15 BEST Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels in 2024

When you think about Walt Disney World, let’s face it, your mind first goes straight to Main Street U.S.A and Disney’s Magic Kingdom. And especially if you have kids, you probably want to stay as close as possible to the magic.

So where can you stay near the Magic Kingdom and which resorts are closest?

In this post, we will share our list of the best Magic Kingdom-area hotels and rank them from best to worst. We have included in our list the Disney Resorts, DVC Villas, and Non-Disney hotels, so no matter your budget, you have a choice.

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when choosing where to stay in the area, and we’ll explain the pros and cons of each hotel, the average price, rooms, amenities, and dining options.

While in our guide to the three Monorail Resorts we discussed in-depth and a comparison of each of them, in this article, we are going to focus on ALL of the Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels, which will give you a wider range of diversity and options for families of different levels of budget and different interests. 

Of course, staying in the Magic Kingdom area gives guests the most ideal access and convenience to visiting Magic Kingdom, which is perfect for families that want to really be RIGHT in the middle of the Magic. 

In fact, there’s nothing quite like being near Magic Kingdom, and most smaller kids will likely admit that it’s Magic Kingdom that they most want to visit out of any park.

However, the problem with staying at one of the Monorail Resorts, is they are inaccessible for many families. They are COSTLY! So what other options do you have? Well, there are OTHER Magic Kingdom Resorts that also put you right next to the action, but at a lower price.

In this post, we are going to touch on everything from prices to room types to amenities and everything in between! We will go over each of your available options while helping you to pick the one that most suits your needs.

Prices

As we mentioned above, the prices for the Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels can range substantially from one to the other. What can you expect to spend on each of the varying different options? 

Here is what you can expect to spend in 2024, depending on the time of year you visit. These prices are for STANDARD room sizes and STANDARD views and they include tax.

Disney’s Monorail Resorts

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort: $572 – $1043 per night
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: $816 – $1350 per night
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: $691 – $1256 per night

Other Disney World Resorts

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Cabins: $466 – $920 per night 
  • Campsites: $80 – $210 per night 
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort: $524 – $974 per night

Room Types

The prices above are focusing specifically on standard rooms in each of these hotel options. But there are additional room types and sizes as well for guests looking for more flexibility. 

Here are the types of rooms you’ll find at the Magic Kingdom Resorts:

• Standard rooms or Studio rooms that will fit up to 5 guests
• 1-Bedroom Suites that generally allow between 5-7 guests
• 2-Bedroom Suites that generally will allow between 8-10 guests 
• Presidential Suites that will allow up to 8 guests 
• 3-Bedroom Suites that will allow for up to 12 guests

Keep in mind at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, they have campsites that will allow up to 10 guests and interior Cabins that will allow for up to 6 guests. 

The three Monorail Resorts in addition to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort will have suites with Club-Level access and additional perks. These rooms are VERY pricey!

TIP: You can read more about these family rooms in our Guide to Disney World Suites.

Amenities & Benefits

Each of these hotels can differ substantially in terms of the overall amenities, with individual offerings at each. Here are some amenities you will likely find:

• Movies Under the Stars –  A wonderfully themed outdoor movie party under the stars.
• Jogging Trails – Take a stroll on a scenic pathway around the resort.
• Fun Arcade – Enjoy some classic games and newer games with the whole family.
• Free Transportation To and From All the Parks
• Early Theme Park Entry – Get into the parks 30 minutes prior to guests NOT staying at a Disney Resort.
• 60-Day +10 Dining Reservations – You can book your Disney Restaurants 60 days in advance when staying on-site at a Disney Resort + up to 10 additional days whereas those NOT staying in Disney only can book at a 60-day window. 
• Free Parking – Guests staying at a Disney Resort get free parking both at the resort AND in the Disney parks. Read more in our Disney World Parking Guide.
• 7:00 Booking Window for Lightning Lanes – Guests staying at a Disney resort can book Individual Lightning Lane attractions at 7:00 am giving you a significant advantage when it comes to booking the rides you want to go on.

We will touch on some of the individual offerings of each of the resorts in just a minute…

Which Hotels are CLOSEST to the Magic Kingdom?

In this section, we will talk about which of the hotels are CLOSEST to Magic Kingdom in terms of sheer location. Knowing this can make a difference for families that want to be as close as humanly possible to the front gates of the park.

Magic Kingdom Hotels By Distance

Here are all the Magic Kingdom Resorts in order of their distance from the park:

1. Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower: 0.5 Miles
2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and The Villas: 0.7 Miles
3. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Polynesian Villas: 0.8 Miles
4. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort and Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek: 0.8 Miles
5. Shades of Green: 1.8 Miles
6. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: 2.3 Miles 
7. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort: 2.5 Miles

Disney’s Contemporary Resort – (0.5 Miles)

The closest resort coming in at only 0.6 miles away from the front gates of Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the best there is when it comes to convenience and being close to the magic! With less than a 10-minute walk away from the front gate or a convenient monorail ride away, it’s hard to top the Contemporary! 

An original Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a truly unique-looking resort that themes itself to being a futuristic look at tomorrow. The Contemporary Resort is a three-building resort that is uniquely built with an A-frame tower that allows the monorail to run directly through the very center of the resort!

The most jaw-dropping and stunning resort on the Disney Monorail, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style resort that brings about some of the best of Disney when it comes to theming, restaurants, convenience, and high-end service. 

Spectacularly situated with wonderful views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the Grand Floridian brings to mind the prestige of 19th-century Palm Beach. From the moment you walk into the main lobby, you’ll be awed by the jaw-dropping entrance and ambiance that this resort brings.

We also love the beautiful new walking path that takes you right to the Magic Kingdom Gates! The Grand Floridian Resort is an awesome pick for families that want a touch of high-end living while being perfectly situated on the monorail and nearby the Magic Kingdom at only 0.8 miles away!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort  – (0.8 Miles)

The other original hotel, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a wonderfully-themed South Pacific resort that will immediately transport you to the islands of your dreams, Hawaii anyone?! 

This is the most serene atmosphere of the three Disney Monorail Resorts, giving you the laid-back beach vibe that families LOVE.

The Poly is situated adjacent to the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center), making it the simplest and quickest of the three resorts to get directly to EPCOT without having to change monorail lines. 

Similar to the Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian also recently underwent major updates including changing the theming of their rooms to beautiful new ‘Moana-themed rooms’ so you no longer get old and outdated ones.

With a beach on the property and some of the best views of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks, we love Disney’s Polynesian Villa Resort as the best of both worlds when it comes to great vibes and great fun!

Which Magic Kingdom Resorts are on the Monorail Loop?

For those unfamiliar, there are three different Monorail Lines. For those desiring to get to one of the Monorail Resorts, you’ll need to take the Monorail Resort Line which stops at the three different Monorail Resorts in addition to making a couple of other stops. 

The Disney Monorail Resorts are:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney Polynesian Village Resort

In total, there are five stops on the Monorail Resort Loop and it runs in a circle going clockwise around the Seven Seas Lagoon, starting at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Here are all five stops:

1. Magic Kingdom
2. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
4. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
5. Transportation and Ticket Center

If you are staying at any of the DVC Villas in the area, these are serviced at the stops for the main resort where those villas are located. For example, if you are staying at Bay Lake, you will get on and off at the Contemporary Resort stop.

A full circuit around the entire Monorail Resort Loop normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes. It can take a little bit longer on busier days or when a lot of guests are coming and going, for instance around the time of Magic Kingdom Fireworks.

The other two Monorail Lines are the Express Monorail Line and the EPCOT Line. The Express Monorail Line takes you direct between Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). This is the line that guests take if they are parking at Magic Kingdom or are using a ridesharing service, such as Uber. 

The EPCOT Line is a direct line that takes you between the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and EPCOT and is the way to get from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.

Staying at one of the Disney Monorail Resorts is the simplest and ideal situation for guests that want to be close to the Magic Kingdom. For a full run-down on the Disney Monorail Resorts with all the pertinent information you need, take a look at my post here.

Reasons to Stay Near the Magic Kingdom

While there are some obvious reasons and some not-so-obvious reasons to stay near Magic Kingdom, the truth is that staying near Magic Kingdom affords guests many options and opportunities for additional Disney World Magic. 

Here are the true stand-outs for us:

Disney Resort Perks

While this does NOT apply to those staying at a nearby non-Disney hotel, for those guests staying at one of the Magic Kingdom Resorts, you’ll get all of the on-site perks of staying at a Disney World Resort such as:

• Free transportation throughout the Disney World Resort 
• Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours (N/A for guests staying at Fort Wilderness)  
• You can make advance dining reservations 60 days + up to 10 days prior to your trip
• Free parking both inside the parks AND at your resort
• 7:00 am booking window for guests that want to reserve Individual Lightning Lanes

Proximity to the Magic

Literally being a hop, skip, or jump away from Magic Kingdom is incredibly enticing! Being able to take the Disney Monorail, a boat, or a simple walk away does not get much better. When you are THIS close to Magic Kingdom you can go over whenever you want! 

So if you want to be there first in line for the morning, you can! If you want to be the last one to leave the park each night, you can! Or if you just want to head over there randomly at random times, you easily can easily do that too! 

Nearby Amenities

Perhaps maybe you don’t want to visit the park every day or every hour of the day, the Magic Kingdom Resort area has some of the best amenities anywhere on Disney Property! For families with well-varied interests that are looking to change the pace a little occasionally, there are things you can do nearby such as:

• Spend a day getting pampered at The Grand Floridian Spa, one of our favorite Disney Spas! 
• Partake in some of the different water sports options such as renting a boat or going fishing
• Take advantage of the incredible pool areas and outdoor splash areas outside of your resort
• Enjoy some of the Disney World Resort amenities such as Campfires, Jogging Trails, Movies Under the Stars, and the Arcades
• Take a romantic Horse Carriage ride with a loved one
• Go for a pony or a horse ride at the Tri-Circle D Ranch at the Fort Wilderness Resort 
• Train like an archer and take the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience 

These are just to name a few! There are so many fun options for staying nearby, you will never run out of things to do!

