The Best Disney Hotels at Every Budget: Our Disney Expert's Picks

When it comes to visiting Disney World, there are many options to consider. You’ll want to figure out how many days you’re staying, what parks you’re visiting, what to pack, and maybe even what Disney outfit to wear. Of course, a key part of any Disney vacation is considering where to stay.

On Disney World property, you’ll find dozens of resort hotels all with different themes and costs. We’re sharing more about each of the Disney World Resort hotel categories, along with our favorite picks for each and every budget.

The Best Disney Hotels at Every Budget

Benefits of Staying at a Walt Disney World Property

You will get certain benefits from staying on the property no matter which hotel you choose. One such benefit is Early Theme Park Entry, which will give you access to each of the theme parks 30 minutes before their official opening.

Another benefit of staying on property is access to complimentary transportation. At Disney World, you can get around to each of the theme parks by bus, boat, Disney Skyliner, or Monorail. Depending on which hotel you are staying at, you’ll have access to certain transportation methods to get to and from your hotel to the theme parks. Keep in mind which parks you’re planning to visit and consider your resort’s distance from the park. For example, if you’re only visiting The Magic Kingdom, you probably wouldn’t want to stay in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Area to avoid longer transportation times with excited (or tired) kiddos.

Finally, all Disney hotels on our list offer family-friendly recreation opportunities like Disney movie nights, campfire activities, playgrounds, jogging trails, and themed arcades.

Disney World Resort Hotel Budget Categories

There are four different Walt Disney World Resort hotel categories on the property: Value Resort Hotels, Moderate Resort Hotels, Deluxe Resort Hotels, and Deluxe Villas. Along with a difference in price, each category also comes with different benefits that correlate. For example, you are getting the most budget-friendly option at a Value Resort, but at the expense of some of the amenities you’ll find at the Deluxe Resort hotels. There are over 30 Disney Resort hotels to consider in each category. Here are our top Disney Resort picks for each:

The Best Disney World Value Resorts

The Value Resort hotels are Disney World’s least expensive hotel category. You will find fewer amenities and smaller room sizes at the Value Resorts than at the Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels.

However, the Value Resort hotels also have some incredible theming, making them especially fun for families staying at Walt Disney World. Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort also benefit from being on the Disney Skyliner, a gondola transportation system with easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.

These are our top three picks from the Value Resort category:

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $100s per night

Location: Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a fan-favorite for guests. The theming takes you through each of the decades from the 1950s to the 1990s, so you’ll find lots of fun little details around the resort that nod to fads from the past.

While the rooms are fairly basic, they still feature plenty of Disney, so you’ll find artwork featuring Mickey and other beloved characters. Aside from the price, the real pull for the hotel is that it’s located on the Disney Skyliner. This gondola system will connect you with Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort, a major plus.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Disney Skyliner
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Disney Skyliner
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Landscape of Flavors: Quick-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Drop Off Pool Bar: Pool bar located at Big Blue Pool.

Pool Options:

Cozy Cone Pool: Theming inspired by Cars.
Flippin’ Fins Pool: Theming inspired by The Little Mermaid.
Big Blue Pool: Largest resort pool in Disney World, theming inspired by Finding Nemo.

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $100s per night

Location: Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Disney’s Art of Animation is themed after Walt Disney Animation, with rooms inspired by Disney movies such as The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and more. The hotel features the biggest resort pool on Disney World property with the Big Blue Pool, which is inspired by Finding Nemo.

Art of Animation shares the Disney Skyliner station with Disney’s Pop Century Resort, so you can easily travel around to other hotels as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.

One of the biggest benefits of Art of Animation is that it’s one of the few hotels with family suites on Disney World property. The hotel has Cars, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo-themed Family Suites, which each sleep up to six adults with one Queen Bed, one Sleeper Sofa, and One Double-Size Table Bed. This option saves bigger families from having to book two separate rooms, which can make a huge difference in the overall cost of your vacation.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Disney Skyliner
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Disney Skyliner
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Landscape of Flavors: Quick-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Drop Off Pool Bar: Pool bar located at Big Blue Pool.

