Where should you stay at Disney World? The best location depends on which theme parks you plan to visit, your budget, and how you want to get around. For Magic Kingdom, I would consider a monorail resort. For EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, I would look at hotels with walking or Disney Skyliner access. If saving money is the priority, Disney’s Value Resorts and off-property hotels near Walt Disney World are worth comparing.
I’ve stayed at and researched dozens of hotels in and around Walt Disney World, and one thing I’ve learned is that choosing the right location can matter as much as the room itself. A cheaper hotel isn’t always a better deal once you account for transportation, parking, and time spent traveling to the parks.
This page will help you narrow down your Disney World lodging options, including Disney-operated resorts, nearby off-property hotels, places within walking distance of the parks, and accommodations suited to different travel styles. I’ve linked to my detailed hotel comparisons and resort reviews throughout.
Where Should You Stay at Disney World?
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World for the first time, I recommend choosing your hotel based on your most important parks and how much you want to spend. Don’t automatically book the closest-looking hotel on a map. Disney World is enormous, and transportation routes vary considerably.
| Your Priority | Where I Would Look |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Contemporary, Polynesian Village, or Grand Floridian resort area |
| EPCOT | Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk, or Skyliner resorts |
| Hollywood Studios | BoardWalk-area resorts or hotels with Skyliner access |
| Animal Kingdom | Animal Kingdom Lodge or another resort with convenient bus or car access |
| Disney Springs | Saratoga Springs or nearby Disney Springs hotels |
| Lowest Disney-operated hotel prices | All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, and other Value Resorts |
| More space for a family | Art of Animation family suites, Deluxe Villas, or selected off-property suites |
| Off-property savings | Hotels near Disney World with suitable shuttle service or convenient driving access |
These aren’t the only good choices. They’re the locations I would compare first. If you want a more detailed side-by-side look at transportation, amenities, and resort categories, use my Disney World hotel comparison chart.
If you’re still unsure which features matter most, my guide to choosing a Disney World resort walks through the decision in more detail.
Best Disney World Hotel Locations by Theme Park
Walt Disney World has four theme parks, but there isn’t one hotel location that’s equally convenient for all of them. Some resorts are connected by monorail, others have Skyliner stations, and only certain hotels have walking paths to park entrances.
Where to Stay for Magic Kingdom
If Magic Kingdom is your main priority, I would start with Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
These resorts are in the Magic Kingdom area and have convenient transportation connections. The Contemporary is particularly appealing because you can walk to Magic Kingdom. The Grand Floridian also has a walking path, while the Polynesian offers monorail and water transportation options.
The tradeoff is price. These are Deluxe Resorts, and their locations generally command higher rates than Disney’s more affordable hotels.
If you expect to visit Magic Kingdom more than once, that convenience may justify paying more. Otherwise, a less expensive Disney resort with bus transportation could make better financial sense.
Compare the options in my guides to the best Disney hotels for Magic Kingdom, Disney World monorail resorts, and hotels within walking distance of Magic Kingdom.
Where to Stay for EPCOT
EPCOT has some of the most convenient hotel options at Walt Disney World because several resorts are located near its International Gateway entrance.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and BoardWalk Inn are particularly appealing if you want to walk to EPCOT. These hotels also provide access to the nearby BoardWalk entertainment area.
Another option is to stay at a resort served by the Disney Skyliner. Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Art of Animation Resort are connected to the Skyliner system, although some trips require a transfer.
I would lean toward the EPCOT-area hotels for a more upscale stay focused on convenience, while the Skyliner resorts can offer a broader range of budgets.
See my guides to hotels within walking distance of EPCOT, the closest hotel to EPCOT, and Disney World resorts with Skyliner access.
Where to Stay for Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has two particularly useful hotel-location strategies: staying near the EPCOT resort area or booking a hotel connected to the Skyliner.
BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach Club provide walking or boat transportation options to Hollywood Studios. The walking route is longer than the one to EPCOT, but it can still be convenient.
Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Pop Century, and Art of Animation are worth considering if you prefer Skyliner transportation. Caribbean Beach is particularly useful because it serves as a major transfer hub for the system.
If I were spending multiple days at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, I would give these locations serious consideration before booking somewhere that requires bus transportation for every park visit.
