The Top 17 Disney World Hotels to Consider for Your 2024 Stay

A lot has changed since Walt Disney World opened over 50 years ago. Once just a single park with a few hotels, it now offers a world of options, with over 25 hotels and several parks, giving you both magical opportunities and a challenge in choosing.

Picking the best Disney hotel is an exciting yet tricky task. Resorts at Walt Disney World range from views of exotic animals like zebras and giraffes to unique accommodations like treehouse villas and rustic cabins in the forest.

By staying at a Disney World hotel, you not only immerse yourself in the Disney experience but also enjoy 30-minute early access to the parks each morning. Plus, you can secure Lightning Lane passes for newer attractions — like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron Lightcycle Run — up to seven days before non-resort visitors, increasing your chances of getting these sought-after passes.

Not every Disney resort is the same, but TPG is here to guide you through the top choices at Walt Disney World. After exploring numerous Disney-area hotels and evaluating the standout (and not-so-stellar) features of almost every on-property resort, we’ve compiled this list just for you.

Whether you're hoping for a fairy-tale escape or an adult retreat near the theme park, Disney World has options for everyone.

Check out our top recommendations:

• Top Deluxe Disney World Resorts: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Top Moderate Disney World Resorts: Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, and Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Top Value Disney World Resorts: Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Best Pools at Disney World Resorts: Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Best Resorts for Large Families: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Top Resorts for Adults: Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Disney's Riviera Resort

For free help with planning and booking your Disney vacation, explore TPG's Disney booking partner, Mouse Counselors.

Top Deluxe Resorts at Disney World

Deluxe resorts are the pinnacle of Disney World hotels, known for top-tier amenities, quality, and pricing. They feature multiple full-service restaurants on-site and expansive pool areas with waterslides, and some are even within walking or monorail reach of the theme parks.

However, this luxury comes with a price tag. Standard rooms at Deluxe Disney resorts typically range from $400 to $800 per night. Renting Disney Vacation Club points can sometimes reduce costs, but staying at a Deluxe resort remains an investment compared to other Disney hotel categories.

As noted, Deluxe resorts hold the highest price point among Disney's hotel options.

While some Deluxe resorts offer luxury amenities like spas and fine dining, others stand out for their unique themes and closeness to the parks. As a Deluxe resort guest, you’ll also enjoy extended evening hours in select parks on eligible nights.

Going on a real safari requires long flights and, often, malaria prevention. For a safari-style vacation closer to home, there’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Offering a unique wildlife experience within the U.S., Animal Kingdom Lodge creates a serene escape from the energetic pace of Disney World’s main attractions.

Inside Jambo House, towering ceilings and traditional decor set the scene. Giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and other animals roam nearby, easily visible through the lobby’s expansive windows.

Dining is a standout feature at this Deluxe resort. For an authentic African culinary experience, try Boma and Jiko, two exceptional restaurants on-site.

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, consider the nighttime Starlight Safari, complete with night vision devices to enhance the experience.

This resort is ideal for renting DVC points, especially for families needing extra space at a lower cost. During off-peak times, rooms start at just 7 points per night, with DVC points often available from David's Vacation Club for $20 to $25 per point.

Standard rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge average around $485 per night.

Disney's Contemporary Resort, one of the original resorts from Disney World's 1971 opening, is as close as you can get to Magic Kingdom without setting up camp inside (which would definitely get you escorted out by security).

Though built over fifty years ago, this resort's amenities have been updated, and the rooms now boast a fresh, 'incredible' theme. While the new look and theme are impressive, the resort's main appeal remains its monorail access and proximity to Magic Kingdom.

We recommend tower rooms over garden-wing options as they’re closer to amenities and the monorail, with many rooms offering prime views of Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks.

When hunger strikes, some of Disney World’s favorite dining options are right on-site. At Chef Mickey’s, you can enjoy a meal with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. For an elevated dining experience, head to California Grill, which offers some of the best Magic Kingdom fireworks views if you time your reservation right.

For a truly indulgent stay, consider the club level at the Contemporary, where snacks and drinks from these restaurants are included.

Standard rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort average approximately $575 per night.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is perhaps the most iconic and traditionally elegant of Disney’s luxury hotels. You won’t see many bold character themes here, but you will find Disney’s top amenities, including a luxurious spa and the resort's most sophisticated (and expensive) dining option.

