sizes and room options which are attractive for larger groups or making meals in-room.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is another Disney Deluxe Resort that is located right on Disney’s Boardwalk and is a convenient location for both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (it’s the hotel with the shortest walk to Hollywood Studios). 

Not to mention being right on the Boardwalk gives it additional options for fun, entertainment, and excellent dining options with several table-service restaurants nearby. 

Its fun theming will bring you to old-fashioned boardwalk nostalgia in the Northeast United States, including places like Coney Island and the Jersey Shore Boardwalks. It can be great fun for families with kids with many tributes to circuses, carousels, and red and white decor throughout the pool area. 

Being just a short walk to the Disney Skyliner gives it additional accessibility and transportation options for guests. The Boardwalk Inn is a good option for a deluxe resort that isn’t overly costly and includes tremendous access and a top-notch location.

BoardWalk Villas

The sister resort of the Beach Club, Disney’s Yacht Club is another deluxe resort that gives you all the perks of being on the Disney Boardwalk. 

It has access to top-notch restaurants, nighttime entertainment and performers, and fun activities like renting 4-person bikes! And you can’t of course forget about the amazing Stormalong Bay, which is a shared pool area with the Beach Club. 

The Yacht Club also has a New England theme, but with more of a nautical theme than the Beach theme of its sister resort. The Yacht Club has darker colors and more wood tones, whereas the Beach Club is lighter and beachier. 

The Yacht Club has similar prices to the Beach Club and usually can be had a little cheaper than the Boardwalk Inn. It’s also located right next to the Disney Skyliner, just a few minutes’ walk further than the Beach Club. 

You also have access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT via the Skyliner, walking, or by taking a water taxi (Friendship Boats).

Rooms at the Yacht Club have been updated in the last few years and are regarded as the best all-around rooms among all the EPCOT-area resorts.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

The newest luxury Deluxe Disney Resort on Disney property is Disney’s Riviera Resort, having just opened its doors to guests at the end of 2019. The Riviera Resort is a European-themed hotel that captures the beauty and enchantment of being on the French and Italian Riviera. 

The Riviera is not on Disney’s Boardwalk like the other EPCOT-Area Resorts but it’s just one Disney Skyliner stop away, making it incredibly convenient to get to EPCOT. You can also take the Skyliner in the opposite direction and cross over at Caribbean Beach and transfer to Hollywood Studios in just a few minutes. 

The Riviera Resort has pound-for-pound some of the best all-around food locations on Disney property, with terrific quick-service options, lounge options, coffee options, and a table-service restaurant. 

Quality doesn’t come cheap and the Riviera Resort is not cheap and is currently among one of the more expensive deluxe resorts on Disney property.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels

Although technically not Disney, the Swan and Dolphin hotels are on Disney Property and are just off the Disney Boardwalk around Crescent Lake! They are currently under the Marriott umbrella of hotels, run by Westin and Sheraton respectively. 

These hotels are very popular among convention guests, as they often have conventions on-site here. These resorts have the added perk of being bookable with Marriott Points, which makes for a nice use of hotel rewards points. 

They are right next to each other and are easily walkable to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The prices of these resorts can be very reasonable and they are typically by far the cheapest option of the EPCOT-Area Resorts. 

Although not “Disney Resorts” they do have access to Early Theme Park Entry and the 7 am purchase of Individual Lightning Lanes. They do also have access to their own buses for regular transportation to and from the other Disney Parks.

These resorts lack the Disney theming of the other EPCOT-Area Resorts and aren’t overly popular with families with small kids.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

The newer and more upscale boutique hotel located right next to the Swan and Dolphin, the Swan Reserve is a classier and smaller option that provides a convenient home base for your Disney trip, albeit not being a “Disney Hotel.”

The Swan Reserve, similar to the Swan and Dolphin, is within walking distance of both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, just a little further walk. And while it is slightly more expensive than the Swan and Dolphin, it isn’t by much. 

The Swan Reserve feels more high-end and chic and has very nice dining options. Similar to the Swan and Dolphin though, it feels like an older crowd with less Disney-theming and is far less family-friendly than the other EPCOT Resort options.