Terrific Dining Options

You will have easy access to some of our favorite restaurants, quick-service locations, and lounges anywhere in Disney from fun character meals to signature dining experiences, the Magic Kingdom area hotels have it all. 

Some of our favorite stand-out dining experiences are:

• Steakhouse 71 
• California Grill
• Chef Mickey’s
• Citricos
• Narcoossee’s
• ‘Ohana
• Story Book Dining 
• Trader Sam’s
• Victoria and Albert’s
• Whispering Canyon Cafe

These are just to name a few! All of these options are completely different experiences but are easy to get to when staying at one of the Magic Kingdom hotels! Plus, you are also close to all the Magic Kingdom Restaurants as well.

Close But Can Feel Far

Although at first, this doesn’t look like a positive when it comes to staying at a Magic Kingdom Resort, I assure you it is! What I’m referring to is the ability for these resorts to be both near (geographically speaking) and far away when it comes to getting tranquility and distance from the craziness of Magic Kingdom. 

Being in the park all the time can be exhausting and tiresome and when you go back to your resort after a long day, it’s nice to feel FAR away from it all. The Magic Kingdom Resorts do it better than anywhere! 

From the Great Outdoors feel of the Fort Wilderness Campground to the “Islandy-feel” of the Polynesian, all of the Magic Kingdom Resorts will transport you to a faraway location. 

This will allow you to truly feel as if you’re near but far at the same time! When you want the craziness of being in Magic Kingdom, it’s nearby. When you want distance and quiet, it’s also nearby.

Bigger Room Sizes

Most of the Magic Kingdom Resorts have larger room sizes for guests requiring more space, or for larger families. With villas offering guests up to 3 bedrooms and with suites easily available, the Magic Kingdom Resorts offer sizes to meet the various needs of guests longing to stay here. 

Even the cabins at Fort Wilderness will allow up to 6 guests in a cabin. And the campsites will allow for up to 10 guests on a site!

Theming of Resorts

The Monorail Fun

Let’s be honest, being on the Disney Monorail is just fun in and of itself! There are so many times we take the monorail just because we want to! We love having easy access to get to the other Monorail Resorts or perhaps taking the monorail over to Magic Kingdom. 

And don’t forget the Monorail Bar Crawl as a fun nighttime activity!

Magic Kingdom Parties

And last but not least, being at one of the Magic Kingdom Resorts is ideal when you’re engaging in one of the Magic Kingdom Parties! 

With events such as Disney After Hours events and the Holiday Parties (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party), those nights can end late! 

And when you’re exhausted it’s SO incredibly convenient to be located right next to your resort. This allows you to fully enjoy every minute of these parties without worrying about rushing back or even potentially leaving the party early because you’re worried it’s going to take a while to get back to your hotel.

Best Magic Kingdom Resorts RANKED

Coming up with a definitive ranking of Magic Kingdom hotels sounded easier than it actually turned out to be. They all have things we like and you can’t really go wrong with any of them, it’s going to depend on your family’s preferences.

Even so, we wanted to rank our favorites in order so that you are prepared on what to expect at each one before you book it.

Our Ranking Factors

Here are the factors that we took into consideration when ranking the Magic Kingdom hotels:

• Value – Not just price, but what are you getting for your money? If there are extra costs, are they worth it?
• Theming – How immersive and special is the theme of this hotel? Did it make us feel like we have been transported into a unique atmosphere?
• Convenience – How close it is to the Magic Kingdom and is the experience easy?
• Rooms – How nice are the rooms? How big are they? Are they comfortable?  Have they been recently refurbished or do they feel outdated?
• Dining Options – Restaurants at that particular hotel.
• Amenities – Pools and other activities the resort provides.
• Transportation – What transportation options are available from here?

Thankfully, many of the Magic Kingdom hotels have gotten refurbishments and upgrades in the recent past, or they are currently being redone. Some changes include newly redesigned guest rooms or changes to the lobby. 

Of course, we take all these changes into consideration for our ranking, and in some cases, we prefer the old style.

Don’t get me wrong, we genuinely enjoy most of the Magic Kingdom hotels, and we’d happily recommend any of them to our readers. However, that doesn’t mean that all of them are good for YOUR family.

There are big differences between them that you need to evaluate before making a decision. Of course, our ranking is our own opinion, and you may put the hotels in a completely different order, and we may even rank them in a different order next year depending on the latest changes.

Lastly, instead of doing one big overall ranking, we’ve made multiple different rankings for these hotels dividing them into Disney Resorts, DVC Villas, and Non-Disney Hotels. Let’s get into the first group…

Disney Resort Hotels Near the Magic Kingdom

Now that you know our ranking factors, now it’s time to actually rank them! In this section, we are going to rank the 5 main Magic Kingdom Resorts. They are:

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge 

We won’t be touching on the non-Disney hotels or the DVC properties in this section. Without further ado, let’s get into each of these resorts.

5. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

• 2024 Cost: 
  • For Cabins $466 – $920 a night (Includes tax) 
  • For Campsites $80 – $338 a night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A campground themed around the American Frontier
• Rooms: 799 Campsites and 409 Wilderness Cabins 
• Family Suites: No, but cabins have a full living area and will sleep up to 6 guests
• Address: 4510 Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

Coming in at 5th on our list of favorite Magic Kingdom Resorts is the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. While it’s not really a knock or implying that we don’t like it by having it in the 5th spot, it’s just our “least favorite” even though there are certain aspects of Fort Wilderness that we love! 

First off, the Fort Wilderness Resort truly is a unique oasis! The idea of camping while in Disney World seems far fetched, but Fort Wilderness just pulls it off! There are arguably more things to do at this resort than at any other resort throughout Walt Disney World. 

From archery to fishing to horseback riding to Segway tours, there’s something for everyone at the massive sprawling complex of Fort Wilderness! And with over 800 campsites and 350 cabins that sit atop 750 acres of pine and cypress forests, it’s tough to beat the natural beauty of Fort Wilderness! 

• More Amenities and Entertainment Offerings than Anywhere Else – With multiple arcades, pool areas, the famous Tri-Circle D Ranch, archery, fishing, etc…. There’s no place like Fort Wilderness when it comes to entertainment and things to do!
  
• A Paradise for Outdoorsy People – If you or someone in your group loves to camp or loves to enjoy nature, there’s no place like Fort Wilderness! You’ll truly feel worlds away from Magic Kingdom, but close at the same time….
  
• A Short Boat Ride Away from Magic Kingdom – Take a scenic boat ride to Magic Kingdom and get there within a few short minutes! It’s easy coming and going, with generally minimal wait time in either direction.
  
• Natural Beauty – With more than 750 pristine acres of pine and cypress forests, the Fort Wilderness Resort is a beautiful location that feels untouched and rustic, unlike the rest of the manicured and highly developed Central Florida surroundings. 
  
• Camping but More Upscale – Make no mistake about this, this resort is a campground, but the good news is, it’s cozy and with more amenities. With full hookups available and upscale cabins available for guests, the Fort Wilderness Resort will give you some additional comfort.
  
• Cheap – What’s better than being on Disney’s property and not spending a fortune?! Not much! A stay at one of the campsites at Fort Wilderness is the cheapest way for guests to visit Walt Disney World and still get the many on-site perks!
  
• Pets are Welcome – The Fort Wilderness Resort is one of the only resorts on Disney’s property for which you can bring your pets on-site!

Cons

• Far Distance to Everything – To get anywhere on the sprawling grounds of Fort Wilderness requires either a LONG walk likely or a separate golf cart which you can rent for an added cost. Nothing is close here, and you’ll certainly get your steps in if you’re walking everywhere!
  
• Multiple Bus Rides to Get to Other Disney Parks and Disney Springs – While Magic Kingdom is close and easily accessible, the rest of the Disney World Resort is far and takes time! It will likely require you to get on a separate bus line to get back to the main bus area before transferring and waiting for another bus to take you to the Disney Park of your choice or Disney Springs. It can be SLOW!
  
• It’s still Camping – And while the campground has some nice perks and amenities in comparison with outside Disney Campsites, it’s still camping. It’s the least luxurious in terms of amenities, and you certainly won’t feel as if you’re on a high-end vacation.
  
• Minimal Dining Options – With Trail’s End Restaurant no longer being a sit-down table-service dining experience anymore, the only option you have is the Hoop De-Doo Revue. And while we love it, it’s not something you want to do multiple times for a trip, since it’s expensive and long.
  
  If you want a sit-down dining experience you’ll need to travel outside of the campground to go elsewhere on Disney property.

Restaurants

• P & J’s Southern Takeout – Quick-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
• Meadow Snack Bar – Snack bar featuring a medley of varying snacks and sandwiches. 
• Crockett’s Tavern –  A lounge with a fun variety of drinks and lounge fare inside Pioneer Hall. 
• The Chuck Wagon – Quick-service area with a number of different foods. Serving dinner only. 
• Trail’s End Restaurant – A newly converted former table-service restaurant that is now a quick-service option. They serve all of the classic American favorites! 
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – A fan favorite 2-hour family-friendly dinner and show featuring dancing, singing, and comedy. All-you-care-to-eat fried chicken and ribs! A wonderful time for the whole family!

Best For

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground can be a good option for larger families that are on a stricter budget. It can be a terrific way to save money by cooking your own meals while also giving you fun and recreational activities for the whole family. 

