This article is your ultimate guide to the best Disney World Hotels in 2022! With so many Disney World Resorts to choose from, picking the perfect hotel for your family can feel like a tough decision.
Lucky for you, The Park Prodigy has vacationed at every Walt Disney World hotel and we can help! Are you looking for the best Disney World hotels for families? Or the best Disney World Hotels for couples? With over 25+ Disney Resorts to choose from, there’s a perfect home for every family and vacation group, no matter what your travel goals or budget!
We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes helping you find thebest time to buy Disney World tickets as well as book amazing Walt Disney World vacation packages!
So if you’re ready to learn everything there is about the best Disney World Hotels on property in 2021, read on!
SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Walt Disney World for your next vacation be sure to check out our Disney crowd calendar!
Wondering about the best Disney World hotels? Staying at a Walt Disney World hotel is nothing short of magical, which is why we love it! The Disney bubble exists and truly makes you feel like you’re staying in a story book. That all starts at the Disney resorts, even before you hit the parks. Walt Disney World has some of the most amazing theming of their resorts, with incredible tiny details that make the experience so much more authentic.
In this article we are going to be talking about the best onsite Disney World hotels. If you’re wondering the top Disney World hotels, we’ve everything for you! So without wasting another minute, let’s get into it.
Best Onsite Walt Disney World Hotel – Tiers
All Disney Resorts are broken out into three categories: deluxe, moderate and value. These resorts are separated by price and amenities, with the deluxe resorts being the most expensive that offer the most perks!
What are the best Disney World hotel tiers?
Value Resorts – (All Stars Resorts, Pop Century, Art of Animation)
Moderate Resorts – (Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Resorts, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort)
For park warriors looking to spend sun up to sun down at the parks, value resorts are the way to go! Invest your time and money into planning character meals, Disney Genie, fireworks shows, and extra magic hours, while spending significantly less on a room as it’s just a place to lay your head at night.
If you plan to relax by the pool with thirst-quenching frozen cocktails, you’ll be better off splurging on a deluxe or moderate hotel. These Disney resorts give you access to hot tubs, spas, specialty restaurants, and more. For a more detailed look inside the best Walt Disney World Hotels, keep reading! We definitely recommend either deluxe or moderate for those with longer trips who plan on taking breaks with resort days!
What Are The Benefits of Staying on Disney Property?
So, what are the benefits of staying at a Disney resort? Walt Disney World Resorts have a baseline of benefits for all guests to enjoy no matter the price. So, before we dive into the pros and cons of each resort, here are some of the benefits of choosing to stay at an on-property Disney World Hotel.
Benefits of staying at Disney World Resort 2022
So, what’s the advantage of staying at a Disney hotel? There are actually a few different benefits of staying an an onsite Disney hotel.
Early theme park entry – Guests staying at Disney resorts get into the parks 30 minutes before open.
Early dining reservation access – 60 days prior to your trip!
Complimentary transportation all throughout WDW property.
Boats, Busses and the Monorail.
What are the Best Disney Resorts to Stay at 2022? – Value Resorts
Disney Value resorts offer fewer amenities than the other two tiers but still offers resort perks like free bus transportation to and from the parks. This is the most budget-friendly option, especially for families and/or those who plan to stay longer than a couple of days. Plus, the themes are more fun than an offsite hotel!
There are many different value resorts that
What are the best Disney World value resorts?
Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music and Sports (three different hotels!)
Pop Century Resort
Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort
The All-Stars Resorts aren’t glamorous by any means, but they truly encapsulate larger than life fun. While they may not be the best Disney World hotels, they are always a solid choice if you are looking to stay onsite, but save some cash. These resorts are closest to the Animal Kingdom theme park area and even have a McDonald’s right by the entrance for a quick bite. While the theming falls a little flat on the inside of the room, the outside decor and pool areas are bright, colorful and perfect for families.
That’s why we say you can’t go wrong with any All-Star resort if you’re on a budget, but still enjoy Disney theming!
Standard room rates start at: $118.00 Transportation options: Bus
All-Star Resort Dining Options
World Premier Court (All-Star Movies)
Intermission Food Court (All-Star Music)
End Zone Food Court (All-Star Sports)
All-Star Resort Pros and Cons
Pros:These resorts offer an affordable option for those who are vacationing on a budget, but still want to take advantage of the many perks that come along with staying at a Disney resort. For kids especially, the theme is over the top and full of color. Many of the rooms at the All-Star hotels have been recently renovated, offering ample storage space and an updated look and feel. As far as dining goes, quick service options are in abundance here. You’ll find a great variety of grab-and-go options that’ll please anyone in your party.