I’ve compared the options in my guides to the closest resort to Hollywood Studios and hotels within walking distance of Hollywood Studios.
Where to Stay for Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is different because the park isn’t connected to Disney’s monorail or Skyliner networks.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most distinctive resorts in Walt Disney World, with African-inspired architecture, restaurants, and savanna-view accommodations where guests may see animals.
However, Animal Kingdom Lodge is not within walking distance of the Animal Kingdom theme park. Guests generally use bus transportation or their own vehicles.
I would choose Animal Kingdom Lodge primarily for the resort experience itself, not just because I expected it to be the fastest hotel for reaching every park.
If proximity matters, see my guide to walking distance and hotel access near Animal Kingdom.
Where to Stay Near Disney Springs
If you want to spend evenings shopping and dining at Disney Springs, hotel location can be especially useful.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has pedestrian access to Disney Springs, making it one of the more convenient Disney-operated properties for visiting the district without driving.
Several non-Disney hotels in the surrounding area are also worth comparing, particularly if you want restaurants and entertainment within walking distance.
For the options, see my guide to hotels within walking distance of Disney Springs.
Disney World Hotel Categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Villas
Disney-operated hotels are grouped into different accommodation categories. Understanding those categories can make the initial search much easier because they indicate the general level of amenities, theming, location, and price.
Value Resorts: Lower Prices and Fun Theming
Disney’s Value Resorts are generally the most affordable Disney-operated hotel options. They include the All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.
These hotels are appealing if you want to stay inside Walt Disney World without paying Deluxe Resort prices. The tradeoffs can include smaller standard rooms, fewer table-service dining choices, and transportation that depends more heavily on buses.
Pop Century and Art of Animation are particularly interesting because they have Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
For comparisons, read my ranking of Disney World Value Resorts or my guide to the cheapest Disney World resort.
Moderate Resorts: A Balance of Price and Comfort
Moderate Resorts usually offer more elaborate landscaping, additional dining options, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the Value category.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter are examples of Moderate Resorts.
I think this category deserves attention if you want an enjoyable resort atmosphere without paying the premium for a Deluxe hotel.
My guide to the best Moderate Resort at Disney World compares the options and their advantages.
Deluxe Resorts: Location, Dining, and Amenities
Disney’s Deluxe Resorts are generally the most expensive traditional resort hotels. They often offer larger rooms, elaborate pools, table-service restaurants, and convenient locations near theme parks.
Examples include the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, and Yacht Club.
Eligible guests staying at Deluxe Resorts can also enjoy Extended Evening Theme Park Hours at select parks on scheduled nights, subject to Disney’s requirements.
For a detailed breakdown, see my Disney World Deluxe Resorts guide.
Disney Vacation Club Villas: More Space for Longer Stays
Disney Vacation Club accommodations include Deluxe Studios and larger villas at participating resorts. Some villas provide full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and laundry facilities.
These accommodations are worth investigating if you’re traveling with a larger group, staying for an extended period, or want more space than a standard hotel room provides.
You don’t have to own Disney Vacation Club points to book certain villa accommodations. Disney offers cash reservations, and points rentals can sometimes provide another booking option.
If those amenities matter, see my guide to Disney World hotels with kitchens.
Should You Stay at a Disney World Resort or an Off-Property Hotel?
This is one of the first decisions I would make when comparing Disney World lodging options.
Staying at a Disney-operated resort is often more convenient, but staying off-property can cost less. The better choice depends on the total vacation cost, not just the advertised room price.
Reasons to Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel
Disney Resort hotel guests receive several benefits that can make a theme park vacation easier.
- Early Theme Park Entry: Eligible guests can enter any of the four Disney World theme parks 30 minutes before the regular opening time, subject to admission requirements.
- Complimentary Disney transportation: Transportation is available between participating resorts, parks, and other Disney destinations.
- Earlier Lightning Lane purchases: Disney Resort hotel guests can generally purchase eligible Lightning Lane passes beginning seven days before their stay.
- Complimentary standard parking: Overnight self-parking at Disney-operated resort hotels is complimentary for registered guests.
- Resort atmosphere: The theming, landscaping, restaurants, pools, and recreation can make the hotel a significant part of the vacation.
