7 Best Hotels in Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Orlando

You're paying for location at this sleek, modern, luxury resort, which, despite having opened in 1971, still lives up to its name; park hopping is a breeze, as the monorail runs through the lobby. Dinner reservations at the rooftop California Grill come with 15th-floor views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.

So close to the Magic Kingdom you can see the colors change on the Cinderella Castle, this red-roofed, Victorian-style resort emulates the look of the great railroad resorts of the past with beautifully appointed rooms, rambling verandas, delicate, white-painted woodwork, and brick chimneys.

This South Pacific–theme resort lies directly across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom; is on the monorail and water taxi routes; and has lots of kids activities, making it a good family choice.

The architects designed this luxury resort to mimic the majestic, turn-of-the-20th-century lodges of the American West. Set amid old Florida woods, the resort offers serenity, but it has a kid-friendly pool and good transportation links to the Magic Kingdom.

Operated by the U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center, this resort is open only to active-duty and retired personnel from the armed forces, reserves, and National Guard; their families; and others connected with the military. The resort offers standard rooms, family suites for up to eight adults, 23 ADA rooms, and a Wounded Warrior Suite.

The cabins in this 750-acre resort campground just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom don't exactly constitute roughing it, as they are compact, air-conditioned log homes that accommodate four grown-ups and two youngsters.

One of the cheapest ways to stay on WDW property is in your own tent or RV, which can be set up in one of four different areas, from bargain-priced tent sites with water and electricity to deluxe RV sites equipped with electric, cable TV, Internet access, water and sewage hookups, outdoor charcoal grills, and picnic tables.