18 Best Walt Disney World Hotels in 2023 (By a Local)

One of the most excellent parts of visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is staying at the Disney World hotels. Including the Disney Vacation Club resorts, there are more than 30 hotels to choose from. I don’t think there are any bad hotels at Walt Disney World, but some of the hotels are better suited for different groups of visitors.

As a former cast member, I’ve visited every single Disney World resort and had the pleasure of staying at many of them. I’ve put together this guide to the best hotels at Disney World to help you plan your trip like a pro.

In general, you’ll find that the Walt Disney World hotels with higher price tags come with more amenities. Each Disney World hotel features unique theming and top-quality service so you can’t go wrong when choosing which hotel to stay at Disney World. 

👉 Pro Tip: Planning your Disney World itinerary can help you choose which hotel to stay at because you’ll have an idea of what amenities are important to you (bookmark that link for my helpful planner).

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Best Disney World Hotels

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Enjoy your morning coffee with giraffe and zebra

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Animal Kingdom Lodge on Expedia

If you want to take your Walt Disney World Resort vacation to the wild side, look no further than Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This hotel is right next to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Four savannahs house over 30 species of African animals, including favorites like zebra, giraffe, and wildebeest.

With two feature pools and several top-rated restaurants, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect hotel for all guests. Since it is not connected to a theme park or specialty transportation, this hotel is usually the cheapest deluxe resort. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has fantastic restaurants that serve authentic African cuisine. 

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👉Pro Tip: Even if you aren’t staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, going to see the animals is one of my favorite free things to do at Disney World. 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Find fun, food, and drinks at this creatively-themed Walt Disney World hotel 

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Polynesian Village on Expedia

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opened on October 1, 1971, the same day as the Magic Kingdom park. Luckily, the hotel has been updated over the years and it is regularly voted as one of the best Disney World hotels. The monorail gives hotel guests easy access to the Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and the Grand Floridian. 

In addition to regular rooms, you can also find DVC deluxe villas and overwater bungalows at the Polynesian Village Resort. For a unique experience at the Polynesian, head over to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. You can enjoy specialty drinks, exciting bartenders, and interactive decorations. 

The best part of staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is getting to enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks every single night. The hotel even plays the corresponding music for all the guests watching the show from the beach. 

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📚Related Reading: Watching the fireworks from a resort is just one of my many Disney World Tips!

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Don’t miss the best Walt Disney World Resort hotel pool

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Yacht Club on Expedia

Technically, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Villas are three separate hotels, but they are all located on the same property. You’ll often hear them simply referred to as “Yacht and Beach”. 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is home to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, one of the cult-favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is higher-end and has one of the best restaurants at Disney, the Yachtsman Steakhouse. Together, the properties share the largest and coolest pool at Walt Disney World, which covers 3 acres, includes a sand bottom section, and has a 230-foot waterslide. 

Another perk of staying at Yacht and Beach is being able to walk to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Walt Disney World Swan, the Walt Disney World Dolphin, and the Boardwalk. This gives you endless entertainment and dining options. 

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Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Fun theming and Skyliner access make this Walt Disney World value resort worth every penny 

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Pop Century on Expedia

Pop Century is a Disney value resort. Even though the resort does not offer the same amenities as moderate or deluxe resorts, you can still enjoy comfortable rooms and free transportation to the Disney parks. You can use bus transportation to get around, but the Skyliner is usually faster (and more fun). 

The buildings and pools at Pop Century are highly themed and great for families. The resort has different room blocks that are themed for different decades, from the 60s to the 90s. Of the value resorts, I think this one offers the best value for your money. 

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📚Related Reading: The Skyliner gives you quick transportation to Hollywood Studios. Read up on my recommended 1-day Hollywood Studios itinerary. 

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas

A centrally-located hotel with easy access to theme parks and restaurants

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Boardwalk Inn on Expedia

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn has arguably the best location at the Walt Disney World Resort. Within walking distance, you can access boat and Skyliner transportation, two Disney parks, and several other hotels. Guest rooms face the water or beautifully manicured gardens. 

Along the boardwalk, you can find several restaurant and entertainment options. I recommend checking out the high-end restaurants at the Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, which are just a short walk away. Additionally, adults can enjoy Jellyrolls dueling piano bar and the Atlantic Dance Hall on weekends. 

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📚Related Reading: Take advantage of being within walking distance of Epcot. Pop in whenever you want or follow my complete 1-day Epcot itinerary. 

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Convention travelers and families alike love restaurants and pools here

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Coronado Springs on Expedia

What used to be an average Walt Disney World resort hotel with a convention center has become one of my favorite Disney hotels since the addition of the Gran Destino Tower. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a moderate resort that has many of the touches of a deluxe resort, including many table-service restaurants and a concierge club.

