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Where to stay wdw?

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The Walt Disney Company organizes its Disney resorts into “areas” around the property. Flamingo Crossings, a new development district, has hotels, restaurants, and shops along SR 429 on the west side of Walt Disney World.

To the south, you will find Celebration and Kissimmee. Lake Buena Vista is to the east of Disney World. By heading northeast up the I-4 highway, you can get to the Universal Orlando Resort and International Drive.

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Magic Kingdom Area Hotels: Four Seasons Orlando • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

For the ultimate Walt Disney World vacation, you need to stay in the Magic Kingdom resort area. Three hotels are located on the monorail loop with the theme park: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This area also includes the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins, and (one of my favorites) Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

These hotels put you in the best locations to head to the parks using the fun monorail and boat transportation options. It is also easy to get to nearby resorts to enjoy dining and recreation offerings.

👉 Best Area For Adults | ✨ Best Epcot Area Hotels: Walt Disney World Dolphin • Disney’s Boardwalk Inn • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The Epcot resort area is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Most of the deluxe resorts are located around Disney’s Boardwalk.

One of the best perks of this location is walking to the back entrance of Epcot (formally known as the International Gateway). This entrance can even be used to take advantage of the early theme park entry that comes with Epcot area hotels. You are also within walking distance of several restaurants and bars at the nearby hotels.

I have had the pleasure of staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend all of these resorts for anyone’s Disney World vacation. Adults looking to “drink around the world” at Epcot are particularly well-suited for this location.

👉 Pro Tip: Epcot’s International Gateway entrance is located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in World Showcase. This is the perfect place to enjoy “drinking around the world.” One of my best Disney World tips is to stay hydrated and eat along the way.

👉 Best Area For Everyone | ✨ Best Bonnet Creek Hotels: Signia by Hilton • Waldorf Astoria • Wyndham Grand

Bonnet Creek is a resort area that is so close to the Disney World property that you have to drive on Disney roads to reach it. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Wyndham Grand Orlando, and JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek are located in this area.

Since the hotels here are operated by Wyndham, Hilton, and Marriott, guests can earn points and use rewards for booking these Disney World accommodations.

These hotels do not connect to Disney transportation, but they all offer shuttles to the theme parks at scheduled times. Families or couples who are looking for a vacation that is less 24/7 Disney and more upscale should consider staying in this area.

👉 Best Area For Roadtrippers | ✨ Best Animal Kingdom Area Hotels: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort • SpringHill Suites by Marriott

Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area includes Animal Kingdom Lodge, the All-Star Resorts, and Coronado Springs Resort, so there is a range of value resorts to deluxe resorts. Nearby, Flamingo Crossings has several affordable hotels. Many of the hotels here have suites for larger families. These accommodations are more affordable than the comparable family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

The Flamingo Crossings hotels and the Disney World resorts in this area are located on the west side of the Walt Disney World Resort. It makes transportation to the other theme parks a bit longer. If you are also spending time at Legoland or taking a day trip from Orlando to Tampa, this area has easy access to highways.

👉 Best Area For Visiting The Best Attractions in Orlando | ✨ Best Disney Springs Hotels: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort • Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

If the Disney resorts are out of your budget, take a look at the Disney partner hotels in Lake Buena Vista. There are several hotel brands and price ranges to choose from. A theme park shuttle services this area. Guests staying at one of the partner hotels can easily walk to the Springs for shopping and dining.

Off of Disney property, there are several hotels in Lake Buena Vista. If you plan to visit Universal Orlando Resort and other parts of Orlando, consider staying at a hotel here. One of the best is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. If you enjoy spending time at your hotel and enjoying the amenities, this is the place to stay for your Disney World vacation.

Several Disney World resorts connect to Disney Springs by boat. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Old Key West Resort are Disney Vacation Club properties. Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are two of the best Disney World resorts for a moderate budget.

👉 Best Area For Affordable Accommodations | ✨ Best Celebration/Kissimmee Hotels: Melia Orlando Celebration • Bohemian Hotel Celebration • Galleria Palms Hotel

Large families or groups should consider staying in Kissimmee instead of staying at one of the Walt Disney World resorts. There are plenty of rental homes that are more affordable than booking several guest rooms at a Disney hotel. You’ll find plenty of restaurant and entertainment options throughout Kissimmee.

Next to Kissimmee, you can also stay in Celebration. This town was originally developed by Disney so it is picturesque and well-kept. There are a couple of hotels that put you close to downtown Celebration for dining and shopping.

You can easily travel to the theme parks from here thanks to highways and backroads. Thanks to SR 417, this area is less than 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

If you plan on spending your entire Orlando vacation at Disney World, you’ll probably get the most for your money by staying at one of the Walt Disney World hotels. Not only do you get to stay immersed in Disney theming and decor, but you can utilize Disney transportation to save time and money.

For example, if you stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can walk to the Magic Kingdom, take the monorail to Epcot, and enjoy nightly fireworks views.

When you add in the perks of advanced dining reservations, early theme park entry and extended evening hours, early Genie+ and Lightning Lane access, and daily recreation activities, staying at a Disney World hotel is a no-brainer.

If you are looking at Disney resort hotels, a deluxe resort will come with the best amenities. These hotels typically have awesome pools and several dining options. I always recommend looking at which hotels have direct access or transportation to the Disney parks.

At off-site hotels, you may also be able to find free breakfast included. Set to open in October 2022, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando will also offer an evening “kickback” with food and drinks. Several hotels near the Disney resort have theme park shuttles, but the schedule and cost vary by location.

To save time and money, try to utilize Walt Disney World’s transportation as much as possible. All of the Disney hotels have buses that run to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

Even though they are running continuously, the buses are typically the slowest mode of Disney transportation. Also, the buses do not run between the Disney World hotels, so you’ll need to find alternate transportation if you are going to another hotel for dining or recreation.

The monorail is the most iconic vehicle at Disney. It runs to three Disney World hotels (Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort), the Ticket and Transportation Center, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot.

All of the hotels and parks near a body of water offer boat transportation. You can catch a boat from any of the Magic Kingdom area hotels to the park. Port Orleans Riverside, French Quarter, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs all have boat transportation to Disney Springs. All the hotels along the boardwalk can utilize a boat to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

The newest mode of transportation at Walt Disney World is the Skyliner, which opened in 2019. These gondolas take up high up for excellent views of the area. The Skyliner connects Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

👉 Pro Tip: Art of Animation and Pop Century are the only value resorts that have direct transportation to other hotels and theme parks. Usually, you need to stay at a deluxe resort to get those perks. Find out which hotels have the best perks in my breakdown of the Best Disney World Hotels.

