The nicest hotels in Disney World: top 23 places near the famous amusement park

Disney World, opened more than 50 years ago, initially had only one theme park and two hotels. Nowadays, the resort complex offers vacations for every taste and in different parts of the world. The number of its own theme hotels exceeds 20, and you can also choose from four amusement parks to visit. To make your vacation planning not too complicated, use the selection of the best hotels closest to Disney World.

What you need to know before choosing a resort

First of all, you need to decide whether you plan to stay in one of the best disney hotels or whether you will be satisfied with one of the neighboring resorts located nearby. Disney World offers a variety of benefits and advantages, including

• convenient shuttle service to the theme park;
• on-site dining and shopping facilities
• themed swimming pools;
• additional time in the amusement park;
• special events for guests.

You can choose a hotel depending on your budget and preferences, for example, by booking a Deluxe, Value, or Moderate room. If you wish, you can even stay in a themed camping town. In addition to the Disney World chain hotels, you can also choose local resorts, such as Waldorf Astoria or Four Seasons, which also offer their own advantages.

1. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

One of the best Disney hotels to stay at is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Here, guests can start each day watching zebras, giraffes, and other animals right from their window. This resort combines upscale amenities with an unforgettable African safari experience, but in the United States of America. The complex is located next to the Disney Animal Kingdom amusement park. The on-site amenities include the following:

• unique dining options with a focus on African flavors
• themed swimming pools;
• rooms overlooking the savannah, etc.

The hotel will appeal to both children and adults, as it is a real miracle to open your eyes in the morning and immediately see a giraffe through the window.

2. Disney Contemporary Resort

Open since the founding of the first theme park, Disney's Contemporary Resort is a good Disney hotel that is still adored by guests, especially because of the iconic A-shaped main tower. The luxury complex has an ideal location. A monorail runs through the middle of the location, so you can get to the Magic Kingdom very quickly. You can choose from several accommodation options, but the club level room gives you access to a great lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks. The latest innovation is the Superfamily style apartments.

The Contemporary Resort has two dining options, including:

• California Grill, a guest favorite, where the chef serves a special breakfast;
• Steakhouse 71, open for the Disney World anniversary.

Besides going to restaurants, guests can have a great time at the pools.

3. Disney Polynesian Village Resort

One of the oldest and nicest hotels at Disney has been welcoming guests since the theme park opened more than 50 years ago. Guests choose this resort for its proximity to Magic Kingdom Park and cozy Polynesian-style design.

Polynesian Village Resor is home to several excellent dining options, including:

• Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, which serves magical tiki drinks;

• Pineapple Lanai, which features Dole Whips frozen dessert;
• 'Ohana, serving hearty breakfasts and dinners.

The theme park is easily and conveniently accessible from the hotel by monorail, and you can even see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach. In recent years, comfortable bungalows over the water and rooms decorated in the style of the popular Moana cartoon have been added to the accommodation options.

4. Disney Wilderness Lodge

Comfortable rooms combined with rustic décor are all about the luxurious Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The resort is not without reason one of the best hotels near Disney World, as even the transfer to the Magic Kingdom is carried out on a fairy boat (bus transportation to other parks is available). There are several dining options on site, offering an American menu. Other amenities include swimming pools and outdoor recreation areas decorated in the style of US national parks.

5. Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

One of the best hotels to stay at for Disney World is the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which gives the feeling of being in a Victorian seaside resort, but with elements of style inherent in the fairy-tale world.

The all-suite complex is just one stop on the monorail from Magic Kingdom Park, whose tradition is to end the day with fantastic nightly fireworks. Other theme parks can also be reached by bus.

The hotel has a large spa, swimming pools, several dining options, including the Victoria & Albert's restaurant, renovated in 2022. Guests can spend time in the lounge areas decorated in the style of The Enchanted Rose and Beauty and the Beast.

6. Yacht Club Resort

Another best Disney hotel to stay in is Disney's Yacht Club Resort. It is a sophisticated complex located within walking distance or a boat ride from Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot theme park - the "ideal city of the future", where special attention is paid to innovation.

The deluxe resort boasts an amazing swimming pool. Stormalong Bay is a three-acre waterfront recreation area with water slides, a slow-moving river and other attractions.

Yacht Club Resort, as the name suggests, is decorated in the style of an old New England yacht club. It offers extraordinary views of the lake and the neighboring BoardWalk Inn. Due to the perfect thematic design and good location, the resort is included in the list of top hotels in Disney.

7. Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort

One of the most luxurious and best hotels near Disney World is not owned by the media corporation, but a large number of amenities and benefits are worthy of attention. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts is a part of the world-famous Marriott network, so Marriott Bonvoy members have the opportunity to accumulate and use points as part of the loyalty program.

Among the privileges available to guests of the complex are the following

• extended hours of visiting theme parks;
• the possibility of early entry;
• free transportation to Epcot.

Accommodation options include both standard rooms and suites. An even more sophisticated atmosphere and the most modern design can be found in the recently opened Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

8. Four Seasons Resort Orlando

The list of the best Disney resort hotels deservedly includes Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. The complex is located in a residential area, but the theme parks can be reached in just a few minutes. In addition, the hotel offers upscale accommodations, five-star amenities of the highest class, as well as excellent dining options. The following benefits are available to guests:

• a complex of family pools with water slides, as well as a separate one for adults only;

• spa treatments
• golf club;
• Capa rooftop lounge area, awarded with a Michelin star;
• sports club;
• a steak house.

For parents to spend some time alone, there is an opportunity to use the "Kids for All Seasons" program. Of course, Disney fans will also find a lot of interesting things here - from rooms with views of amusement parks and nightly fireworks to breakfast with their favorite characters and early entry to attractions.

9. Coronado Springs

What is the best Disney hotel to stay at if you are planning a vacation on a relatively limited budget? After the reconstruction and completion of the Gran Destino tower, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort undoubtedly tops the list of "moderate" resorts. The complex is located next to Animal Kingdom, offering one of the most impressive swimming pools with a 123-foot water slide. The hotel's pride is also a huge hot tub. There are four swimming pools in total on the sprawling grounds of Coronado Spring.

Guests can stay in one of almost 2000 rooms located in different buildings. The most popular option is to stay in the new Gran Destino Tower, which is most conveniently located in relation to restaurants and hotel transportation. Be sure to visit the rooftop restaurant Toledo to taste the freshest seafood or well-cooked steaks.

10. Riviera Resort

One of the newest and nicest hotels in Disney allows you to experience all the delights of a real Mediterranean vacation. Disney's Riviera Resort is a luxury villa located in the Epcot resort area. Thanks to this location, you can easily get to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot Center amusement park using the Skyliner.

The pride of the resort is the famous Topolino's Terrace restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast with Mickey and friends. The restaurant itself is located on the roof, so it offers amazing views.

11. Waldorf Astoria Orlando

One of the nicest hotels in the Disney world is the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, located in the Bonnet Creek neighborhood, not far from several theme parks. Guests of the resort have access to such benefits as early entry and shuttle service. The rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offer magnificent views of Disney Springs. Hotel amenities include a golf club, award-winning Bull & Bear restaurant, spa and swimming pools.

12. Disney Art of Animation Resort

If you are looking for the best places to stay at Disney World, especially with small children, we recommend paying attention to Disney's Art of Animation Resort. There are several hotel areas dedicated to the following themes:

• Cars;
• The Lion King;
• The Little Mermaid.

The hotel is an ideal choice for a budget vacation. Guests have access to swimming pools, as well as a shuttle service to the theme parks (bus or Skyliner). Comfortable and spacious family suites are designed for six people, so you can relax after an adventurous day with the whole family.

13. Caribbean Beach Resort

The best hotel to stay at Disney offers a large number of amenities for every taste. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is an extensive resort divided into sections, each of which is dedicated to a different area, such as Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Aruba. All areas have a beach on the picturesque shore of the lake, as well as a separate swimming pool.

The main water area of the Moderate Fuentes del Morro resort is decorated in the style of a Spanish fort: with numerous water slides, a play area as if on the wreckage of a ship, and even cannons. Caribbean Beach Resort is located on the Skyliner route, which allows you to quickly and comfortably get to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The reservation price also includes a free shuttle bus to other theme parks.

14. Disney Beach Club Resort

If you want to combine a beach vacation with a visit to a theme park, this top Disney resort hotel is a great choice. Disney's Beach Club Resort is a deluxe complex located next to the yacht club. In addition to a good location next to the theme park, the hotel offers a swimming pool with a sandy beach, a slow river that children love so much, and a pirate ship slide. Amusement parks can be reached by boat or by taking an easy walk.

The accommodation options include both classic rooms and villas, and it is possible to book apartments with access to the club level. The resort has various dining options, including the most popular item - breakfast with Minnie Mouse.

15. Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

Located in the Bonnet Creek area, one of the coolest Disney hotels offers access to a large number of family activities and privileges, including the Hidden Garden Kids Club. The most popular accommodation option is a suite loft, it is also possible to stay in a standard room.

The rooftop terrace offers magnificent views and the famous nightly fireworks. After a day spent on the rides and in the queues, a visit to the spa is a great choice.

16. Disney Boardwalk Inn

One of the best hotels around Disney is distinguished by its vintage and sophisticated style. Disney's BoardWalk Inn is just a short walk from Epcot, so guests have easy access to the theme park as well as Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can choose a shuttle service of your choice - bus, Skyliner, boat or opt for a pleasant stroll on the equipped walking paths.

A favorite place for children and even adults is the Luna Park Pool. This is a large pool area with a 200-foot long water slide, hot tub and other amenities. There are various dining options on site to choose from. The most popular are the AbracadaBar, which has a wizard theme, and the unusual Jellyrolls dueling piano bar.

17. Disney's Pop Century Resort

One of the best hotels on Disney property in terms of price and quality is Disney's Pop Century Resort. Guests of the complex can count on easy access to theme parks, modern rooms, and a wide range of amenities. The hotel is located on the Skyliner route. In addition to the monorail, there is a free shuttle bus service to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

There are no restaurants on site, but it is possible to grab a bite to eat at the food court or order refreshing cocktails at the bar. You can also spend time by the several swimming pools to choose from, which is a particularly good solution after a busy day at the amusement park.

18. Disney's Port Orleans Resort

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter is one of the most beautiful resorts in the Disney world. The complex is divided into two parts dedicated to Louisiana:

• Bayou Riverside;
• French Quarter, inspired by New Orleans.

Tourists adore this hotel for its beignets - a traditional dish, but in the form of their favorite Mickey Mouse, the Mardi Gras atmosphere, and the amazing Double Doubloon pool. You can get to the theme parks from this resort by bus or water taxi, which runs to Disney Springs.

19. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Located in Orlando, Florida, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is known for budget prices and plenty of entertainment. This cool Disney hotel offers a variety of activities for children and adults, including:

• archery;
• pony riding;
• fishing
• canoeing;
• horse-drawn carriage rides and trips in atmospheric vans, etc.

If you want to save money, you can stay in a tent or park your own camper. For those who prefer more comfortable conditions, there are special apartments - "cabins" for six people. This accommodation option is especially suitable if you plan to spend time in Orlando not only in theme parks.

The territory of the complex is 700 acres, so the advice for travelers is to book a golf cart, which is convenient to move to your favorite Meadow Trading Post or to the docks for transportation to the Magic Kingdom.

20. Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel

This is one of the best hotels to stay in the Disney World on a budget. Best Western lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel is an ideal choice for families. Accommodation options include standard rooms, which measure 420 square feet and can accommodate up to four guests, as well as Deluxe Preferred suites. The latter can accommodate up to six guests and have an additional sofa bed and microwave. Most apartments include a private balcony.

The resort has a large heated outdoor pool, as well as a separate one for children. There are several dining options, such as Pizza Hut Express or Trader's Grill, where children under ten years old can eat breakfast for free, including an order of their favorite Mickey waffles.

21. Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs

This excellent hotel, which has recently been completely renovated, offers a wide range of amenities, as well as the benefits expected by tourists planning to visit the theme parks, including FastPass+ privileges and extra hours.

You can book accommodation in comfortable 365-square-foot suites for up to four people. Some suites have balconies from which you can see the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks. The youngest guests enjoy spending time in the zero-entry pool, while adults can enjoy a cup of coffee in the lobby every morning. Children under the age of 11 can eat free of charge, and be sure to order the most delicious creative Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast.

22. Disney All-Star Mouse Resort

One of the best hotels at Disney World, inspired by the legendary films of your favorite movie studio - from the charming Herbie to the puppies from 101 Dalmatians. So, staying at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, you can feel a pleasant nostalgia and enjoy the feeling of being in a real fairy tale, even if you are not a child anymore.

The resort features amazing architecture, good food courts, and many themed pools. Guests can book accommodation in rooms in different configurations, but certainly comfortable and stylish. The walls of the apartments will certainly be decorated with paintings of favorite cartoon characters.

23. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Among the best hotels to stay for Disney World is the Hilton Orlando bonnet Creek, designed for more than a thousand rooms. The vast territory of the complex includes six restaurants and a three-hectare swimming pool area with a water slide, lounges, and a slow river. This hotel is perfect for families, especially thanks to the WA Kids Club, where children aged 5-12 can stay.

Accommodation options include the following:

• standard rooms with an area of 414 square feet, designed for four people;
• junior suites - suitable for five guests (835 square feet);
• suites with an area of 1250 square feet for six people, with a separate dining room and living room.

The four theme parks can be reached by luxury bus.