Pool Options:

Cozy Cone Pool: Theming inspired by Cars.
Flippin’ Fins Pool: Theming inspired by The Little Mermaid.
Big Blue Pool: Largest resort pool in Disney World, theming inspired by Finding Nemo.

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s All-Star Movies

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $100s per night

Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Similar to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort celebrates Disney movies with its theming. Here you’ll find giant statues of characters around the resort, along with themed rooms and amenities.

While the hotel doesn’t offer the same perk of being on the Disney Skyliner, it does so at a major difference from Art of Animation—the cost. While both are Value Resort hotels, Disney’s All-Star Movies is typically one of the cheaper on-site hotels you can book at Walt Disney World (along with the other All-Star Resorts).

So, if you love the theming of Disney movies but want a less expensive option than Art of Animation, Disney’s All-Star Movies is the best option to consider.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Bus
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

World Premiere Food Court: Quick-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Silver Screens Spirits Pool Bar: Pool bar located at the Fantasia Pool.

Pool Options:

Fantasia Pool: Theming inspired by Fantasia.
Duck Pond Pool: Theming inspired by The Mighty Ducks.

The Best Disney World Moderate Resorts

As you may have guessed, the Disney World Moderate Resorts sit in between the Value Resorts and Deluxe Resorts.

These hotels feature more dining options than the Value Resorts, with at least one table-service restaurant available on-site at each hotel. Depending on which Disney World Moderate Resort you stay at, you may also have access to more transportation options than you will at the Value Resorts.

These are our three favorite picks from Disney World’s Moderate Resort hotels.

Source: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $200s per night

Location: EPCOT Resort Area

Disney’s Caribbean Resort has fun theming, great transportation, and an incredible pool. The hotel is notable for being the hub of the Disney Skyliner, meaning you can easily get to and from EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and other hotels located on the line.

Themed after the islands of the Caribbean, the hotel also comes with tropical inspiration that will make you feel like you’re on an island vacation. The resort also has an incredibly fun pool, the Fuentes del Morro Pool. Themed like a Spanish fortress, the pool is perfect for any kids that are fans of pirates. With water cannons throughout, along with two waterslides, kids will have a blast spending time by this pool. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s located right next to the pool bar Banana Cabana, where you can pick up tropical drinks and small bites.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Disney Skyliner
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Disney Skyliner
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Sebastian’s Bistro: Table service restaurant with family-style dishes inspired by the Caribbean.
Centertown Market: A quick-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Centertown Market Grab & Go: Grab and go small items, including bakery bites, snacks, coffee, and bottled beverages.
Spyglass Grill: A casual quick-service restaurant serving American fare with a Caribbean twist. Available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Banana Cabana: A walk-up pool bar offering tropical drinks and small bites from a lounge menu.

Pool Options:

Fuentes del Morro Pool: Zero-entry pool themed like a colonial Spanish fortress. Contains two waterslides, including one that is 102 feet long. Also includes a 12-person spa pool (Note when booking: the pool will be under construction from January 2024-April 2024).
Five Leisure Pools

Unique Recreational Activities:

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $200s per night

Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Disney’s Coronado Springs takes inspiration from a blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures. It features one of the coolest pools on property, and some of the best dining experiences at any hotel. But, the real reason it makes the list is because it has a secret—on this Moderate Resort property, you’ll find a hotel that very much comes with Deluxe accommodations.

At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, you can stay at Gran Destino Tower, which is not its own unique hotel but, instead, a tower complex located on the property. While Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort may be considered a Moderate hotel, Gran Destino Tower is notable for having some more luxurious accommodations at a more moderate price tag.

