With over 30,000 hotel rooms, more than 3,000 Disney Vacation Club villas, and around 800 campsite pitches, the accommodation options at Walt Disney World are vast. Disney Resorts provide unique theming across every price point and put you right in the middle of the magic. Our Guide to Walt Disney World resorts will help you understand the basics, perks, resort categories, and every on-site option (plus the non-Disney hotels on property) so you can choose the best base for your vacation.
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- Walt Disney World Resorts Basics
- Disney World Resorts in the Magic Kingdom Area
- EPCOT Area Resorts
- Wide World of Sports Resort Area
- Disney Springs Area Resort
- Animal Kingdom Area Resorts
- On-site non-Disney Resort Hotels
Walt Disney World Resorts: The Basics
Walt Disney World Resorts usually cost more than off-site resorts. However, you are paying extra for convenience, theming, and some exclusive perks. Current benefits Disney Resort Guests receive are:
- Early Theme Park Entry: 30 minutes early entry, before park opening for all four theme parks. This benefit is for all Disney Resort guests and is also available at select partner hotels
- Extended Evening Hours: Extra late-night hours on select nights for Deluxe & Deluxe Villa resorts (plus a few partner hotels).
- Extended Lightning Lane Window: With Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, Disney resort guests can buy and pre-book ride return windows up to 7 days before check-in for their whole stay. Other guests have only 3 days.
- Parking: Self-parking at Disney resort hotels is complimentary, and resort guests get complimentary theme-park parking.
- Disney Dining Plan: The Disney Dining Plan is available again to add to packages.
- Water Park Perk: Resort guests receive complimentary water-park admission on check-in day during 2025. It has been confirmed that this is returning for summer 2026, but additional details have not been released.
- Free Transportation around Walt Disney World
Note: Some previous benefits, including Disney’s Magical Express (free coach transfer from Orlando International) and free MagicBands, have been removed.
Should you stay off-site instead?
Off-site can be cheaper, and resort facilities can be better. Many off-site hotels have much bigger hotel rooms than those at Walt Disney World. You will also possibly have easier access to non-Disney dining and attractions.
Many partner hotels on Disney property still get Early Entry (and some get Extended Evening Hours), which narrows the perk gap. If your priority is time savings, transportation simplicity, and that “you’re in the bubble” feeling, on-site wins. However, if you want the best value for your money, off-site may be a better choice.
Read our Blog on whether you should Stay On-site or Off-site.
Disney Resort Classification
Walt Disney Resorts are split into three classifications, but they can differ significantly in price:-
Value: Bright, playful theming; compact rooms with basic furnishing; food courts; big, lively pools; bus transport (plus Skyliner at Pop Century & Art of Animation).
Moderate: Full-service restaurants (not in the French Quarter); food courts; better-furnished rooms, swimming pools with a slide; bus/boat/Skyliner, depending on resort.
Deluxe: Full-service restaurants, food courts, room service, luggage service, valet parking, a selection of swimming pools including kid activities, on-site activities, monorail, Skyliner, boat or bus transportation, luxury furnishings, better staffing levels, club level availability, suites, and access to Extended Evening Hours.
Disney Vacation Club Properties
Guests visiting Walt Disney World often consider investing in the Disney Vacation Club, a timeshare program. It is hard not to notice regular sale sites when you visit any park or resort. However, purchasing a share in the Disney Vacation Club requires careful consideration.
DVC members purchase a one-time real estate interest in one of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts. For their investment, a member receives an annual allocation of points that can be used either at their home resort, another DVC property, or a selection of other options. Guests must also pay annual dues for the upkeep of their home resort.
Disney Vacation Club properties are all Deluxe Resorts and offer an outstanding experience. There are currently over 12 Disney Vacation Club Resorts at Walt Disney World. The exact number depends on how you count them.
Walt Disney World often sells vacant properties to regular guests. Guests traveling in larger groups can find these represent excellent value. There are also websites specializing in selling members’ unused points, while these can represent excellent value, care must be taken to check the company’s background before booking through this route.
Magic Kingdom Area Resorts
Disney World Resorts in the Magic Kingdom Area give you quick access to the number 1 theme park in the world. Resorts in this area are some of the most luxurious in Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary Resort was one of two original resorts when Walt Disney World opened in 1971. The Contemporary tower has a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair that celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.
