There are so many hotels, resorts and villas within Walt Disney World, so which ones are the best hotels Disney World Florida?
The Nerds have created a list of our top five Best Hotels Disney World Florida.
In no specific order, let’s dive in…
Number one on our Best Hotels Disney World Florida list is The Art of Animation Resort.
This is a fantastic stay for families, especially larger families that need to sleep up to six people. It is a one stop shop for families with young kids, it is themed with Lion King, Little Mermaid, Cars and Finding Nemo. Magic everywhere!
Do you have a dog you just can’t leave at home? One of the reasons this made our best cheap hotels in Orlando Florida near Disney World list is because you can bring your treasured pet with you!
If swimming and lounging at the pool is your idea of a magical time, then the Art of Animation resort is your spot. It boasts the largest pools in Walt Disney World.
At number one on our best hotels Disney World Florida list, you can check out Landscape of Flavors that has five different food shops to keep you trying new dishes for your whole trip. They have allergy friendly menus for those of you with any type of culinary need.
Amenities:
- Transport to other parks with the Skyliner.
- Free crib/infant beds are available upon request.
- Babysitting/childcare and in room childcare is available for a surcharge.
- For the remainder of 2021 there is an airport shuttle, however beginning January 2022 they will be suspending this service.
- Parking at the resort is $15/night.
NERD ALERT!! SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: Pixel Play Arcade has classic and new video games for all your gamer needs. It’s held in the Animation Hall Building.
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Number Two on our Best Hotels Disney World Florida list is The Riviera Resort.
Rolling up to the hotel you are immediately transported to Europe with its beautiful gardens and fountains. The lobby is lavished with 20th Century furnishings and makes you feel like you are vacationing in the Mediterranean. It is, of course, available for families, but we Nerds suggest leaving the kids at home and enjoying time as a couple at this special resort.
There is a family pool, or you can opt to visit the smaller more serene pool.
This best hotel Disney World Florida has delectable food options. Head to Le Petit Café for some authentic Parisian cuisine. Need something quick and on the go, Primo Piatto is your stop. Enjoy an open-air terrace setting for a romantic dinner at Topolino’s Terrace.
Amenities:
- Take the Skyliner to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
- For the remainder of 2021 there is an airport shuttle, however beginning January 2022 they will be suspending this service.
- Parking at the resort is $25/night or valet for $33/night.
NERD ALERT!! SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: They have new Tower Studios that are designed specifically for two guests. Perfect for a birthday, anniversary or anytime couple’s getaway.
Moving on to the third resort on our Best Hotels Disney World Florida list is The Contemporary.
As close to Magic Kingdom as you can possibly get without sleeping on Main Street is The Contemporary Resort. This ultra-modern resort is packed with magic as it is one of the original hotels at Disney World, it is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!
This hotel on our best hotels Disney World Florida list has two outdoor pools and everyone can enjoy the waterslide.
The Contemporary has four restaurants within it’s massive walls. Enjoy breakfast with some of Disney’s favorite characters at Chef Mickey’s. Head to the Contempo Café for any of your meals throughout the day. The California Grill is a guest favorite. Most recently added is Steakhouse 71 which pays homage to the 70s. It is designed like a lounge and has special dishes like PB&J Chicken, lump crab cakes and do not miss one of their signature cocktails like the Magical Beacon.
This hotel has it all, be sure to check out the arcade, basketball court and lakeside yoga. The rooms have all been updated and are inspired by “The Incredibles.” Did we mention the Monorail runs right through the middle of the hotel?! What is this magical madness!
Amenities:
- Take the Monorail to Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
- For the remainder of 2021 there is an airport shuttle, however beginning January 2022 they will be suspending this service.
- Parking at the resort is $25/night or valet for $33/night.
- Playground on site.
- Babysitting/Childcare for a surcharge.
- Free cribs/infant beds available upon request.
- Gym
NERD ALERT!! SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: Don’t miss the Electrical Water Pageant presented each evening when sea creatures of epic proportions glide through the lagoon.
Fourth on our Best Hotels Disney World Florida is the Polynesian Resort.
This resort has also been open for 50 years when the theme park first opened. It is Polynesian inspired and is very close to Magic Kingdom. You can feel the swaying palm trees and have full on
tropical feels as if you are in the South Pacific. It also has an electrical water pageant in the Seven Seas Lagoon nightly.
There is an outdoor pool and a private beach for you to enjoy throughout your stay.
Two words: Dole Whips (which lets be honest, this alone puts the Polynesian on our best hotels Disney World Florida list). You can find those and other tasty treats at Pineapple Lanai. Trader Sams Grotto will make you go Mmm with their tiki drinks and volcanic handcrafter cocktails. Take a seat at Kona Café for a meal with an Asian flair. Ohana entices you with breakfast and dinner inspired by Polynesia.
Amenities:
- Take the Monorail to Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
- For the remainder of 2021 there is an airport shuttle, however beginning January 2022 they will be suspending this service.
- Parking at the resort is $25/night or valet for $33/night.
- Playground on site.
- Babysitting/Childcare for a surcharge.
- Free cribs/infant beds available upon request.
- Gym
- Moana themed guest rooms.
NERD ALERT!! SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: You can stay in overwater bungalows that have a full kitchen, washer & dryer and have separate bedrooms. A dream for a family trip.
We’ve reached the final pick on our Best Hotels Disney World Florida list and it is Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is your retreat to the Savanna where you can wake up and greet giraffes, zebras and other exciting animals. This hotel gives you major African Safari vibes and has a full-service spa for you to relax and enjoy your time outside of the parks.
You will find swimming to be an all-day activity in the 11,000 square foot pool with a waterslide. Be sure to set aside a day to get some r&r by the pool.
African inspired dining will make your mouth water. Boma is an open-air marketplace where you can enjoy breakfast or dinner. If you need a mid-day pick me up, head to The Mara for a snack. Sanaa provides East African cuisine and is open for all meals of the day AND you can take in views of the Savanna.
Amenities:
- Complimentary bus transportation to and from the parks.*For the remainder of 2021 there is an airport shuttle, however beginning January 2022 they will be suspending this service.
- Parking at the resort is $25/night or valet for $33/night.
- Hakuna Matata Playground on site
- Babysitting/Childcare for a surcharge.
- Free cribs/infant beds available upon request.
- Gym
- Connecting/Adjoining rooms are available.
NERD ALERT!! SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: Wanyama Safari and Dinner https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-lodge/wanyama-resort-safari-and-dinner/. Make a reservation to go on a tour of the Savanna with a private guide and end the time with a gourmet dinner at Jiko – The Cooking Place. Sample food from North Africa, try African dips and breads or South African wine pairings and so much more.
We hope this has been helpful, and fun, for you as you’ve walked through these special resorts with us. Wherever you plan to stay, start booking early, we can help you in the process with our Quick Guide.
What would be on your list of Best Hotels Disney World Florida list? Let us know in the comments below so we can NERD out with you!
*All photos courtesy of DisneyWorld.com