At Coronado Springs, you can also enjoy one of the most recognizable pools at the Walt Disney World Resort. The decorative pyramid houses a thrilling waterslide. 

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📚Related Reading: The closest theme park to Coronado Springs is Animal Kingdom. Check out my recommended 1-day Animal Kingdom itinerary for the park. 

Disney’s Riviera Resort

The newest Walt Disney World hotel brings European charm to the resort

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Riviera on Expedia

Disney’s Riviera Resort is the newest DVC resort at Walt Disney World. It has charming European theming and casual elegance. Two pools overlook the lake – one is set up for families and a quieter pool for adults to enjoy. Around the pools, you can find outdoor games and activities set up for guests to use. 

Topolino’s Terrace serves delicious French and Italian cuisine, but the real star is the rooftop terrace. You can’t beat a sunset cocktail followed by a view of the Epcot fireworks. 

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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Every day is Mardi Gras and they have the beignets to prove it

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for French Quarter on Expedia

My favorite thing about Port Orleans – French Quarter is the small size of the resort. Most moderate Walt Disney World Resort hotels are large and spread out, but the French Quarter is comparatively much smaller and walker-friendly. Plus, you can’t beat the jazz music and Mardi Gras theming. 

Since this resort is smaller, there is a single bus stop outside the main building. This means the buses to the theme parks are less likely to fill up before they get to your stop. Also, most buildings are away from the road so you can enjoy quiet rooms and relaxation. 

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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The most luxurious Walt Disney World hotel caters to adults while adding magical touches for children

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Grand Floridian on Expedia

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is an iconic Victorian-themed hotel with views of the Magic Kingdom. This is the most expensive deluxe hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort and for good reason. Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have easy access to several table-service restaurants, a spa, two concierge clubs, and multiple transportation options.

During the winter holidays, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort celebrates with extensive decorations and a life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby. There is nothing better than sitting next to the three-story Christmas tree while enjoying Mickey-shaped gingerbread cookies and sipping on hot cocoa. 

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📚Related Reading: Christmas is a beautiful but busy time to visit Disney World. See what I recommend as the Best Time to Visit Disney World. 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Nature lovers love this replica of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Wilderness Lodge on Expedia

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge started as a single building and has now grown to include the Boulder Ridge Villas and cabins along Bay Lake. The theming of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (both inside and outside) transports you straight to the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the main pool or the quieter pool at Boulder Ridge Villas. 

In terms of transportation, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is not the most connected resort. Even though it is in the Magic Kingdom resort area, it does not connect to the monorail system. Many people think the deluxe price tag at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is not worth it because the hotel has fewer amenities than most hotels at the same price. 

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Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Golfers and leisure lovers will find plenty to love here 

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Saratoga Springs on Expedia

Saratoga Springs is a DVC resort, so this Disney resort hotel is perfect for families. There is a walking path to Disney Springs, giving guests quick access to several shops and dining options. This Walt Disney World Resort hotel is also home to the Lake Buena Vista golf course. 

I think the recreation offerings at Saratoga Springs are superior to some of the best hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort. Both feature pools have exciting waterslides and play areas for small children. Guests can also take part in special activities at the Community Hall. 

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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Expansive grounds are filled with waterfront charm

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Riverside on Expedia

Port Orleans – Riverside was my first workplace with the Walt Disney Company so I will always be biased about it. Luckily, this Walt Disney World Resort hotel is fantastic so most people agree with me. Old Man Island is in the center of the resort and is the recreation hub. Guests can enjoy the feature pool, dockside fishing, and the pool bar. 

Even though Riverside does not connect to a theme park, you can enjoy complimentary scenic boat transportation over to Disney Springs. The boats run until closing, so adults can enjoy a date night before returning to their rooms. 

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Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Enjoy endless outdoor activities for campers

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$-$$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Fort Wilderness on Expedia

Unique amongst Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is the only camping option at the resort. Like everything else at Walt Disney World, this campground comes with so much more than a place to sleep. For those who prefer a hotel meets camping experience, you can stay in one of the cabins that sleep up to 6 guests. 

Guests can enjoy two pools and several outdoor activities. At night, head over to Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long to enjoy entertainment, Disney characters, and s’mores! The resort is quite large, so I recommend renting bikes or a golf cart to get around (buses are also available). 

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👉Pro Tip: Since you’ll be spending so much time outside, make sure you pack everything you need for any kind of weather! 

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

There’s something for everyone at this moderately-priced Walt Disney World resort

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Caribbean Beach Resort on Expedia

When it comes to moderately priced Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Caribbean Beach gets you the most bang for your buck. With the addition of the Skyliner, you can now quickly go to a theme park or other hotel. 

Since this resort is expansive, it does not feel crowded at all. There are 5 leisure pools in addition to the feature pool. There are two quick-service dining locations and you won’t want to miss the all-you-can-eat dinner at Sebastian’s Bistro. 