Some benefits, such as Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, are limited to eligible Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and select other hotels. They shouldn’t be assumed to apply to every Disney World hotel.
For a closer look, read my guide to the benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort.
Reasons to Consider Off-Property Hotels
Off-property hotels can be a better choice if you’re trying to reduce accommodation costs or want more room for your money.
Some nearby hotels offer suites, kitchen facilities, complimentary breakfast, resort-style pools, or shuttle service to Disney World.
However, I would check exactly how the shuttle operates before booking. Some hotels provide transportation only at scheduled times, visit limited parks, or require advance reservations.
Parking fees, resort fees, rental cars, and rideshare expenses can also reduce the apparent savings.
My guides to Marriott hotels near Disney World, resorts with Disney World shuttle service, and hotels offering shuttle service and breakfast can help narrow down your options.
Best Disney World Hotels for Different Travel Styles
Beyond budget and park location, the people you’re traveling with should influence which hotel you choose. A resort that works well for a family with young children may not be the one I would recommend for a couple or group of adults.
Adults and Couples
If you’re visiting without children, I would focus on comfortable rooms, restaurants, transportation, and the overall atmosphere rather than choosing a hotel primarily for its children’s activities.
Some Deluxe Resorts have lounges, dining options, and quieter areas that are particularly appealing for adults. However, a Moderate Resort can also be a good choice if you prefer a more relaxed setting without the higher price.
Compare my recommendations for the best Disney World hotels for adults and best Disney World resorts for couples.
Families With Children
For families, I would give more weight to pool facilities, room layouts, food courts, and convenient transportation.
Art of Animation, Pop Century, and several other Disney resorts have playful theming that may appeal to children. Larger villas and family suites can be useful if everyone needs more room.
See my guide to the best Walt Disney World resorts for families.
Larger Families and Groups
If you’re traveling with five or more people, standard room occupancy limits become an important consideration. Some Disney resorts offer rooms or suites designed for larger groups.
I would compare a family suite or larger villa against the cost of booking multiple standard rooms. The best value depends on group size, sleeping arrangements, and how much space everyone needs.
My guides to Disney World hotels with suites and the best Disney World resorts for large families cover those options.
How Much Do Disney World Hotels Cost?
Disney World hotel prices vary based on the resort, room category, dates, demand, and available discounts. A Value Resort during a busy holiday period may cost more than you expect, while special offers can sometimes make higher-category hotels more attractive.
I would compare the full cost of the stay rather than selecting a hotel by its starting nightly price.
For example, a less expensive off-property hotel may have parking charges, resort fees, or transportation expenses that make the difference smaller than it first appears.
Disney-operated hotels can also offer seasonal room discounts and vacation packages. Availability and eligibility vary, so I would compare offers for the actual dates I plan to travel.
For the detailed breakdown, see how much Disney World hotels cost, how to save money at Disney World resorts, and Disney World hotel and ticket specials.
What I Check Before Booking a Disney World Hotel
When I’m comparing accommodations, I try to answer a few practical questions before committing to a reservation.
- Which parks will I visit most? A hotel close to my main parks can reduce transportation time.
- How will I get around? I check whether the hotel has walking paths, Skyliner, monorail, boat, bus, or shuttle access.
- What is the total price? I include taxes, parking, resort fees, and transportation expenses.
- Does the room fit everyone? Occupancy limits, bed configurations, and available space matter more than photos alone.
- Will I use the resort amenities? Paying more for elaborate pools and restaurants makes less sense if I expect to spend every day in the parks.
- Can I change or cancel the reservation? Different booking methods and vacation packages may have different rules.
If you’re planning a popular travel period, my guide to how far in advance you can book Disney World hotels explains the reservation timeline.
I also recommend understanding Disney World transportation options before choosing a resort. Transportation convenience can have a major effect on your experience, especially during a shorter vacation.
Compare Disney World Hotels on a Map
Use the hotel map below to explore accommodations around Walt Disney World. Pay attention to which side of the resort the hotel is on, its transportation options, and the total cost for your dates rather than assuming the closest-looking hotel will be the easiest to reach.
All Disney World Hotel Articles
Browse the Disney World hotel articles below for individual resort reviews, transportation comparisons, budget recommendations, room layouts, hotel benefits, and tips for choosing where to stay.
