United States Florida Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando How does one choose from the amusement park's three dozen hotels? By Casey Clark Updated on 09/19/22 Fact checked by Sean Blackburn Fact checked by Sean Blackburn LinkedIn Sean is a fact checker and researcher with experience in sociology and field research. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. For many people, a trip to Walt Disney World at least once in their lives is a must. Luckily, this Orlando attraction is home to not only some of the world’s most famous theme parks but also immersive resorts that keep the magic alive day and night. With so many visitors to accommodate, Disney World has lots of resorts to host them: 34 in all. To help you decide where to stay, we’ve compiled a list of the best Walt Disney World hotels for your next visit to Orlando, Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando Best Overall: Disney’s Beach Club Resort Best Budget: Disney’s Pop Century Resort Best Luxury: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Best Family Option: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Best Views: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Best for Business: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Best for Food: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando View All Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando Our Top Picks Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Pop Century Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort See More (4) Final Verdict Compare Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando Methodology Best Overall : Disney’s Beach Club Resort Courtesy of Trip Advisor See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This resort on Crescent Lake is close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and has a signature water park for children and adults. Notable Amenities Fitness center, children's activities, water park, complimentary bus and boat service to and from parks Pros Close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios Several restaurants on property Prime Epcot fireworks viewing Cons Expensive Lacks Disney-themed decor Overview Inspired by the elegance of the New England coast, this resort features a nautical color scheme and has its own beach, where guests can have some fun in the sun. The hotel is on Crescent Lake, next to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and directly across the water from the BoardWalk dining and shopping district. It’s only a five-minute walk to Epcot’s International Gateway and a 20-minute walk to Hollywood Studios. Don’t feel like walking? Hop on the Friendship Boat, which stops at the Crescent Lake resorts, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. The Beach Club Resort is home to a few popular dining options, like Beaches & Cream, where guests can try the popular Kitchen Sink (scoops of five types of ice cream covered with every in-house topping), or Cape May Cafe, which has a breakfast and dinner buffet and sometimes gets visits from Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Goofy. The pools are where this resort knocks the others out of the water, though. While there are three quiet pools, most people opt for the main water park area, Stormalong Bay, which features a lazy river and a 230-foot waterslide built atop a replica of a shipwreck. Best Budget : Disney’s Pop Century Resort Courtesy of Trip Advisor See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This hotel provides the Disney decor guests know and love at a fraction of the price of other resorts. Notable Amenities Children's activities, complimentary bus and Skyliner gondola service to and from parks, quick-service dining options, laundry services Pros Over-the-top decor Newly renovated rooms Fun pool complex Cons Limited dining options Far from the Magic Kingdom Crowded with large groups Overview Traveling to Walt Disney World with a large party or simply don’t want to spend too much on a room? Then it’s Disney’s Pop Century Resort to the rescue! The hotel’s affordable rates make this a great option for larger parties, and a quick-service food court means you won’t run up a gigantic tab feeding everyone. Families will love the chance to watch their favorite Disney films under the stars while cooling off in the Hippy Dippy Pool, and parents will get a kick out of the larger-than-life statues of nostalgic ‘90s classics like an Etch A Sketch and a Rubik’s Cube. Many rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort recently underwent a renovation, transforming the once dated rooms with new lighting fixtures, Murphy beds, and artistic decor. While this resort is great for those on a budget, it does come with trade-offs. There aren’t any parks within walking distance and there are no sit-down restaurants. Best Luxury : Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It A classic Walt Disney World resort, the Grand Floridian exudes luxury in everything from its decor to its dining. Notable Amenities Spa; fitness center; children's activities; complimentary bus, boat, and monorail service Pros Numerous restaurants Live music in the lobby Prime location for viewing Magic Kingdom fireworks Cons Long walk from main building to rooms Less family-friendly than other resorts Long waits for buses Overview If you’re taking a trip to Disney World to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, consider some rest and relaxation at the luxurious Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Its full-service spa offers massages, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, and other treatments that’ll get you ready for a night out at Disney Springs’ popular bars and clubs or one of the resort's signature restaurants, like Cítricos, Victoria & Albert’s, or Narcoossee’s. While this hotel isn’t as kid-friendly as others, it does have the main pool located next to the beach that overlooks Seven Seas Lagoon and a tiny water playground with water toys and slides as well. There’s no need to journey to the Magic Kingdom to view its fireworks, as they’re visible from the resort; though when you do want to head to the park, it’s just a short walk, monorail ride, or boat trip away. Best Family Option : Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Courtesy of Disney See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Disney’s Art of Animation resort has connecting rooms for large parties and larger-than-life statues inspired by popular Disney movies. Notable Amenities Children's activities, arcade, Walt Disney World’s largest pool, complimentary bus and Skyliner service, laundry service, pet-friendly Pros Fun decor for kids Buses run directly to theme parks Large food court Cons More expensive than other value resorts Only quick-service dining options Some rooms are far from main building Overview A Disney