- Deluxe Resort.
- Sleek, modern icon with the monorail gliding through the atrium.
- Dining highlights: California Grill (fireworks views), Steakhouse 71, Chef Mickey’s (character).
- Club Level
- Access to the Magic Kingdom via walking or monorail.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
In 2005, Disney began an extensive renovation of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which included Bay Lake Tower. Bay Lake Tower was built on the site of the former North Wing.
- This Disney Vacation Club resort features 295 units (2-bedroom equivalents), including studio, one, and two-bedroom villas.
- Studios and villas connected to the Contemporary by skybridge.
- Many rooms have Bay Lake or castle-facing views.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Grand Floridian opened in 1988. This Victorian-themed hotel is the most luxurious resort at Walt Disney World. The hotel’s main building features an impressive five-story lobby, stained glass domes, and Italian marble floors.
- Deluxe Resort.
- Victorian elegance
- Dining options include Grand Floridian Cafe, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s, 1900 Park Fare (reimagined in 2024), and the acclaimed Victoria & Albert’s.
- Club level.
- Easy access to the Magic Kingdom via monorail, boat, or the Grand Floridian walkway.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian
This Disney Vacation Club resort opened in 2013 and includes 147 villas and studios. Guests have access to all Grand Floridian amenities.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has South-Pacific vibes and is one of my favorites. It was one of the original resorts that opened with the Magic Kingdom in 1971.
The initial Disney Vacation Club expansion opened in 2015. The latest, Island Tower, opened in 2024. Since the newest expansion, the Polynesian has become a vast resort with a large number of guests.
- South-Pacific vibes along the beach on Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Dining options include ‘Ohana and Kona Café.
- The popular Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – Tiki Bar.
- Club Level
- Transport options include watercraft, monorail, and buses.
Legend has it that John Lennon signed the paperwork that officially split up the Beatles at the Polynesian Resort in 1974.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opened on May 28, 1994. Wilderness Lodge is reminiscent of Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone Park. This is a deluxe resort, but it is usually slightly cheaper than the other Magic Kingdom resorts.
An 82-foot-tall stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the impressive six-story lobby. A bubbling hot spring in the lobby spills out into a roaring waterfall flowing into the swimming pool/
There are 2 Disney Vacation Club properties at Wilderness Lodge. The properties are Boulder Ridge Villas & Copper Creek Villas.
- Dining options include Story Book Dining at Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Cafe.
- Club level.
- No access to the Walt Disney World Monorail, but buses and watercraft are available.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground officially opened on November 19, 1971. The resort is massive, covering 700 acres.
The resort includes the only camping accommodation available at Walt Disney World. All campsites have close access to air-conditioned comfort stations with private showers, coin laundry facilities, vending machines, and telephones.
2024 was a year of significant change at Fort Wilderness when The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A DVC Resort opened.
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Pioneer Hall.
- Internal buses are available to get around the resort.
- Golf carts are available to hire to drive around the resort.
- Buses and watercraft are available to get to the parks.
- Guests staying in DVC cabins only are considered Deluxe Resort Guests and can access Extended Evening Hours.
EPCOT Area Resorts
Disney World Resorts in the EPCOT area give you excellent access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. They can be a great place to stay, especially resorts on the Boardwalk, during EPCOT’s annual festivals. Resorts are in a range of budgets.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is reminiscent of New England seashore hotels of the 1880s. There are 623 rooms & suites in this resort, which opened in 1990.
- Shares the fantastic Stormalong Bay (the best pool complex) with Beach Club.
- Dining includes the Yachtsman Steakhouse and the Ale & Compass.
- Deluxe Resort.
- Club level.
- Walking distance or short boat ride to EPCOT.
- Buses and watercraft are available to other parks.
- An expansive croquet lawn and marina lighthouse add to the resort’s ambiance.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort consists of 577 rooms and suites inspired by New England beach cottages of the 1860s. This Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1990.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas are a Disney Vacation Club Property connected to the resort.
- Shares the fantastic Stormalong Bay (the best pool complex) with the Yacht Club.
- Dining includes the Cape May Cafe and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
- Deluxe Resort.
- Club level.
