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Within Walt Disney World, there are 35 resorts and hotels, 29 of which are official Disney properties. Ranging from budget-friendly to exotic and opulent, the choices all offer uniquely immersive stays, with prime park access. Some even feel like you're sleeping inside the theme park.
Staying at a Walt Disney World hotel comes with perks such as complimentary Magic Bands, transportation, and early access to FastPass+ planning.
We've selected 12 of the most interesting, beloved and highly-rated hotels in Walt Disney World starting at $179 per night. Hotels were chosen based on personal experience, as well as criteria such as room rates starting under $500 per night, location and access to theme parks, and ratings and reviews from Trip Advisor and Hotels.com.
Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida covers about 47 square miles, making it the size of a city. There are 35 resorts and hotels within these grounds, 29 of which are owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company.
Choosing to stay at a Disney hotel might be more expensive than one of the many chain hotels, but as a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World, I always choose to stay on-site at an official property.
Disney hotels offer a one-of-a-kind experience with immersive dining and amenities that provide a transformative experience. I can feel like I'm staying in a safari camp in Africa at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or in the French Quarter of New Orleans at Disney's Port Orleans.
There are also distinct advantages. Disney hotel guests receive a complimentary Magic Band, which you can use to load your park tickets, room keys, with charging capabilities and early access to FastPass+ planning.
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Transportation is another big perk. Guests may hop on Disney's Magical Express bus at the Orlando airport for no added fee that will take you to any Disney resort. Plus, you'll be able to navigate the theme parks by utilizing buses, boats, monorails, and the newest mode of transportation, the Disney Skyliner.
There's a wide range of prices for these experiences, depending on whether you opt for eclectic offerings, simple budget-friendly accommodations, or over the top elegance, ranging from $179 to $474 a night.
To help narrow the field, I've compiled the following list based on my own personal experience of visiting and staying at Walt Disney World, as well as criteria such as room rates starting under $500 per night, location and access to theme parks, and ratings and reviews from Trip Advisor and Hotels.com. And, if you find yourself visiting Disney Land, don't miss our coverage of the best family-friendly hotels in Anaheim.
Keep reading to find out more about 12 of the best Walt Disney World hotels and resorts, sorted by price from low to high.
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Disney's Coronado Springs Resort finds inspiration from Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures visible throughout the public spaces, room decor, and on-site food.
The resort recently underwent a massive remodel, updating the rooms and grounds, and added the new Gran Destino Tower, with a brand new collection of guest accommodations.
The Art of Animation resort, one of the more affordable, budget-friendly options within Walt Disney World resorts, pays homage to the colorful characters of Disney and Pixar movies throughout the property. Themed rooms and suites are nods to movies such as "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," "Finding Nemo," and "Cars." Rooms and grounds are a bit more standard here, and not as immersive, expansive, or whimsical as other properties. However, you'll still enjoy prime Disney perks, making it a good option for those who want access but don't have added budget to splurge on an expensive resort, or plan to spend more time in the parks than in their rooms.
While Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter celebrates New Orleans proper, the Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is an ode to the rural Louisiana Bayou. While all the rooms have a bit of N'awlins flair, you can upgrade to one of their Royal Guest Rooms, which includes more opulent furnishings and tributes to Tiana from "Princess and the Frog," alongside other classic Disney princesses.
The romance of New Orleans's historic French Quarter is the theme at the sprawling Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. The Antebellum era style is present from the Mardi Gras touches to the wrought-iron balconies to the jazz music wafting through the public spaces. They even offer horse-drawn carriage rides.
The African-themed Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my personal favorites when it comes to themed hotels, not just in Walt Disney World, but in all of my travels. I've stayed here a handful of times, and the experience feels like sleeping inside a theme park.
While not cheap, the four-star Animal Kingdom Lodge is ideal for families or discerning adults who yearn for something beyond a bed, bathroom, and four walls, and view their hotel choice as part of the entire experience.
Indeed, the hotel grounds are filled with over 200 animals and birds from zebras to giraffes and exotic birds. Opt for a Savanna view room and you'll see them from your bedroom window.
Those looking for a rustic experience will enjoy Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. While you can rent a space to pitch up your own tent or a space for your RV, I'm partial to the fully equipped cabins at the Fort Wilderness Resort.
The cabins sleep six and include a living room, bedroom, full bathroom, patio, grill, as well as a kitchen complete with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave oven. Bonus: housekeeping does your dishes for you!
Inspired by America's Great Northwest and the grand lodges of National Parks, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a beautiful escape elevated by natural elements and rustic touches. I've stayed here a few times and loved each visit, experiencing a range of rooms including a standard room, corner studio, and the unforgettable Cooper Creek Cabins, which are deluxe waterfront villas and well worth the splurge.
Located alongside Disney's Boardwalk, which is teeming with dining and nightlife, Disney's Yacht ClubResort is an ideal match for guests looking for a relaxed yet sophisticated experience with easy access to other attractions.
Inspired by classicNew England-style yacht clubs, this waterfront hotel features tasteful nautical touches and even has a sand-bottom pool. It's a short walk from Epcot and a leisurely boat ride to Hollywood Studios making it a convenient choice for visiting multiple parks in one visit.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn harkens back to the turn-of-the-century era of Atlantic City. It's one of the more popular resorts for vacationing adults and couples, as there's a fair amount of nightlife at the adjoining Boardwalk filled with bars and restaurants, which are a draw in their own right. It also has a Coney Island-style boardwalk, carnival games, and the whimsical Luna Park pool.
The hotel is also adjacent to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, making it a great base to rest when park hopping.
The Contemporary Resort is the closest hotel to the Magic Kingdom, and although you can walk to the park, it's more fun to hop on the Monorail that stops right inside the hotel.
Disney history buffs like myself love to bask in the glow of the charming Mary Blair murals that flank the aggressively modern lobby.
The most regal of all the Walt Disney World resorts, the Grand Floridian Resort reflects a Victorian elegance and lavish style. As such, it's also expensive. But despite being a luxury property, it still can cater to families, weddings, and couples looking for a romantic escape.
Inspired by the legendary Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California, this sophisticated resort includes a white-sand beach, a spa, and is just one stop away from the Magic Kingdom on the Monorail.
I love staying at the Polynesian Village Resort. It's an exotic South Pacific themed oasis right in the middle of Orlando with lush landscaping, a tropical-inspired lobby, and whimsical rooms. It's also one of the closest options to Magic Kingdom and has it's own monorail stop, making it quite easy to get around the parks.
If you stay here, don't forget to grab a tasty Tiki drink at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar, or catch the in-house luau, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.
