Charles H. Sloan-The Best Hotels & Resorts Near Walt Disney World for a Fairy-Tale Vacation

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You've booked your ticket to the most magical place on earth! Now comes the exciting part: planning your stay at Walt Disney World. Choosing where to stay can be a bit tricky with over 25 resorts right on Disney property and tons of nearby hotels, but fear not—there's a perfect spot for every budget and style. As someone who's been a Disney fan almost her entire life and grew up in Florida, I've stayed at a bunch of these places, so I know the ins and outs pretty well.

When friends and family ask me for advice on their Disney trips, I always start with a few key questions: Which parks are they planning to spend the most time at? Do they care more about location or having a bigger room? Are they planning to hang out at the hotel or just crash there at night? And, of course, what's their budget?

Disney hotels are divided into three main categories: Deluxe, Moderate, and Value. Deluxe Resorts have bigger rooms, prime locations, and great dining options. Value Resorts are more budget-friendly but might have smaller rooms and longer commutes to the parks. Moderate Resorts fall somewhere in between. 

Think about what theme you want, how close you want to be to certain parks, the room size you need, transportation options, dining choices, and other activities. Whether you're traveling with little kids, looking for a luxurious stay, or trying to keep things budget-friendly, there's a Disney hotel that's just right for you. So, grab your Mickey ears, and let's find the perfect spot to make your Disney trip magical!

Best Hotels & Resorts Near Magic Kingdom

Disney's Contemporary Resort, built back in 1971 and known for its iconic 90-foot mural, boasts amazing views of Magic Kingdom, easy monorail access, and popular dining spots like Steakhouse 71 and California Grill. It's great for Magic Kingdom devotees, or if you're attending a conference. Just keep in mind, it's on the pricier side for a Disney stay, but meeting all the Disney characters during breakfast is still a major plus!

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, aka "the Polynesian," brings the South Pacific vibes right to Walt Disney World with stunning views of Magic Kingdom and a prime spot to watch fireworks from its beach. Perfect for families with little ones who want easy access to the park, plenty of dining choices, and lots to do on-site, but keep in mind, it's on the pricier side, especially during peak travel seasons.

For a luxurious stay fit for Disney royalty, Disney's Grand Floridian offers Victorian elegance, exquisite dining, and easy access to Magic Kingdom via monorail, boat, or a scenic walk. Perfect for those who appreciate upscale accommodations and impeccable service, returning families love the serene atmosphere after a fun-filled day at the parks, while food enthusiasts enjoy the array of fine dining options right at their fingertips.

Tucked away in 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground captures the rustic charm of the American frontier. Here, you can explore scenic trails, enjoy lively entertainment, indulge in hearty country dining, and even bring along your furry companions—it's a wild adventure for the whole family!

Best Hotels & Resorts Near EPCOT

Nestled just steps from Disney's BoardWalk, the Swan and Dolphin hotels provide deluxe resort amenities at a more accessible price point within Disney's grounds. While not Disney-owned, guests still enjoy perks like extended park hours and Marriott Bonvoy points, making them ideal for visitors seeking a convenient and value-oriented stay near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort offers a serene island-inspired atmosphere, centrally located as the hub of the Skyliner transportation system for easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios without transfers. Ideal for families seeking a balance between affordability and convenience, it features themed "villages" spread throughout the property, each reflecting the vibrant cultures of Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba.

Best Hotels & Resorts Near Hollywood Studios

Disney's Pop Century Resort, known for its vibrant and nostalgic theming, modern accommodations, and proximity to both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot via the Skyliner route, provides a budget-friendly option with convenient bus transportation. While dining choices are primarily centered around a food court and pool bar, the resort's multiple pools offer a refreshing break after magical days in the parks.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort transports guests into the worlds of Disney and Pixar through themed rooms and courtyards, featuring family suites across four sections inspired by Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Perfect for families seeking spacious accommodations and budget-friendly rates, it's also pet-friendly, catering to those traveling with their furry companions.

Disney's Boardwalk Inn, modeled after Atlantic City's early 1900s boardwalk, offers a charming blend of nostalgia and convenience with its prime location near Hollywood Studios and EPCOT's International Gateway. Ideal for guests who prioritize easy access to both parks and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Boardwalk, complete with unique dining options, entertainment venues, and picturesque views of EPCOT's fireworks.

Best Hotels & Resorts Near Animal Kingdom

Start each day by greeting giraffes, zebras, and other animals when you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. With its African safari ambiance and close proximity to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, this Deluxe resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the savanna. Enjoy themed pools, unique dining showcasing African flavors, and the magic of waking up to a giraffe outside your window, making each stay unforgettable.

Immerse yourself in the world of competitive sports at this Resort hotel, where you can celebrate your love for baseball, basketball, football, surfing, and tennis with sporty decor featuring beloved Disney characters. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love the thrill of the game, this hotel is the perfect place to embrace your inner athlete and enjoy a spirited stay.

Best Off-Site Disney World Hotels & Resorts

Nestled just minutes from Disney Springs, Orlando World Center Marriott stands as the largest Marriott property in Orlando, offering rooms starting around $300. With its expansive waterpark featuring thrilling slides, a lazy river, and splash zones, plus included shuttle service to Disney parks, it's the perfect retreat for families seeking fun and convenience near the magic of Disney.

Located next to Disney Springs, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando offers rooms starting under $200 with complimentary breakfast and dinnertime snacks daily. Enjoy amenities like a pool with a splash pad and convenient bus transportation to Disney parks, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious families visiting Orlando.

The JW Marriott is perfect for families with features like spacious loft suites and the Hidden Garden Kids Club. Unwind on the rooftop terrace with stunning views of Disney's nightly fireworks, or indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments after days filled with park adventures.

The Evermore Orlando Resort offers a luxurious retreat for large groups, blending private houses and Conrad Orlando hotel rooms in a premium setting. With amenities like a pool, beach, spa, golf course, and kid's club, it promises a top-tier experience near the Magic Kingdom area, though it comes with a starting price tag of over $400 per night.

Planning a family trip? Check out the best kid-friendly hotels & resorts in the U.S. (that are fun for parents, too).