If your family enjoys the rustic feel of a campground while feeling far removed from the craziness of Magic Kingdom and the other Disney Parks, you’ll probably love Fort Wilderness.

4. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• 2024 Cost: $572 – $1043 per night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A futuristic look at tomorrow, reminiscent of Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom
• Rooms: 750
• Family Suites: No, but standard rooms fit 5 adults
• Address: 4600 N World Dr, Orlando FL 32830

Overview

At 4th on our list is Disney’s Contemporary Resort! We love the Contemporary Resort, and if closeness to Magic Kingdom is what you desire, there’s NO better place to be than here. Within just a 5-10 minute walk to Magic Kingdom, it is more than ideal. 

Not only are you super close when it comes to walking to Magic Kingdom, but you can also take the monorail as well. In fact, it actually picks you up directly in the center of the middle of the building. While the Contemporary is the cheapest of the three Monorail Resorts, it’s still costly in comparison to some of the other options.

• Doesn’t Get Any Closer to Magic Kingdom – With a simple 5-10 walk, you can get to the front gates of Magic Kingdom! There’s no closer place to be for families desiring to spend as much time at Magic Kingdom as possible! 
• New Incredibles-Themed Rooms – The new Incredibles-themed rooms are adorable, and families with young kids love them! They aren’t tacky or cheesy and instead are tastefully done. 
• Fireworks Views Galore – With views in many of the guest rooms, in addition to awesome views on the bridge, and the restaurants, there are more fireworks views at the Contemporary than anywhere! 
• Terrific Dining Options for the Whole Family – The dining options here are terrific for families that don’t want to necessarily pay the costs associated with signature dining at every meal. With a popular character restaurant here, Chef Mickey’s, families can meet all their favorite Fab Five characters! There’s also one of our favorite signature dining experiences located here, California Grill. 
• The Monorail – One of the three Monorail Resorts, it’s an ideal situation to be located at one of the monorail resorts. This makes Magic Kingdom AND EPCOT accessible and simple, even for non-walkers. Plus, being on the monorail is just flat-out fun! 
• Cheapest of the Monorail Resorts – Coming in at a much more reasonable price-point than both the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary is more accessible for families on tight budgets that want to be at one of the Monorail Resorts. 
• Extended Evening Hours – Being considered a Deluxe Resort, guests staying at the Contemporary get access to Extended Evening Hours nights in the parks. This will give you an extra couple of hours in the parks with only guests staying at other Deluxe Resorts. 
• Fun Entertainment Options Including Water Sports – With an on-site marina, the Contemporary has available water sports options such as renting a boat or a jet-ski or taking a popular nighttime dessert cruise!

Cons

• Overpriced – While the prices are cheaper than the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, they are still really expensive. And compared with other Deluxe Resorts, which are simply nicer, they are still amongst the highest in all of Walt Disney World. 
• Outdated in Spots – While the rooms got much-needed updates, there are still significant updates that are needed in common areas throughout this resort. While it’s supposed to be futuristic, it actually looks outdated! 
• Very Noisy – The popular main floor, the 4th floor here, is incredibly loud and chaotic at all times of the day. From the noises of the monorail to the screaming kids at Chef Mickey’s, it gets VERY loud. It’s not the place for couples or Disney Adults that want peace and quiet.

Restaurants

• California Grill – A classic signature table-service restaurant that is found at the top of the Contemporary. 
• California Grill Lounge – The lounge that is adjacent to the restaurant of the same name.
• Chef Mickey’s – All-you-can-eat buffet that is a character breakfast and dinner found on the 4th floor.
• Contempo Cafe – Quick-service spot that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
• Contemporary Grounds – This location on the ground floor serves Joffrey’s coffee and snacks.
• Cove Bar – The private pool bar if you’re staying at Bay Lake Tower or if you’re a DVC member.
• Outer Rim – A 4th-floor lounge that has a large selection of seating areas to enjoy a nice cocktail while people-watching.
• Steakhouse 71 – This steakhouse serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An under-the-radar new restaurant that delivers all three meals. The prices here are VERY reasonable. 
• Steakhouse 71 Lounge – The lounge is right next to the restaurant of the same name.
• The Sand Bar – The popular pool bar and lounge.
• Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair – This lounge on top of Bay Lake Tower is exclusive to DVC Members and has great views and a villains theme.

Best For

I’d suggest people stay at the Contemporary if they love Disney history and they want to stay at one of the original two Disney resorts. It’s also great for families that want to get to Magic Kingdom as early as possible and beat the crowds. Guests staying here can get to the park earlier than anyone!

It’s also a good cheaper option for guests that can’t afford the Polynesian or Grand Floridian.

3. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• 2024 Cost: $524 – $974 per night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A tribute to America’s Great National Parks 
• Rooms: 728
• Family Suites: Yes. They have Club Level Deluxe Rooms which fit 6 adults
• Address: 901 Timberline Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 

Overview

Our 3rd favorite Magic Kingdom Resort is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. We LOVE this place for so many reasons, including its tremendous lobby and rustic National Park Feel. 

The theming here is impeccable from the 82-foot fireplace to the authentic Native American flare located around this resort. It truly will make you feel as if you’re in a beautiful lodge at one of your favorite national parks.  

While we do love that it’s more affordable than the other Magic Kingdom Resorts, it’s also the least accessible. Even though it’s close to the Magic Kingdom it still forces you to take a boat to get there, a boat that you may have to take with guests from other resorts during busier times of the day.

Also, it just feels FAR from everything in a not-so-great way. All of the other parks and Disney Springs will require bus transportation, and you’ll often have to share the bus transportation with nearby resorts when visiting the other 3 Disney parks.

Pros

• Cheapest of the Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resorts – While it’s more expensive than the Fort Wilderness Resort, it’s the cheapest of all 4 of the Deluxe Resorts located nearby Magic Kingdom. 
• Extended Evening Hours – Being considered a Deluxe Resort, guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge get access to Extended Evening Hours nights in the parks. This will give you those extra couple of hours in the parks with only guests staying at other Deluxe Resorts. 
• Theming Theming Theming – Where it’s the jaw-dropping lobby, the stunning fireplace, or the interior theming of all of the rooms, the theming at the Wilderness Lodge is amongst the best! 
• Great Lounges – Both Geyser Point and the Territory Lounge located here are two of our favorite lounges anywhere in Disney! We love the options to relax and grab a cocktail here. 
• Very Relaxing Feel – Staying at the Wilderness Lodge just feels more relaxing and quiet. It’s BY FAR the quietest of the Magic Kingdom Resorts, and it puts you at one with nature. There are places to stop and relax throughout the resort, and it’s just a nice relaxing vibe. 
• Outdoor Activities Like Fishing – In addition to the popular nighttime activities such as campfires and movies under the stars, the Wilderness Lodge Resort also has fun outdoor activities such as fishing!

Best For

I’d recommend guests stay at the Wilderness Lodge if they truly want a unique and rustic vibe while being in Disney World. 

It feels like all of the best of Disney while also feeling far away from the craziness. It combines the natural elements of the Fort Wilderness Resort while being far more upscale and with a more posh vibe and higher clientele.

2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• 2024 Cost: $816 – $1350 per night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A Victorian-style hotel that depicts early 20th-century Palm Beach
• Rooms: 867
• Family Suites: No, but standard rooms fit 5 adults
• Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista FL 32830

Overview

At 2nd on our favorite Magic Kingdom Resort is the famous Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! Deciding between our 1st and 2nd choice is incredibly hard as we love both of them. While the Grand Floridian certainly matches the grandness of its name, it’s also the most expensive resort in Walt Disney World. 

While its price point puts it out of the range for many guests wanting to be near the Magic Kingdom, for those that can afford it, it’s completely worth it! There’s no place quite like the Grand Floridian in terms of class, luxury, and elegance, at least from the Disney resorts. 

With its Victorian-style charm being at the forefront from the moment you walk into the lobby, it’s hard not to love the Grand Floridian. Not only do we love its upscale nature, but we also love how easily accessible it is. 

It’s on the monorail, and thanks in part to the recently created walking path, is only a short walk away from the front gates of Magic Kingdom. It also has arguably the best restaurant list out of any resort in Walt Disney World as well as one of the best full-service spas in Walt Disney World.

Pros

• It Certainly is Grand – This resort just feels like a timeless masterpiece from the incredibly enchanting two-floored lobby to the decorations scattered throughout the walls and corridors to the incredibly manicured and beautiful grounds. It feels like a step up from every other Disney World Resort. 
• Restaurant and Food Options – With 3 signature restaurants and 2 additional sit-down restaurants, the Grand Floridian Resort might have the best all-around food options out of any Disney Resort on the property. Not only are there a LOT of options, they are REALLY good too. 
• The Spa – The Grand Floridian Spa is a beautiful full-service spa with a large variety of different services and treatments. It’s got all of the Victorian elegance of the resort. 
• On the Monorail – A Monorail Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort is a short monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom. 
• Walking Distance from Magic Kingdom – Being that it’s the 2nd closest resort to Magic Kingdom, it’s also VERY accessible to Magic Kingdom. With the new walking path, guests can be at the front gates of Magic Kingdom in 20 minutes or so! 
• Extended Evening Hours – Being considered a Deluxe Resort, guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge get access to Extended Evening Hours nights in the parks. This will give you those extra couple of hours in the parks with only guests staying at other Disney Deluxe Resorts.

Cons

• It Can be Loud – Since it’s a Magic Kingdom Resort, you have to somewhat expect loud and chaotic, but it just seems more so here. The sound reverberates here throughout the lobby and everything seems louder when families with small children surround all of the common areas. 
• It’s the Most Expensive Resort – With upscale elegance comes a cost, and the Grand Floridian has cost in droves. The least cost-efficient resort in Walt Disney World, the Grand Floridian will cost a pretty penny. Actually, a LOT of pennies being that it’s the most expensive resort in all of Walt Disney World. 
• It Can Feel Stuffy – With cost and glamor comes a bit of stuffiness. And this resort is up there with the most stuffy resorts in all of Disney World. You’ll also feel as if you want to be wearing dress attire when walking through the lobby as it can get a bit uppity in the evening hours. It has a less relaxed vibe than the other resorts on this list.

Restaurants

• 1900 Park Fare – Character meal in a carousel-themed dining room serving breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
• Beaches Pool Bar & Grill – Outdoor pool bar that serves different cocktails and snacks.
• Citricos – A recently redone Signature table-service restaurant setting inspired by Mary Poppins.
• Citricos Lounge – This lounge is connected to the adjacent restaurant.
• Courtyard Pool Bar – The other outdoor pool bar has different cocktails and snacks.
• Enchanted Rose – Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge that features a wonderful ambiance, great but expensive cocktails, and yummy appetizers.
• Narcoossee’s – Another recently renovated Signature table-service restaurant inspired by seafood with some terrific waterfront and fireworks views.
• Garden View Tea Room – A conventional tea room where you can indulge in different teas.
• Gasparilla Island Grill – Quick-service location that serves your standard quick-service fare.
• Grand Floridian Cafe – A more reasonably priced table-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
• Victoria & Albert’s – A very high-end signature multi-course meal that is the most expensive restaurant in all of Disney World.

• 2024 Cost: $691 – $1256 per night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: Celebrates the Islands of the South Pacific 
• Rooms: 847
• Family Suites: No, but standard rooms fit 5 adults
• Address: 1600 Seven Seas Drive. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

Overview

We’ve reached our favorite Magic Kingdom Resort and… surprising no one it’s the Polynesian Village Resort! There are so many things that we love about the Polynesian, and every time we stay here we are reminded why it’s just the best! 

Along with the Contemporary, this original Walt Disney World Resort is not only historic it’s also incredibly accessible. Being a short walk away from the Transportation and Ticket Center, guests staying here can easily take the monorail to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT with no transfers necessary! 

It’s also got just the best vibes, including the most relaxed and loose feeling Disney World Resort, taking you to a far-away beach destination that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It keeps a fun and light vibe, allowing you to feel completely relaxed when you’re not visiting the parks. 

The theme here is truly terrific! Wonderful ambiance surrounds you as you walk into the beautiful lush grounds that envelop both the inside and outside of the resort. We love most of the food and dessert options here too, as they truly are unique while also perfectly fitting in with the storyline and theming of the resort.

Pros

• Fireworks Views – The best resort in all of Disney World to watch the fireworks! With great views from several different vantage points of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, you’ll be able to grab a nice lounge chair and stay relaxed while taking in the sound and sights of the fireworks. 
• Great Dinner and Lounge Options – While having one of the most popular restaurants in Disney (‘Ohana), the Polynesian also has great lounges and quick-service spots. Trader Sam’s and the Tambu Lounge are two of our favorite lounges in all of Disney World and shouldn’t be skipped!
• Fun and Relaxed Vibe – With the serene island vibes, the Polynesian just puts you in a relaxed state of mind while also making you happy. We love the ambiance here, it immediately puts us in a good mood! 
• Dole Whip at the Resort – The Polynesian has the unique privilege of being the only resort with a Dole Whip stand outside of a Disney Park and Disney Springs, and the best part of all is there usually isn’t even a line! 
• Theming – The Polynesian’s theming is truly unique and original, taking you from hot and humid Central Florida to the lush grounds of the South Pacific. 
• History – Along with the Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian is one of the two original Disney Resorts with LOTS of history throughout. If you read about some of the Polynesian’s history, it’s quite amazing! 
• On the Monorail Loop – The nice thing about the Polynesian is not only is it on the Monorail, but it’s also located near the Transportation and Ticket Center, which allows you to get to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT directly. 
• Awesome Pool Area – With one of the best pool areas in all of Disney World, the zero-depth entry Lava Pool at the Polynesian is fantastic for families! The 142-foot-long water slide will keep kids busy for hours!

Cons

• Expensive Option – While not as expensive as the Grand Floridian Resort, the Polynesian Resort is the 2nd most expensive Magic Kingdom Resort. The supply and demand are high for the Polynesian as it’s a fan-favorite, but it’s expensive! 
• Furthest Away of the Monorail Options – While it’s in a more neutral location for visiting both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, it’s the furthest of the three Monorail Resorts from Magic Kingdom. 
• No Signature Dining Options – While we love the lounges and ‘Ohana, there are no signature dining experiences at the Polynesian. And considering the fact that the Grand Floridian has three, it’s a bit disappointing, especially for adults that are looking for something a little more upscale.

Restaurants

• Barefoot Pool Bar – This outdoor pool bar features different cocktails and food offerings.
• Captain Cook’s – A quick-service location that features a varied list of food at all times of the day.
• Pineapple Lanai – A little outdoor window that serves Dole Whip off the back of the lobby area. 
• Kona Cafe – A table-service restaurant that serves reasonably-priced breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Tambu Lounge – Relaxed lounge upstairs that is connected and shared with ‘Ohana.
• ‘Ohana – One of the more popular restaurants in Disney World. They serve all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner. The breakfast is also a cute character experience with Lilo and Stitch.
• Oasis Bar & Grill – Outdoor pool bar and grill that features several different drinks and snacks.
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – The indoor more popular bar area of Trader Sam’s. Get here early to put your name in when it opens at 3:00.
• Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace – The less popular outdoor area of Trader Sam’s that offers the same menu with outdoor seating. If you come in the evening, you can listen to live music often. 
• Kona Island – Serving coffee, pastries, and other snacks at this indoor quick-service location that stays open all day long.

Best For

If you’re the type of person that loves visiting different tropical islands and the relaxing Islandy-feel, you’ll love the Polynesian Village Resort. Out of all the three Monorail Resorts, the Polynesian is the most down-to-earth and relaxed.

DVC Villas Near the Magic Kingdom

Our next section will feature the 5 different DVC Villas that are located near Magic Kingdom. All 5 of these options are located at the actual resorts we just touched on above, so we won’t talk too much in terms of where they are and what’s located at each of them since they are located at exactly the same locations with the same amenities as the resort they’re found at. 

These DVC villas are bookable through companies that rent points, such as David’s DVC Rentals. In our prices, we will utilize David’s costs ($21 per point if within 7 months of booking) to give you an idea of what you can expect to spend when renting points at these DVC Villas. 

The 5 DVC Villas are:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian

So how would we rank these 5 villas?

5. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• 2024 Cost: $273 – $609 per night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A futuristic look at tomorrow, reminiscent of Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom
• Rooms: 295 different-sized units 
• Family Suites: Yes they have up to three-bedroom Grand Villas units that fit 12 guests 
• Address: 4600 N World Dr, Orlando FL 32830

Overview

Coming in at 5th on our list of DVC Villas in the Magic Kingdom area is the Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort. Opening up in 2009, the villas here share the same space as the Contemporary Resort, they are actually just located in a separate tower, just a convenient designated pathway away. 

While we like the convenience of being just a short walk away from Magic Kingdom and the modern and sleek design of the tower, the actual tower itself lacks any kind of special or unique design. Visitors staying in any of the different villas here have access to all of the Contemporary Resort perks, in addition to the individualized perks of each of the villas.

Pros

• Separate Amenities and Pool Areas – We actually love some of the amenities at Bay Lake Tower, including the Bay Cove Pool which is a great pool area, and in our views better than the main pool at the resort. We also love the Top of the World lounge located here, which gives guests great views of the Magic Kingdom and the fireworks. 
• The Closest Villas to Magic Kingdom – These villas are ideally situated for guests wanting to walk to Magic Kingdom, perfect for families that want to get back to their room after a long day in the parks or that just want a nice midday break. 
• On the Monorail – Like the resort, you’ll have easy access to the monorail by simply walking over to the main building. 
• Fireworks Views – Many of the rooms at Bay Lake Tower include awesome fireworks views of Magic Kingdom! 
• 3-Bedroom Units – Getting a room in one of the 3-bedroom units allows you to sleep up to 12 guests in your unit. Not every DVC property has 3-bedroom units, Bay Lake is one of them. 
• Good Dining Options – With easy access to the main options at the Contemporary in addition to many other options a simple monorail ride away.

Cons

• Very Small Studios – The studios (smallest size rooms) are amongst the smaller studios in all of Walt Disney World, giving couples and families less space. 
• Worn Out – Unfortunately despite only being built in 2009, much of the Bay Lake Tower looks old and worn out. They certainly didn’t build these units with the same level of quality and furnishings as the older DVC properties, and they look badly in need of refurbishment. 
• Lacks Theming – The villas here just lack any kind of personality and charm, and a visit here is almost reminiscent of any popular chain hotel, barely feeling like Disney.

• 2024 Cost: $273 – $588 a night for a Deluxe Studio (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A tribute to America’s Great National Parks 
• Rooms: 136 different-sized villas 
• Family Suites: Yes. The largest villas sleep 8 guests in a 2-bedroom unit. 
• Address: 901 Timberline Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

Sharing a common space with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there are actually three separate sections of the Wilderness Lodge. There are the main hotel rooms, there are the Boulder Ridge Villas, and there are the Copper Creek rooms. 

Coming in at 4th on our list is the Boulder Ridge Villas, which is actually the original DVC resort at the Wilderness Lodge. These rooms are in a separate building, but they are connected via a covered walkway. You’ll have a quieter atmosphere here and you’ll have a separate lobby area as well. 