READ: Best EPCOT Area Resort Hotels

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts

In this section, we will talk about the Disney World Resorts that are in the Hollywood Studios area. These resorts are all completely unique, although in the same general vicinity.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

A Disney Value Resort that is themed after Disney and Pixar Animation. It is a fun resort for families with children, with the themed lands of Finding Nemo, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Cars. 

This value resort is the more expensive of the other value resorts due to its ability to hold up to 6 people in a room with most of its rooms being family suites. 

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a moderate resort, meaning its prices are somewhere in the middle between value and deluxe. It’s more reasonably priced than deluxe resorts, while also being more accommodating and upscale than value resorts. 

Caribbean Beach has the unique privilege of being the main station for the Disney Skyliner, allowing it the best access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and the other Skyliner Resorts. 

It has Caribbean theming, taking you to the islands with sweet nods to the tropical laid-back lifestyle. The resort grounds are spacious and very spread out, making for long walks back and forth to the main parts of the hotel. 

The Caribbean Beach has the best theming out of the moderate resorts with fun Pirate-themed rooms and a fun pirate-themed pool that includes slides and a pirate barrel bucket! They’ve also recently refurbished all the common areas including the main lobby building, table service restaurant, and quick-service food court. 

A great middle-of-the-road option that caters to families while also being convenient and easily accessible.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century is another Disney Value Resort that is connected to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios through the Disney Skyliner. It shares a Skyliner stop with the Art of Animation Resort and they are conveniently connected via a walkway. 

Similar to Art of Animation, Pop Century is a family-friendly resort and is themed to popular pop culture items from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Parents from these generations will enjoy going through the different themed buildings showing their kids all the trends that captivated the world through the decades. 

Pop Century is more affordable than Art of Animation and has more normal-sized hotel rooms than Art of Animation, which prides itself on its larger family suites. It is slightly more expensive than the All-Star Resorts and is a nice alternative to the All-Star Resorts due to its better location and convenience. 

Pop Century has a large food court that features several different bays which allow even the fussiest of eaters options. They also have a sprawling pool called the Hippy Dippy Pool, which features fun flower-shaped water jets. 

While it’s a motel-style setting with outdoor room access, Disney has recently updated these rooms to make the interiors new and modern. Pop Century is a solid choice for families on a budget that want convenience as well. But be prepared, it’s very spread out and it can include long walks.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel (Closed on September 30th, 2023)

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel was an experience more than it was a ‘hotel.’ Putting you in the middle of your very own Star Wars story, this hotel was a 2-night experience that was incredibly costly but in our estimation worth it!

While it lasted less than two years, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel was one of the best experiences we’ve ever experienced in our lives. We are so bummed it didn’t stick around, but our experience was one we will forever cherish!

Read our review for when we experienced this. Hopefully Disney can figure out a way to incorporate elements of this experience into a future guest experience.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts

In this section, we will talk about the Disney World Resorts that are in the Animal Kingdom area. These resorts are all completely unique, although in the same general vicinity.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique resorts on the property with arguably the top theming on Disney Property. It’s immersed and laid out over a giant African Savannah, full of wild animals for guests to watch and enjoy! 

Jambo House Villas

Animal Kingdom Lodge has two DVC villa sites, Jambo House and Kidani Village. Jambo House is part of the main part of the Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel and opened in 2007. Both villa properties feature similar room types while carrying access to savannah rooms (although the animals viewed are slightly different). 

Jambo is the more convenient of the two, being part of the main hotel. It includes all the amenities and access to the restaurants, lounges, and shopping that the main hotel includes. It’s perfect for people that want everything in one place, without having to go anywhere else.

Kidani Village Villas

The newer of the Animal Kingdom Lodge villas opening up in 2009, Kidani Village is a little further out than Jambo House requiring a separate bus or 10-walk minute to get to. Kidani Village is also strictly a DVC property, meaning they don’t have normal hotel rooms like Jambo House. 