The tower is home to several incredible restaurants and particularly beautiful rooms. If you’re looking for the accommodations of a Deluxe Resort at a Moderate Resort price, staying at Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the way to do it.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Bus
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood: A table service restaurant with Spanish-inspired cuisine.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago: A lakefront table service restaurant with sandwiches, shared plates, salads, and more.
Rix Sports Bar & Grill: An upscale sports lounge with classic bar food and 31 TVs.
Dahlia Lounge: A Spanish-inspired space serving premium wines and signature cocktails.
Barcelona Lounge: A lounge serving espresso drinks, pastries, and light fare for breakfast.
Siestas Cantina: A poolside bar with specialty cocktails and small bites.
Maya Grill: Serving dinner with a Mexican-inspired menu.
Cafe Rix: A quick-service breakfast restaurant with an assortment of pastries, yogurts, fruits, salads, and coffees.
Laguna Bar: A lakeside outdoor bar serving tequila and mezcal cocktails.
El Mercado de Coronado: A quick-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Pool Options:

The Lost City of Cibola Pool: A massive pool inspired by the Mayan ruins, featuring a 50-foot pyramid and a 123-foot-long waterslide. Also features the largest hot tub on Disney World property, fitting up to 22 people.
Three Leisure Pools

Unique Recreational Activities:

Colors of Conardo Painting Experience: A master-led painting class
Volleyball
Spanish Mosaic Art: An artistic workshop taking place at Dahlia Lounge
La Vida Health Club: A full-service facility with workout equipment and spa services

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $200s per night

Location: Disney Springs Resort Area

Disney’s Port Orleans—Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans—French Quarter are located on the same property, with access to the same restaurants and other amenities. French Quarter is inspired by New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, with cobblestone streets, magnolia blossoms, and yummy beignets, while Riverside is meant to take inspiration from rural Louisiana.

While both are great options to consider, we have to give a slight edge to Riverside for one big reason: the royal rooms. At Riverside, you can choose to stay in one of the Royal Guest Rooms, inspired by The Princess and the Frog. These rooms come with beautiful royal embellishments, as well as nods to many of the Disney princesses (you’ll spot Carpet from Aladdin on the floor, along with a Magic Lamp faucet for the sinks). These are the only princess-inspired rooms you’ll find at Disney World, so they’re a must-stay for any princess fans in your group.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Bus
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus
Disney Springs: Boat

Dining Options:

Riverside Mill Food Court: A quick-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
River Roost: A southern-inspired lounge with a full bar.
Muddy Rivers: A pool bar and lounge on Ol’ Man Island.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall: A table-service restaurant serving a New Orleans-inspired menu for dinner.
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory: A quick-service restaurant with classic Cajun and Creole food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (available at neighboring Port Orleans – French Quarter).
Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge and Cafe: The lounge offers the chance to listen to New Orleans-style jazz while enjoying Southern-inspired drinks. At the cafe, you can grab Mickey-shaped beignets and even spiked and flavored beignets (available at neighboring Port Orleans – French Quarter).
Mardi Grogs: Outdoor bar with frozen drinks, wine, beer, and more (available at neighboring Port Orleans – French Quarter).

Pool Options:

Ol’ Man Island: Swimming pool themed to an abandoned sawmill. Includes a 95-foot-long rustic waterslide. Also includes a nearby whirlpool.
Doubloon Lagoon: A Mardi Gras-inspired pool with a 51-foot-long sea serpent waterslide. You’ll find a whirlpool spa and water play area next door, as well as Mardi Grogs pool bar. (located at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter).
Five Leisure Pools (located across both Port Orleans Resorts).

Unique Recreational Activities:

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides (at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside)
Bike and Surrey Bike Rentals

The Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts

Disney World’s most expensive hotel category is its Deluxe Resort hotels. In general, these hotels feature the most amenities and dining options and the best locations you can find at any of the Walt Disney World hotels.