- Walking distance or short boat ride to EPCOT.
- Buses and watercraft are available to other parks.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
The 372-room BoardWalk Inn is located along Crescent Lake and includes shopping, a health club, a swimming pool, and a 20,000-square-foot conference center. The resort first opened in 1996.
- Direct access to the BoardWalk, which is an Atlantic City-style promenade.
- Dining options include Trattoria al Forno, Flying Fish, and BoardWalk Deli.
- Boat transport to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Buses are available to other parks.
- Deluxe Resort
- Club Level available.
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Two hundred eighty units form part of the Disney Vacation Club. Like all DVC properties, the villas can be rented by non-DVC members when not in use by members. Accommodation is available in studios and one, two, and three-bedroom villas that offer kitchens, living areas, and a variety of amenities.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort opened in 2019 and was the first all-new resort to open at Walt Disney World since the Art of Animation in 2012. The resort was built on the Barbados section and part of the Martinique section of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club.
Disney’s Riviera Resort celebrates the grandeur of Europe. Accommodation options at the resort are Tower Studios, 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas, and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.
- Unique Tower Studios, which sleep two.
- Table-service dining in the rooftop Topolino’s Terrace (character breakfast & signature dinner).
- Deluxe Resort benefits.
- Access to the Skyliner to get to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Buses to other parks.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Caribbean Beach Resort is a moderate resort with a Caribbean theme. Buildings are grouped into one of five villages around a lake, with shared resources: Martinique, Barbados, Jamaica, Aruba, and Trinidad.
- Each village has its own swimming pool, and some also have their own playgrounds.
- Acts as the transfer hub for the Skyliner. Guests have quick access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Sebastian’s Bistro is a popular table-service restaurant.
- A marina that offers boat hire and fishing trips.
- Bus transport around the resort and to the parks.
Wide World of Sports Resort Area
The Wide World of Sports Resort Area consists of two value resorts that both have access to the Disney Skyliner through a shared station, and therefore excellent access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Buses take guests to other parks.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
This value-priced resort features lodge buildings and furnishings inspired by the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s pop culture. There are a massive 2880 rooms at the resort, which initially opened in 2003. The theming is bold and is a tribute to Pop Culture, and may not appeal to everyone, but I think it looks great. However, this isn’t a place to stay for a relaxing, luxury vacation.
Recreation includes three pools, a kiddie pool, the traditional Disney souvenir shop, and the Pop Jet Playground. Everything Pop food court area provides on-site counter service meals.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
This family-friendly resort eventually opened in 2012 as the 5th resort in the value category. The resort was initially planned to open as the second part of Pop Century, but after a significant delay, it was rethemed into Disney’s Art of Animation.
Themed areas are: Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and The Lion King.
The availability of 1120 family suites capable of housing up to six people, featuring living rooms and bedrooms, is a big selling point for larger families. Standard rooms are all located in the Little Mermaid Area.
The Big Blue Pool is the largest resort pool at Walt Disney World.
Disney Springs Resort Area
There is a fantastic choice of resorts in the Disney Springs area. These resorts come in a range of budgets, but they are farther from the theme parks. They all have boat transport to Disney Springs and buses to all other attractions.
There is also a choice of several non-Disney-owned Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, which are covered elsewhere in this part of the guide. However, they can represent excellent value for money.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Saratoga Springs opened in 2004 and is now the largest Disney Vacation Club resort. The resort has a Victorian-equestrian theme that recalls the late 1800s heyday of America’s first vacation destination.
- Accommodation options include 60 Treehouse Villas.
- Dining options include The Turf Club Bar & Grill and the quick-service The Artist’s Palette.
- The Lake Buena Vista Golf Course Pro Shop and Clubhouse is located on-site.
- A full-service health club is available.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club timeshare property, opening in 1991. The resort is located in peaceful grounds along waterways and the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Rooms are designed in a Key West theme. Accommodations include deluxe studios, one and two-bedroom homes, and two-story, three-bedroom Grand Villas that sleep up to 12. Rooms are larger than at other DVC properties.
- Rooms are larger than at other DVC properties.
- It is a vast resort. Having access to a car can be beneficial, although there are internal bus stops.
- Dining includes Olivia’s Café, Gurgling Suitcase, and Good’s Food to Go.