This is one of Disney World’s priciest resorts due to its close proximity to Magic Kingdom, first-class facilities, and extravagant Christmas decor, featuring a lobby gingerbread house.

Excitingly, the Grand Floridian is undergoing a complete renovation, with one of its buildings being transformed into beautiful DVC studios. It's yet another reason to make a visit.

Dining at the Grand Floridian is an experience of its own. The renowned Victoria & Albert’s offers a distinguished experience, complete with a dress code and no-young-children policy. For a slightly more budget-friendly yet still refined option, head to the Enchanted Rose bar, inspired by 'Beauty and the Beast,' on the lobby’s second floor for a cocktail or mocktail.

Standard room rates at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa typically start around $750 per night.

Located just a short drive or boat ride from The Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wilderness Lodge blends elements of Great Wolf Lodge, Yellowstone National Park, and Disney enchantment. Attractions and dining options abound, including a water feature starting in the lobby that becomes a creek flowing into one of the resort’s two outdoor pools.

For family-friendly dining that’s big on fun, visit Whispering Canyon Cafe — just be cautious when asking for ketchup! If you're hoping for a unique dining experience with rare Disney characters, don’t miss dinner with the Evil Queen at Story Book Dining at Artist Point.

For a spacious and scenic escape, consider the Copper Creek Cabins nestled in the woods near Wilderness Lodge or the remarkable two-bedroom Yosemite Suite. Although both options come with a higher price tag, the experience is well worth it.

If you go with a standard or club-level room at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, you'll be glad to know it's typically one of the more budget-friendly options among Disney’s Deluxe resorts. Enjoy a high-end stay without the steepest price.

Standard rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge usually start around $500 per night.

Top Picks for Disney’s Moderate Resorts

If you're looking for a sweet spot between cost and amenities, the Moderate category of Disney resorts hits the mark. These resorts feature full-service dining options, a variety of on-site amenities, waterslides in the pools, and a delightful range of themes and locations.

Standard room rates at these hotels typically fall between $250 and $400 on most nights.

Port Orleans is one of the finest Moderate resorts at Disney World. We particularly love the French Quarter side, featuring enchanting wrought-iron railings, lively fountains, and a restaurant offering delicious Mickey-shaped beignets.

This property is more compact compared to other Moderate resorts like Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, making everything from parking to catching a Disney bus and enjoying dinner much more convenient.

While it may not be the newest or most luxurious option in Disney's resort lineup, this property offers a tranquil and charming blend of theming and accessible amenities. You will need a bus or car to reach the Disney World theme parks, but you can conveniently take a complimentary boat to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

Along with its soothing atmosphere and manageable size, the best feature of Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is undoubtedly its pricing.

Rooms at this resort are typically more budget-friendly compared to other Moderate options, likely because it is only connected to the theme parks via ground transportation (and Minnie Vans).

Standard room rates at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter average around $300 per night.

One of the more underrated Moderate resorts at Disney World is also among the most fun-filled.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort features numerous campsites for tents as well as spaces for recreational vehicles.

If camping isn’t your style, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are a fantastic option. They provide a wonderful combination of space, affordability, and resort activities, especially if you plan to spend some time away from the theme parks. These cabins accommodate up to six guests, featuring a queen-size bed, bunk beds, and a cozy pullout sofa bed. Plus, Disney is set to introduce 350 brand-new cabins soon.

Be sure to include one crucial expense in your Fort Wilderness budget — golf carts.

Renting a golf cart costs between $65 and $84 per day, but it significantly eases travel to the Meadow Trading Post for snacks, the docks for transportation to The Magic Kingdom, and other areas of the expansive 700-acre resort. It’s wise to reserve your golf cart well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.

Fort Wilderness offers a continuous array of activities you may not have realized were available at Disney World, such as pony rides, archery, fishing, and wagon rides pulled by horses.

As the evening approaches, don't miss the chance to enjoy the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, an entertaining show brimming with dance, song, and humor.

The average rate for standard cabins at The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge is approximately $460 per night.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort exemplifies the Moderate Disney resort experience. This older property features two-story buildings spread over a vast area.