You get all of the benefits of staying at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, including being a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom! 

The Boulder Ridge units just got completely updated with newly refurbished rooms, giving them a brand-new feel! Most villas at both Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek are the same price, and it’s just a matter of personal preference, room size choices, and availability. 

These two are like splitting hairs, and we slightly prefer Copper Creek because they are in the same building as the main hotel and they have 3-bedroom units and beautiful cabins that are located on the shore of Bay Lake.

Pros

• Cheapest DVC Villas – Along with Copper Creek, these two properties have the cheapest large room options and villa rooms for guests desiring to be at Magic Kingdom. You can find studios when renting through David’s Vacation Rentals for as little as $273 a night! 
• Larger Deluxe Studio Units that Fit 5 – Unlike the Copper Creek Studios, the ones at Boulder Ridge will fit up to 5 guests with a single pull-down bed as well. 
• Quiet and Relaxed Atmosphere – Staying at the Boulder Ridge Villas is quieter, with its own quiet lobby area. It allows you to escape from the louder lobby of the Wilderness Lodge Resort. You’ll feel a bit removed while still getting the same rustic National Park Lodge vibes. 
• Brand New Rooms After Refurbishment – With brand-new rooms including new furniture, appliances, upholstery, floors, and decor! There’s something nice about staying in brand-new rooms!

Cons

• No 3-Bedroom Units – Unlike Copper Creek, guests staying at Boulder Ridge will have more limited options of rooms with only studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units. 
• Separate building – While some guests might like the quiet atmosphere of Boulder Ridge, it does put you slightly further away from the action. 
• No Monorail – Unfortunately staying at any of the Wilderness Lodge rooms gives you zero access to the monorail.
• Further from Other Parks – While you’re just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, you’ll be further from the other parks, requiring Disney Bus Transportation. 
• Shared Transportation – Guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will often have to share transportation with the Contemporary and the Polynesian Resorts.

Best For

We’d recommend guests book a villa at Boulder Ridge if they love the Wilderness Lodge feel. It’s also great for guests that want to be near the Magic Kingdom, but also feel far removed. Boulder Ridge feels even more removed than the regular hotel because it’s located in a separate building.

3. Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• 2024 Cost: $273 – $588 a night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A tribute to America’s Great National Parks 
• Rooms: 220 different-sized villas 
• Family Suites: Yes. Grand 3-bedroom villas will fit up to 12 guests
• Address: 901 Timberline Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

One of the newer DVC properties, the Copper Creek Villas officially opened in 2017. What we love about Copper Creek is that the rooms here are actually located inside the main building of the Wilderness Lodge. This puts you right in the middle of the action, limiting the need for additional walking. You’ll also be covered in the event of bad weather! 

The Copper Creek Villas also have 3-bedroom units, fitting up to 12 guests, great for big families! 

They also have the beautiful Cascade Cabins, which are beautiful 2-bedroom cabins with hot tubs and fireplaces. These cabins are actually located outside and right off the shore of Bay Lake. These are amongst our favorite rooms in all of Walt Disney World! 

A stay here will also give you easy accessibility to all of Wilderness Lodge’s amenities, including its fun restaurants and beautiful lobby.

Pros

• 3-Bedroom Units – Copper Creek has 3-bedroom units that will fit up to 12 guests in each of them. This is different from Boulder Ridge, which only has 2-bedroom units. 
• In the Middle of the Action – Unlike Boulder Ridge, when you stay at Copper Creek you’re in the main Wilderness Lodge building, your rooms are just on a different floor. This makes everything far easier to get to and puts you in a convenient position. 
• Cheaper-Priced – A stay at Boulder Ridge along with Copper Creek is significantly cheaper than staying at the other Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resorts, the three Monorail Resorts.

Best For

A stay at Copper Creek can be ideal for guests that want a luxury vacation in a rustic location by staying at one of the beautiful cabins. It can also be great for guests that want to stay in one of the massive 3-bedroom units for larger families.

2. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

• 2024 Cost: $294 – $756 a night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A futuristic look at tomorrow, reminiscent of Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom
• Rooms: 360 Deluxe Studio Villas and 20 Bungalows 
• Family Suites: No, they only offer the on-the-water bungalows for larger groups that fit up to 8 guests 
• Address: 1600 Seven Seas Drive. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

Overview

While we eagerly await the new Polynesian DVC Tower that will open up sometime in late 2024 (which will give additional rooms and room options), we still love the Polynesian Villas as they stand. 

The room types are limited at this time, with only Deluxe Studios and Bungalows. But you’ll still get the same lovely ambiance and resort feel of staying at our favorite Disney Resort, the Polynesian. 

Opening up in 2015, the current villas offered at the Polynesian still afford you the wonderfulness of the Polynesian including Dole Whip, ‘Ohana, and the wonderful tropical-themed areas surrounding the resort. 

We love the location of the Polynesian, as you have easy access to the Disney Monorail and the nearby the Transportation and Ticket Center. 

The Villas portion of the Polynesian is found in separate buildings, with most of them being housed in the Pago Pago, Tokelau, and Moorea longhouses. Of course, that’s in addition to the outdoor Bungalows over the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Pros

• Two Bathrooms – What we also love about the Polynesian Villas is that each Deluxe Studio comes with two bathrooms! It’s unheard of for studios in Disney World to have two bathrooms, but that’s not the case here. One of the bathrooms has a bathtub, and the other bathroom comes with a stand-up shower. This makes staying in a studio easier if you have a family. We LOVE this! 
• Great Monorail Location – It’s amazing to be located right next to Magic Kingdom, and a short monorail ride away from EPCOT. No other resort has this designation of being able to get to both parks directly with no stops. 
• Recent Room Refurbishments – Despite being only built in 2015, the rooms were also updated and refurbished again, giving it a brand-new feel. 
• Terrific Theming – We love the theming at the Polynesian, with the Island vibes and the relaxed feel. It’s themed perfectly from the top to the bottom. 
• Fireworks Views – Staying at the Polynesian allows you several different vantage points to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks (from the beach is amazing). 
• Dining and Lounges – In addition to ‘Ohana, it has the underrated restaurant Kona Cafe giving you two solid sit-down restaurants. But the lounges are even better! With both Trader Sam’s and the Tambu Lounge, the Polynesian Villas has a fun atmosphere for all members of the family.

Cons

• Limited Room Types – Unfortunately there are only Deluxe Studios and the Bungalows at this time. There are no 1-bedroom units or standard 2-bedroom units. They also don’t have 3-bedroom units. So your options for room types are extremely limited. 
• Not Great Dining Options – While we like ‘Ohana and Kona Cafe, in comparison to the other Monorail Resorts, you’re more limited with sit-down meals. 
• Expensive – Next to Grand Floridian, the villas here are amongst the most expensive in all of Walt Disney World. 
• Construction Project – While the Polynesian has been undergoing a lot of construction lately, it doesn’t stop. They’ll be working on the new Tower Villas building until late 2024, so loud construction will continue to be the norm. 
• Small – With only 360 studio villas, it can be very difficult to get a reservation here. You’ll often have to book out further in advance.

Best For

Either for a complete splurge if you want to stay in one of the overwater bungalows or if you’re traveling and just need a smaller room, the Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Polynesian are great!

1. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

• 2024 Cost: $336 – $777 per night (Includes tax) 
• Theme: A Victorian-style hotel that depicts early 20th-century Palm Beach
• Rooms: 147 units separated into different room types 
• Family Suites: Yes. Grand 3-bedroom villas will fit up to 12 guests
• Address: 4600 N World Dr, Orlando FL 32830

Overview

Opening up in 2013, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is located in an entirely separate building just a short walk away from the Main Grand Floridian Building. It is our favorite villa property currently in Walt Disney World, despite the fact that it’s also the most expensive. 

Being within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian Resort, and the Contemporary gives The Villas a unique advantage over the other resorts. The lobby and interior of The Villas here are beautifully done with all of the elegance and more updated look that you’d expect of a building that shares a space with the Grand Floridian. 

The rooms found here are impeccable, including recent updates that have given them an even greater use of space and feel including the pull-down Murphy beds. They’ve also recently converted the Big Pine Key building to Resort Studios, giving guests additional options for stays here. 

Room types here are varied with Deluxe Studios, 1-bedroom units, 2-bedroom units, and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. And while there aren’t a lot of rooms here, the options available are terrific! 

You’ll also get full usage of the entire Grand Floridian Resort, including its wonderful outdoor activities, restaurants, spa, etc…

Pros

• Ideally Situated – With the new walking path direct to Magic Kingdom, and easy short walks to both Contemporary and the Polynesian, the Villas here are ideally situated! You’ll also be located right next to the spa and the fitness center. 
• Beautifully Themed and Kept Up – The lobby at The Villas here is gorgeous, and it’s jaw-dropping in a smaller but high-end way. Everything is so intricately designed and crafted with marble surrounding you in every direction. It feels like the main Grand Floridian building but more modern and tasteful. 
• Best Dining Options for Adults – With 5 different sit-down restaurants ranging from high-end to family-friendly, the dining options here are terrific and SO good! 
• Great Water Activities – Whether you want to rent a jet ski, take a romantic fireworks cruise, or just rent a Pontoon boat, the Grand Floridian Resort has a number of fun water activities for guests. 
• On the Monorail – Being one of the three Monorail Resorts, the Grand Floridian allows you to take the ‘Highway in the Sky’ any time you want! 
• Varied Room Types – The room types here are balanced nicely, giving families of all different sizes the opportunity to share a unit. With everything from studios to 3-bedroom Grand Villas, there is something for everyone!