When visiting Walt Disney World, I always recommend planning. Knowing which parks and restaurants you want to visit each day can help you choose the best place to stay at Disney World. For example, let’s say you have dining reservations at the Riviera Resort and you plan to visit Epcot for at least two days. Caribbean Beach is a great moderate location and Art of Animation is the perfect value resort for easy access and quick transportation.

There are ways to visit Disney World on a budget, but you’ll most likely be spending a good amount of money on your vacation. That means that you’ll want to maximize your time at the parks and activities instead of commuting around. Simple planning, like choosing a restaurant in the theme park you’re visiting that day or a nearby hotel, can allow you to have as much fun as possible.

Need help planning your itinerary? Check out all my Disney World touring plans:

Since nearby hotels know that many people enjoy the perks of staying at a Disney resort, they are constantly trying to compete for your business. Throughout the year, you can find deals during low seasons and special events.

Disney also runs specials from time to time. Usually, you can get the highest discount percentage off of a deluxe resort stay. Occasionally, Disney has discounts that make a value resort cost less than $100 per night.

Larger families should definitely consider rental homes or off-site hotels with suites if they want to save money. Off-site hotels, like SpringHill Suites by Marriott, have large guest rooms at prices much lower than Disney Vacation Club villas or family suites.

👉 Pro Tip: When you plan to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort will have a huge impact on the price you pay for accommodations. I recommend September as the best time to visit Disney World for fewer crowds and lower prices.

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Today, there are now four theme parks, two water parks and more than two dozen on-site resort properties welcoming visitors — and that doesn't factor in the hundreds of other lodging options in the Orlando area. Some of those off-property resorts offer compelling Disney perks and benefits of their own.

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Choosing the best Disney hotel for you may initially seem like a (fun) challenge. The resorts at Walt Disney World are incredibly diverse, ranging from rooms with views of live zebras to treehouse villas and log cabins in the woods.

Room rates vary widely, too, from more affordable Value hotels, which start around $125 per night, to pricier Deluxe properties where it’s common to find accommodations starting between $400 and $700 a night.

However, there are some standard perks you’ll receive no matter which property in the “Disney Bubble” you pick.

To start, you’ll be able to access the parks 30 minutes early each morning if you stay at a Disney resort hotel. That means no fighting the early crowds to line up for rides.

Additionally, you’ll have the ability to purchase individual Lightning Lanes for newer rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance before non-resort guests starting at 7 a.m., meaning you’ll have a better chance of snagging those coveted ride passes.

Still, not all on-property resorts are created equal. Fortunately, TPG is here to help sort through the best Disney resort hotel options.

We’ve tried dozens of Disney-area hotels and carefully considered the top (and less than stellar) features of nearly every on-property resort to bring you this list of the best hotels at Walt Disney World.

Whether you’re looking to be treated like a fairy-tale princess or a grown-up who happens to be staying near a theme park, Disney World has you covered.

Related: 14 reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort property

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

Deluxe resorts are the most expensive of Disney’s hotels.

While some offer luxury amenities like spas and fine dining venues, others emphasize great themes and proximity to the parks. You also get access to select parks two hours later than everyone else when staying in a Deluxe resort on eligible nights.

Regardless of which Deluxe property you choose, odds are you’ll enjoy your stay, though some have been renovated more recently than others, and some may come with a more serious bout of sticker shock if you aren't careful.

One of the original Disney World resort hotels inspired by Walt Disney himself, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort sits on the monorail only a few minutes from the Magic Kingdom, yet it transports you to a lush Pacific island from the moment you enter.

It's such a great property we almost warn against staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort because it’s going to set the bar pretty high for future Disney resort stays.

After undergoing an extensive “Moana”-themed renovation in 2021, the property welcomes guests once again with a fresh, modern look and feel.

At "The Poly," you'll find a couple of our favorite Disney restaurants. Notably, there’s ‘Ohana, a Polynesian-inspired dining venue located within the resort’s main building that serves delectable noodles and a mouthwatering bread pudding, among other options on the family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy menu.

If a full sit-down meal at 'Ohana isn't in the budget (or you can't snag a reservation), you can also order some elements of the meal, such as the famous noodles, chicken wings and even the bread pudding dessert, at the bar via an a la carte menu. Kona Cafe at the Polynesian was also recently renovated and is easier to get into than 'Ohana.

There are plenty of activities and amenities on the grounds, too, including free outdoor movies at night and a 142-foot waterslide that drops riders into the main Lava Pool.

If you’re looking to relax, head outside to watch the fireworks from The Magic Kingdom and the Electrical Water Pageant that floats by. We also recommend saving time for a drink at Trader Sam’s, where rain and volcano eruptions delight visitors of all ages. Keep in mind, though, that after 8 p.m., the watering hole becomes an adults-only bar.

The Polynesian is also where you’ll find the Polynesian Villas and a number of overwater bungalows. You can reserve these (and some other studio rooms) with rented Disney Vacation Club points, but it’s still going to be a splurge for the limited overwater options.

You don’t have as many points and miles-friendly ways to reduce the price at Disney. However, you can use fixed-value miles from a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to help offset the expense.

You can also book Disney hotels via the new travel portal at Bilt Rewards at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort often start at $600 per night.

A true safari involves incredibly long flights and the possibility of malaria pills. For a safari-style vacation closer to home, there’s Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Offering an unforgettable wildlife experience within U.S. borders, Animal Kingdom Lodge is its own ecosystem away from the hustle and bustle of most of the Disney World complex.

The soaring ceilings at Jambo House are adorned with traditional decor. All you’ll need to do to see giraffes, zebras, ostriches and a whole host of other animals is to merely walk past the lobby’s expansive windows.

Dining at this Deluxe resort is another highlight of a stay here. Boma and Jiko are excellent choices if you want to experience an authentic African meal at the resort. Meanwhile, Sanaa is a great option if you want views of the savanna while you eat.

The pools are terrific as well, though they’re some of the few spots on the property where you’ll lose sight of the wildlife.

Many activities here involve intimate experiences with the animals, including semiprivate safari tours during the day and at night. If you or your kiddos are big fans of animals, you’ll find yourself content with all the ways to get an up-close look at the property’s critters. Best of all: Options like the nighttime Starlight Safari, which comes with loaner night vision devices, won’t completely break the bank.

As far as accommodations go, Animal Kingdom Lodge has standard hotel rooms, as well as a concierge club level.

The property is another excellent use of rented DVC points, especially if your family wants more space while saving money. During low seasons, rooms start at just 7 points per night, with DVC points typically available to rent from David's Vacation Club for $21 to $22 per point.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge often start at $500 per night.

Another original Disney World resort from the 1971 opening is Disney’s Contemporary Resort — and it's about as close as you can get to The Magic Kingdom without pitching a tent inside the gates (and subsequently getting kicked out by security).

