When I first started planning our family trip to Walt Disney World, one of the questions that immediately came up was: how many hotels are on Disney World property? It sounds simple enough, but it quickly became clear that the answer depends a bit on how you define a “hotel.”
If you count only the Disney-owned resorts, there are 25 official Disney hotels. But if you include the non-Disney resorts on property (like those in the Disney Springs and Bonnet Creek areas), the number jumps to well over 40. I’ll break it all down in this post, based on my personal experience staying at different resorts over the years.
Key Points
- Disney operates 25 official resort hotels across value, moderate, deluxe, and villa categories.
- There are more than 40 total hotels located on Disney World property when you include non-Disney options.
- Understanding the benefits of staying at a Disney World resort can help you decide whether the higher price is worth it.
How Many Hotels Are on Disney World Property?
The number depends on whether you're only counting Disney-operated hotels or all hotels located within the Walt Disney World boundaries. Let me explain the differences:
Disney-Owned Hotels (25 Total)
These are the resorts most people think of when they plan a Disney vacation. They're categorized by price and amenities:
- Value Resorts: These are the most budget-friendly, including Art of Animation, Pop Century, and the All-Star Resorts. They’re great for families who don’t need luxury.
- Moderate Resorts: Mid-range price with more amenities, like pools with water slides and better dining. Options include Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and Port Orleans.
- Deluxe Resorts: Higher-end resorts with the best proximity to the parks and top-tier dining. These include the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
- Deluxe Villas: These are part of Disney Vacation Club but open to all guests if available.
You can see the full official list of resorts on Disney’s website.
If you’re unsure which tier is right for your trip, our guide to how to choose a Disney World resort is a great place to start.
Non-Disney Hotels on Disney Property
In addition to the 25 official resorts, there are over 15 non-Disney hotels physically located on Disney property. These include the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels, the Swan and Dolphin (run by Marriott), and Bonnet Creek resorts.
Some of these offer perks like Early Entry, while others are just nearby and convenient. If you’re trying to balance budget and location, this list of Marriott hotels near Disney World might help.
And if you’re relying on transportation, check out the best resorts near Disney World with shuttle service.
Disney World Hotels by Category
I find it helpful to think of the official resorts in terms of categories. Each one has a different vibe, price range, and perk set.
Value Resorts (5 Total)
These include:
- All-Star Movies
- All-Star Music (see our All-Star Music vs All-Star Movies comparison)
- All-Star Sports
- Pop Century
- Art of Animation (with family suite floor plans)
For more help choosing between them, see the best Disney World value resorts.
Moderate Resorts (5 Total)
- Caribbean Beach
- Coronado Springs
- Port Orleans Riverside
- Port Orleans French Quarter
- The Cabins at Fort Wilderness
If you're torn between the Port Orleans options, this comparison of Riverside vs French Quarter is worth a read.
Deluxe Resorts (8 Total)
- Grand Floridian (home to the Royal Palm Club)
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Contemporary Resort
- Wilderness Lodge
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Beach Club Resort
- Yacht Club Resort
- BoardWalk Inn
Here’s a breakdown of the best deluxe resorts at Disney World, including pros and cons for each.
Deluxe Villas (8 Total)
These are available to anyone but often used by Disney Vacation Club members. You can book them directly through Disney if there’s availability.
Why the Hotel You Choose Matters
Staying on Disney property has benefits like early park entry and free transportation, but it comes at a cost. You can read more about the benefits of staying at a Disney World resort before making a final decision.
Also, if you’re looking to avoid Disney prices altogether, some excellent hotels within walking distance to Disney Springs or even walking distance to Disney World are surprisingly close and convenient.
My Take: Where I’d Stay Again
I’ve stayed at everything from value to deluxe, and honestly, they all have pros and cons. When traveling with kids, we loved the space and theming at Art of Animation. For adult trips, we found Yacht Club and BoardWalk super walkable and low-stress. Here’s a helpful look at the best Disney World hotels for adults if you're planning a grown-up trip.
If you’re new to Disney planning, this complete guide to Disney World hotels is one I always recommend to friends.