Cons:Lines for buses can be lengthy at times due to the popularity of these hotels for families with young children.
Pop Century Resort is all about celebrating American pop culture throughout the years covering the 1950’s – 1990’s. Each building represents a different time period and guests can see theming with iconic items like Rubik’s Cubes, bowling pins, and 8 track tapes. We don’t think that Pop Century is the best Disney World hotel, but it is a great option for those looking to save money and still have a great time!
Standard room rates start at: $168.00 Transportation options: Bus, Skyliner
Pop Century Resort Dining Options
Everything POP Shopping and Dining
Pop Century Resort Pros and Cons
Pros:Guests of this resort are within walking distance to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Many guests enjoy this, because it makes it easy for them to take advantage of the different dining options and swimming pools that Disney’s Art of Animation has to offer. However, that’s not to say that Pop Century doesn’t offer their own awesome amenities. With big pools and over the top theme make this one of the best Disney World hotels for families in 2021!
Cons:Unfortunately, like many of the Value resorts, Disney’s Pop Century Resort does not offer much else to keep the kids entertained besides the pool.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
We’ve come to what we think is the best Disney World hotel in the value category, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. While it is still the most value expensive resort, we feel it has more Disney theming than any other resort and makes you feel like you’re inside of a Disney movie. There are even family suites for those traveling with larger parties that are very fun and themed after some of our favorite Disney classics like Lion King and Cars.
You will not regret staying at Art of Animation resort with how true to Disney they kept this resort and theming. It is also a quick Skyliner stop away from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Standard room rates start at: $195.00 Transportation Options: Bus, Skyliner
Disney’s Art of Animation Dining Options
Landscape of Flavors
Disney’s Art of Animation Pros and Cons
Pros:This resort is a great option for those traveling with larger groups as suite-style rooms are available here. The theme is perfect inside and out for kids and adults who are obsessed with Disney movies. Even the room options are fully dressed with fun decor. Their food court offers a bunch of different menu items to please anyone.
Cons:Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, this resort fluctuates in price, sometimes costing just as much as a Deluxe resort.
What are the Best Disney Moderate Resorts? – Pros & Cons
Moderate hotels at Disney World are a happy medium between deluxe and value resorts. This is a great option for those who plan to spend the majority of their time at the parks but may want to have a pool day before they leave, or just want more dining and shopping options close by. They all offer fun activities and complimentary transportation to the parks as well.
What are the best Disney World moderate resorts?
Disney’s Coronado Springs
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Port Orleans Resorts (Riverside & French Quarter)
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs is a super unique resort that is commonly used for business conferences and larger Disney events. This resort is beautifully themed with a mix of Southwest American, Spanish and Mexican cultures as inspiration as decor. It is a beautiful lakeside oasis that is perfect to be in the running for the best Disney World hotel.
Standard room rates start at: $240.00 Transportation Options: Bus
Disney’s Coronado Springs Dining Options
Toledo – Tapas, Steak and Seafood
Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago
Rix Sports Bar & Grill
Dahlia Lounge
Barcelona Lounge
Siestas Cantina
Maya Grill
Cafe Rix
El Mercado de Coronado
Laguna Bar
Disney’s Coronado Springs Pros and Cons
Pros:The theme atCoronado Springs is gorgeous, tasteful and bold. You just might forget you’re staying at a Disney resort! The Lost City of Cibola is considered one of Disney World hotels best pools for kids and adults alike.This resort packs a huge pyramid, a jacuzzi, and a quick-service restaurant all nearby. Plus, Disney just added the Grand Destino Tower which includes suite and concierge-style services.
Cons:Like all of the moderate resorts, the resort is quite large and all of the buildings/dining areas are spread out. Unless you are staying in the new tower with concierge service, the other areas of the resort are not easily accessible.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
While Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort might not be the best Disney World hotel, we love this option for families and those looking for easy transportation around the Walt Disney World property. The theming of this resort is all about the Caribbean with bright colors, lush landscapes and even 5 different islands: Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba.