The positives of Kidani are that it is a little more private, has a beautiful pool area with a water slide, and has slightly larger rooms. It also includes its own smaller lobby, gift shop, and incredibly popular table-service restaurant! (Sanaa) 

Fans of Kidani love its intimate feel, feeling more like a vacation home than just a hotel. The downside is it’s not as convenient, doesn’t have as many dining options as Jambo House and it’s HUGE which requires a lot of walking, especially if your room isn’t close to the lobby.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

A family of the three cheapest Disney hotels, All-Star Movies is a value resort themed to the legends of Disney films. If staying on property is important to you, but you want to watch your budget, All-Star Movies could be a reasonable option! 

All three of the All-Star Resorts have recently updated their rooms, making them more in line with other hotel chains in terms of quality and modernness. These resorts are fun for families with small children with giant Disney-inspired icons and pictures throughout the grounds. 

All three of the All-Star Resorts include large cafeteria-style restaurants with several different bays to appeal to different members of the family. They all have two themed pools, one larger and one more intimate and quiet. 

At All-Star Movies the larger pool is themed to Fantasia and looks like a giant movie theater. The smaller one is called the Duck Pond Pool.

Rooms at the All-Star Resorts are simple and relatively small in comparison to the rest of the Disney World Resorts. They can be incredibly loud and noisy due to their popularity with large groups and large families. 

Besides being relatively close to Animal Kingdom, the other Disney Parks are a long ways away. Unlike Pop Century and Art of Animation, the All-Star Resorts ONLY include bus transportation. Be prepared for long waits and longer rides on the bus. 

These resorts do NOT include table-service restaurant options and will require a bus ride to another Disney Park or Disney Springs if one wants to engage in a nicer meal. 

The nice things about All-Star Movies are that it’s reasonable, on Disney Property, fun for kids, and it’s close to Animal Kingdom!

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Another one of the three All-Stars, Disney’s All-Star Music is themed to the world’s most popular music genres, with themed images and pictures all over the grounds.

 All-Star Music has the distinction of being the only All-Star Resort that has family suites, reminiscent of the Art of Animation. This makes it more attractive for larger families of up to 6 people, allowing them to fit in one room. 

The last of the three All-Star Resorts, Disney’s All-Star Sports is a fun tribute to competitive sports. This resort is popular with large sports teams that want to be in a sports environment with sports theming for kids and teens alike! 

Expect similar offerings in terms of pools, dining, and amenities. The only difference is this resort is themed to sports. 

Disney’s All-Star Sports can also be a fun resort for families, especially one with children that love playing sports! The pools are themed to baseball and a giant surfboard. 

This is also a great option for saving money and a cheap way to stay inside Disney World.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

A Disney Moderate Resort, Coronado Springs celebrates the rich cultures of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwestern America. 

This resort is known as the convention hotel on Disney’s grounds due to its large convention area. It frequently attracts large scores of business travelers and was even the home of the NBA during the 2020 NBA Season. 

Coronado Springs is a reasonably-priced resort that includes impressive dining options considering its affordability. It has the best dining options out of the moderate resorts, including excellent quick-serve options, table-service restaurants, and rooftop and waterfront dining! 

It also contains one of the best pool areas on the property, surrounded by a huge 50-foot Mayan pyramid with cascading water and serpents. 

It’s somewhat in the middle of the Disney World Resort, but closest to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you are going to any of the other parks, the transportation options leave you limited as you’ll be reliant on Disney’s buses. 

And while it’s not themed to suit small children, they still can have fun at this resort with its sprawling grounds, pool, and playground area. 

Coronado Springs is a terrific value and our favorite moderate resort for couples and business travelers. 

Gran Destino Tower

Opening in 2019, the Gran Destino Tower is the newest addition to the Coronado Springs Resort. The tower features the largest rooms out of all Disney Moderate standard hotel rooms and guests staying at the Gran Destino Tower can expect to pay slightly more than standard rooms at Coronado Springs. 

This is a beautiful addition and is now home to the main lobby for Coronado Springs. It is also home to multiple stunning lounge areas and a signature table-service restaurant (Toledo Tapas, Steak, and Seafood).

If you can stay here, it’s more convenient than the other rooms at the Coronado Springs Resort, which require long walks and outside room access.