Cons

• Shared Transportation to the Other Parks – Other than visiting the Magic Kingdom, you can expect to share Bus Transportation at times with the other Magic Kingdom Resorts to the other theme parks or Disney Springs. 
• Can be Loud – Being a Magic Kingdom Resort can always be loud, but The Villas here can be loud and chaotic due to its proximity to the magic. 
• A lot of Weddings – The Villas at the Grand Floridian are located right next to the wedding chapel which can often mean that some of the public areas are blocked and your usage of the resort can be hampered at times. 
• Expensive – The Villas here have the designation of being the most expensive DVC Villas at Walt Disney World. They are very expensive!
• Limited rooms – There aren’t a lot of rooms at The Villas at the Grand Floridian, so if you need to book one, you’ll need to do it quickly! The chances of you getting a room can be VERY hard especially if visiting during a peak travel period.

What are your options, and how would we rank them? Here are our choices for the top-5 non-Disney Hotels near Magic Kingdom:

5. Shades of Green

• 2024 Cost: $163 – $209 a night for a standard room, depending on your military ranking (Includes tax) 
• Theme: Golf-based theming 
• Rooms: 586
• Family Suites: Yes, they have both Family and Palm Suites that fit up 8-10
• Address: 1950 W Magnolia Palm Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Overview

Originally opening as a Disney-owned resort known as the Golf Resort in 1973, Shades of Green changed its name a few times before eventually transitioning to a military resort in 1994. It was then bought by the military officially in 1996. 

While Disney does still own more than 30 acres of property on which the resort sits, it’s a completely self-sustaining resort with no outside funds for operation. 

It’s ideally located, just across the street from the Polynesian Villa Resort, and it’s in between the Disney Golf Courses (Palm and Magnolia), giving it ideal access for guests that want to golf. While it sits on Disney property, it certainly doesn’t feel Disney. 

It feels partially vintage and partially modern with some recent renovations taking place. And similar to the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Shades of Green still offers many of the same benefits as Official Disney World Resorts. 

Unfortunately, this resort is not bookable for all guests, as it’s only available for military service members, their families, and sponsored guests. They have specific eligibility requirements that must be met to be able to book this resort.

If booking here was possible for all guests, it would rank higher on the list.

Pros

• Free Transportation to the Disney Parks and Disney Springs – There is free bus transportation here to all of the Disney Parks and Disney Springs. 
• Disney Resort Perks such as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours – Even better perks than the Disney Value and Moderate Resorts, as guests staying here can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours! 
• Very Reasonably Priced – With large standard rooms, the prices start at only $163 per night. And for a location that’s as pristine as this is, that’s a steal. 
• A Number of Room Types – All rooms will fit up to 5 guests, but they also offer larger suites that will fit up to 10 guests. 
• Better Prices than Disney – There are a few restaurants as well as coffee spots at Shades of Green, and guests will find them much more affordable than the Disney World inflation prices. 
• The Monorail is Close – With the Polynesian literally across the street, you can easily hop aboard the Disney Monorail or visit the Polynesian for your Dole Whip fix! 
• Golf Trip – Many guests visit Shades of Green because it’s literally surrounded by two terrific golf courses! You’ll get military discounts to play on these courses as well.

Cons

• Buses are not Frequent or Ideal for Guests Needing Special Assistance – While they do offer free transportation, the buses are infrequent and offer very little wheelchair assistance. 
• Still Have to Pay to Park in Disney – Unlike Disney World Resort guests, if driving into the Disney Parks, you’ll still have to pay for parking. 
• Books Quickly – Shades of Green is highly popular for military members, and I’d suggest booking out as soon as possible. You can begin booking rooms here at the 1-year mark. 
• Not Many Can Book – The biggest con is that only military members can book this resort. So unless you’re traveling with a military member or you qualify, you won’t be able to stay here.

Restaurants

• Evergreens – A family-friendly sports bar that offers classic gastropub classics and beers on tap. 
• Express Cafe – A grab-and-go cafe to grab breakfast, coffee, or lunch sandwiches. 
• Garden Gallery – A breakfast buffet in the morning and a quick-service location in the evening.
• Java Cafe – Another cafe that serves Starbucks selections and fresh pastries each day. 
• Mangino’s – A sit-down restaurant that offers Italian cuisine while also giving you classic steaks.

Best For

Honestly, anyone that qualifies for this resort should stay here! You can’t beat the price, the proximity to Magic Kingdom, and the Deluxe-like amenities for Value Resort prices.

4. Home2 Suites By Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossing

• 2024 Cost: Prices start at $141 per night (Including tax) 
• Theme: Standard Floridian-themed All-Suites Hotel 
• Rooms: 272
• Family Suites: Yes, 2-bedroom suites fit 6 
• Address: 341 Flagler Ave. Winter Garden, FL 34787

Overview

Opening up in 2021, and only about 6 miles and a 10-min drive from Magic Kingdom, Home2 Suites at Flamingo Crossing is a reasonable option for guests that want to stay off-site but still be near the magic.

Home2 Suites is located less than a mile from the Walt Disney World Resort, and just off the 429 expressway. It’s a comfortable stay for families that want a budget-friendly option. 

While it’s not luxurious or overly fancy, it’s mostly a comfortable and clean area for families. We have it as our 4th option for guests that do NOT want to stay inside Walt Disney World. The prices here are incredibly reasonable, saving your family significantly over getting a Disney World Resort. 

This 3-star resort offers an on-site Disney Planning center that can offer you assistance with your Disney World planning. You’ll also have little kitchenettes in all of the rooms, giving you a spot to make some simple meals or store things in the fridge and we love the barbecue facilities that allow you to do a BBQ right at your resort!

Pros

• Pet Friendly – Don’t worry about extra costs to bring your fluffy friend, not only is Home2 Suites pet-friendly but it also won’t cost you a penny either! 
• Large Suites – With all of the rooms being suites, you have plenty of space for the family to relax and get much-needed R&R. You’ll also have options to rent a 2-bedroom room as well, giving additional space for up to 6 guests. 
• Budget-Friendly – Starting at only $141 per night, and that includes tax, a stay at Home2 Suites at Flamingo Crossing is a reasonable way to be close to the magic without breaking the bank!
• Free Breakfast and WiFi – You’ll get free continental breakfast and free WiFi with a stay at the Home2 Suites.

Cons

• Pay for Parking – You’ll have to pay to park each night here with parking available on-site for $10 if you have a vehicle. 
• No Transportation to the Parks – Sadly, they do NOT offer any kind of free transportation to Magic Kingdom or the other parks. You’ll need to either get a shuttle or pay for Ridesharing (Such as Uber). 
• Not Luxurious – Make no mistake this is a 3-star resort that while clean and perfectly fine isn’t luxurious. It’s a budget-friendly suite hotel that is mostly no-frills and comfortable.

Restaurants

• Poolside Bar for Food and Drinks – There is an outdoor pool area for guests wanting to get some food and drinks. 
• Lobby – The lobby area offers complimentary continental breakfast in the morning each day.

Best For

It’s a great option for guests that want to save a little bit of money and be near Magic Kingdom. It’s a newer hotel that is still in great shape and honestly offers terrific value for the money. If you have Hilton Honors points, you can use them to book here.

3. Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando at Flamingo Crossing

• 2024 Cost: Prices start at $104 per night (Including tax) 
• Theme: Laid-back suites-style Marriott hotel 
• Rooms: 248
• Family Suites: All rooms are suite sizes that fit 5 guests 
• Address: 13279 Hartzog Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787

Overview

Another 3-star hotel located in the Flamingo Crossing area that is located about 6 miles from Magic Kingdom is the Springhill Suites at Flamingo Crossing. This newer hotel opened in the popular Flamingo Crossing area in 2016 and has newer amenities and nice suite-style rooms. 

Offering both a 24-hour fitness center and a complimentary breakfast, this hotel more than meets the demands of budget-conscious travelers with rooms starting at only $104 per night, and that includes tax!

We love the picnic pavilion outside for guests that want to grill and cook at the hotel. They also offer batting cages for families that want to have a little extra fun at the resort. The suites all come equipped with microwaves, coffee makers, and mini-fridges, and some of the rooms even come with views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks! 

While this isn’t anything fancy and certainly not an extravagant hotel selection, it’s more than enough for many families.

Pros

• Free Buffet Breakfast Each Day – This hotel offers guests a free continental American-style breakfast each morning. 
• Large and Spacious Rooms for Families – These rooms are all suites and have more space than a standard hotel room, including some appliances. 
• Incredibly Budget-Friendly – This hotel starts at only $104 per night, and that is more than reasonable considering that it really is nicer than you’d imagine! 
• Nice Outdoor Amenities – The pool area in addition to the picnic area for grilling is really nice, and a nice touch that exceeds its 3-star rating. 
• 24-Hour Fitness Center – A popular perk for guests visiting that are going to the parks all day or business travelers is a 24-hour fitness center.

Cons

• No Pet Policy – Unfortunately guests staying here cannot bring their pets with them, unlike some of the other options for Magic Kingdom area hotels. 
• Paid Parking – Guests will have to pay the standard rate of $10 per night to self-park on-site. 
• Poor Cleaning – Reading recent reviews on Trip Advisor and several have complained about common areas and the rooms being poorly cleaned.
• No Transportation to the Parks – They also do NOT offer any kind of free transportation to Magic Kingdom or the other parks. You’ll need to either get a shuttle or pay for a service like Uber.

Restaurants

• Flamingo’s Bar & Grille – A restaurant opened for lunch and dinner that offers standard American fare. You can sit in and dine here or get it to go. 
• Coffee House – It’s here that you will get your free breakfast each morning. They also have a coffee bar, which serves Starbucks coffee.