In fact, this is one of our top picks if you want to be within walking distance of The Magic Kingdom. It may have been built over five decades ago, but the amenities inside have been recently updated, with rooms now sporting an incredible new look.

But while the theme and renovations are a big step up, the main draw of this property is undoubtedly its monorail design and Magic Kingdom-adjacent location.

At the Contemporary, you have a variety of accommodations from which to choose, though we prefer the rooms in the tower over those in the garden wing. Many offer superb views of The Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks and are much easier to access quickly than the more remote garden rooms.

Although outdoor activities are limited here, as the resort is surrounded by water and theme parks, you can go for a swim in the large pool, fish or rent a boat to tour Bay Lake.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find a few of our favorite Disney World restaurants on-site, including Chef Mickey’s. This popular eatery is where you can dine with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. The experience won’t come cheap, but it’s a place where you’re guaranteed to get some time with the popular characters.

Related: The 3 best Disney World character meals you’ve never heard of — and how to book them

For something more upscale, there’s California Grill. Its diverse menu ranges from sushi to grilled bison, plus wine, craft beer and sake. This hotel is also home to Steakhouse 71, a newer venue with a menu that draws inspiration from Walt and Lillian Disney, as well as the early years of Walt Disney World.

If you're ready for a splurge-level stay at the Contemporary, there is also a Club Level where bites from some of those in-hotel restaurants, along with beverages, are available and included.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort start at $550 per night.

With the amazing pool complex (which Disney's Yacht Club Resort shares with its sister property, Disney's Beach Club Resort), you really don’t need to leave your hotel for a day of water fun.

A ticket to one of Disney’s awesome water parks will normally set you back about $70 per person. However, you can easily satisfy that urge for water park fun while staying at either property with included Stormalong Bay access at no extra charge.

Older kids will love climbing the shipwreck and zipping down the 230-foot waterslide, while younger kids will enjoy navigating the zero-entry pool from the “beach” just outside the hotel. There are three other pools scattered across the grounds, too, should you find yourself wanting more options.

On top of the best pool complex at Disney World, both properties are centrally located and have a ton of transportation options, including boats and walking trails that connect the properties with both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And if you like burgers, the Bacon and Vermont Cheddar Burger available at Ale & Compass is one of the best in all of Disney World.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort start at $530 per night.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is arguably the most traditional and iconic of Disney World’s high-end hotels. You won’t find a ton of bright in-your-face character themes here, but you will have access to some of Disney's most upscale amenities, including a spa and the fanciest (and priciest) restaurant at Disney.

It’s one of Disney World’s most expensive resorts thanks to its proximity to The Magic Kingdom, top-notch facilities and over-the-top Christmas displays that include a real-life gingerbread house in the lobby.

Fortunately, the Grand Floridian recently began a resort-wide renovation that involved converting one of the hotel buildings into all-new DVC studios that are absolutely beautiful, so there's now one more reason to visit.

Additionally, the resort's location on the monorail and water taxi service amenity for access to The Magic Kingdom's park entrance make it especially appealing for parkgoers seeking convenience. A newly added walking path to The Magic Kingdom is also available, so you have lots of options for getting around.

Dining is another highlight here. The acclaimed Victoria & Albert’s recently reopened and is truly an unparalleled experience, with a dress code and a no-kids-younger-than-10 policy to match. You can choose from the dining room, a private chef’s table and Queen Victoria’s Room for a truly special occasion.

For an equally excellent but more affordable option, grab a cocktail or mocktail at the “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired Enchanted Rose bar on the second floor of the Grand Floridian’s lobby.

Related: Disney World without kids: 9 ways to enjoy an adult trip to Disney

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa start at $600 per night.

A short drive or boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is equal parts Great Wolf Lodge, Yellowstone National Park and Disney magic. There are great attractions and restaurants on-site, including a water feature that starts in the lobby and becomes a creek that feeds into one of two outdoor pools.

For a fun, reasonably priced family dining experience, try Whispering Canyon Cafe — and be aware that if you ask for ketchup, you may get a lot of ketchup. If rare Disney characters are more your jam, enjoy dinner with the Evil Queen at Storybook Dining at Artist Point.

Those who want more space and ambiance than a standard hotel room should reserve one of the Copper Creek Cabins in the woods adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge or the truly spectacular two-bedroom Yosemite Suite. Both are pricey, but we promise you’ll love staying in either of these options.

If you do opt for standard rooms (or even Club Level rooms), the good news is that Disney's Wilderness Lodge is generally one of the more affordable of the Deluxe Disney resorts, so you can rest easy knowing you're paying a little less than average for Disney's high-end properties.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge start at $450 per night.

Moderate resorts at Disney World represent something of a challenge when it comes to vacation planning.

Accommodations at some of these properties are certainly better than the Value resorts (and a notch below Deluxe resorts), but they tend not to be as immersive when it comes to their themes.

Additionally, while some Deluxe and Value resorts have been the beneficiaries of recent renovations, other Moderate properties are overdue for a refresh.

Still, there are standouts in every category — and we definitely like some moderate resorts more than the others in this group.

One of the best Moderate resorts at Disney World is Port Orleans — and we're especially partial to the French Quarter side.

This property is much more compact than other Moderate resorts like Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, which makes everything from parking and catching a Disney bus to grabbing dinner that much easier.

The French Quarter side of Port Orleans has a New Orleans theme that translates to charming wrought-iron railings, bubbling fountains and an eatery serving tasty Mickey-shaped beignets.

It isn’t the newest or fanciest option in Disney’s resort portfolio, but it is a calm and lovely balance of theming and easily accessible amenities. Although you’ll need a bus or car to get from this resort to any of the Disney World theme parks, you can catch the free boat to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

From the 51-foot-long sea serpent slide to the on-site playground, there are things to do here when you aren't in the parks.

In addition to the calm vibe and manageable size of the property, the greatest quality of Port Orleans – French Quarter is the price.

Rooms here are often more affordable than what you’ll find at other Moderate properties, most likely because it’s not connected to the theme parks by anything other than ground transportation (and Minnie Vans).

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter start at $270 per night.

One of Disney World’s lesser-known Moderate resorts is also one of its most entertaining.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort has plenty of campsites for tents and spots for recreational vehicles.

However, if you’re not interested in either, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is an excellent choice, as it gives you the best of many worlds when it comes to space, price and things to do at the resort, especially if you aren't planning to spend all your time at the theme parks. The cabins sleep up to six and offer a queen-size bed, a set of bunk beds and a relatively comfortable pullout sofa.

Related: How to enjoy Disney World without park tickets

But trust us, you'll want to budget for this one essential Fort Wilderness expense: golf carts.

