Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can feel like a full-time job, especially when it comes to choosing where to stay. One of the first questions I had when booking my own trip was, how many Disney World resorts are there?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems, especially with the mix of Disney-owned resorts, partner hotels, and nearby properties that still offer perks like early park entry and shuttle service.
Over the years, I’ve stayed at several Disney resorts and nearby hotels. Some were worth every penny; others left me wishing I’d done more homework. In this post, I’ll walk you through the full list of official Disney resorts and help you narrow down the right fit for your trip based on budget, location, and trip style.
How Many Disney World Resorts Are There?
There are 32 Disney-owned and operated resorts at Walt Disney World in Florida. These are located entirely on Disney property and fall into four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas (Disney Vacation Club resorts that anyone can book).
Beyond those, there are over a dozen more nearby resorts—like the Swan & Dolphin or select Disney Springs hotels—that are not Disney-owned but still offer some of the same benefits, including early entry to the parks and shuttle transportation. That said, for this guide, I'm focusing only on the 32 official Disney resorts.
If you want a full visual overview with side-by-side comparisons, I recommend checking out this detailed Disney World hotel comparison chart.
Key Points Before You Book
- Don’t assume all Disney resorts come with the same perks. Some Value resorts don’t have as many transportation options as Deluxe ones. Look into options like the Skyliner resorts or monorail access.
- Book early if you want popular resorts like Beach Club or Polynesian. They fill up fast, especially during spring break, holidays, and school vacation weeks.
- Check the layout and room types. If you’re traveling with a group or family, a suite at Art of Animation or a club-level room could be worth the splurge, especially if it saves you time and meals.
Disney Resort Categories
Each category offers a different price range, level of amenities, and location advantages. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide where your travel priorities land.
Value Resorts (5 total)
These are Disney’s most affordable options, with nightly prices typically ranging from $130 to $250 depending on the season. You’ll get colorful, oversized decor, food courts, and basic amenities. Rooms are usually smaller, and transportation is by bus or Skyliner.
Perfect if you want to spend most of your time in the parks and just need a clean, fun place to sleep.
- All-Star Movies
- All-Star Music (see how it compares to All-Star Movies)
- All-Star Sports
- Pop Century
- Art of Animation (full review here)
Looking for the best value overall? Here’s our guide to the best Disney World value resorts.
Moderate Resorts (5 total)
Moderate resorts are a nice middle ground. Expect to pay around $250 to $400 per night. Rooms are a bit more spacious, with better dining options (some even have table service restaurants), and more scenic grounds.
These resorts are great if you want a more relaxing resort experience without going full Deluxe.
- Caribbean Beach (our full review)
- Coronado Springs (see detailed review)
- Port Orleans Riverside
- Port Orleans French Quarter (compare the two here)
- The Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Still deciding? See which is the best moderate resort in Disney World.
Deluxe Resorts (8 total)
Deluxe resorts offer premium locations, larger rooms, and the best transportation options. Rates often start around $500 per night and can go up to $1,000+ for peak times or premium views.
If you're looking to spend time at your resort, relax between park days, or enjoy nicer restaurants and amenities, this is the tier to explore.
- Grand Floridian
- Contemporary
- Polynesian Village
- Beach Club
- Yacht Club
- BoardWalk Inn
- Animal Kingdom Lodge (how it compares to Wilderness Lodge)
- Wilderness Lodge
Here’s our detailed breakdown of the best deluxe resort at Disney World.
Deluxe Villas (14 total)
These resorts are part of Disney Vacation Club but available to anyone, even if you’re not a DVC member. They come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, washers and dryers, and multi-room layouts—great for families or longer stays.
Prices range widely based on room type, from $450 per night for studios to $1,500+ for multi-bedroom villas.
- Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas at Wilderness Lodge
- Villas at Grand Floridian
- Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Beach Club Villas
- BoardWalk Villas
- Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Old Key West Resort
- Riviera Resort
- Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs
- Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
How to Narrow Down Your Choice
Even knowing the full list, choosing a Disney resort can be overwhelming. I’ve made the mistake of picking a resort based solely on theme, only to realize I underestimated walking distances and travel time to the parks.
Here are a few strategies that have helped me and might help you too:
Prioritize Location
Transportation can eat up a lot of your day. If you're focusing on EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, consider resorts near those parks. There are even hotels within walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
For Magic Kingdom, the monorail resorts like Grand Floridian and Contemporary are hard to beat.
Think About Group Size and Layout
If you’re traveling with a group or kids, suites and villas can make a huge difference in comfort. Consider a family suite or one of the resorts that sleep five or more comfortably. Check out this guide to the best Disney World hotels for a family of 5.
Couples, on the other hand, might prefer a quieter, romantic resort like the Beach Club or Port Orleans French Quarter. Here’s our list of the best resorts for couples.
Consider Nearby Non-Disney Options
Sometimes, the best choice isn’t even on Disney property. Nearby hotels with kitchens or shuttle service can offer serious value. These options are especially great if you're looking to save money or need more space.
- Hotels near Disney World with shuttle service
- Hotels within walking distance to Disney Springs
- Best hotels near Disney for large families
Explore Official Options from Disney
If you want to double-check the most current information, prices, and resort maps, the official Disney World resorts page is a helpful resource. It’s updated regularly and includes booking links, photos, and amenity breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
I’ve stayed in Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and even off-site resorts over the years. Each had pros and cons—and what was “best” depended on the trip.
If you’re on a budget but want to stay immersed in the Disney experience, go for a Value resort. If you’re celebrating something or want a break from the chaos of the parks, Deluxe or Villas might be worth the investment.
Just don’t assume staying on Disney property is always better. Sometimes, resorts nearby can offer bigger rooms, more comfort, and better availability—especially during busy seasons.
If you're still deciding, I recommend reading our guide to Disney World hotels. It dives deeper into what you get at each price point, how to save money, and how to find the perks that matter most.
