With more than 20 Disney owned and operated properties offering similar amenities, how do you decide which hotel is perfect for you and your family? Here, we’ve highlighted some of the top Disney World lodgings to make your trip planning a bit easier.
When traveling to Disney, staying on-site can be a pricey option. Although you may spend 5-star prices, don’t expect Ritz-quality accommodations. Here you are mainly paying for location, with the addition of some great perks; free transportation to and from the parks and resorts; Disney’s Magical Express (a free airport luggage transportation system); extended hours at the parks; charging privileges throughout Disney; free parking; and of course, convenience. For more info, see Perks for Disney Resort Guests.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s premier resort is perfect for those looking for an upscale take on a Disney vacation. Quieter and more subdued than most other Disney properties, the Grand Floridian is an ideal choice for singles or couples who want respite from the lively surroundings.
Resort Highlights: old-Florida ambience; on the monorail route; one of Disney’s best restaurants offers an evening-long experience in dining; definitely the most romantic on-property Disney hotel
Fodor’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Review
Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant Review
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Location reigns supreme here: directly across from the Magic Kingdom (and on the monorail route to other Disney parks). It is perfect for those who rank convenience as their number one requirement for choosing a hotel.
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Resort Highlights: easy access to parks via monorail; the epicenter of the character-meal world is here; launching point for romantic Bay Lake cruises
Fodor’s Contemporary Resort Review
Chef Mickey’s Restaurant Review
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Book a room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge if you’re looking for an exotic Disney vacation. Here, you’ll see African wildlife like gazelles, zebras, and ostriches just outside your window. By day, you’ll be at the Magic Kingdom, and by night, you’ll feel like you’re on an African safari.
Lodge Highlights: extraordinary wildlife and cultural experiences; excellent on-site restaurants
Fodor’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
This vibrant, budget property best suits families with young children who want a fun and fanciful place to stay without breaking the bank. As opposed to other on-site properties, you won’t have to pay the high price for convenience.
Resort Highlights: great room rates; funky décor is a trip down memory lane for many; proximity to ESPN Wide World of Sports and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Fodor’s Pop Century Resort Review
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter
A lively resort themed after the popular New Orleans neighborhood, the Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter delivers fun times for the whole family. Kids can splash around at the huge serpent slide at the pool, and adults can take a relaxing boat ride down the Sassagoula River.
Resort Highlights: authentic, or as authentic as you get at Disney; fun NoLa-style atmosphere; moderate price; lots of water recreation options, including boat rentals
Fodor’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter Review
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
A sprawling Mexican-themed resort, set on a 22-acre lake is the perfect place for business-types and their families. Those staying here on official matters will get good use of the 220,000 square foot function space with all the expected amenities including a business center, Wi-Fi, and breakout meeting rooms; their families can play the day away splashing in the sun at one of the three pools.
Resort Highlights: great pool with a play-area arcade for kids and a bar for adults; lots of outdoor activities
Fodor’s Coronado Springs Resort Review
More on Walt Disney World
- Walt Disney World Orlando Travel Guide
- Top Reasons to Go
- All Walt Disney World Orlando Hotel Reviews
Photos: Courtesy Walt Disney World