What to Consider when looking for a Walt Disney World Hotel

What Should I Consider When Booking a Walt Disney World Hotel? A Detailed Guide

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is exciting, but with over 25 on-site resorts and several nearby options, choosing the right hotel can be overwhelming. Your accommodation will play a big role in shaping your experience, so it’s important to weigh your options based on your needs, preferences, and budget.

Here’s an extensive guide to help you choose the best Walt Disney World hotel for your stay:

1. Budget: Finding the Right Resort for Your Price Range

Walt Disney World offers a wide range of hotels across various price points, so there’s something for everyone—from luxury travellers to those looking for budget-friendly options. Disney resorts are divided into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.

Value Resorts: If you’re travelling on a budget but still want to stay on-site and take advantage of Disney’s perks, Value Resorts are the most affordable. They include large, colourful theming, making them particularly popular with families. Options include Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.
Moderate Resorts: These resorts offer a balance of comfort and price, with more amenities and theming than Value Resorts. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter, and Coronado Springs are great choices for guests looking for enhanced comfort but still keeping costs in check.
Deluxe Resorts: If you’re looking for luxury and convenience, Disney’s Deluxe Resorts are the highest tier. With prime locations near the parks, larger rooms, and upscale dining, these resorts include Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Deluxe Villas: Perfect for large groups or families wanting more space and a home-like atmosphere, Disney’s Deluxe Villas include suites with multiple bedrooms and kitchen facilities. These are part of resorts like Disney’s Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.

Key Tip: Don’t just consider the room rate—factor in the perks and extras you get from staying on-site, such as complimentary transportation, early park entry, and the immersive Disney theming that can make the experience feel more magical.

2. Location: Proximity to the Parks

One of the major perks of staying on-site at Walt Disney World is proximity to the parks. If your family plans to spend the majority of your time at a specific park, choose a resort that is close by to minimise travel time.

Magic Kingdom Area: If Magic Kingdom is the heart of your trip, consider resorts on the Monorail loop, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort. These offer direct access to Magic Kingdom by monorail or a short boat ride.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios Area: Resorts like Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and BoardWalk Inn are within walking distance of EPCOT and a boat ride or Skyliner trip away from Hollywood Studios, making them ideal for park-hopping between these two locations.
Animal Kingdom Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is close to Animal Kingdom Park and offers the unique experience of waking up to views of African wildlife.
Skyliner Resorts: Resorts like Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Caribbean Beach are connected to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner, a gondola transportation system that offers a scenic ride to the parks.

Key Tip: If you prefer less travel between your hotel and the parks, pick a resort that offers direct transportation, whether by monorail, boat, or the Skyliner. This can save you time and make midday breaks back at the hotel easier.

3. Resort Theming: Choosing Your Preferred Atmosphere

Each Disney hotel is themed to transport guests to a unique world, so your choice of resort can enhance your overall experience. Whether you prefer lush tropical environments, sleek modern designs, or wilderness retreats, there’s a Disney hotel for everyone.

Themed for Kids and Families: Resorts like Art of Animation and All-Star Movies feature larger-than-life characters from Disney films, making them ideal for younger guests. Kids will love staying in a Cars– or Lion King-themed family suite at Art of Animation.
Tropical Escapes: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a laid-back island atmosphere, complete with tiki torches and a waterfront view of Magic Kingdom fireworks.
African Safari Experience: At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests can enjoy views of exotic animals like giraffes, zebras, and flamingos right outside their balcony.
Rustic Retreat: For those seeking a tranquil escape, Wilderness Lodge evokes the charm of America’s national parks with towering pine trees and a stunning waterfront.

Key Tip: Consider who you’re travelling with—families with small children may prefer more whimsical theming, while couples or adults may enjoy the luxury and refinement of resorts like Yacht Club or Animal Kingdom Lodge.

4. Transportation: Getting Around the Resort

Disney offers complimentary transportation for all guests staying at on-site hotels, which makes getting to and from the parks easy and stress-free. Depending on the resort you choose, your transportation options may include buses, monorails, boats, and the Skyliner gondola system.

Monorail Resorts: Resorts like Polynesian, Contemporary, and Grand Floridian are all connected to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT via the monorail, offering quick access to these parks.
Skyliner Resorts: If you’re staying at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, or Riviera Resort, the Skyliner offers a quick and scenic way to get to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Bus Transportation: Every resort offers complimentary bus transportation to all four parks, Disney Springs, and water parks. Keep in mind that Value and Moderate resorts are often larger and may require longer bus journeys to the parks.

Key Tip: If you want to spend less time waiting for buses and more time in the parks, staying at a resort with direct access to monorails or the Skyliner is a huge perk.

5. Extra Perks: Early Entry, Lightning Lanes, and Exclusive Hours

One of the biggest benefits of staying on-site is access to Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours. All guests staying at a Disney resort can enter any park 30 minutes earlier than the general public, giving you a head start on popular rides.

For guests staying at Deluxe Resorts or Deluxe Villas, you can also enjoy Extended Evening Hours, which allow you to stay at select parks for two extra hours on certain nights. This perk is especially valuable for visiting attractions with long wait times, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Avatar Flight of Passage.

Key Tip: Use your early access to knock out high-demand attractions before the crowds arrive. Take advantage of these extra hours by riding popular attractions with minimal wait times.

6. Dining Options: On-Site Restaurants and Dining Reservations

Another factor to consider is dining. Many Disney resorts offer unique dining experiences that make staying at the hotel a treat in itself. Deluxe Resorts often feature signature restaurants, while Value and Moderate Resorts offer quick-service food courts.

Character Dining: At resorts like Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resort, you can enjoy character dining experiences right at your hotel, such as Chef Mickey’s.
Signature Dining: Fine dining experiences like California Grill at the Contemporary and Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian provide world-class cuisine with stunning views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Key Tip: Be sure to book your dining reservations 60 days in advance, especially if you want to experience character meals or signature dining options, which are in high demand.

7. Activities and Recreation: More Than Just a Place to Sleep

Staying on-site at Walt Disney World means more than just a place to sleep—it’s an entire experience in itself. Each resort offers a range of activities, including themed pools, kids’ clubs, and evening entertainment.

Themed Pools: Most resorts feature elaborate pools with waterslides, splash zones, and poolside activities. The Yacht & Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay is often regarded as the best pool at Disney, with a lazy river and sandy-bottom pools.
Resort-Specific Activities: Deluxe Resorts often offer unique recreation options, such as African wildlife tours at Animal Kingdom Lodge or water sports at Contemporary Resort.

Key Tip: Check your resort’s daily schedule for free activities like campfires, outdoor movies, and arts and crafts sessions.

Final Thoughts

When booking a Walt Disney World hotel, there are many factors to consider—budget, location, theming, and amenities all play a role in creating the perfect holiday. Staying on-site not only keeps you close to the magic but also unlocks exclusive perks like early park access, complimentary transportation, and immersive Disney theming. Whether you’re travelling as a family, couple, or solo adventurer, there’s a Disney hotel that’s perfect for your dream Disney World holiday!