
Choosing Your Hotel for Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Staying on-site in one of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels in Florida is one of the best ways to enjoy the magic of the Disney Parks. The hotels are conveniently situated for visiting the theme parks, and even better, they’re linked by a free transportation system, which makes getting around a breeze.
We know that where you stay is one of the most important elements of your holiday, and with over 30 accommodation options to choose from, finding the right Disney hotel
for you can seem like a daunting task.
Our simple guide to choosing a Walt Disney World Resort hotel for Orlando first-timers will give you all the information you need to choose the best hotel for you and your family.

What is a Disney hotel?
A Disney hotel or Walt Disney World Resort hotel is a hotel which is owned and operated by Disney. You may also hear them called on-site hotels. Although there are lots of accommodation options in Orlando, a Disney hotel is the perfect choice for Disney fans and those who want to be close to the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.

What are the benefits of staying in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel?
As we’ve already alluded to, there are lots of benefits to choosing a Walt Disney World Resort hotel for your trip of a lifetime. Here are just some of them:
- Disney Dining Plans
- Book dining early
- Early Theme Park Entry
- Extended evening hours
- Free parking
Walt Disney World Resort hotel categories
Walt Disney World Resort hotels are split into four categories to help you narrow down your search: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas, with each category increasing in cost, but also in amenities and proximity to the theme parks.
Hotel category | Description | Features | Hotels |
Disney Value Resort Hotels | Disney magic without a huge price tag |
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Disney Moderate Resort Hotels | Hotels with a few added extras but still with a great value price tag |
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Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels | A little luxury on your Disney holiday |
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Disney’s Deluxe Villa Resorts | More space, luxury, and the ability to self-cater |
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Things to consider when choosing a Walt Disney World Resort hotel
Summary – things to consider when choosing a Walt Disney World Resort hotel
- Budget
- Distance from theme parks
- Transport
- How much time you’ll spend at the hotel
- Food options
- Facilities and amenities
- Who is travelling?
- Theming

Budget
When it comes to choosing a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, one of the most important considerations will be your budget. Our advice is to have a think about what you can afford and what you’re willing to spend on accommodation before you start looking.
How much does it cost to stay in a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel?
The cost to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel varies depending on which one you choose and when you travel. The cheapest options are Disney Value Resort Hotels, so if you have a tight budget, be sure to check this category first.
Top tip: If you can, try to book outside of high season like summer holidays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Distance from the theme parks
If getting to the theme parks is one of the most important aspects of your decision (and, let’s face it, that’s probably why you’re here!), then there’s no need to worry. All of the Disney Resort hotels offer easy transport to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs, and – even better – it’s all free.
Transport options include:
- Bus
- Skyliner (cable car)
- Monorail
- Water taxi or ferry boat
Disney Resort hotel | Location | How to get to theme parks |
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s Pop Century Resort | Disney’s Hollywood Studios Resort area |
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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort | Disney’s Hollywood Studios Resort area |
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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | EPCOT Resort area |
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Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area |
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The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort | Magic Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter | Disney Springs Resort area |
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside | Disney Springs Resort area |
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (including Jambo and Kidani Villas) | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s Beach Club Resort (including villas) | EPCOT Resort area |
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Disney’s BoardWalk Inn (including villas) | EPCOT Resort area |
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Disney’s Contemporary Resort (including Bay Lake Tower) | Magic Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (including villas) | Magic Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (including villas and bungalows) | Magic Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (including villas) | EPCOT Resort area |
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Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (including Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek villas and cabins) | Magic Kingdom Resort area |
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Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | Disney Springs Resort area |
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Disney’s Old Key West Resort | Disney Springs Resort area |
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Disney’s Riviera Resort | EPCOT Resort area |
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How much time you’ll spend at the hotel
If you’re someone who will likely spend more time in the hotel than just sleeping there, you might want to choose a Moderate or Deluxe resort with more facilities. By contrast, if a hotel room is just somewhere to rest your head after a busy day of exploring, then a Value resort might work better for you.

Food at the resort
Food is available at all of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, but each hotel category offers different options.
The two categories for food at the hotels are Quick Service and Table Service:
- Quick Service: Think of Quick Service like fast food. You order at the counter, you’ll get a tray of food and you’ll take it to a table to eat
- Table Service: A typical restaurant experience where you’re served at your table. You’ll be given a menu to choose your food and your server will bring the food over to you when it’s ready
Hotel Category | Restaurant type |
Disney Value Resort Hotels | Quick Service food court |
Disney Moderate Resort Hotels | Quick Service food court At least one Table Service restaurant |
Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels | Quick Service restaurant At least one Table Service restaurant |
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts | Quick Service restaurant At least one Table Service restaurant |

Facilities and amenities
Again, this will depend on how much time you’re planning to spend in your hotel. On the one hand, it’s sometimes nice to have a bit of downtime at your resort to relax, on the other hand, there’s so much to see in the theme parks!
While all the Disney Resort hotels offer fantastic facilities, these do vary based on the categories. All of the hotels have at least one swimming pool, but the pools at the Moderate and Deluxe hotels have slides, while the pools at the Value hotels are a little more basic.
Disney hotels with some of the best pools:
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort/Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas
At some of the hotels, you’ll find facilities such as a spa, activities for children, play areas, and more.

Who is travelling?
Different Disney hotels will suit different types of travellers. There are some that kids will love and some that are perfect for adults on honeymoon.
If you’re travelling as a multi-generational family or with someone that has additional needs, you will need to consider things like whether the accommodation is accessible.
Here are some of our suggestions:
Best for children | Best for adults | Best for couples | Best for multi-generational families |
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge | Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter | Disney’s Art of Animation Resort |
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | Disney’s Beach Club Resort | Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort | Disney’s Pop Century Resort |
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside | Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort | Disney’s Riviera Resort | Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa |
Disney’s Contemporary Resort | Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness |
Disney’s All-Star Resorts | Disney’s Pop Century Resort | Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside |

Theming
Once you’ve narrowed your choice down to one of the categories, it’s time to whittle the hotels down to your final decision, and this is where theming becomes important. Have a good look at the photographs of each hotel to see which one will appeal the most to you and your family.
All of the Disney hotels offer immersive theming, regardless of their category, so it’s just down to what appeals to you the most. Whether you’re a music-lover, you’ve got a favourite Disney movie, or you want to stay at a tropical beach resort, there’s a Disney Resort hotel for everyone.
Now you have all the information you need, it’s time to start planning. Book your Walt Disney World Resort hotel now, and let the magic start!
1 Valid theme park admission required in addition to your hotel booking