Standard room rates start at: $248.00 Transportation Options: Bus, Skyliner
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Dining Options
Sebastian’s Bistro
Centertown Market
Banana Cabana
Spyglass Grill
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Pros and Cons
Pros:With recent renovations, this resort has added some awesome new dining locations with super unique menu items. The pirate pool is expertly themed with forts and water cannons that makes playtime more magical than ever. The grounds are beautifully kept and will make you feel like you’re really in the Caribbean.
Cons:With such vast grounds, getting around the resort itself can be time consuming. Even when going to or coming home from the parks, there are multiple bus stops throughout the property which essentially eats away at your time. We do not consider this one of the best Walt Disney World hotels in 2021 for families with small children.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter
If you’re looking for sophisticated resorts with delicious dining and super unique theming, the Port Orleans Resorts are perfect for you. There are two different resorts at Port Orleans – Riverside and French Quarter, and each offer an environment that is perfect for some of the best Disney World hotels. Both of these resorts are beautifully picturesque and romantic, but still not horribly expensive and wont break the bank.
And of course … beignets!
Standard room rates start at: $266.00 Transportation Options: Boat, Bus
Port Orleans Resorts Dining
Riverside Mill Food Court (Riverside)
River Roost (Riverside)
Muddy Rivers (Riverside)
Boatwright’s Dining Hall (Riverside)
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (French Quarter)
Scat Cat’s Club (French Quarter)
Mardi Grogs (French Quarter)
Port Orleans Resorts Pros and Cons
Pros:Just a boat ride away from Disney Springs! This is a great option for groups who plan on enjoying the shopping, dining and nightlife that Disney Springs has to offer. The theme throughout both sections are beautiful, giving a southern charm feel throughout the grounds. Plus, there’s plenty of pathways for quiet strolls accompanied by beautiful landscapes and scenery. We find this to be one of the best Disney World deluxe resorts for adults.
Cons:With such vast grounds, getting around the resort itself can be time-consuming. Even when going to or coming home from the parks, there are multiple bus stops throughout the property which essentially eats away at your time.
What are the Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts? – Pros & Cons of Disney Resorts
No one does luxury like Disney! Deluxe resorts are the priciest option, but rest assured the price is well worth the elevated experience you’ll have. During your stay, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of a high-end resort in a gorgeous, themed setting. Benefits include close proximity to the parks, transportation, and other amenities unique to each resort. Below, we’ve gathered the pros and cons for each Disney World deluxe hotel to help you choose the best hotel resort in Disney World in 2021!
What are the best Disney World deluxe resorts?
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Saratoga Springs
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort got an entire overhaul and now has an exciting Incredibles theme throughout the main building. Guests will love the upscale and modern feel of the Contemporary resort while enjoying the incredible views of Magic Kingdom theme park. You cannot get any closer than the Contemporary, and that is why it is one of the best Disney World hotels.
Standard room rates start at: $531.00 per night Transportation Options: Boat, Bus, Monorail
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Dining
Steakhouse 71
California Grill
Chef Mickeys
Contemporary Grounds
Cove Bar
Outer Rim
The Sand Bar
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Pros and Cons
Pros:The Contemporary Resort has the honor of being the only hotel on Disney Property in which you can walk to the Magic Kingdom. This can save you a tremendous amount of time when it comes to traveling back and forth to the Magic Kingdom. Especially after the fireworks when getting a bus back to your resort can take longer than waiting in line to ride Space Mountain! This alone makes it one of the best hotels in Disney World for families. Beyond being in a great location, this hotel is also home to chef Mickey’s one of the more popular character dining options.
Cons:The Contemporary is not ideal for anybody that does not have the Magic Kingdom on their itinerary. Although it is the only resort in which the monorail travels straight through the lobby to pick up guests, there are very similar Deluxe options closer to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
The Grand Floridian Resort is one of the Walt Disney World’s classics and most Disney lovers picture it when we talk about the best Disney World hotel. From the beautiful position on Seven Seas Lagoon to the intricate detailing throughout, you will feel like royalty staying at this resort. While The Grand Floridian is still one of the best Disney World hotels, we do feel that it is a little outdated. If you’re going for nostalgia though, The Grand Floridian is one of the major icons of Walt Disney World.
