My Guide to Disney World Hotels — Which One Is Right for You?
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando is exciting — and choosing where to stay is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your trip. With over 25 Disney hotels on property, each with its own style, perks and price, it can feel overwhelming and you may get yourself in a muddle. But don’t worry — I’m helping to break everything down so you can pick the perfect hotel for your family, budget and how you like holiday.
Why Stay at one of the Disney Hotels?
Before we dive in, one big benefit of staying on Disney property is that every Disney hotel guest gets special perks like:
✨ Early Theme Park Entry each day
✨ Free transportation to all parks and Disney Springs – more than one transport option for some resorts
✨ Ability to book dining reservations earlier
✨ Being immersed in the Disney bubble and theming (some hotels have more theming than others) from check-in to bedtime 👨👩👧👦
To get started its important to understand the main categories of Disney hotels and what makes them different from each other.
Important to note – All Disney hotels have transport options to all parks – I’ve highlighted a few extras such as monorail and skyliner but if its not listed as such assume you can hop on a frequent free bus to the parks.
✨ Value Resorts — Best for Budget-Great theming for little ones
If you’re looking for the most affordable Disney experience, the Value Resorts are a great choice.
What to expect:
- Lowest prices of all Disney hotels – best value for your budget
- Themed rooms (like Toy Story, Cars, Disney classics) that kids love.
- Simple, very clean, fun atmosphere and larger-than-life characters at some resorts.
- All the basic amenities you need like big themed pools and a central food court for quick meals.
- Transportation is mostly by bus, with a couple of resorts also on the Skyliner gondola system.
Perfect for: Families who spend most of the day in the parks, want a fun and affordable stay, and don’t need extra frills. IF you just think you want a lovely place to sleep then chose value!
Value Resorts Names:
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Animation-inspired with large family suites.
Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Disney’s Pop Century, Disney’s Art of Animation (Family Suites)
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Bright, larger-than-life movie theming featuring Disney classics like Toy Story and 101 Dalmatians, perfect for younger children.
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Music-themed resort celebrating different genres, with family suites available for larger groups.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – Sports-themed hotel with bold décor, popular with active families and youth groups.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Fun and colourful resort celebrating pop culture from the 1950s to the 1990s, with Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Immersive animation theming with highly detailed family suites inspired by Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid
🌿 Moderate Disney Hotel Resorts — Great Middle Choices
Step up to Moderate Resorts if you want a bit more comfort and space without the highest price tag. Also if you are being offered free dining plan with your booking you’ll usually get a different plan here than value resorts.
What you get:
- Larger rooms than Value Resorts.
- More dining options (quick service plus at least one table-service restaurant at the resort).
- Beautiful grounds with themed pools often featuring water slides.
- Some resorts include water transport or Skyliner access in addition to buses (check before you book).
Perfect for:
Families or couples who want more space, nicer dining and extra amenities without paying deluxe prices.
Moderate Resorts Names:
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Bright, Caribbean island-inspired resort spread around a lake, with Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Stylish, convention-style resort with a more grown-up feel, great dining and beautiful lakeside views.
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter – Small and charming New Orleans–themed resort with a relaxed atmosphere and boat access to Disney Springs. Next to the Riverside resort which is walk-able. French Quarter and Riverside are sister resorts.
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside – Southern mansion and bayou-style resort offering peaceful grounds and boat transport to Disney Springs. Next to French Quarter which is walk-able. French Quarter and Riverside are sister resorts.
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – Woodland cabins offering extra space and a rustic feel, perfect for families who like a quieter stay but although not essential a rental car would be an advantage here due to how spread out the cabins are from the bus stops (think centre parks spread out!)
🌟 Deluxe Resorts — Premium & Magical
Deluxe Resorts are Disney’s top-tier hotels, offering the most luxurious experience, prime locations and extensive amenities.
Highlights:
- Biggest, most comfortable rooms — many with interior hallways and balconies.
- Multiple restaurants including signature and fine dining options.
- Incredible pools (some with mini water parks and hot tubs).
- Close proximity to theme parks — including some walking distance, boats or monorail access.
- Quiet, beautifully themed grounds and lots of on-site activities.
Perfect for:
Special occasions, guests who want luxury and convenience, and those planning to spend time enjoying the resort itself rather than alwasy being out in the parks.
Deluxe Resort Names:
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Elegant Victorian-style resort with monorail and walking access to Magic Kingdom and a luxury feel.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Tropical island resort with direct monorail access and walking (via Disneys Grand Floridian resot path) fantastic Magic Kingdom fireworks views.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Modern resort where the monorail runs straight through the building, within short walking distance of Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – National park-inspired resort with a cosy lodge feel and boat transport to Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – African-themed resort where you can see giraffes and zebras roaming outside your room.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – Nautical-themed resort close to EPCOT, sharing the best pool on property with Beach Club.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Light and airy New England–style resort with easy EPCOT access and Stormalong Bay pool.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Lively resort set around a vintage boardwalk, walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Riviera Resort – Elegant European-inspired resort with Skyliner access and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.
🏡 Deluxe Villas — Feel At Home (Disney Vacation Club) Properties
If you want space for a family — especially with kids or longer stays — the Deluxe Villas are worth considering.
These resorts are part of the Disney Vacation Club (which you can read about here) but can also be booked like regular hotel rooms as a cash stay. They offer:
- Studio, one, two and three bedroom units with kitchens (with full ovens, large fridges freezers etc) or kitchenettes (a small kitchen with a microwave and toaster etc). These sleep varying amounts of people from 2 to 12 (plus an infant under 3).
- Great for families, or if there are multiple generations travelling together, or anyone who enjoys cooking and more space.
- Can offer great value for money when you factor in being able to cook and make packed lunches etc
Perfect for longer stays, families who love home comforts, or larger groups to share the cost.
💭 Choosing the Right Hotel for You
Everyone is different. There’s no right or wrong with the Disney hotels and most importantly there are not BAD choices! IF you are not going to spend much time in the room then don’t spend extra money if you don’t have to. I can guarantee all the beds are comfy from value to deluxe! Have a look at the below table to help you narrow it down:
| Feature | Value Resorts | Moderate Resorts | Deluxe / Deluxe Villa Resorts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Price Range | £ | ££ | £££–££££ |
| Overall Vibe | Bright, bold and playful | Relaxed, themed and scenic | Premium, immersive and luxurious |
| Best For | Budget-conscious families, park-focused trips | Families wanting comfort without deluxe prices | Guests prioritising location, luxury & resort time |
| Room Size | Smallest rooms | Larger than Value | Largest rooms & suites available |
| Family Suites Available | Some resorts (e.g. Art of Animation, All-Star Music) | Limited (Fort Wilderness Cabins) | Widely available (Deluxe Villas) |
| Theming Level | Very bold, oversized Disney icons | Subtle but immersive theming | Detailed, elegant storytelling |
| Dining Options | Food court / quick service only | Quick service + table service | Multiple table service & signature dining |
| Pools | Themed pools (no slides at most) | Themed pools with slides | Feature pools, water play areas & hot tubs |
| Transport Options | Buses (some Skyliner) | Buses, boats, Skyliner (select resorts) | Monorail, boats, walking paths, Skyliner, buses |
| Early Theme Park Entry | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Extended Evening Hours | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✔ Yes (select nights) |
| Resort Time Appeal | Lower – mostly a place to sleep but pools can be fun | Medium – enjoyable downtime | High – destination resorts in their own right |
Final Thoughts
Every Disney hotel offers the magic that makes a Walt Disney World holiday truly special — from playful Value Resorts to luxurious Deluxe experiences. The best one for you comes down to your budget, how much time you’ll spend in the parks vs the hotel, and what kind of holiday vibe you want.
You can book direct with Walt Disney World to stay at one of the Disney hotels here. There are of course lots of other options for booking Disney hotels from other travel agents also.
Have questions about a specific resort or other questions about booking Disney hotels? Just ask — I’m available to book some time with to chat to you about what may suit you and your family best – Book here