Complimentary transportation to the theme parks is limited to bus service, and most on-site dining options consist primarily of quick-service eateries, catering to the resort's large convention audience. Moreover, while the rooms are somewhat compact, they have recently been updated.

However, a significant addition a few years back elevated this property to one of our top choices: the new Gran Destino Tower.

This "hotel within a hotel" features a breathtaking lobby and a stylish lobby bar. For a unique experience, take an elevator to the 16th floor, where the rooftop Dahlia Lounge awaits you, complete with an award-winning wine selection. While Gran Destino Tower is not heavily themed around Disney, its accommodations rival those of many Deluxe resorts.

Gran Destino is also the only Moderate resort at Disney World that offers a club lounge, perfect for those who appreciate having a private space to enjoy refreshments during their stay.

The average nightly rate for standard rooms at the Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is around $400.

Top Value Disney World Resorts

Value Disney resorts represent the most budget-friendly options among Disney World hotels.

Nightly rates begin at approximately $125 and can reach around $300 during peak times. While none of these hotels are within walking distance of the theme parks, several are conveniently located near the Skyliner, while others necessitate bus transportation.

Value Disney hotels lack full-service dining options and exciting features like waterslides, but they do provide quick-service food outlets, vibrant pools, and cheerful themes.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort reigns supreme as the top Value resort at Disney World.

The resort is adorned with vibrant colors and iconic Disney cartoon characters. It also offers convenient access to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner gondola system.

Art of Animation truly excels with its family suites, which offer significantly more space and include three beds per suite (one standard bed, one Murphy bed, and a pullout sofa bed). The family suites come with themes from "The Lion King," "Cars," and "Finding Nemo," while the standard rooms are inspired by "The Little Mermaid."

When it comes to pools, the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is actually the largest available at any Disney World resort.

Although the food here may not be extraordinary, Landscape of Flavors serves as a dependable cafeteria-style option, making it a convenient choice for families.

The average nightly rate for standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort is approximately $240.

Disney's Pop Century Resort is located across from Art of Animation. While its theme, which focuses on past decades, isn't our favorite, it is typically the lowest-priced Disney resort outside the All-Star properties.

We usually favor it over the All-Star resorts because Pop Century operates as an independent property without shared bus services. This reduces the likelihood of encountering large groups like cheerleaders or sports teams. In addition to the provided bus service to the parks, it also lies along the Skyliner route, allowing you to glide in a gondola to various parks and resorts.

The average nightly rate for standard rooms at Disney's Pop Century Resort is approximately $200.

Top Disney World resort pools

There's nothing quite like taking a refreshing swim in your hotel pool after a long day, so if you're curious about which Disney resort hotels boast the finest pools, check out our top selections.

Disney's Beach Club Resort and its counterpart, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, share access to Stormalong Bay, which provides exceptional poolside entertainment for the entire family.

Both resorts offer a beach-like atmosphere in a landlocked setting, featuring sand-bottom pools, a lazy river, a pirate ship, and an exciting waterslide, along with other amenities that will keep young guests happily engaged for hours.

While the Yacht Club is slightly more convenient to the expansive pool area, the Beach Club is a bit closer to Epcot. Choose based on your preferences. Regardless of which property you choose, make sure to indulge in the massive sundaes at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, located just steps from the pool.

The average rate for standard rooms at Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs is approximately $540 per night.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort stands out as one of Disney's Moderate resorts and is among the largest. Due to its expansive layout, it features multiple pools throughout the property—six in total. The main attraction, Fuentes del Morro Pool, is designed to mimic a Spanish fortress, complete with two waterslides, a zero-entry section, a 12-person hot tub, and a kid-friendly pirate-themed splash zone.

The resort showcases a vibrant island aesthetic, and several guest rooms have recently undergone a Little Mermaid-themed makeover. Despite its size, the resort provides convenient transportation options, including bus services and a Disney Skyliner station that offers direct access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

The average nightly rate at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is approximately $300.

As one of the original resort hotels at Disney World, inspired by Walt Disney himself, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is conveniently located on the monorail, just minutes away from The Magic Kingdom. It immerses guests in a lush Pacific island atmosphere from the moment they arrive. This property is so exceptional that we often caution against staying here first, as it may set a very high standard for future Disney resort experiences.