Disney Springs Area Resorts

In this section, we will talk about the Disney World Resorts that are in the Disney Springs area. These resorts are all unique, although in the same general vicinity.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

The oldest DVC property on Disney World property opening in 1991, Disney’s Old Key West is a DVC-only deluxe resort that brings outstanding value and convenience to guests that plan on frequenting Disney Springs. 

Rooms at Old Key West are the most reasonable out of all the DVC properties, making it the most affordable DVC property for families. It also features some of the largest and most spacious rooms on Disney property and it’s one of the only Disney World Resorts that has access to 3-bedroom rooms that are available for rent.

Old Key West is themed to the Florida Keys and has a laid-back and relaxed feel to it, and since it has a family-style feel to it, Old Key West feels like home for many guests.

Themed to the New Orleans French Quarter, this Disney Moderate Resort is the smallest of moderate resorts and brings with it a quaint and serene feel. It has charming theming and shares a property with Port Orleans Riverside. 

French Quarter recently updated its rooms in 2018 and has terrific access to Disney Springs, allowing you to take a beautiful and scenic boat ride along the Sassagoula River. 

It lacks a table-service restaurant but it has excellent quick-service locations, such as Scat Cat’s Club, where you can enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz music while sipping on a New Orleans-style cocktail. 

Its lack of transportation options makes you reliant on Disney Buses to get to all four Disney Parks, including making up to 5 stops each time you come and go to the parks. 

This resort has a very fun and exclusive feel to it that appeals to families of all ages. It’s also an excellent value as guests frequently bypass this hidden gem.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

The larger of the Port Orleans Resorts, Riverside is themed similarly to French Quarter, but more in line with Rural Louisiana as opposed to New Orleans. Both French Quarter and Riverside share the same facilities and are just a short and convenient walk away from each other. 

In total, the two resorts have 6 pools. Two of them are larger and the other four are quieter and more serene. Riverside also has easy boat transportation making it convenient to get to Disney Springs. 

Riverside also has beautifully-themed Tiana Rooms with tasteful decorations that aren’t exclusive to just girls, and they also have rooms that will accommodate up to 5 people which is good for families.

Riverside is also one of four dog-friendly resorts in Disney World, allowing guests to bring their furry friends with them! 

It includes a table-service restaurant (Boatwright’s) unlike French Quarter while also providing a fun lounge with excellent performances by a Disney Legend – Yeehaw Bob! 

But Riverside is huge and has over 2,000 rooms so be prepared to walk a long way to your room! While Riverside has more amenities nearby it also lacks the privacy and exclusiveness of the French Quarter.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The largest Disney Vacation Club resort anywhere, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is an exclusive DVC property with over 1,300 rooms! It is a beautifully-themed deluxe villa resort that is set in Historic Saratoga Springs in New York State, which was made famous for its connection to spas and horse racing. 

It is situated right on a golf course, Lake Buena Vista, which is arguably the nicest of the Disney World Golf Courses on the property. And while it is enormous, making for LONG walks to and from the pool areas and lobby, it is also incredibly reasonably priced. In fact, it’s the second cheapest DVC property behind Old Key West. 

What we love about Saratoga Springs is that it is within walking distance of Disney Springs! Depending on what building you are staying at, it can be between 10 and 30 minutes of a walk. If walking isn’t your thing, you can of course also take the beautiful boat ride as well.

Disney World Hotel Prices

Disney World Hotel prices can fluctuate substantially depending on ‘when’ you want to go. Peak prices can be several times higher than off-peak times, making your Disney Trip significantly more expensive if you travel during a peak season, such as during the holidays. 

For instance, if you are visiting one of Disney’s Value Resorts, you might spend $130 or so during an off-peak time and up to $415 a night for a peak travel time. And if you’re staying for a full week this can be the difference of well more than $1,000 for your trip! 

• Disney Value resorts range from $130 – $210 per night during off-peak times. And during peak times they’ll range from $305 – $415 per night. 
• Disney’s Moderate resorts range from about $260-$300 per night during off-peak times. And during peak times, they’ll be anywhere from $470-$505 per night during peak times. 
• Disney’s Deluxe resorts range from $490-$815 per night during off-peak times. And during peak times, they’ll be anywhere from about $890 to $1350 per night during peak times. 