Best For

While it isn’t fancy, it’s a great option for guests that want to be within 10-mins of Magic Kingdom while being in a newer and built-up area with additional options for food and dining. We love how quiet this resort is! And you can NOT beat the price for travelers looking to save money.

2. Homewood Suites at Flamingo Crossing

• 2024 Cost: Prices start at $141 per night (Including tax) 
• Theme: Standard suite-style hotel 
• Rooms: 229
• Family Suites: Yes, some suites fit up to 6 guests 
• Address: 411 Flagler Ave. Winter Garden, FL 34787

Overview

Another Hilton property in the Flamingo Crossing area, Homewood Suites is a terrific option for guests that want to be near all of the fun action of the Magic Kingdom. Only a 10-minute drive away, Homewood Suites offers guests additional options for guests that need more space in their room while also saving considerable money compared to the other Magic Kingdom options. 

Homewood Suites is a standard suites-style hotel that is beautifully built and well-maintained, and prices start at only $141 per night, and that includes tax. The property opened in 2021 and shares some of the common areas with Home2 Suites, including the outdoor bar facilities and the pool area.   

You’ll also have access to a free complimentary breakfast buffet each day by a stay here. There are also some terrific recreational options for kids, including soccer fields, a basketball court, and batting cages. 

You’ll also have at your disposal a 24-hour fitness center and full kitchens in each of the suites, allowing guests to do some cooking.

It is a tad bit nicer and more upscale with better overall reviews from guests that have visited recently which gives us confidence the quality is still there.

Pros

• Great Outdoor Facilities – It shares an awesome outdoor grill area with Home2 Suites, it has a beautiful resort-style pool and there are a ton of things to do here for kids and families. 
• Multiple Room Options – While all the rooms are suites, they have different size suites and different bed situations in the available options, with some of the suites fitting up to 6 guests. 
• Complimentary Breakfast Buffet Every Day – The breakfast here is more than adequate with free breakfast each day.
• Well Maintained, Cleaned, and Reviewed – There are many recent reviews that have all complimented the hotel on its cleanliness and maintenance of the facility. People rave about how clean and nice it is often. The reviews are excellent!

Cons

• Paid Parking – Like all of the hotels at Flamingo Cross, there is a daily $10 parking fee to park here each day. 
• Shared Facilities – You will have to share the outdoor areas with guests at Home2 Suites, which is another Hilton Property. 
• No Transportation to the Parks – Like all of the hotels in this area, you’ll need to either rent a car or pay a service to bring you back/forth to the Disney Parks each day.

Restaurants

• Dia Felix Cantina and Pool Bar – A poolside restaurant and bar that offers American cuisine with a Mexican twist. They’re open each day for breakfast and lunch. 
• Lobby – The lobby area offers complimentary continental breakfast in the morning each day.

Best For

For guests looking for something SLIGHTLY nicer than the other Flamingo Crossing properties that are at a similar nightly price point. You’ll also only be located about a 10-minute drive from Magic Kingdom!

1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

• 2024 Cost: Prices start at $1260 per night (Including tax) 
• Theme: AAA Five Diamond Lakeside Haven 
• Rooms: 443
• Family Suites: No all rooms fit a max of 4 guests 
• Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

Overview

And finally, we have the best non-Disney option and that’s the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort. This resort is technically ON Disney Property but is owned and operated by Four Seasons. The Four Seasons is the true gold standard when it comes to quality and amenities with incredible grounds and luxury throughout the resort. 

While the price point is unachievable for most guests (starting at over $1260 per night) that want to visit Magic Kingdom, it’s worth it for guests that CAN afford it. It’s definitely a step up in terms of luxury and quality than even the Disney Resorts, such as The Grand Floridian. 

Since it’s only a couple of miles away from Magic Kingdom, the Four Seasons gives incredible accessibility while also providing transportation options to guests. In fact, it’s actually located inside the prestigious Golden Oaks Community, just directly behind the Fort Wilderness Campground.

While doubling down as both a Business Resort and a Family-Friendly resort, this hotel more than meets the needs of guests traveling for a variety of reasons. Kids love the 5-acre water park that is equipped with water slides, a lazy river, fountains, and splash zones and there is also an adults-only section of the resort where couples can escape from the noise.

Pros

• Complimentary Transportation to the Disney Parks – Receive free shuttle service to all of the Disney Parks throughout the day. 
• Character Breakfasts are Available – On multiple days of the week, they run Disney Character Breakfasts that are excellent and fairly reasonably priced! 
• A Complimentary Kids Camp Filled with Activities – A great place to drop the kids off and get some adult time. 
• Adults-Only Sections of the Resort – Feel a disconnect between the loud and chaotic family-friendly section of the resort to the quiet adults-only section. In fact, it’s easily one of our favorite Hotels for Adults at Disney World.
• 5-Acre Water Park Full of Pools, Lazy Rivers, and Water Slides – Explorer Island here is amazing and one of our favorite outdoor pool areas in all of Central Florida! 
• Stellar Dining Options – It has some outstanding restaurant options here for guests! 
• Disney Perks – Not only will you be technically on-site Disney property but you’ll also receive some of the Disney perks benefits including Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.

Cons

• Everything is Expensive – With rooms starting at $1,260 for a standard room, plus resort fees, parking fees, etc…you can’t stay here if you are on a tight to moderate budget! 
• Lacks a “Disney Feel” – While this can be viewed as a positive or a negative, you won’t see a lot of Disney theming here except the character breakfasts they offer.

Restaurants

• Capa – Michelin-starred 17th-floor rooftop steakhouse that draws inspiration from Spanish cuisine while offering guests a beautiful romantic setting.
• Capa Bar – Outdoor bar area offering wine, cocktails, and tapas.
• Lickety Split – Cafe to grab fresh pastries and coffee each day.
• The Lobby Bar – A standard lobby bar that offers creative cocktails and some different small bites.
• PB&G – The pool bar and grill that offers a wide variety of American Fare.
• Plancha – A modern Latin-American restaurant that offers some tasty favorites with lakeside views.
• Ravello – Offering both breakfast and dinner, Ravello is an Italian-inspired restaurant that prides itself on house-made fresh pasta and pizzas.

Best For

A stay at the Four Seasons is ideal for guests with larger budgets that want the ultimate experience in terms of sophistication, class, and indulgence. While it will feel far removed from Disney, you’ll only be just a few short miles away from Magic Kingdom.

Reasons to AVOID Staying at the Magic Kingdom

When considering whether to stay in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, there are certain things to consider that might not be as appealing as others. We don’t always recommend staying in the Magic Kingdom area for families, as there could be a better fit for you. What reasons? 

The Magic Kingdom Resorts are EXPENSIVE

Yes there are exceptions (Fort Wilderness), and you could stay outside of a Disney Resort to get better value, but in general, the Magic Kingdom Resorts are the most expensive Disney World Resorts! Staying at a few of these resorts during busier times of the year could cost you more than $1,000 a night in a standard hotel room! 

If you really want to stay in Disney at an Official Disney World Resort, you’ll get better value staying at another Deluxe Resort not in the Magic Kingdom area.

Not Close to the Rest of the Walt Disney World Resort

While it’s nice to be close to Magic Kingdom, this area is somewhat isolated from the rest of the Disney World Resort. It’s far to the north of the Disney World property, and getting elsewhere on Disney World Property can take considerable time. 

If you plan on spending a lot of time at Disney Springs or the other Disney Parks, you might want to be located somewhat more centrally like at one of the EPCOT Resorts.

Very Crowded

These resorts are amongst the most popular for families with small children all having the same idea of being close to the Magic Kingdom. 

Slow Transportation 

The Disney Monorail and the rest of Disney Transportation aren’t always the most reliable, and there are times the lines and the waits can get incredibly long or the monorail breaks down. This can make waits unbearably long for the monorail or other Disney transportation to get back to your resort or hotel.

Magic Kingdom Transportation

While the monorail is the most common form of transportation for guests traveling back and forth from Magic Kingdom, this mostly benefits guests staying at one of the three Monorail Resorts (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Resorts).

The monorail can also be used by guests that have to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), as they have the option of traveling by means of the larger Ferry Boat from the TTC or taking the Monorail into Magic Kingdom. Generally, during busier times of the day, it’s smarter to use the Ferry Boat as it’s often the faster option, although not quite as fun or relaxing. 

For guests staying at the Fort Wilderness Campground or the Wilderness Lodge, you’ll be able to take a water taxi back and forth. You’ll also have this option if you’re staying at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Polynesian Village Resort.  

Guests staying at any of the three Monorail Resorts can also walk to the front gates of Magic Kingdom. The Contemporary Resort is closest at about a 5-minute walk, the Grand Floridian is about 15-20 minutes, and the Polynesian is closer to a half hour.

How to Decide Which Magic Kingdom Hotel is Best for You

When considering which Magic Kingdom Hotel to stay at, ask yourself these questions to help narrow it down. If the answer is yes, progress to the next question. 

1. Do you prefer staying at a Disney World Resort, although it might cost some extra money? 
   1. If yes, move to question 2. 
   2. If no, consider staying at one of the off-site hotels that we mentioned above. There are some solid options for guests that don’t mind staying off-site to save a little bit of money. 
2. Do you want to stay at a Magic Kingdom Resort that is within Disney but is the absolute cheapest option to be on-site? 
   1. If yes, consider staying at the Fort Wilderness Campground either on one of the campsites or at one of the 6-person cabins (which are quite nice). 
   2. If not, go to question 3. 
3. Is being on the Disney Monorail a paramount concern for you? 
   1. If yes, move to question 4. 
   2. If not, consider staying at the Wilderness Lodge Resort or in one of the villa locations found here. (Copper Creek Villas or Boulder Ridge) The Wilderness Lodge in general is a spectacular place to stay for guests, and for many hardcore Disney fans, it’s their favorite! 
4. Do you want to be on the Monorail BUT at the cheapest possible cost? 
   1. If yes, stay at the Contemporary Resort or at the Bay Lake Tower Villas. 
   2. If not, move to question 5. 
5. Do you prioritize luxury and high-end adult experiences or a more relaxed island feel that is slightly more family-friendly? 
   1. If you prefer luxury and high-end adult experiences and are willing to splurge, stay at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or The Villas at the Grand Floridian. 
   2. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe that is looser and more fun while sacrificing a little of the additional adult amenities, stay at the Polynesian Village Resort or the Polynesian Villas. 