At "the Poly," you'll discover some of our top Disney dining spots. One standout is Ohana, a Polynesian-themed restaurant located in the resort's main building, offering a delightful selection of noodles and a scrumptious bread pudding, alongside other options on their family-style, all-you-can-eat menu.

The resort boasts a variety of activities and amenities, including complimentary outdoor movie screenings in the evenings and a thrilling 142-foot waterslide that plunges guests into the main Lava Pool (there's also a quieter secondary pool). Young visitors can enjoy a spacious splash zone featuring several smaller waterslides, a zero-entry area, and a nearby stand serving Dole Whip. The cherry on top is watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool at night, accompanied by perfectly synchronized music.

The average rate for standard rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is approximately $640 per night.

Top Disney World resorts ideal for large families

When visiting Disney World, large families and groups can quickly find their expenses piling up, as most on-site accommodations typically cater to only four or five guests. This can limit your options if your group includes five or six or more people. Fortunately, a few resorts provide ample space for larger families.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is another property within the Disney Vacation Club, offering a variety of room types from studio suites to one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. The deluxe studio rooms feature a kitchenette and either a balcony or patio, while the villas come with separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and outdoor spaces.

The resort features several pools, along with bike rentals, tennis and basketball courts, and a Community Hall that offers movies, video games, and daily activities such as crafts and games.

Nestled in the woods behind Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are several Treehouse Villas that accommodate up to nine guests. These spacious lodgings feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen, making them ideal for extended families.

The average rates for accommodations at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are about $500 per night, whereas the Treehouse Villas typically cost around $1,300 per night.

Top Disney World resorts tailored for adults

While we adore Disney, we also recognize that taking a brief respite from its vibrant atmosphere can be refreshing. Fortunately, there are a few options perfect for those seeking to stay close to the magic without being immersed in it with Mickey and friends around the clock.

As Disney World's latest independent hotel, this resort ranks among the top choices for adults looking to enjoy a Disney experience without overwhelming Disney motifs.

Positioned along the Disney Skyliner route, Disney's Riviera Resort provides convenient access to both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot, while keeping you away from the busy park atmosphere.

The standout feature of this laid-back property is its Mediterranean flair. The soothing blue-and-white design, captivating music, and exquisite cuisine will whisk you away to the Mediterranean shoreline.

This Deluxe resort offers all the familiar Disney amenities, yet adds a layer of sophistication and elegance without feeling pretentious.

We're enthusiastic fans of the Riviera, particularly for its stunning design, featuring everything from mosaics inspired by "Tangled" and "Peter Pan" to luxurious marble bathrooms that could be the finest in all of Disney.

If you're bringing the kids along, there's no need to worry. They have plenty of fun options, including poolside gelato, a thrilling waterslide, and our favorite splash area for toddlers at Disney World.

The average cost for standard rooms at Disney's Riviera Resort is approximately $500 per night.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a DVC property located along Disney's BoardWalk in the Epcot resort area, allowing easy walking access to Epcot for global cuisine at the World Showcase and Disney's Hollywood Studios to experience the Millennium Falcon at Galaxy's Edge. The resort also provides water taxi and bus services around Disney World.

The guest accommodations vary from standard rooms to spacious multi-bedroom villas, and the resort boasts three pools. You can enjoy the thrills of the Luna Park Pool with its slides or unwind in the hot tub, or opt for a more serene experience at one of the quieter leisure pools.

Location is key at this resort. Not only is it conveniently near Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but Disney's BoardWalk Inn is also in close proximity to the dining, shopping, and vibrant nightlife of the Disney BoardWalk area. After a day at the parks, you can relax at Abracadabar, a cocktail lounge with a magical theme, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar.

The average rate for standard rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn is approximately $600 per night.

In summary

Selecting the ideal resort hotel at Disney World becomes simpler once you determine your budget and set your priorities.

Are you looking for a fantastic pool, extra space, close proximity to the parks, or maybe an enchanting theme? Whatever your top priority is, there's a Disney property that will likely meet your expectations.

Whether you're eager to dive into the Stormalong Bay pool complex at Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, budget-friendly at Disney's Pop Century Resort, escape to a cabin at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, or enjoy the classic view of the monorail passing through Disney's Contemporary Resort, there's a Disney resort that will excite every member of your family during your vacation at Walt Disney World.

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