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Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Enjoy the history of one of the original Walt Disney World hotels

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Contemporary on Expedia

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is an original Disney-owned hotel located on Bay Lake. More recently, the addition of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort came with a second pool and more guest rooms. In addition to being a piece of history, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom and many guest rooms have a view of Cinderella Castle and the nightly fireworks show. 

One of the coolest features of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the monorail that runs through the central atrium. Two restaurants are below the tracks so you can enjoy watching the monorails while you eat your meal. 

In addition to the original buildings, guests can also stay at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Larger families love staying at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort because it is a DVC property with larger villas. 

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📚Related Reading: Since you’ll be staying right next to the Magic Kingdom, check out my ultimate 1-day itinerary. 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Step right into your favorite Disney animated movies

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Art of Animation on Expedia

If you have kids that love Disney characters and movies, you need to stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This may be a value Disney hotel, but it has a lot of things going for it. Most of the rooms are family suites that sleep up to 6 and include a kitchenette; they’re perfect for larger families on a budget. 

The three pools have Finding Nemo, Cars, and Little Mermaid themes, so your family can cool off like they’re in one of the movies. No other Walt Disney World hotel features fun and detailed decorations like the Art of Animation. This Disney hotel also connects to the Skyliner for easy transportation to theme parks and area hotels. 

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Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Situated away from the theme parks, families can enjoy a home away from home 

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Old Key West on Expedia

Old Key West is Walt Disney World’s original DVC resort. This is a great place for families to recharge away from the high-energy parks. This resort has a relaxed tropical vibe and plenty of amenities. 

Make sure you check out the sandcastle slide at the feature pool. At the nearby Community Hall, you can see photos of the original DVC families at the resort. All ages enjoy their daily activities. 

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Disney’s All-Star Resorts

The most affordable Walt Disney World Resort hotels are still filled with plenty of magic 

🛏️ Hotel Website | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for All-Star Movies on Expedia

Disney’s All-Star Resorts include three themed hotels: Movies, Music, and Sports. Each hotel has fun decorations to match the theme. These hotels are the most affordable Walt Disney World Resort hotels. 

The best part of the All-Star Resort is the price. Each hotel has two pools, a food court, and a single pool bar. Access to onsite Disney buses and other perks makes these hotels worth it (even with fewer amenities). 

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Other Popular Hotels Near the Walt Disney World Resort

In addition to the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, there are several partner hotels close to the parks. Some are located “on” Walt Disney World property, but all of them are close by. The Walt Disney World area hotels also offer complimentary shuttles to the Disney parks. 

Many Disney partner hotels also offer transportation to Universal Orlando and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

📚Related Reading: If you’re looking for other places to stay in Orlando, check out my breakdown of Where to Stay in Orlando. 

Hotels Near Magic Kingdom and Epcot 

• Walt Disney World Swan – At the Walt Disney World Swan, you can enjoy access to Walt Disney World with all the elegance of a Westin hotel. 
• Walt Disney World Dolphin – Use Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, a Sheraton hotel.
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando – The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is the most luxurious hotel in the area. 
• Shades of Green – This AFRC property allows military personnel to enjoy a Disney World vacation at affordable prices. 

Hotels Near Disney Springs

• B Resort & Spa – Lake Buena Vista – This Lake Buena Vista hotel has contemporary furnishings and a great location. 
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Buena Vista Palace has delicious restaurants and a fun pool area (including a lazy river).
• Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – The newest Disney Springs area hotel comes with complimentary breakfast, afternoon snacks, and shuttle transportation to the parks. 

Hotels Near Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Bonnet Creek)

• Waldorf Astoria Orlando – Expect elegance and luxury with a touch of Disney-theming at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. 
• Signia by Hilton Orlando – Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding nature preserve and float along the 3-acre lazy river. 
• JW Marriott Orlando Resort & Spa – A great location for experiencing Disney without being immersed in it 24/7. 
• Wyndham Grand Orlando – Hang out at the relaxing spa or dine at one of the five restaurants at the hotel. 

Hotels Near Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Flamingo Crossings)

• Fairfield by Marriott – This hotel is located in Flamingo Crossings, a newer development on the western side of Disney World.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton – Kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and a large pool make this the perfect hotel for families on a budget. 
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott – One of the original Flamingo Crossings hotels, SpringHill Suites is the perfect location for easy access to Disney World. 

FAQs About Staying at Walt Disney World

For more info, see my full guide to the best areas to stay at Walt Disney World.

👉Related Reading: Don’t forget to check out all our Orlando and Florida travel guides to help you plan the ultimate Sunshine State vacation!

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Regardless of which Walt Disney World resort you choose to stay at, you’re guaranteed to have a magical vacation! In the comments, let me know which hotel you want to stay at. 

I hope you’d enjoyed this guide to the best Disney World hotels!