Standard room rates start at: $763.00 per night Transportation Options: Boat, Bus, Monorail
Disney’s Grand Floridian Dining Options
Citricos
Narcoossee’s
Grand Floridian Cafe
Enchanted Rose
Gasparilla Island Grill
Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
Courtyard Pool Bar
1900 Park Fare
Garden View Tea Room
Victoria & Albert’s
Disney’s Grand Floridian Pros and Cons
Pros: The Grand Floridian has long been considered on of the best onsite Disney World Hotels. This resort has an amazing selection of restaurants, over-the-top themes, stunning pools, and even a new Beauty and the Beast-themed bar!At the Grand Floridian, there’s something for everyone. Some of our favorites include: dining with the characters at 1900 Park Fare, booking a cabana by the pool, and afternoon tea in the garden view tea room! The Grand Floridian is also one of the best Disney World hotels for adults, couples, and honeymoons due to the resort spa.
Cons:This is the most expensive hotel on Disney Property. If you’re not planning to visit the Magic Kingdom, there are more affordable Deluxe options closer to Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. While the Grand Floridian definitely packs a ton of wow-factor on the outside, and the lobby (especially around the holidays) is even more beautiful. However, for families with young kids, the rooms themselves are quite plain.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The Polynesian Resort is an enchanting hotel with incredible theming, especially now that it has been recently renovated with a Moana theme. Some of the best dining is available at this resort including being one of the only places you can get dole whip outside of a Disney theme park. The Polynesian is also one of the best Disney World hotels to view the brand new Magic Kingdom fireworks show, Disney’s Enchantment.
Standard room rates start at: $633.00 per night Transportation Options: Boat, Bus, Monorail
Disney’s Polynesian Resort Dining Options
Barefoot Pool Bar
Capt. Cook’s
Pineapple Lanai
Kona Cafe
Tambu Lounge
‘Ohana
Oasis Bar & Grill
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace
Kona Island
Disney’s Polynesian Resort Pros and Cons
Pros:You’ll find yourself completely immersed in the resorts Hawaiian theme as soon as you arrive. For kids, the resorts largest pool (the Lava Pool), features a slide that goes straight through a volcano! This alone makes it one of the best pools in Disney World.Plus, it’s just a short monorail ride to The Magic Kingdom. Our favorite thing about this resort is that the beach offers a breathtaking view of The Magic Kingdom fireworks at night. You can even purchase a stay at one of the Disney Vacation Club villas right on the water. The Polynesian is one of the best hotels in Disney World for families.
Cons: Just like The Contemporary and The Grand Floridian, given this resorts high price point, it is not ideal if The Magic Kingdom is not on your agenda.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a sprawling resort, and personally one of our favorites due to all of the unique offerings. If you like to warm up to a cozy fire and feel like you’re in an upscale mountainside lodge, the Wilderness Lodge is for you! There is not only incredible theming, but also many different activities for guests to participate in during their stay. It truly is one of the best Disney World hotels on property.
Get lost while following the nature trails, exploring the winding creeks while enjoying the beauty of America’s Great Northwest.
Standard room rates start at: $439.00 per night Transportation Options: Boat, Bus
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Dining
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Roaring Fork
Territory Lounge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Pros and Cons
Pros:The Wilderness Lodge has one of the most intricately themed lobbies on Disney property. It also has a lower price point than most other Deluxe resorts, making it one of the best Disney World resort hotels for families on a budget.The pools and splash pad pack a fun slide and a water dumping bucket to keep kids entertained for hours. Plus, the resort is built on Bay Lake, with the Magic Kingdom a short boat ride away through seven seas lagoon.
Cons: Room sizes are known to be smaller and a bit dark. Also, if you’re used to quick service restaurants on-property, there aren’t many options here.
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht and Beach club are nestled up right into the backside of EPCOT and are only a short walk away from the International Gateway. These resorts are very upscale with elegant nautical themes throughout the rooms, restaurants and pool areas. The Yacht and Beach club are some of the best Disney World hotels because of how truly beautiful the decor is – you feel like royalty!