Renting one will cost you $63 to $79 per day. However, you should definitely reserve one to make getting to the Meadows Trading Post for snacks, the docks for The Magic Kingdom transportation and other parts of the 700-acre property a lot easier. Lock yours in as far in advance as possible since they’re known to sell out.

Fort Wilderness has a nonstop list of activities you probably didn’t know you could do at Disney World, including pony rides, archery, fishing and rides in wagons and horse-drawn carriages.

When the day winds down, you can also check out the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a lively performance full of dancing, singing and comedic moments.

We have only one problem with Fort Wilderness, and it’s how difficult it is to choose between the excitement and charm of this property and the awesome theme parks. To get around this challenge, be sure to set aside a day or two for spending time on the Fort Wilderness grounds so you can get your fill of both.

Rates for standard rooms at The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge start at $430 per night.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the poster child of a Disney Moderate property. It’s an older resort with two-story buildings spread across a large swath of property.

Complimentary theme park transportation is limited to buses, and on-site dining venues are mostly quick-service options given the resort’s large convention clientele. Additionally, the rooms are small, though they were renovated recently.

But one thing changed a couple of years ago that catapulted part of this property onto our favorites list: the new Gran Destino Tower.

This "hotel within a hotel" has a stunning lobby and an equally snazzy lobby bar. If you’re looking for a completely different perspective, let an elevator whisk you up to the 16th floor, where the rooftop Dahlia Lounge awaits — along with an award-winning wine list.

Gran Destino also has the distinction of being the only Moderate option at Disney World that has a club lounge, should you prefer an exclusive space to visit and grab snacks and drinks throughout your stay.

The Spanish-inspired decor is evident everywhere you turn, including in the club lounge, where you’ll find sumptuous Serrano ham and Spanish cava.

An added bonus of Gran Destino is how its rooms are organized. Rather than being spread throughout multiple buildings connected via long outdoor walkways (as is the case with traditional Coronado Springs rooms), you’ll discover all Gran Destino accommodations are clustered together in the main tower, so you’re never too far from on-site amenities.

Rates for standard rooms at the Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort start at $350 per night.

Value resorts can be a way to get Disney resort perks such as a jumpstart on purchasing Lightning Lanes and proximity to the parks. However, they can also be a bit of a disappointment if you don't know what to expect.

These resorts don't have waterslides, full-service restaurants or room-service menus. Regular housekeeping has also been slower to return to the Value resorts, but they can still be good picks in the right situations.

Several of the Value resorts have been renovated in recent years, so if you're looking to make Disney happen on a budget, here are some of our favorite budget-friendly resorts.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the king of Value resorts at Disney World.

The resort features bright colors, plus memorable Disney cartoon characters. It’s also accessible to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios thanks to the Disney Skyliner gondola system.

Art of Animation really shines with its family suites, which provide a lot more room and have three beds in each suite (one traditional bed, one Murphy bed and a pullout sofa). The family suites have your choice of “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo” themes, while standard rooms feature decor inspired by “The Little Mermaid.”

When it comes to pools, the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is actually the largest option available at any Disney World resort. You’ll find your favorite “Finding Nemo” characters hanging around, and you can enjoy underwater music as you swim.

While the food here won’t blow you away, Landscape of Flavors is a reliable cafeteria-style venue you can dine at on-site.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort start at $175 per night.

Disney's Pop Century Resort is across from Art of Animation. While it doesn't have our favorite theme (it's themed to bygone decades), it is usually the lowest-priced Disney resort that isn't one of the All-Star properties.

We generally prefer it to the All-Star resorts, as Pop Century is a stand-alone property that doesn't have to share bus service and is less likely to be packed with thousands of cheerleaders and children's sports groups. In addition to the included bus service to the parks, it also sits on the Skyliner route so that you can soar in a gondola to various parks and resorts.

At Pop Century, you have your pick of three pools, including the main Hippy Dippy Pool with flower-shaped water jets and two small pools: the '50s-themed Bowling Pool and the '90s-inspired Computer Pool. A '70s-themed playground and an arcade with retro games are also available.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Pop Century Resort start at $160 per night.

If you want to know which Disney resort hotels have the best pools, here are our top picks.

Disney's Beach Club Resort and its sister property, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, offer top-notch poolside fun for the whole family.

Both resorts have the distinct feel of a beach in an otherwise landlocked resort thanks to sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, a pirate ship and a wicked waterslide, among other amenities that will keep young swimmers entertained for hours.

Also, because both properties share facilities, you’ll have access to all on-site water amenities, regardless of which resort you’re staying at.

The Yacht Club is marginally more convenient to the large pool complex, but the Beach Club is a little closer to Epcot, so choose accordingly. (No matter which property you pick, don't miss the huge sundaes at Beaches and Cream, which sits right next to the pool.)

If you’re traveling with younger kids in tow, you may prefer the pools at Art of Animation, where you’ll find the largest on-property pool: Big Blue Pool. It has a zero-entry area, plus a separate water play space for smaller children.

There’s no waterslide, but you can check out two other pools, the Cozy Cone Pool and the Flippin’ Fins Pool, should you desire more swimming variety.

The 142-foot waterslide in the Lava Pool at Polynesian Village is probably enough to make the cut, but the entire complex seals the deal.

There's also a large splash area with several smaller waterslides for younger guests, plus a zero-entry section, a separate quiet pool and a nearby stand to grab Dole Whip. The icing on the Dole Whip is being able to watch The Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool in the evenings as the perfectly timed music is piped in.

Large families and groups can really rack up a bill when visiting Disney World since most on-property rooms are designed for no more than four or five people. As a result, your choices tend to be limited if you have at least five or six people in your group. Fortunately, there are a few resorts that offer plenty of space for larger families.

Related: The best Orlando hotels for large families

In the woods behind Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are a number of Treehouse Villas that sleep up to nine people. Offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen, these spacious accommodations can easily fit an extended family.

While the elevated treehouses are no doubt a memorable twist on stereotypical theme park accommodations, these villas are not in the most convenient location.

A bus comes through periodically to take you to Saratoga Springs, where you can catch other buses to the theme parks. There’s also a boat launch that connects the Treehouse Villas to Disney Springs.

A small pool is in the Treehouse Villas area, too, though you’ll likely want to check out the main Saratoga Springs pools, which are a long walk or bus ride away.

Rates for standard rooms at the Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa start at $1,000 per night.

The Art of Animation Resort has already come up a few times — and for good reason. While it isn’t the nicest hotel out there, it’s really great for some families.

The family suites at Art of Animation can accommodate six guests and often cost less than $500 (a cheaper rate than what two separate rooms will cost you), making them a good deal by Disney standards.

With this affordable price, you’ll get access to two full bathrooms, as well as three beds spread across two separate rooms.

Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s version of a timeshare.

There are excellent opportunities to rent with Disney Vacation Club points and save a ton of money at Disney properties, even if you’d never consider owning a timeshare. As a general rule, you’ll pay the approximate cost to stay at a Moderate resort but get the benefits of a Deluxe resort, along with the chance to book much larger rooms.

DVC rooms at most properties range from studio villas to three-bedroom spaces. The one-bedroom units that usually come with a kitchen and, sometimes, an extra half-bathroom are a great value for families who need more than a standard room.

In many cases, DVC properties are attached or adjacent to existing Disney World resorts, such as Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The only real downside is that changing or canceling a reservation can be much trickier if you’re renting points from an owner. So, be sure your dates are fixed. If you don't have a friend to rent points from, we recommend David's Vacation Club.

Some hotels at Disney World are designed to give guests easy access to the parks. When your kids are younger, proximity to the parks can be crucial for midday naps (for adults as well — no judgment from us).

These properties are especially easy to access from the parks.

The following properties are all connected to the monorail, which means they’re only a few minutes away from The Magic Kingdom (and a quick switch to get to Epcot):

Other resorts sit close enough to one or more theme parks that you can walk to the park gates within 10 minutes:

Additionally, a few resorts make it possible to reach Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner gondola system:

We love Disney, but we’re not afraid to admit that it’s sometimes nice to have a brief break from its intensity.

Luckily, there are a couple of options ideal for those who want to stay near the magic without living with Mickey and his friends 24 hours a day.

Disney World’s newest standalone hotel is easily one of the larger resort’s best options for adults who want to balance a Disney trip with some less in-your-face Disney elements.

On the Disney Skyliner route, Disney’s Riviera Resort offers easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot without placing you right in the heart of all the theme park action.

The real highlight of this easygoing property, though, is its Mediterranean vibe. The blue-and-white decor, music and cuisine will transport you to the Mediterranean coast.

At this Deluxe resort, you’ll find all the usual Disney amenities, but it’s just a touch more refined and grown-up without being stuffy.

We’re serious Riviera fans thanks, in part, to its design, which includes everything from “Tangled”- and “Peter Pan”-inspired mosaics to marble bathrooms that may be the nicest in all of Disney.

Don’t worry if you want to bring the kids, though. There’s plenty for them to enjoy, too, including poolside gelato, a tower waterslide and our favorite toddler splash area at Disney World.

This is also where you’ll find one of our absolute favorite Disney character meals: brunch at Topolino’s Terrace.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Riviera Resort start at $600 per night.

Another great option that will have you feeling like you’re a million miles away from the theme parks is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

At this wooded, peaceful retreat, you’ll feel like you’re at a national park instead of a lush Florida oasis that's only a short boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge start at $300 per night.

There are hundreds of hotels in the Orlando area where you could redeem points and then head to Disney World. However, the number of properties where you can redeem traditional hotel points and still access valuable Disney World perks is much smaller.

Smack dab in the middle of the larger Disney World complex are three properties all linked to the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program: Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

While all three have their pluses, the newest of the three, the Swan Reserve, offers the nicest digs, though it’s the farthest from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Prices for these Category 6 resorts range from $200 to around $600 per night, depending on the season, or from 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for standard rooms most nights.

You can use an annual 85,000-point certificate (which you’ll receive with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card) to cover your stay at any of these three properties. Know, though, that certain hotels have resort fees that you’ll still need to pay.

Related: The best Marriott credit cards

You won’t find heavy Disney World theming here, but there are advantages beyond just saving money. All three hotels recognize Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits.

As long as there’s not a big conference in town, you may have a decent shot at a suite upgrade if you have Platinum Elite status and are using Suite Night Awards.

Plus, you’ll receive breakfast benefits — at these properties, that means complimentary continental breakfast, which you can enjoy in your room at the Swan Reserve — as a member with Platinum Elite status or higher.

Should you crave something more substantial, you can pay a fee to upgrade to the full breakfast buffet at Swan and Dolphin.

In recent years, both the Swan and Dolphin hotels have also greatly improved their grab-and-go options in the lobby. Both properties offer large pools, a kids club and plenty of outdoor space for play as well, making them terrific options for families.

When you’re ready to venture off-site, you can take a relatively short bus ride to any of the parks. If you’re going to Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can also walk or hop on the boat.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the 7 a.m. start time for purchasing individual Lightning Lanes, too, and remember that these are the only non-official Disney resorts where you can take advantage of the late evening theme park access guests of Deluxe resorts can enjoy select nights.

The only other hotels on Disney property that combine Disney benefits with the ability to redeem points are referred to as “Official Disney World Hotels.” Know, though, they're not true Disney resort hotels. These properties are adjacent to Disney Springs.

Related: The Disney Springs hotels: How to get Disney benefits at bargain prices

If saving money is your primary goal, there are other ways to use hotel points for Disney-affiliated hotels in the Disney Springs area.

While each hotel has its pluses and minuses, there are some obvious advantages to staying in a brand-new hotel, so from that perspective, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area may be the best of the bunch.

If you want the best pool for kids in the Disney Springs complex, consider the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area, as it has a 189,000-gallon heated pool with a rock waterfall.

Otherwise, factor in proximity to Disney Springs when choosing a property. The closest two (both of which are within walking distance of Disney Springs) are the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area and the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area.

Those who don’t mind paying a little extra for on-site amenities should consider Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, which has a great water park and sits on a 482-acre nature preserve. Rooms here start at 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Another noteworthy option in the Bonnet Creek area is the high-end Waldorf Astoria Orlando, where nightly rates start at 80,000 Hilton Honors points.

If you decide to pay with cash, consider using a Platinum- or Centurion-branded card like The Platinum Card® from American Express. With this card, you’ll receive perks such as free daily breakfast for two and a space-available upgrade thanks to the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program.

Your family can also stock up on Hilton Honors points with cards such as the Hilton Honors American Express Card, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. (Here’s why the Hilton Amex Aspire is the best premium card for families.)

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Lastly, be sure to check out the newest addition to the Bonnet Creek area where you can make your Marriott points work for you: the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa.

This hotel, which opened in 2020, often costs 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, has lots of great amenities for kids and offers a bus that will take you to the Disney theme parks.

If you come across a big stash of money you are willing to spend on your Disney World accommodations, there’s only one property to consider.

At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the Copper Creek Cabins are more than just typical cabins. More accurately, these are akin to little high-end homes you can rent on Disney property.

Despite the incredibly high price tag (expect to spend thousands of dollars per night to stay in one of Copper Creek’s cabins), you’ll get everything you could possibly need during your Disney World vacation.

You’ll have access to two bedrooms, an epic living room with a fireplace, a full kitchen and an impressive screened-in outdoor living area with a private hot tub and piped-in fireworks music every evening.