These are generalities and not exacts, and depend on when you book your stay.

To find out how to save the most money, we recommend reading our article on the Cheapest Times of the Year to Visit Disney World.

Should You Stay On-Site vs Off-Site?

Paying considerably more money for the Disney Resorts when there are many other hotels equally as nice just a few miles away is a pill too tough to swallow for many, especially when complementary Disney Resort guest perks such: as Disney’s Magical Express Airport Service, Extra Magic Hours, and FastPass+ have become things of the past!

What are the perks of still choosing to pay the additional money to stay on-site? We go over them more in our post Benefits of Staying at a Disney World Resort, but here are just a few of our absolute favorite reasons to stay on-site:  

• Disney Theming – To be fully immersed in the Disney experience, staying at a Disney resort just makes it all the better. It allows you to begin and end your day ‘in Disney.’ And that is saying something.
• Disney Cast Members – I always tell everyone the thing that makes Disney better than other hospitality companies is the Disney Cast Members. Staying at a Disney Resort allows you to get the best of service and employees that care about your day and make it as good as possible. 
• Transportation to the Parks – You can use free transportation as much or as little as you want. Whether it’s a bus, ferry, monorail, or the Skyliner, it’s nice being able to come and go as you want. 
• Early Theme Park Entry – This replaces the old Extra Magic Hours and it allows Disney World Resort guests to enter all 4 of the theme parks 30 minutes earlier than the general public. These 30 minutes can make a massive difference in getting to attractions before others
• Advanced Dining Reservations – Those staying at a Disney World Resort can book a Disney Reservation 60 days before the day of their reservation. This can allow you to get some of the hardest and most popular Disney restaurant reservations. The general public can only book a restaurant 30 days before the reservation date
• MagicBand+ – You can use MagicBands and MagicBand+ which allows you to have access to all of the wonderful perks and ease of using a MagicBand for your entire trip.
• Early Access to Lightning Lane – Buy Individual Lightning Lane reservations starting at 7:00 am each day. Non-resort guests have to wait until the official park opening before they can book Lightning Lane attractions. 

You see, there are still several reasons why you’d want to stay on-site! I always recommend that first-time visitors to Walt Disney World should ABSOLUTELY stay on-site since there’s a higher likelihood of the trip being a success when fully immersed in the Disney Experience. And once you do, it’s quite likely you won’t want to try any other way!

How to Decide

Ultimately, you’re going to have to ask yourself a series of questions to find out what you truly want from your Disney World Vacation. Only  YOU are the only one that can adequately decide. 

Questions you should ask yourself include:

• What is My Budget? 
• How Important is Convenience? 
• How Much Space Do You Need?
• How Many Days in the Parks? 
• Will You Actually Use the Extra Perks? 
• Are you Planning on Visiting other Orlando Area Attractions or Only Disney? 

Once you figure out the answer to these questions, you can make an honest and reasonable evaluation of whether a Disney World Resort is worth it for you. Weigh out all the questions and answer them truthfully. 

Once you do that, I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for both yourself and your family.

Dining at Disney World Hotels

When dining at Disney World Hotels, you can expect equal or corresponding levels of quality to the actual resort you’re staying at. 

For instance, if you’re staying at a value resort you’ll have food court options for all of your dining needs. Value resorts will also have themed pool bar areas and simple quick-serve style food options. 

Moderate resorts will have another level up when it comes to dining, with most of them having at least one table-service sit-down restaurant option. They also include additional quick service options and lounge areas.

Deluxe resorts have at LEAST one sit-down table-service option in addition to quick-service locations, pool bars, and beautiful lounge areas where you can get appetizers, snacks, and cocktails. Most deluxe resorts also have a character dining option, for either breakfast or dinner, or both. 

Most of the very best Disney World Restaurants are found in Disney’s Deluxe Resorts if they are not in Disney Springs. Keep in mind, if you’re staying on-site with a hotel reservation you can book ADRs or Advanced Dining Reservations for 60 days before your check-in date. Those without a hotel reservation can only do so 30 days before. 

If you want to know all about the best restaurants in Disney World, be sure to check out my article Best Restaurants at Disney World Resort Hotels.