Standard room rates start at: $522.00 per night Transportation Options: Boat, Bus, Skyliner
Beach and Yacht Club Dining Options
Cape May Cafe
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
Beach Club Marketplace
Martha’s Vineyard
Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill
Ale & Compass Restaurant
The Market at Ale & Compass
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Crew Cup Lounge
Beach and Yacht Club Pros and Cons
Pros: The Yacht and Beach Club resort is one of the best hotels inside Disney World if you’re looking to have a more relaxing vacation. You simply cannot beat the Storm-Along Bay sand bottom beach theme pool. In our opinion, this hotel is number one on the list of best pools in Disney World! Our favorite parts of this beach pool include the lazy river, the poolside bar, and the huge pirate ship-themed water slide. Another thing we love about this resort is that it’s right next door to Beaches & Cream soda shop, home of the ever-so-popular Kitchen Sink Sundae.
Cons: Your entire party must be staying at the resort in order to use the pool. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are traveling with a large group that plans to get together during the day. Besides this we still find this to be one of the best Disney World hotels for families and best Disney World hotels for adults.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a vacation in itself with everything it has to offer between restaurants, shops and entertainment. The BoardWalk is one of the best Disney World hotels because of simply: the BoardWalk. Along the waterside docks you can find a dueling piano bar, Jelly Rolls, any kind of Italian food you can think of, games and more! You will not be board staying at the BoardWalk in, especially with the Atlantic City style theming.
Pros: Besides the obvious advantages of being located on the Disney Boardwalk, this resort is also just a short walk to the back entrance of Epcot and a 20-minute walk or a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. With the opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, this is one of the best Disney world hotels to stay at for all Star Wars fans hoping to be close to the action.
Cons: Because of its close proximity to Epcot, this resort can book up fast during the fall season. It’s considered one of the best Disney World hotels for couples during Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. Guests interested in staying at this resort in the Fall should start planning their trip at least 10-12 months in advance.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Are you looking to watch wild safari animals right outside of your hotel room window? At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can do just that with four different savannas with real animals roaming about them. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the best dining on all of property, which definitely makes it one of the best Disney World hotels.
Standard room rates start at: $450.00 Transportation Options: Bus
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining Options
Jiko
Boma
The Mara
Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar
Victoria Falls Lounge
Uzima Springs Pools Bar
Sanaa
Maji Pool Bar
Wanyama Safari and Dinner
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Pros and Cons
Pros:With Savanna view rooms, Disney brings the African Safari directly to you with animals like giraffes and zebras grazing below you. The dining options are spectacular, with restaurants like Boma, Sanaaa, and Jiko which feature authentic African cuisine and buffet-style dining.
Cons:As far as Deluxe resorts go, this resort is unfortunately far off the beaten path. Plus, buses are your only form of complimentary transportation which isn’t ideal if you’re sightseeing throughout Disney properties for the day. For this reason, we do not consider this one of the best hotels in Disney World for families with small children.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs is one of the best Disney Springs hotels, overlooking all of the nightlife that the Springs has to offer! Themed after the Saratoga Horse Race Course in New York, you can find beautiful pastel Victorian buildings that guests can stay in.
Rates Start at: $444.00
Transportation: Boat, Bus
Saratoga Springs Dining Options
The Turf Club Bar and Grill
The Artist’s Palette
The Paddock Grill
The Turf Club Lounge
Backstretch Pool Bar
Chip ‘n Dale’s Cafe
Saratoga Springs Pros and Cons
Pros: If you are traveling with a large group on a budget, the Treehouse Villas are one of the best resort accommodations you can find. The grounds are lush and beautiful, making relaxing strolls throughout the resort a great way to unwind.
Cons: Besides the impressive villas, the other room options are pretty underwhelming, especially for a Deluxe Resort. For park goers, the only way to get around are the Disney buses.
A: There are a few options that would be the best Disney World hotel for adults! Some of our favorite Disney hotels for adults are Coronado Springs Resort, The BoardWalk Inn, Port Orleans – French Quarter and The Polynesian Resort.
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Michael Belmont
Michael Belmont is the owner and chief editor at Theparkprodigy.com, an authorized Disney and Universal travel agent. He specializes in Disney and Universal theme park tickets and vacation packages, as well as daily park plans to help optimize vacation time. Michael and The Park Prodigy have been featured on ABC’s Florida affiliate, WTFV, as well as over 10 Disney focused blogs. As owner, Michael manages The Park Prodigy blog and social media, a Disney themed podcast, and a Disney and Universal focused YouTube channel. Prior to starting The Park Prodigy, Michael was a long time Disney and Universal enthusiast, frequent visitor of the parks, and even served as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida!
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