Rates for standard rooms at the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge start at $2,500 per night.

Choosing the best resort hotel at Disney World gets easier once you identify your budget and priorities.

Do you want a great pool, more space, proximity to the parks or perhaps an immersive theme? No matter what is most important to you, you’ll find Disney lodging that will likely satisfy your needs.

Whether you’re itching to splash around in the Stormalong Bay pool complex at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, stretch your budget at Disney's Pop Century Resort, retreat to a cabin at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort or get an iconic eyeful of the monorail coming through Disney’s Contemporary Resort, there’s a Disney resort that will have every member of your family excited to be on vacation at Walt Disney World.

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Anoop Brinkley
Sub-Acute Nursing
Answer # 3 #
  • Magic Kingdom Resort Area.
  • Epcot Resort Area.
  • Bonnet Creek.
  • Animal Kingdom Resort Area / Flamingo Crossings.
  • Lake Buena Vista / Disney Springs Area.
  • Celebration / Kissimmee.
  • Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.
  • Look for Perks and Amenities.
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Seychelle Nowra
Party Princess
Answer # 4 #

There are some big factors we’ve always recommended you consider when making a decision on where to stay, but there are plenty of NEW factors you have to think about if you’re planning a Disney World vacation in 2022. It can be an overwhelming decision to make, so we’re breaking down all the important factors you should consider when deciding where to book your overnight accommodations.

Some of the earliest decisions you’ll make when planning your Disney World vacation is where you’re going to stay. There are dozens of Disney-owned and operated resort hotels on property, as well as hundreds of off-property hotels and vacation rentals across Central Florida!

How do YOU know what’s perfect for YOU? Don’t sweat it. We’re here to help.

Our first two points will go hand-in-hand: know what you’re paying and what you’re getting for your money. Staying on Disney World property comes with plenty of perks (more on those later!) but baseline, you’ll likely be shelling out much more cash than you likely would for comparable accommodations offsite.

But before we chat about off-property options, it’s important to stress that Disney World has hotel accommodations at MANY different price points for all different kinds of vacation budgets.

There are your Deluxe Resorts (like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), filled with tons of amenities, health and fitness centers (and in many instances full-service spas), not to mention some of the best dining on Disney World property.

All of that luxury will cost you BIG time — be prepared to sell a kidney or two! The most standard of rooms at Deluxe Resorts will run you hundreds of dollars per night, and the price only goes up from there if you want preferred views, king beds, multiple bedrooms, or villas. There’s no doubt, however, that you’ll be staying in top tier accommodations.

Then there are the Moderate Resorts. These resorts will have less amenities than what you’ll find at the Deluxe Resorts, but they will still have plenty of dining options, including at least one table service restaurant. Essentially, the Moderates are perfectly fine mid-range options for mid-range price points.

They’re kind of the Goldilocks of the Disney World hotels when it comes to price: not too high, but you can definitely find cheaper options, too. On average, it’s not uncommon to find rooms at these resorts in the mid-$200 range per night.

The third category of Disney World Resort hotels are the Value Resorts. These, like Disney’s Pop Century Resort, will offer essentially the barebones when it comes to hotels: a reliable place to rest your sleepy head at the end of the day. Dining is limited to large counter service cafeteria-like options, but you’ll still have a couple of pools to enjoy and all your basic hotel amenities.

Rooms at the Value Resorts are also smaller, but, as the name implies, these will be your VALUE options where you can save some serious money if staying on Disney World property is a must for your travel party. Rooms at these resorts can get as low as approximately $150 per night, but they can creep up into the $200 range depending on the time of year you’re visiting.

Now let’s talk about what your options are should you choose to NOT stay at a Disney owned- and operated-hotel. The two major off-property categories you’ll choose from are hotels and vacation home rentals. In general, odds are high you’ll get more bang for your buck staying off-property in that rooms are typically cheaper for more square footage, including both hotels and vacation homes. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll be sacrificing certain things. Namely: location, location, location.

Of course, there’s more than just your overnight room rate to consider when calculating the accommodations portion of your vacation budget. If you drive and are staying at a Disney World hotel, you will have to pay overnight resort parking (as of this writing, that’ll cost you $15 per night at a Value Resort, $20 per night at Moderates, and $25 per night at Deluxe). But if you are staying off-property and drive to the parks, you will be paying $25 per day to park in the theme park lots.

Check our Disney Discounts and Deals page — there are always savings to be had! There’s no reason you should EVER pay full price for a Disney World hotel room, so do your research for those savings!

Another thing to keep in mind is that Disney World resort rooms are preeeeetty small compared to off-property options — essentially, you’re paying more money for less space (which could be key if you’re traveling with more than two people! If you are parents traveling with a couple of kids, you may feel like you need more space than what many of Disney’s resorts offer.)

See that photo above of the newly-renovated Pop Century Resort rooms? Yeah, you really won’t have ALL that space. The way the room looks when you check in on your first day will NOT be how it looks one, two, three days into your vacation. After losing seating space for your suitcases, figuring out where everyone is going to sleep, and the signature pile of dirty clothes growing day after day, these rooms will feel TIGHT for a party of four.

You’re also paying that Disney premium for amenities that you might not necessarily use! Will you REALLY use that super awesome-looking pool, or will your spend all of your time at the parks? Consider this, especially if you’re looking into staying at a Deluxe resort. Are you actually planning on using those fancy amenities, or does your hotel only need to serve as a place to “crash” at the end of the night?

If you’re looking for all the comforts of home, a vacation home might be a great option to consider. You can find a decent-sized home with multiple private bedrooms and bathrooms, your own washer and dryer, a pool (plus jacuzzi in some cases!), kitchen, and MORE priced at less than some Disney hotel rooms. This is especially true if you’re looking to do a larger family vacation where you can split the cost of the home!

With ALL of that said, there is still a TON of value in staying at a Disney World Resort hotel. When you recover from the sticker shock at comes with many of their resorts, they come with a number of exclusive perks (which we’ll dive into in just a sec!).

Many of Disney’s hotels have amazing sit-down restaurants on site, even some that rival what you’ll find in the parks. If you want to know that your accommodations are doing the most FOR YOU, then you’ll have a really hard time finding something better than Disney’s hotels.

One of the HUGE draws to staying on Disney World property is that, despite the higher cost, you get a lot of nifty perks for staying at a Disney-owned hotel, and these often–exclusive bonuses made the price tag worth it for a lot of families.

One of the biggest perks that can change the game for your park days is that Disney Resort Guests get extra time in the parks!  On-property guests can now take advantage of Early Theme Park Access, which will grant early entry to all four theme parks, every single day, thirty minutes prior to that park’s opening time. And, guests of Disney World Deluxe Resorts and certain other hotels also get Extended Evening Hours — a few extra hours in a particular park offered a couple of nights a week.