This is a general rule of thumb and isn’t a perfect science but helps you narrow down your options when factoring in the most pressing decisions for your family and what you personally prioritize.

Best Magic Kingdom Hotel for Kids

Whether you’re looking for fun dining experiences, a beach-friendly vibe, and a terrific pool area, our favorite Magic Kingdom Hotel for Kids would have to be the Polynesian Village Resort. 

Its zero-entry pool and water slide are amongst the best in all of Walt Disney World. It also has fun dining options with the ‘Ohana Character Breakfast and the fun ‘Ohana dinner as well as the criminally underrated Kona Cafe.

READ: Best Disney World Hotels for Kids and Families

Best Magic Kingdom Hotel for Adults

With 5 restaurants on-site, three of them being signature dining experiences, it’s hard to get close to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. If you want to take it to the next level, visit Victoria & Albert’s for dinner one night. It’s the best meal I’ve ever had!

Coupling that with the spectacular spa, the Grand Floridian is a great couples’ resort that will surely swoon over your loved one. 

READ: Best Disney World Hotels for Adults

We do love the options found at the Contemporary Resort with the addition of the terrific Steakhouse 71 and a regular favorite of ours, The California Grill. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t compare to the options at The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa although the gap is narrowing slightly.

READ: Best Disney World Resort Hotel Restaurants

Which Magic Kingdom Hotel is the Cheapest?

The cheapest Magic Kingdom Hotel is the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground with campsites under the $100 nightly threshold! And with the option to fit up to 10 guests on each campsite, talk about good value! 

Of course, staying in a tent or inside a popup isn’t exactly anyone’s definition of luxurious, so for a little bit more money you can bump it up to a Fort Wilderness Cabin. This will be your next cheapest option for staying on-site at Magic Kingdom.

These are considered Moderate Resorts, so they are actually decently nice and they fit 6 people! 

READ: Cheapest Disney World Hotels

Which Magic Kingdom Hotel is the Most Luxurious?

There are no Disney World Resorts, either inside or outside of the Magic Kingdom area, that are as nice as The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It’s the ultimate in luxury, sophistication, and class (at least by Disney standards).

You’ll feel as if you’re stepping back in time to the early 20th century, and living amidst the glamor of an earlier generation in Palm Beach.

If we are talking about all hotels including non-Disney ones, we have to go with the Four Seasons Resort Orlando which takes it to a whole other level.

Best Rooms at Magic Kingdom Hotels

It’s a toss-up between the rooms located at The Grand Floridian and the rooms at The Polynesian Resort. While we love the opulence and the luxury-style Grand Floridian Rooms, we love the Polynesian newly re-themed Moana rooms.

They are gorgeous and perfectly fit the style of the hotel, but you can’t go wrong with either.

Saving Money at Magic Kingdom Hotels

In addition to saving money, there are a few other things you can do to maximize your Disney World Vacation while staying at a Magic Kingdom Hotel. All of these things below are at the Magic Kingdom Resorts. 

• Utilize the Monorail – Whether it’s for the famous Monorail Pub Crawl or to visit the other Monorail Resorts, by taking frequent rides on the monorail you’ll be able to experience SO much! 
• Take Advantage of Views – The Magic Kingdom Hotels have gorgeous fireworks and Bay Lake views throughout. Whether it’s at Geyser Point at the Wilderness Lodge Resort or atop the Contemporary Resort at California Grill. There are so many great places to enjoy stellar views at these hotels! 
• Play Golf – Whether golf is your thing or not, having the Magnolia, Palm, and 9-hole Oak Trail golf courses right next to you is incredible! These courses have been used as PGA events in the past, and are top-notch courses. 
• Take Tennis Lessons – Lessons are available at the Grand Floridian for guests that want to improve their tennis game! 
• Visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch – There’s something special about a visit to Fort Wilderness, whether or not you’re staying there. By visiting the ranch, you’ll be able to take a horseback ride or a wagon ride. This is a great place to go for the entire family and is a much different experience than anywhere else on Disney World property. 
• Visit the Spa at the Grand Floridian – If you like being pampered and splurging on a nice treatment or massage, a visit to the spa here will immediately start or end your trip in the perfect way! 
• Take a Boat Ride – By being at a Magic Kingdom hotel, you’ll be on or near the beautiful Bay Lake so take advantage of it with the multiple different marinas found at these resorts. Either take a fireworks cruise or even rent a pontoon boat! A few years back we surprised my parents on a fireworks cruise from the Grand Floridian and it was an unforgettable experience.

Things to Do Near the Magic Kingdom

What if you want a change of pace and want to do something outside of the Magic Kingdom and outside of your hotel, what are your other options nearby? Here are some of our favorite things to do outside the park:

1. Visit one of the nearby miniature golf courses, both Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens are within the Walt Disney World gates. 
2. Visit the Disney Boardwalk and take a stroll around while perhaps renting a Surrey Bike and pedaling around the Crescent Lake Resorts. 
3. Go to one of the two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. We love both of them, but slightly prefer the theming over at Typhoon Lagoon. 
4. Enjoy an evening or two at Disney Springs! While we love the Magic Kingdom Resorts, Disney Springs has a never-ending list of great places to get food and drinks. Not to mention shopping! 
5. Take an art class at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort which offers free drawing classes to any Walt Disney World hotel guests.
6. Visit the other Walt Disney World Resorts. Outside of the Magic Kingdom Resorts, there are still about an additional 30 Disney World Resorts that are worth exploring! 
7. Go to Animal Kingdom Lodge and watch the animals! If you’re lucky, you might be able to get into Sanaa for lunch and actually watch the animals as you eat a delicious meal. 
8. Visit the Universal Orlando Resort. While we know some are anti-Universal, we actually love visiting the Universal Parks occasionally. 
9. Go to Discovery Cove. One of the most intimate animal experiences you’ll ever get to enjoy is at Discovery Cove. While it isn’t cheap, it’s an unforgettable experience! 
10. Go to an Orlando Magic (Basketball) or Orlando City SC (Soccer) game! Both of these teams play in the Downtown Orlando area, not far away at all from Walt Disney World. 

I could go on and on with different things you can do near Magic Kingdom. Some of them are closer and some of them are further away, but there is no shortage of things you can do outside of the Disney Parks and Magic Kingdom.

FAQs

What is the Best Overall Hotel Near the Magic Kingdom?

This is a subjective opinion that is constantly in flux depending on the current state of affairs, but as we speak, we prefer staying at the Polynesian Village Resort.

However, many other guests prefer the other Magic Kingdom hotels such as The Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge Resorts, so it’s really a matter of preference.

Can You Stay IN the Magic Kingdom?

Unfortunately, guests cannot stay inside the Magic Kingdom. While Disney has let certain guests stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite in the past, it’s not available to book for guests hoping to stay there.

They’ve occasionally run prizes in the past, allowing the winner to stay in the suite. It’s also been stayed in by several different celebrities including Mariah Carey, Tom Cruise, Kevin Jonas, and Neil Patrick Harris.

Which Hotel Has the Best View of the Magic Kingdom?

While all three of the Monorail Resorts have several awesome views of the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort generally has the best views due to its close proximity and high vantage point from much of the resort.

Do You Need to Stay at a Monorail Hotel to Ride the Monorail?

Nope! Any guests that want to visit or ride the monorail can do so even if you aren’t staying at one of the resorts! This includes the Monorail Resorts, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and the TTC.

Is it Worth It to Stay at a Magic Kingdom Hotel?

We wholeheartedly believe it is worth it, especially if you have kids that want to spend a LOT of time at Magic Kingdom. You’ll get better accessibility allowing you to come and go to your heart’s content! 

While stays at the Magic Kingdom Hotels are expensive, generally speaking, guests don’t regret staying here, no matter the cost. 

While it’s not something every family can do routinely, it’s worth splurging on at least once. By doing so you’ll be able to make use of the most magical park in Walt Disney World and take advantage of the innumerable benefits of being in the heart of Walt Disney World.

Making Reservations

Ok, so you’ve decided that you want to stay at a Magic Kingdom Hotel, now what?! It’s time to make reservations! We recommend using a Disney travel agent, such as Show You the World Travel, and they’ll help you every step of the way.

If you’re still undecided about which resort to stay at, want to know when to visit, or just want to take advantage of the latest and greatest promotions, Show You the World Travel, and the team over there will help you! 

Their team of highly knowledgeable Disney Experts knows exactly how to maximize a Disney World Vacation while also catering to the individual needs of your family. The best part of all is that they don’t charge you a single penny! 

They’ll help you do things such as booking dining reservations, purchasing your park tickets, and educating you on all the necessary information you need to enjoy your vacation. Trust me, you won’t regret using them!

That wraps up our ranking of the top Magic Kingdom Resorts. We hope that we helped you understand the pros and cons of each one enough so you can pick which one is right for your family on your next vacation!

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

• 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 our ranking of the best Magic Kingdom hotels…

• What is your favorite Magic Kingdom Resort to stay at?
• Which do you think is #1?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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