Along with Early Theme Park Entry, staying at a Deluxe Resort hotel gives you access to Extended Evening Hours. These happen on select nights at select theme parks, allowing guests of Deluxe Resort hotels to stay an extra two hours in the parks after they close to regular guests. You can find the complete list of Extended Evening Hours here.

While there are a variety of Deluxe Resort hotels to choose from, these three are our top picks.

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $400s per night

Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is for you if you want to stay at an upscale cabin-inspired destination on Disney World property.

Inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a fan-favorite hotel for a reason. Its theming is incredibly relaxing, making for a tranquil experience in the hustle and bustle of the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Located in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, Wilderness Lodge isn’t located on the Monorail line. Instead, you can get to Magic Kingdom by taking a ferry ride. The hotel has several great dining options, including a unique character meal at Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. Also, check out Geyser Point Bar and Grill, which offers some fantastic drinks and small bites with a beautiful outdoor view.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Boat, bus
EPCOT: Bus
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White: Enjoy dinner at this character dining experience in a rustic setting, with the chance to meet characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Whispering Canyon Cafe: An all-you-care-to-eat restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Geyser Point Bar and Grill: An outdoor waterfront bar and grill serving lunch and dinner and featuring a full bar.
Roaring Fork: A quick-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Territory Lounge: A lounge featuring craft brews, regional wines, specialty coffees, and small appetizers.

Pool Options:

Copper Creek Springs Pool: Pool surrounded by nature with a 67-foot waterslide built into the rocks. Also includes hot and cold whirlpool spas and a water play area for kids.
Boulder Ridge Cove Pool: Zero-depth entry pool with seating areas and a whirlpool spa.

Unique Recreational Activities:

Electrical Water Pageant: Look out on Seven Seas Lagoon to watch this nighttime spectacular featuring lighted floats and music.
Sturdy Branches Health Club: A full-service fitness center and sauna.

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $600s per night

Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Plan on spending a lot of time at Magic Kingdom? Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are all located on the Monorail, and are also within walking distance of the park. Out of the three, we love Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for its theming, dining, and variety of accommodation options.

The hotel is themed to a tropical paradise, with island-inspired rooms, food, and atmosphere. You can stay in tropical-themed rooms, including Moana-inspired rooms in the main hotel. Additionally, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers two villa options, the Deluxe Studios and the Bungalows. The Deluxe Studios can fit up to five and include two bathrooms, making it easy for everyone to get ready in the morning.

The unique Bungalow villas are actually located out on the water of Seven Seas Lagoon, with private entryways for each. Each bungalow can sleep up to eight adults, with two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, a washer and dryer, and a private deck with a plunge pool. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing you to enjoy Disney World like never before.

The hotel also has some of the most popular dining in Disney World, including the family-style menu at ‘Ohana. Plus, you can pick up a delicious DOLE Whip over at Pineapple Lanai.

If you stay at the Polynesian, you can head over to the beach area around the time of the fireworks. The music from the show gets piped in as you watch the fireworks across the water.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Monorail, walking, boat
EPCOT: Monorail
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Barefoot Pool Bar: Pool bar where you can pick up tropical-inspired cocktails, along with beer, wine, and even smoothies.
Capt. Cook’s: A quick-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Pineapple Lanai: Snack spot where you can get DOLE Whip, floats, and soft serve.
Kona Café: Table-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu includes Asian-inspired twists on American meals, along with a sushi kitchen.
‘Ohana: A popular table-service restaurant serving a Polynesian-inspired family-style menu of food. Serves both breakfast and lunch, the former of which is a character meal featuring Lilo, Stitch, and Mickey.
Tambu Lounge: Lounge attached to ‘Ohana, with tropical drinks and Hawaiian-inspired appetizers (also a great spot to get smaller portions of the menu items from ‘Ohana).
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto: A small, highly-themed tiki bar. It’s an incredibly popular spot with limited seating, so make sure to get there early!
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace: An outdoor lounge where you can get food and drinks from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
Oasis Bar & Grill: A poolside bar with tropical cocktails, wine, and beer.
Kona Island: A quick-service grab-and-go with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Grab coffee and pastries in the morning or sushi later on in the day.