Disney World Pools

Disney World Resort Pools are beautifully designed areas that fit in with the current theming of the resort hotel and are among the best parts of a Disney World hotel. Some of the most beautiful resort pools I’ve ever been to are at a Walt Disney World Resort. 

Disney does a tremendous job of providing fun activities, recreation, and entertainment for all levels of their resorts. The resorts typically have fun pool activities for families, outdoor movies under the stars, exciting campfire activities, playground areas for children, fitness centers, and running trails for runners. 

Some of the deluxe resorts have additional activities that are unique to their individual property. Several of them have miniature golf courses on property, others have access to fishing excursions, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and bike rentals! 

Many of them have fun nighttime performers that will play live music! There’s something to do at every resort at all times of the day and night.

Transportation

Disney provides complimentary access to all of its parks and Disney Springs for all guests of its resorts. But what does this mean? Let’s look at the main transportation options for Disney World Resorts Guests:

Disney Buses – By far the most common vehicle in Disney is a bus. Most resorts have buses that take guests to (5) different spots: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. 

These buses are giant motor coaches that can sometimes be slow and be prepared, they’ll load them up as much as possible especially if you’re staying at a value resort. You might find a spot to sit but you also might have to stand which can be uncomfortable for long distances.

Bus stops can be scattered at different locations around the resort you’re staying, or they could just have one central location for all the Disney Buses. You’ll see signs telling you where to go.

Disney Watercraft – Disney utilizes several different types of watercraft to take guests from the resorts that are on the water to Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs. 

These rides are more relaxed and can be scenic, but like the Disney Buses, they’ll jam you in as tight as possible. Only some Disney World Resorts have access to boat rides into the parks.

Disney Skyliner – The newest, and our personal favorite form of transportation, the Disney Skyliner is a gondola lift system that takes guests from a few different resorts into both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. 

Each gondola cabin can fit up to ten guests, or up to six if there is a wheelchair or electric scooter on board. This is a faster mode of travel and can bring you to your destination very quickly, assuming there aren’t long lines.

Disney Monorail – The Disney Monorail is an above-ground transit system that takes guests along a track to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and three different Disney World Resorts. 

It is a fun and iconic way to get around the parks and resorts without needing to wait for a Disney Bus and has been around since Disney World’s inception year in 1971.

Parking at Disney World Hotels

Parking at Disney World Hotels is now complimentary once again so guests do not have to worry about that additional fee any longer. This is a huge advantage of staying on-site at WDW, and can save significant money compared to what it was.

Guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness also can park for free. The cabins also allow for one free complimentary parking space.

Read our Guide to Disney World Parking for more details, prices, and how to park for free.

How to Save Money on Disney World Resorts

Come at the Right Time

The best way to save money on your Disney World Resort is to come during an off-peak time of year! This can single-handedly save you thousands on your upcoming trip. If it’s possible, come in January, August, September, or early October!

Stay at a Non-Disney Hotel On-Site

Plus, a good Disney Travel agent will alert you when prices go down and even if you are currently booked in something, they can cancel the reservation for you and rebook if the prices drop.

Use Points

You can also use Credit Card rewards points to erase your travel purchases! Cards like Capital One Venture or Citi Premier will allow you to redeem your points to erase the costs of your hotel. This can effectively save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. 

The best thing to do is to look out for new welcome bonus promotions on credit cards and apply when there’s a healthy bonus. Sometimes these bonuses can be worth $1,000+.

Use DVC Points

Just because there are already 30+ resorts on property doesn’t mean that Disney isn’t still working on more options for guests. There are always plans for new resort hotels at Walt Disney World and there is a lot to be excited about in the next few years.

In recent years we’ve got a nice influx of new properties including Disney’s Riviera Resort, Gran Destino Tower, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

Then in 2022, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa got a big upgrade with 200 old hotel rooms converted into new resort studio rooms. They did an amazing job and were able to combine the Victorian-age charm with a subtle hint of Mary Poppins that we love.

Right across the Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney’s Contemporary Resort also got a refurbishment to the tower rooms which are now themed to the Incredibles. We aren’t as thrilled with the way this one came out as we find it a bit cheesy for a Deluxe resort where we like to see more subtle Disney influences in the decoration.