Another perk that can change the game for your park days is that Disney resort guests can book Pay-Per-Ride Attractions beginning at 7AM, while those staying off-property have to wait until the time the park opens. That means if you choose to pay to skip the line to ride Disney World’s most popular rides, like Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you will get a jump on reserving your desired time slot.

One other perk that many Disney guests love is the Disney Dining Plan. It is currently suspended, but Disney has said that the plan will return. The Dining Plan is a pre-purchased set of dining “credits” that make your vacation feel a little more “all-inclusive.” These vacation package add-ons offer convenience in knowing that your dining is already “taken care of,” so to speak (note that gratuity is not included). Without the Dining Plan these days, you’re still able to make all the same dining reservations as before, but you’ll be paying out of pocket instead..

But the BIGGEST perk of all for many Disney World guests choosing to stay onsite is transportation.

A nice hotel with all the amenities is one thing, but how are you going to get around while on vacation? One of Disney’s best-selling perks is the large amount of complimentary transportation options, and that still holds true today!

Basically, if you don’t want to lift a FINGER when it comes to transportation, there’s truly nothing better than staying on Disney World property.

First thing’s first: we gotta talk about Disney’s Magical Express. This complimentary bus service that shuttled guests to and from Orlando International Airport upon arrival was discontinued at the end of 2021.

You now have a couple of bus options that have sprung up in its place — Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer — as well as the options to take a rideshare like Uber or Lyft.

Complimentary Disney World resort transportation options once you’ve arrived include buses, boats, the Monorail, the Disney Skyliner, and good old pedestrian walkways. Each and every Disney World Resort hotel will have bus access to the four theme parks as well as Disney Springs. From there, additional transportation options will depend on where you’re staying.

The three Monorail Resorts include Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. These are the ONLY resorts with designated Monorail stations, taking guests to both Magic Kingdom as well as the Transportation & Ticket Center, with transfer service to EPCOT. The Monorail is also a great way to get around if you’re in one of those parks and want to visit one of the Monorail Resorts (taking a mid-day break from Magic Kingdom to grab a quiet lunch at one of these resorts is a top tip!).

You can also walk from each of the Monorail Resorts to Magic Kingdom via pedestrian walkway. Disney recently completed their Grand Floridian walkway, making all three resorts easily accessible to Magic Kingdom by foot.

Riding the Monorail is a quintessential Disney World experience, so what better way to experience it than as your primary mode of transportation? If you’re planning on spending a ton of time in Magic Kingdom, there’s really no better way to get around than the Monorail.

Disney World’s newest transportation system is the Skyliner! The gondola in the sky opened in 2019 and provides guests with a quick, effortless way to get around certain areas of the Disney World Resort.

The Disney World Resort hotels situated along the Skyliner route include Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and technically Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts as well as Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. These resorts have gondola access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The three Crescent Lake Hotels (Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn) are also walking distance (we’re talking STEPS away) from EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance to World Showcase.

Then there are the boats! The Monorail Resorts (with the exception of the Contemporary) along with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort have boat access to Magic Kingdom. The Crescent Lake Resorts have boat access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you want to spend a good deal of time at Disney Springs, select Disney World Resorts have boat access to the shopping district. These include both of Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, as well as Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Now that we have a basic groundwork for what complimentary transportation options are available and where you’ll find them across the Disney World Resort hotels, let’s chat about certain things to keep in mind when deciding where you want to stay from a transportation point of view. Complimentary transportation is a HUGE perk when staying at a Disney World Resort, but there may be a couple of drawbacks here and there.

For example, resorts with Skyliner access tend to have less frequent buses to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Also, if you’re afraid of heights, you may want to avoid situations where your transportation options could be limited to the Skyliner.

In many instances, it’s not enough to just decide that you want to stay on property. Disney World is HUGE and picking the wrong resort could mean you’re far, far away from where you want to be.

Are you a die-hard EPCOT fan? Consider staying at Disney’s Yacht or Beach Club Resorts, or Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. If you’re looking to spend extra time in Magic Kingdom, consider staying in one of the Monorail resorts (remember, all three Monorail resorts now have walking access to Magic Kingdom!).

If you want a little more nightlife on your trip and want to spend your evenings in Disney Springs, you can be just minutes away by staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Make sure you look into which resort area you’re staying in to know how long it will take to get from point A to point B. You may be minutes away from Magic Kingdom when staying at the Grand Floridian, but you’re pretty far from the other three parks.

A final factor to consider has very little to do with Disney World, but could have a huge impact on whether or not you decide to stay on Disney World property. Are you planning on visiting any of the other theme parks in Orlando? If so, then staying off property may be a better option. It’s tricky to get off  of Disney World property if you don’t have your own car (you’re basically limited to taxis or ride share), and remember, it’s pricey to keep a car overnight at your Disney World resort hotel.

Be sure to do your research, crunch the numbers, and weigh ALL of the pros and cons when making your decision on where to stay on your next Disney World vacation! These decisions are not simply financial, although the price is definitely a priority. Think about what you want your vacation to look and feel like, too!

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Wilbur Piddock
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Answer # 5 #

The Walt Disney Company organizes its Disney resorts into “areas” around the property. Flamingo Crossings, a new development district, has hotels, restaurants, and shops along SR 429 on the west side of Walt Disney World.

To the south, you will find Celebration and Kissimmee. Lake Buena Vista is to the east of Disney World. By heading northeast up the I-4 highway, you can get to the Universal Orlando Resort and International Drive.

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Magic Kingdom Area Hotels: Four Seasons Orlando • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

For the ultimate Walt Disney World vacation, you need to stay in the Magic Kingdom resort area. Three hotels are located on the monorail loop with the theme park: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This area also includes the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins, and (one of my favorites) Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

These hotels put you in the best locations to head to the parks using the fun monorail and boat transportation options. It is also easy to get to nearby resorts to enjoy dining and recreation offerings.

👉 Best Area For Adults | ✨ Best Epcot Area Hotels: Walt Disney World Dolphin • Disney’s Boardwalk Inn • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The Epcot resort area is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Most of the deluxe resorts are located around Disney’s Boardwalk.

One of the best perks of this location is walking to the back entrance of Epcot (formally known as the International Gateway). This entrance can even be used to take advantage of the early theme park entry that comes with Epcot area hotels. You are also within walking distance of several restaurants and bars at the nearby hotels.

I have had the pleasure of staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend all of these resorts for anyone’s Disney World vacation. Adults looking to “drink around the world” at Epcot are particularly well-suited for this location.

👉 Pro Tip: Epcot’s International Gateway entrance is located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in World Showcase. This is the perfect place to enjoy “drinking around the world.” One of my best Disney World tips is to stay hydrated and eat along the way.

