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Where to Stay in Walt Disney World

Where to Stay in Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Florida, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Disney-Owned Resorts

  • Specific Advantages

    These resorts present complimentary transportation, early theme park entry, and booking perks for dining and activities.

  • Value Resorts

    Budget-friendly options with larger-than-life themes and basic amenities. Consider Pop Century or Art of Animation.

  • Moderate Resorts

    Mid-range pricing with elaborate theming, larger grounds, and enhanced amenities like pools with slides. Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans.

  • Deluxe Resorts

    Premium options with close proximity to parks, often direct monorail or Skyliner access. Features signature dining and spas like Grand Floridian or Polynesian Village.

Other Lodging Types

  • Deluxe Villa Resorts (DVC)

    Condo-style accommodations with kitchens, suitable for longer stays or larger groups. Non-DVC members can rent these.

  • Good Neighbor Hotels

    Hotels on or near Disney property, not Disney-owned. They often include some Disney perks like early theme park entry. IHG Hotels

  • Off-site Hotels

    A vast array of chain and independent hotels generally more budget-friendly. They need personal transportation. Booking.com, Agoda

  • Vacation Rentals & Camping

    Private homes or condos offer more space and kitchen facilities. Fort Wilderness provides campsites for tents and RVs. Vrbo, TrustedHousesitters, Hostelworld.

Neighborhood Guide

Walt Disney World's vastness means different areas offer distinct atmospheres and access points. Selecting the proper neighborhood for your stay can greatly shape your trip's convenience and feel.

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Advantages
  • Direct and easy access to Magic Kingdom (monorail, boat, or walkway).
  • Superb views of nightly fireworks.
  • Excellent dining options.
Considerations
  • Higher price point.
  • Can feel very "Disney" all the time.

Epcot/Hollywood Studios Resort Area

Advantages
  • Easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios by walking, boat, or Disney Skyliner.
  • Diverse dining and entertainment at BoardWalk.
  • Disney Skyliner has quick and scenic transit.
Considerations
  • Bus transport for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
  • Can be busy due to proximity to parks.

Off-Site International Drive, Kissimmee

Advantages
  • Significant cost savings on lodging.
  • More space, especially in vacation rentals.
  • Variety of dining and shopping nearby.
Considerations
  • Daily commuting to Walt Disney World needed.
  • Added transportation costs and travel time.
  • Accommodations do not include Disney resort benefits.

Safety, Proximity, & Ambiance

Safety & Security:

All areas within Walt Disney World property are highly secure, due to Disney's dedicated security force. Off-site areas generally hold safety for tourists with standard urban precautions.

Proximity & Noise:

Deluxe resorts frequently feature walking distance or direct monorail, Skyliner, or boat access to parks. Value resorts depend significantly on bus transportation. Value resorts can be energetic; Deluxe resorts offer a quieter, more luxurious ambiance.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • Resorts: Book 6-12 months ahead for best availability and pricing, especially during peak seasons (holidays, spring break, summer).
  • Dining: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance for popular table-service restaurants.
  • Park Reservations: Theme park reservations are needed for entry. Make these immediately after ticket purchase.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Official Walt Disney World Website: The most direct and reliable platform for Disney-owned resorts and ticket packages.
  • Authorized Disney Vacation Planners/Travel Agents: These professionals frequently extend complimentary services and can aid in planning.
  • Major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Use Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda for off-site hotels.
  • Vacation Rental Sites: For private homes or condos, use Airbnb or Vrbo.

Payment & Pricing Information

Deposit & Cancellation
  • Disney Resorts: Typically need a deposit for one night's stay. Full payment often due 30-45 days before arrival.
  • Cancellation: Full refund usually if canceled outside 30 days. Always check specific terms.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices are significantly higher during peak travel times (holidays, spring break, summer).
  • Lower rates appear during off-peak weekdays, like late January, late August, and September.
  • Negotiation is not applicable for Disney-owned resorts or major chain hotels; pricing is generally fixed.

Accommodation Recommendations

Explore different accommodation types suitable for various budgets and travel styles at Walt Disney World.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Budget Stays

Value Resorts like Disney's All-Star Movies Resort or off-site options like Rosen Inn International on International Drive.

  • Basic amenities, large pools, strong theming.
  • Off-site may give more space for less cost.
Mid-Range Comfort

Moderate Resorts like Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, or Good Neighbor hotels like Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

  • More immersive theming, better pools, table-service dining.
  • Good Neighbor hotels offer some Disney perks.

Luxury & Family-Friendly Stays

Luxury Experiences

Deluxe Resorts like Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or high-end Good Neighbors like Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

  • Premium locations, signature dining, spas.
  • Highest level of service and comprehensive amenities.
Family-Friendly Choices

All Disney Resorts with themed rooms/suites, or Vacation Rentals like WorldMark Orlando King's Ridge.

  • Family suites and multi-bedroom villas.
  • Vacation rentals provide kitchens and private pools.

Solo Traveler & Long-Stay

  • Solo Traveler

    Value or Moderate Resorts like Pop Century offer access to Disney transport and a safe environment. Off-site options like Hyatt Regency Orlando provide varied adult activities nearby.

  • Long-Stay Options

    Deluxe Villa Resorts or Vacation Rentals like Disney's Old West Resort or Windsor Hills Resort.

  • Features for Extended Visits

    Condo-style units with kitchens, greater space, and on-site amenities make these ideal for longer stays.

Considerations for Your Stay

  • Location Proximity

    Consider how close you need to be to specific parks and the transportation options available from your chosen accommodation.

  • Budget vs. Benefits

    Weigh cost savings from off-site lodging against the perks of staying on-site, like early park entry and seamless transportation.

  • Group Size & Needs

    For larger groups or those desiring kitchens, villas and vacation rentals provide ample space and amenities.

Additional Notes

Booking Times

Always book accommodations well in advance, especially for peak seasons, to secure preferred dates and pricing.

My Disney Experience App

Utilize the My Disney Experience app for managing your resort stay, checking-in, and accessing digital room keys.

Transportation Benefits

Disney Transport

On-site resorts include complimentary Disney transportation (buses, boats, monorail, Skyliner) to parks and Disney Springs.

Ease of Access

Staying on-site often streamlines park access, reducing travel time and parking needs.

Off-site Commuting

Off-site stays call for daily commuting via rental car, rideshare, or hotel shuttles, which may lengthen travel time.