As for new projects moving forward, they recently announced a new DVC Tower coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The old Spirit of Aloha dinner show has been removed and the new DVC tower is being built on top of it. It’s going to have amazing views of the lagoon, but we are still hesitant about the more generic-looking style the building has.

Disney has also recently announced big plans to renovate The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort into a new DVC property with a completely different look than before. No opening date has been made public but if everything keeps on track they will be open sometime in 2024.

The only other project that Disney has commented on is the previously announced “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge.” This was another DVC resort that was going on the old River Country site and would bring 1,700 new rooms to the Magic Kingdom area.

While we don’t know if Disney has officially scrapped plans for this, work has halted on the site for a couple of years so we aren’t hopeful to see this anytime in the near future.

We’ll update you as soon as we hear more about any new hotels or refurbishments coming to the existing Disney World resorts. Read our article What’s Coming to Disney World Next for more info.

How to Make Reservations

After comparing all your resort options at Disney World, it’s time to make your hotel reservations. You basically have two booking options.

1. Book directly through Disney
2. Book with an Authorized Disney Travel Planner

Booking through Disney – One option is to book your hotel or vacation package yourself directly through Disney. You can book your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel directly on the Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-4357.

This can be a bit more frustrating and give you more headaches which is why we recommend the second option.

Booking through Disney Travel Agent – The easiest way to book your Disney World resort or vacation package is with the help of a friendly Disney vacation planner who will help you every step of the way. They will listen to your needs and preferences and can help you decide which resort is best for you.

Not only that, they will also help you to make advanced dining reservations, book special events, and more. The best part is that they are 100% FREE and it doesn’t cost you any more money to use them than it does to book directly through Disney. Instead, they will actually end up saving you money by continuing to look for better deals even after booking your trip.

We highly recommend using René Cittadino at Show You the World Travel for your Disney World reservations. That’s who we personally use on almost every trip and they help with all the heavy lifting.

Just Click Here for a Free Quote and get started making your Disney World plans today!

FAQs

How Many Resorts are in Disney World?

There are 30+ Disney World resorts that are exclusively owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. 

There are some additional hotels that are on Disney’s property that feature many of the same amenities as the Disney-owned resorts but they aren’t owned or operated by the Disney Company.

When it comes to luxury hotels in Walt Disney World there are two standouts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Riviera Resort.

These two resorts just ooze class and sophistication and will WOW both Disney fans and non-Disney fans.

If you are open to staying at a non-Disney hotel, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is on a whole other level than the Disney resorts and one of the most luxurious hotels you will ever stay at.

Which Hotels are Closest to Orlando International Airport?

When looking at a map, Saratoga Springs, Art of Animation, and Pop Century are the closest, but the difference is likely only a minute or two. They’re all about the same length away from the Orlando International Airport.

(READ: How to Get from the Orlando Airport to Disney World)

What are the Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Walt Disney World?

There are four pet-friendly hotels in Walt Disney World: Disney’s Yacht Club, Port Orleans Riverside, Art of Animation, and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. 

If you don’t want to bring them to the resort with you, pets can also be boarded at the Best Friends Pet Care kennel across from Port Orleans Riverside.

Which Hotels in Walt Disney World are Good for Families?

Mostly all of Walt Disney World’s Resorts are good for families, due to their careful makeup to appeal to families. The ones that especially stand out due to theming and budget are Art of Animation and All-Star Music Resort due to their ability to comfortably sleep 6 people in their family suites. 

The Cabins at Wilderness Lodge are another nice option for families and feature more homelike accommodations, while still feeling unique and rustic.

• READ: Best Disney World Suites for Large Families

Right now, Walt Disney World Resort hotels can be booked through December 31, 2024. Read more in our article “How Far in Advance Can You Make Disney World Reservations?“

That wraps up our ranking of the top Disney World resorts. We hope that we gave you enough info to figure out which one you want to stay at on your next trip!

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Best Disney World Resort Hotels RANKED
• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about the resort hotels at Walt Disney World…

• Which is your favorite?
• Do you prefer to stay on-site or off-site?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