Pool Options:

Lava Pool: Themed pool with a volcano, waterfall, and 142-foot-long waterslide.
Oasis Pool: All-ages leisure pool with a more relaxing environment.

Other Recreational Activities:

Boat Rentals
Electrical Water Pageant: Look out on Seven Seas Lagoon to watch this nighttime spectacular featuring lighted floats and music.
Fishing
Volleyball

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $500s per night

Location: EPCOT Resort Area

If you plan on spending a lot of time at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can’t beat staying at the EPCOT Resort area hotels. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is themed to resemble spots like Coney Island and Atlantic City in the early 1900s.

The hotel is located right on Disney’s BoardWalk, which features a variety of different entertainment spots and dining options. Along with its fun theming, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is also a short boat ride away from EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, both of which also have walking paths available on foot.

Additionally, you are just steps away from Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, as well as the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. This close proximity gives you endless dining and entertainment you can enjoy while staying at the hotel. If that weren’t enough, you’re right by the Disney Skyliner, which connects you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, as well as Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Walking, boat
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Walking, boat, Skyliner
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Flying Fish: Table-service restaurant serving a menu of sustainable seafood for dinner.
Trattoria al Forno: An Italian eatery serving both breakfast and dinner.
Big River Grille & Brewing Works: A working microbrewery that serves both lunch and dinner, with soups, salad, entrees, and beer samplers.
BoardWalk Deli: A quick-service restaurant with deli favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
BoardWalk Ice Cream: Grab ice creab or a sundae at this ice cream shop.
Carousel Coffee: You can pick up delicious pastries or an assortment of coffees at the shop inside Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
Pizza Window: Grab a slice of pizza for lunch or dinner, with seating available on the patio along the BoardWalk.
AbracadaBar: A magicians-themed lounge with specialty cocktails.
Leaping Horse Libations: A carousel-themed poolside bar.
BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas: Enjoy a variety of different margaritas at this BoardWalk stop.
Belle Vue Lounge: A 1930s-style sitting room where you can enjoy a variety of cocktails in the evening.
Funnel Cake Cart: A delicious snack spot to grab funnel cakes.

Pool Options:

Luna Park Pool: A carnival-themed pool with a 200-foot-long waterslide. The pool is themed to amusement parks of the 1920s, with a whirlpool spa and a kiddie pool.
Two Leisure Pools

Unique Recreational Activities:

Boat Rentals
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf: Fantasia-themed mini golf is located within walking distance.
Surrey Bike Rentals
Fishing
Tennis & Pickleball
Muscles & Bustles Health Club: A full-service facility with workout equipment and space services.

Source: Tripadvisor

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Standard Room Pricing: Starting in the $200s per night

Location: EPCOT Resort Area

The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve joined the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels in the EPCOT Resort area in 2022. All three hotels are notable for not being owned by Disney World but still getting to experience the great benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort hotel (that includes access to Extended Evening Hours).

The Swan Reserve is notable for its fantastic location, incredible dining, and its particularly great views (you can get a great view of the EPCOT fireworks from the upper levels). If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can also take advantage of points to get particularly great deals staying here, as the hotel is owned by Marriott.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Walking, boat
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Walking, boat
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Amare: Mediterranean table-service restaurant available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Grounds: All-day spot to grab coffee or grab-n-go prepared food.
Tangerine: Poolside bar with small bites like flatbreads, sandwich, and salads.
Stir: A tropical-inspired lounge with light bites and specialty cocktails.
Also have easy access to other restaurants at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

Pool Options:

One outdoor swimming pool on-site.
Five additional pools, a 3-acre grotto, and two lap pools available at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

Unique Recreational Activities:

Volleyball
Swan Reserve Health Club
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf: Fantasia-themed mini golf located within walking distance.
Camp Dolphin: A supervised Children’s Activity Center for kids four to twelve (located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, costs $12 per child per hour).