- Good recreation activities on-site.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a Moderate Resort. Riverside consists of 2,048 rooms in three-story Southern-style mansions and two-story rustic bayou dwellings. It is divided into Alligator Bayou (Bayou) and Magnolia Bend (mansions).
The resort initially opened on February 2, 1992, as Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort. It was renamed in 2001. It now forms part of a larger resort combined with Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.
- Playing at the River Roost Lounge most weeks, Wednesday to Saturday, from 8:30 pm is the legendary Bob Jackson.
- Dining includes the Riverside Mill food court and Boatwright’s Dining Hall.
- Transportation is via motorcoach to other Walt Disney World attractions. There is a riverboat to Disney Springs.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter is set in a 325-acre woodland site between EPCOT and Disney Springs. There are 1008 French Quarter-style rooms. The resort is next to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and guests can share facilities.
- Moderate Resort.
- Quieter than the Riverside section.
- The only Moderate Resort without a Table-Service Restaurant.
- Dining options include the Sassagoula Floatworks food court.
- Transportation is via motorcoach to other Walt Disney World attractions. There is a riverboat to Disney Springs.
Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Walt Disney World Resorts in the Animal Kingdom Area do take longer to get to all the theme parks, except the Animal Kingdom. Although there is a fantastic choice of resorts, if you intend to spend the majority of your time in the Magic Kingdom, you might want to stay elsewhere.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
Animal Kingdom Lodge opened in 2001 and is a Deluxe Resort consisting of regular hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club units. The resort has an African village design featuring hand-carved furnishings, African art, and a giant fireplace in a soaring lobby.
The resort is officially known as Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House, while the nearby Disney Vacation Club property is known as Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.
Jambo House features 24-hour views of its own 46-acre Savanna, which includes free-roaming mammals and tropical birds. Many rooms, at an additional cost, feature a balcony view of the Savanna.
- Club Level
- Some of the best dining in Disney World includes: Boma-Flavors of Africa and Jiko-The Cooking Place.
- Bus transport only to attractions.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Kidani Village is a separate Disney Vacation Resort, a short distance from Jambo House. Each resort has its own facilities. The resort was completed in 2009.
Kidani Village features Sanaa restaurant, a modernlifeisgood.com favorite that features “the art of African cooking with Indian flavors.”
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The American Southwest and regions of Mexico inspire Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The resort encircles a 15-acre lagoon and opened in 1997. A new 15-story tower, Gran Destino Tower, opened in 2019.
The resort is a moderate resort but feels more luxurious, in parts, compared to other similar resorts. However, it is a massive resort with around 2400 rooms.
- The only moderate resort that features a club level. However, you do not get Deluxe Resort benefits.
- Numerous dining options, including Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood.
- A massive list of recreation activities.
- Bus transport only.
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
There are three All-Star resorts that all offer similar facilities. The resorts are all next to each other, but are separate and do share buses. These value resorts are usually the most budget-friendly resorts at Walt Disney World. The resorts are:
- All-Star Sports
- All-Star Music
- All-Star Movies
Rooms in all three resorts are similar, but Disney’s All-Star Music does have some Family Suites.
There is a food court, swimming pools, and a retail store on each site. Disney’s bus transportation system is included to get you to the parks.
Non-Disney Hotels On Disney Property
Disney does not own several hotels at Walt Disney World, and third parties operate these. Often, these resorts are cheaper than official Disney Properties but include some of the same perks, typically including Early Theme Park Entry. However, the Swan and Dolphin Resorts and Shades of Green also get Extended Evening Hours. These benefits can change, so always check current eligibility when you book.
Non-Disney Hotels include:
- Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin & Swan Reserve is within walking distance to EPCOT and is eligible for Extended Evening Hours.
- Shades of Green for U.S. military families only. The resort is near the Magic Kingdom and is eligible for Extended Evening Hours.
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World.
- Bonnet Creek: Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
- Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels (Hilton, Wyndham, etc.).
We discuss more about some of these resorts in our Blog Post, should you stay off-site or on-site.
Learn More about Walt Disney World
Our Guide to Walt Disney World is a great starting point to plan your Disney World Vacation.
Fancy something different on your next vacation? Why not try the Ultimate Disney World Resort Hop?
