Choosing Your Walt Disney World Hotel
When traveling to Disney World you have your pick of hotels. Choosing a hotel for your vacation can feel incredibly overwhelming. And there are few factors to consider when choosing the best choice for your family.
On Property vs. Off Property Definitions
Already decided to stay on property? Skip to the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Guide to find the best resort for you.
“On Property” hotels refer to those that are actually located through the Walt Disney World gates. Almost all of them are owned and operated by Disney World with a few exceptions (we will get into that later on). Offsite is everything else. Typically, Offsite is going to be cheaper while Onsite provides special perks.
Just a few Benefits of staying On Property (as of September 2022):
Free transportation to all four Walt Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), both waterparks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), and Disney Springs. And (depending on your location), transportation is available to other resorts (which means easy access to more dining options - YUM!)
Extra Park Time. All guests staying on property can enter all theme parks 30 minutes before the general public (as of September 2022) making it easier to be first in line for a popular ride or get the perfect castle photo without the large crowds. And, if you are staying at any of the Deluxe properties (see below), you’ll get extended evening hours on select nights.
Book dining and enchanted extras for the entire length of your stay (up to 10 days) at the 60 day mark, giving you an advantage of getting those hard-to-get reservations.
Book Individual Lighting Lanes at 7am while the general public has to wait until they enter the park. This gives you much better opportunity to snag the most popular attractions (I’m looking at you Rise of the Resistance!).
Living inside the Disney bubble. You will be fully immersed in the magic that is Disney.
And the benefits to staying off property:
Cost. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, staying at on-property is not going to be cheap. I personally always choose to stay on property because I love all of the perks above plus I know that I’m getting an incredible level of customer service. That being said, I know plenty of people who prefer to save money by staying off.
Space. If you are a family who likes most space for less money, than staying off property might be better for you. While there are resorts that can accommodate five or more people, and there are Deluxe Villas that include kitchens, these are going to be a bit more expense than staying off property. Weigh the pros and cons and see what is best for your family. Still not sure? I’m happy to help!
Choosing the best Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Guide
Utilize these questions to help guide you through the choice of which Walt Disney World Resort hotel is best for you and your family.
Are you a rope drop to fireworks kind of family?
If you are planning to spend your entire time at the parks and only utilizing the resort to sleep, then the best resorts for your family will (more than likely) be any of the Value Resorts. These include the All Star Resorts (Music, Movie, Sports), Pop Century, and Art of Animation. While these will be the furthest away from the action, they are going to be the least expensive on property options and off the least amount of amenities. If you’re only using the resort to rest your feet after a long park day, then you are better off saving on the cost of the room. Plus, that savings could equal to an additional park day or upgrading to a Park Hopper for even more adventures!
Answer: Value Resort
Do you want to be closest to Magic Kingdom? OR Do you plan to spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom?
Magic Kingdom is the perfect park for the smallest visitors and those who want to live in the nostalgia of Disney. Plus, no visit is complete without walking down Main Street and seeing Cinderella’s castle! If you’re planning to spend most of your time in Magic Kingdom, staying at a resort on the Monorail Loop may be the perfect option. These consist of Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Aside from walking (which you can easily do from Contemporary and Grand Floridian, and technically also from Polynesian though it takes a bit longer), the monorail is going to be the fastest transportation to Magic Kingdom. Plus, if you are looking for midday breaks or have a child sleeping in a stroller, you have easier access to your hotel (vs. staying at a bus only resort). Remember, you need to fold up that stroller on a bus, but if the monorail isn’t busy or you are up for walking, your sleeping child does not have to be bothered.
Keep in mind that each of the Monorail Loop resorts are also Deluxe level resorts which means higher end amenities, including signature dining experiences, table service restaurants, amazing pools with waterslides and tubs, and much more! And currently, all guests staying a Deluxe Resort hotel gets extended evening hours on select nights at select parks. This means greater opportunity to ride some of the most popular attractions without the wait (like Seven Dwarves Mine Train).
Answer: Monorail Loop Resort (alternative option, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This is also a Deluxe with all of the amenities but is often cheaper than the monorail loop. Note that your transportation to Magic Kingdom is a boat, not the monorail and you cannot walk from Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge.
Looking to be closest to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT?
Walking directly to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios is a huge perk if you’re looking to rope drop Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, or Frozen Ever After. Or if you just want to be first in line at the festival booths! Plus, after watching Harmonious at EPCOT or Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios (crossing my fingers that it re-opens soon!), it is much easier to simply walk back to your resort versus waiting for a bus (especially true with little ones in a stroller). Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn are walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and also have boats available if preferred. Each resort is a Deluxe meaning you have access to extended evening hours on select nights at select parks! An added perk, Yacht and Beach Club are home to Stormalong Bay - the best Disney pool on property. It’s like a mini waterpark complete with a sand bottom pool, lazy river, and the longest slide on property!
Answer: Yacht and Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn (alternative option, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort. Although these are not technically Disney owned resorts, they have many of the same perks, including walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, free transportation to the parks, AND extended evening hours! Plus, they are often cheaper than Yacht and Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn)
Interested in a unique experience?
Want to wake up to giraffes? Or do want to sleep in a room fit for a princess? How about being one with the outdoors while at Disney World? Then I’ve got the hotel choice for you!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Deluxe Resort) offers some of the best theming on property and where else can you see exotic animals like zebras, giraffes, antelopes (and so much more) from your hotel! Spring for a Savannah View room and you may be able to spot these on your own private balcony!
Port Orleans Riverside - Royal Guest Rooms are perfect for the princess lover in your family. These rooms offer a touch of magic in each room with a nod to Princess Tiana and fellow Disney princesses.
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort provides you with your own cabin (complete with a bedroom and full kitchen) in the outdoors. Looking to rough it a bit more? The Campsites at Fort Wilderness allow you to camp at Walt Disney World - bring your own tent or RV and experience the outdoors while on vacation at Disney!
Looking for the most amount of dining and nightlife?
Disney Springs offers a magnitude of shopping, dining and entertainment! Disney’s Saratoga Resort and Spa is walking distance to Disney Springs, providing the easiest access to all it has to offer. As a Deluxe Resort you’ll also get perks and luxury accommodations. Looking for a less expensive option? Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are just a boat ride away from Disney Springs. Looking for more space without sacrificing luxury? Disney’s Old Key West, a deluxe villa property offers some of the largest rooms on Disney property and is a water taxi away from Disney Springs.
Answer: Disney Springs area hotels
Is the Skyliner on your bucket list?
Disney’s Skyliner, the newest transportation, allows you to fly high and is one of the quickest ways to get to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT (aside from walking). Plus, you have a range of luxury to price conscious options. Disney’s Riviera (Deluxe) is the newest resort on property and home to some of the most delicious dining! Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Moderate) is home to the Skyliner Hub Station meaning no transfer is necessary! Plus, it’s walkable to Riviera so if you’re looking for incredible dining without the price tag, it’s a great option. Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation (Value) provide access to the Skyliner at a much lower cost.
Answer: Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation
Still not sure or have more questions? I’m here to help. PLUS - my services are completely complimentary when you book a package.