The Best Disney World Deluxe Villa Resorts

There’s another Deluxe Resort category to consider—the Deluxe Villas! The Villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club but can be rented by non-members as well. Villas typically come as Deluxe Studios, as well as 1-Bedroom, and 2-Bedroom Villas (with 3-Bedroom Villas occasionally available). Because of this, they are a great option for larger families who prefer condo-like accommodations or larger groups like multi-generational family trips.

With the Deluxe Villas, you get all the great amenities of a Deluxe Resort and additional benefits like kitchenettes and small kitchens. Since these are Disney Vacation Club properties can also be rented through DVC points rental sites such as David’s DVC Rentals and DVC Point Rentals. While renting through these is not quite as flexible as through the Disney World website, you can often spend significantly less renting this way than through the rack rate!

Source: Walt Disney World

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Villa Types Available: Deluxe Studio, 1-Bedroom Villa, 2-Bedroom Villa, 3-Bedroom Villa

Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Located just a short walk from Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the perfect location for families looking to spend a lot of time at the park.

Bay Lake Tower has great views overlooking Magic Kingdom, with Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom, and even 3-Bedroom Villas available to stay in. These expansive options mean that this is a great place to stay if you’re with a slightly larger group that needs more room.

Staying at Bay Lake Tower also comes with special benefits, such as access to Bay Cove Pool, which is only available to guests. The dining options at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are also top-notch, including Chef Mickey’s, a character dining experience that is the perfect place to stop for breakfast—and meet some characters—before heading to the parks.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Monorail, walking, boat
EPCOT: Monorail
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Chef Mickey’s: Character dining with Mickey, Minnie, and friends. Buffet is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
California Grill: Table service restaurant available for dinner with incredible views of Magic Kingdom. Also home to the California Grill Lounge.
Contempo Cafe: Quick service with small bites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Steakhouse 71: Table service steakhouse with an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also home to Steakhouse 71 Lounge.
Contemporary Grounds: Quick-stop coffee shop with coffee, pastries, and smoothies.
Cove Bar: Private pool bar exclusive to those staying at Bay Lake Tower (or DVC members).
Outer Rim: Lounge overlooking Bay Lake.
The Sand Bar: Poolside quick-service bar and lounge at the main Contemporary Resort.

Pool Options:

Feature Pool: Main pool with a 17-foot-high, curving waterslide.
Bay Lake Pool: Leisure pool where loud noises and splashing are discouraged.
Bay Cove Pool: Exclusive to guests at Bay Lake Tower and DVC members. Features a 148-foot-long waterslide, whirlpool spa, and water play area.

Unique Recreational Activities:

Electrical Water Pageant: Look out on Seven Seas Lagoon to watch this nighttime spectacular featuring lighted floats and music.
Basketball
Cabana Rentals
Fishing
Volleyball
Tennis & Pickleball
Community Hall: Complimentary pool, ping-pong, video games, board games, DVDs, and more.
Olympiad Fitness Center

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Villa Types Available: Deluxe Studio, 1-Bedroom Villa, 2-Bedroom Villa

Location: EPCOT Resort Area

Disney’s Beach Club Villas is a relaxing getaway themed to a charming New England-style beach hotel located in the EPCOT Resort area. Available villas include Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom Villas, and 2-Bedroom Villas.

The theming and dining are just fantastic, along with the fantastic location that’s a simple way from EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s BoardWalk. This is a great spot for families looking for a quieter, more laid-back location that still has easy access to everything they need. The restaurant options are also great, with the 50s-style ice cream parlor Beaches & Cream located right on the property.

Additionally, the Beach Club has one of the most popular pools on Disney property with Stormalong Bay. The massive pool offers over three acres of space to enjoy, including a lazy river and huge 230-foot-long slide located atop a shipwreck replica.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus, Monorail through EPCOT
EPCOT: Walking, boat
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Boat, Skyliner, walking
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

Cape May Cafe: Buffet with character dining for breakfast and seafood and turf dishes for dinner.
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop: 1950s-themed table service restaurant for lunch and dinner with old-fashioned ice cream and grill items.
Beach Club Marketplace: Quick service restaurant with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Martha’s Vineyard: Offering lunch, bar service, and late-night service. (located at connecting Disney’s Yacht Club Resort)
Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill: Pool bar with frozen beverages, cocktails, and more.
Ale & Compass Restaurant: Gastropub-inspired table service restaurant, attached to Ale & Compass Lounge. (located at connecting Disney’s Yacht Club Resort)
Yachtsman Steakhouse: New-England style steakhouse table service restaurants. (located at connecting Disney’s Yacht Club Resort)
The Market at Ale & Compass: Quick service serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (located at connecting Disney’s Yacht Club Resort)

Pool Options:

Stormalong Bay: A massive 3-acre pool with a 230-foot-long waterslide.
Shipwreck Pool: Kids pool with a mini waterslide.
Three Leisure Pools

Unique Recreational Activities:

Boat Rentals
Poolside Cabana Rentals
Pirate Adventure Cruise: A pirate adventure intended for kids four to 12
Fishing
Tennis Volleyball
Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness

Source: Tripadvisor

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

Villa Types Available: Deluxe Studio, 1-, 2-, 3-Bedroom Villas

Location: Animal Kingdom Resort Area

It doesn’t get better for animal-loving families than Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House and Kidani Village. The property includes views of four lush savannas, where over 200 animals like giraffes, bongos, zebras, and birds freely roam. And the resort’s horseshoe-curved design was intentionally inspired by the traditional African kraal.

For families who prefer an escape from the busyness of the parks, the Animal Kingdom Villas offers a unique, tranquil retreat, albeit a bit further away from EPCOT, the Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. To make transportation easier, guests can also utilize Disney’s Minnie Van service—a collaboration with Lyft—for paid private rides to the parks.

Transportation Options:

Magic Kingdom: Bus
EPCOT: Bus
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Dining Options:

The Mara: A quick-service restaurant, guests can grab and go or sit under Banyan trees for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.
Jiko – The Cooking Place: An upscale table-service dinner restaurant serving a blend of traditional African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine, with kid-menu options too.
Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar: Located near Jiko, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an appetizer, cocktail, or sample South African wines.
Boma – Flavors of Africa: Open-air buffet restaurant open for breakfast and dinner.
Victoria Falls Lounge: An intimate bar perfect for sipping cocktails or sampling South African wines.
Sanaa and Sanaa Lounge: Offers casual quick-service breakfast and a more upscale table-service dinner experience African cooking and Indian flavors while taking in views of the Savanna.
Oasis Bar & Grill: A poolside bar with tropical cocktails, wine, and beer.
Uzimi Springs Pool Bar: Pool bar where you can pick up cocktails, along with beer, wine, and even smoothies.
Maji Pool Bar: A quick-service grab-and-go with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Grab coffee and pastries in the morning or sushi later on in the day.

Pool Options:

Samawati Springs Pool: A kids’ paradise, this pool includes an exciting waterslide and Uwanja Camp—an animal observation site-themed water. playground with squirting flowers, a rope bridge, water cannons, and more.
Uzima Pool: 11,000-square-foot pool experience, featuring zero-depth entry, a thrilling waterslide, and childrens’ wading pool.

Unique Recreational Activities:

Hakuna Matata Playground
Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center

What You Need to Know Before Bringing a Baby to Disney World

Source link: https://theeverymom.com/best-disney-hotels/ by Kathy Sisson at theeverymom.com