vacation is all about fun for the whole family, and Art of Animation nails it. With four different wings (“The Lion King,” “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Finding Nemo”) featuring gigantic statues and bright colors, the resort fully immerses guests in the world of Disney movies. Most of the rooms here have been refurbished and are great for larger parties. The resort is also home to the largest pool at any Walt Disney World hotel. The Big Blue Pool is a great place for kiddos who like to swim and for the whole family to cool off and relax. While there’s only one quick-service dining option available, the food on the menu is slightly elevated compared to that at other value resorts, earning the hotel some extra points. When it comes to transportation, guests can utilize the bus or Skyliner to get between resorts and parks in no time. Best Views : Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge © The Walt Disney Company See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It You don’t have to be on safari to wake up to giraffes and zebras outside your window—just book a Savanna View room at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Notable Amenities Fitness center, children's activities, spa, complimentary bus service, playground, arcade Pros Views of animals from some rooms Buses run directly to theme parks Top-tier restaurants Cons Not within walking distance of any parks Spotty cell service Overview Staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is like having a zoo right outside your window, as the resort provides views of more than 200 animals and birds. The rooms have an outdoorsy feel, with lots of woodwork and dark hues, and their large size makes them ideal for families. When it’s time to eat, Animal Kingdom Lodge has both quick-service and table-service restaurants. For a more formal meal, opt for Sanaa (try its popular Indian-Style Bread Service appetizer, with naan, paratha, and nine accompaniments) or Jiko to experience the wonderful flavors of Africa. While this hotel is a bit far from the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios, it’s just a five-minute bus ride to Animal Kingdom, so it’s great for explorers and animal lovers who want to be close to the park. Best for Business : Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Courtesy of TripAdvisor See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Not everyone who goes to Disney World is on vacation, and this hotel is great for anyone visiting for business or a conference. Notable Amenities Convention center, fitness center, spa, complimentary bus and Skyliner service, dry-cleaning service Pros Ideal for business travelers Caters to adults Close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios Cons Rooms are far from main building Not as kid-friendly Overview Looking for a Disney World hotel with an affordable price and nice amenities? Disney’s Coronado Springs is a popular mid-range resort and features a blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American touches. It’s well known for its convention center and has a business center where guests can work and print documents. When it comes to food, guests will find a few table-service and quick-service options, like Toledo and Maya Grill. The hotel’s best feature is the big Lost City of Cibola pool, which boasts a 50-foot pyramid centerpiece and the largest hot tub on Disney property. Like other resorts, the hotel has a complimentary bus service to and from the parks. However, Coronado Springs has multiple stops within the resort, so taking the bus can be more time-consuming depending on where you board. Best for Food : Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Courtesy of Disney See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is home to numerous dining options, providing lots of variety for different taste buds. Notable Amenities Fitness center; children's activities; complimentary bus, boat, and monorail service; powerboat rentals Pros Monorail stop Two outdoor pools Spectacular views of Magic Kingdom fireworks Cons Some rooms are far from the lobby Far from Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Expensive Overview The right meals can help you get through those long days in the Florida sun. While other Disney World hotels have standard burgers, chicken nuggets, and sandwiches, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is home to more flavorful options like ʻOhana’s (known for its bread pudding), Kona Café (popular for its macadamia nut pancakes), and Capt. Cook’s (home to Thai coconut meatballs and Tonga Toast). The resort is also the location of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, one of the most popular themed bars on Walt Disney World property, where guests can order small appetizers and signature drinks like Krakatoa Punch and HippopotoMai-Tai. The resort’s Lava Pool has a waterslide and a deck that offers picturesque views of Seven Seas Lagoon, Cinderella Castle, and the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks. Conveniently, the resort is just two monorail stops away from the Magic Kingdom. Final Verdict Walt Disney World’s wide range of resorts means that families, foodies, and business travelers can all find accommodation that’s a good fit. Disney’s Beach Club Resort provides the best combination of location, amenities, recreation, and dining. If you’re seeking a hotel suitable for the whole family, then the renovated rooms, impeccable design, and convenient transportation of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort make it the place to stay. For a more luxurious vacation, opt for the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which is only one monorail stop from the Magic Kingdom and has top-notch amenities. Compare Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando Property Resort Fee Room Rate Free Wifi Disney’s Beach Club Resort Best Overall No $$$ Yes Disney’s Pop Century Resort Best Budget No $$ Yes Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Best Luxury No $$$$ Yes Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Best Family Option No $$ Yes Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Best View No $$$ Yes Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Best for Business No $$ Yes Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Best for Food No $$$$ Yes Disney’s Contemporary Resort Best for Transportation No $$$$ Yes Methodology We evaluated all of the hotels on Disney property before settling on the best for the chosen categories. We considered elements such as proximity to the parks, ease of access to attractions, and the status of current and planned renovations to the properties. We also evaluated their dining options and the types of experiences and on-site activities offered. Walt Disney Parks Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies