Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be exciting but overwhelming, especially when choosing where to stay. With over 25 Disney-owned hotels, each offering unique themes and perks, it’s easy to find one that fits your budget and preferences. Staying at a Disney resort hotel comes with benefits like extra park time, free transportation, and a magical experience. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Disney World hotels to help you pick the perfect one for your vacation.
Why Stay at a Disney World Hotel?
Staying at a Disney resort hotel offers many advantages that can make your trip more enjoyable. These perks save time, money, and add to the magic of your vacation.
- Extra Park Time: Disney resort guests get 30 minutes of early entry to all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom). Guests at Deluxe resorts also get extended evening hours on select dates, perfect for enjoying popular rides with shorter lines.
- Free Water Park Entry in 2025: If you stay at a Disney hotel in 2025, you get free access to a Disney water park on your check-in day. A one-day water park ticket usually costs $64 for adults, so this is a great deal.
- Dining Deals in 2026: Starting next year, kids ages 3–9 can get free Disney Dining Plans if adults in their group buy plans. These plans are only available to Disney resort guests.
- Early Booking Windows: Disney hotel guests can book Lightning Lane attractions seven days before their park visit, compared to three days for off-site guests. They can also reserve dining for their entire stay 60 days before check-in, helping secure spots at popular restaurants.
- Free Transportation: Disney provides free buses, water taxis, monorails, or Skyliner gondolas to get you to the parks and Disney Springs. These drop you closer to park entrances than parking lots, saving time and effort.
- Free Parking: If you drive, parking at your hotel and the theme parks is free. Standard park parking costs $30 per day, so this adds up on longer trips.
- Fun Activities: Every Disney resort has themed pools, free character appearances, and activities like outdoor movie nights, keeping the fun going outside the parks.
- Immersive Experience: Disney hotels extend the storytelling and service of the parks, letting you stay in the “Disney bubble” for your whole trip.
What Are the Cheapest Disney World Hotels?
Disney offers options for different budgets. The cheapest hotels are the All-Star Resorts, with rooms starting at around $131 per night. The most affordable option overall is camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, where tent or pop-up camper sites start at $73 per night. You’ll need to bring your own tent or camper, but it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy Disney perks.
How Many Disney World Hotels Are There?
Disney World has over 25 resort hotels, including Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties. These range from budget-friendly Value resorts to luxurious Deluxe resorts. Some DVC properties share amenities with other hotels, like at the Polynesian Village Resort, but all offer the same Disney magic.
Are Disney Hotels Cheaper Than Off-Site Hotels?
Disney hotels can be cheaper than many off-site options in Orlando. For example, Disney’s All-Star Resorts start at $131 per night, which is less than some nearby chain hotels. However, off-site hotels may offer larger spaces, like full houses or apartments, which could be better for big groups. Prices depend on the season, demand, and promotions, so always compare options.
How Much Do Disney World Hotels Cost?
Hotel prices vary by resort type, date, and demand. Early February and early-to-mid September (except Labor Day weekend) are usually the cheapest times to visit. Below are sample nightly rates for two adults and two kids, based on February 2 or September 2, 2025. Lower rates may be available with special deals.
- Fort Wilderness Resort (Campsites and Cabins)
- Type: Moderate (DVC cabins get Deluxe perks)
- Theme: Great outdoors
- Price: $73 for campsites, $493 for cabins
- Features: This resort offers a unique outdoor experience with green spaces and community activities like campfire sing-alongs and scavenger hunts.
- All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resorts
- Type: Value
- Theme: Disney movies, music, sports
- Price: $131
- Features: These budget-friendly hotels have fun photo ops and recently updated rooms, perfect for families looking to save money.
- Pop Century Resort
- Type: Value
- Theme: Pop culture (1950s–1990s)
- Price: $189
- Features: A fan favorite for its vibrant vibe and Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Art of Animation Resort
- Type: Value
- Theme: Disney and Pixar animation
- Price: $226
- Features: Known for immersive theming, like the Cars-inspired area, and Skyliner access.
- Coronado Springs Resort
- Type: Moderate
- Theme: Southwestern, Mexican, Spanish
- Price: $261
- Features: Its Gran Destino Tower and main pool feel like a Deluxe resort, with beautiful rooms across the property.
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Type: Moderate
- Theme: Caribbean islands
- Price: $276
- Features: Recently refurbished with Little Mermaid-themed rooms and a popular pool and restaurant.
- Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter
- Type: Moderate
- Theme: Louisiana
- Price: $279
- Features: French Quarter is smaller and serves Mickey-shaped beignets, while Riverside has bayou and manor theming.
- Animal Kingdom Lodge, Villas
- Type: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa
- Theme: African safari
- Price: $452
- Features: Guests can see African wildlife, like giraffes, from the resort, which also has a large African art collection.
- Old Key West Resort
- Type: Deluxe Villa
- Theme: Florida Keys
- Price: $498
- Features: Spacious accommodations, great for large families or multi-generational trips.
- Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Type: Deluxe Villa
- Theme: Equestrian, Victorian-era New York
- Price: $499
- Features: Subtle theming with spacious villas, ideal for families wanting extra room.
- Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, Boulder Ridge Villas
- Type: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa
- Theme: National park lodges
- Price: $499
- Features: A cozy, rustic resort with great dining options and water taxi access to Magic Kingdom.
- Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower
- Type: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa
- Theme: Modern
- Price: $556
- Features: Iconic for its monorail and proximity to Magic Kingdom, with Incredibles-themed rooms.
- Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, Villas
- Type: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa
- Theme: New England
- Price: $565–$567
- Features: Share Stormalong Bay, a mini-water park with a lazy river and waterslide, and are close to EPCOT.
- BoardWalk Inn, Villas
- Type: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa
- Theme: Old Atlantic City
- Price: $598
- Features: Features a lively boardwalk and easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Polynesian Village Resort, Villas & Bungalows
- Type: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa
- Theme: Polynesian
- Price: $672
- Features: A fan favorite with monorail access and popular dining like Ohana.
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Villas
- Type: Deluxe
- Theme: Victorian-era Florida
- Price: $725
- Features: Disney’s most luxurious resort, known for fine dining and holiday decorations.
- Riviera Resort
- Type: Deluxe Villa
- Theme: French Riviera
- Price: $775 (Deluxe Studio)
- Features: Elegant and popular, with Skyliner access and subtle theming.
Which Disney Hotel Is Best?
The best Disney hotel depends on your priorities. If you want easy park access, choose resorts with Skyliner, monorail, or water taxi options, like Pop Century, Polynesian, or BoardWalk. For a unique experience, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers stunning views of wildlife, despite only having bus transportation. Budget travelers may prefer All-Star Resorts or Fort Wilderness campsites, while those seeking luxury might choose Grand Floridian or Riviera.
No matter which Disney World hotel you pick, you’ll enjoy the magic of staying in the Disney bubble, with perks that make your vacation unforgettable.