👉 Best Area For Everyone | ✨ Best Bonnet Creek Hotels: Signia by Hilton • Waldorf Astoria • Wyndham Grand

Bonnet Creek is a resort area that is so close to the Disney World property that you have to drive on Disney roads to reach it. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Wyndham Grand Orlando, and JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek are located in this area.

Since the hotels here are operated by Wyndham, Hilton, and Marriott, guests can earn points and use rewards for booking these Disney World accommodations.

These hotels do not connect to Disney transportation, but they all offer shuttles to the theme parks at scheduled times. Families or couples who are looking for a vacation that is less 24/7 Disney and more upscale should consider staying in this area.

👉 Best Area For Roadtrippers | ✨ Best Animal Kingdom Area Hotels: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort • SpringHill Suites by Marriott

Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area includes Animal Kingdom Lodge, the All-Star Resorts, and Coronado Springs Resort, so there is a range of value resorts to deluxe resorts. Nearby, Flamingo Crossings has several affordable hotels. Many of the hotels here have suites for larger families. These accommodations are more affordable than the comparable family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

The Flamingo Crossings hotels and the Disney World resorts in this area are located on the west side of the Walt Disney World Resort. It makes transportation to the other theme parks a bit longer. If you are also spending time at Legoland or taking a day trip from Orlando to Tampa, this area has easy access to highways.

👉 Best Area For Visiting The Best Attractions in Orlando | ✨ Best Disney Springs Hotels: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort • Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

If the Disney resorts are out of your budget, take a look at the Disney partner hotels in Lake Buena Vista. There are several hotel brands and price ranges to choose from. A theme park shuttle services this area. Guests staying at one of the partner hotels can easily walk to the Springs for shopping and dining.

Off of Disney property, there are several hotels in Lake Buena Vista. If you plan to visit Universal Orlando Resort and other parts of Orlando, consider staying at a hotel here. One of the best is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. If you enjoy spending time at your hotel and enjoying the amenities, this is the place to stay for your Disney World vacation.

Several Disney World resorts connect to Disney Springs by boat. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Old Key West Resort are Disney Vacation Club properties. Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are two of the best Disney World resorts for a moderate budget.

👉 Best Area For Affordable Accommodations | ✨ Best Celebration/Kissimmee Hotels: Melia Orlando Celebration • Bohemian Hotel Celebration • Galleria Palms Hotel

Large families or groups should consider staying in Kissimmee instead of staying at one of the Walt Disney World resorts. There are plenty of rental homes that are more affordable than booking several guest rooms at a Disney hotel. You’ll find plenty of restaurant and entertainment options throughout Kissimmee.

Next to Kissimmee, you can also stay in Celebration. This town was originally developed by Disney so it is picturesque and well-kept. There are a couple of hotels that put you close to downtown Celebration for dining and shopping.

You can easily travel to the theme parks from here thanks to highways and backroads. Thanks to SR 417, this area is less than 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

If you plan on spending your entire Orlando vacation at Disney World, you’ll probably get the most for your money by staying at one of the Walt Disney World hotels. Not only do you get to stay immersed in Disney theming and decor, but you can utilize Disney transportation to save time and money.

For example, if you stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can walk to the Magic Kingdom, take the monorail to Epcot, and enjoy nightly fireworks views.

When you add in the perks of advanced dining reservations, early theme park entry and extended evening hours, early Genie+ and Lightning Lane access, and daily recreation activities, staying at a Disney World hotel is a no-brainer.

If you are looking at Disney resort hotels, a deluxe resort will come with the best amenities. These hotels typically have awesome pools and several dining options. I always recommend looking at which hotels have direct access or transportation to the Disney parks.

At off-site hotels, you may also be able to find free breakfast included. Set to open in October 2022, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando will also offer an evening “kickback” with food and drinks. Several hotels near the Disney resort have theme park shuttles, but the schedule and cost vary by location.

To save time and money, try to utilize Walt Disney World’s transportation as much as possible. All of the Disney hotels have buses that run to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

Even though they are running continuously, the buses are typically the slowest mode of Disney transportation. Also, the buses do not run between the Disney World hotels, so you’ll need to find alternate transportation if you are going to another hotel for dining or recreation.

The monorail is the most iconic vehicle at Disney. It runs to three Disney World hotels (Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort), the Ticket and Transportation Center, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot.

All of the hotels and parks near a body of water offer boat transportation. You can catch a boat from any of the Magic Kingdom area hotels to the park. Port Orleans Riverside, French Quarter, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs all have boat transportation to Disney Springs. All the hotels along the boardwalk can utilize a boat to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

The newest mode of transportation at Walt Disney World is the Skyliner, which opened in 2019. These gondolas take up high up for excellent views of the area. The Skyliner connects Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

👉 Pro Tip: Art of Animation and Pop Century are the only value resorts that have direct transportation to other hotels and theme parks. Usually, you need to stay at a deluxe resort to get those perks. Find out which hotels have the best perks in my breakdown of the Best Disney World Hotels.

When visiting Walt Disney World, I always recommend planning. Knowing which parks and restaurants you want to visit each day can help you choose the best place to stay at Disney World. For example, let’s say you have dining reservations at the Riviera Resort and you plan to visit Epcot for at least two days. Caribbean Beach is a great moderate location and Art of Animation is the perfect value resort for easy access and quick transportation.

There are ways to visit Disney World on a budget, but you’ll most likely be spending a good amount of money on your vacation. That means that you’ll want to maximize your time at the parks and activities instead of commuting around. Simple planning, like choosing a restaurant in the theme park you’re visiting that day or a nearby hotel, can allow you to have as much fun as possible.

Need help planning your itinerary? Check out all my Disney World touring plans:

Since nearby hotels know that many people enjoy the perks of staying at a Disney resort, they are constantly trying to compete for your business. Throughout the year, you can find deals during low seasons and special events.

Disney also runs specials from time to time. Usually, you can get the highest discount percentage off of a deluxe resort stay. Occasionally, Disney has discounts that make a value resort cost less than $100 per night.

Larger families should definitely consider rental homes or off-site hotels with suites if they want to save money. Off-site hotels, like SpringHill Suites by Marriott, have large guest rooms at prices much lower than Disney Vacation Club villas or family suites.

👉 Pro Tip: When you plan to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort will have a huge impact on the price you pay for accommodations. I recommend September as the best time to visit Disney World for fewer crowds and lower prices.

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Every area around Walt Disney World has its perks, so you just need to pick the right location and accommodations for your group. Whether you want to be able to walk into a theme park or fit a family of 10, there is something for everyone.

I hope I’ve helped you find out where to stay at Disney World!

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