Choosing where to stay can be one of the biggest decisions you make when planning a Walt Disney World vacation.

While every Disney Resort hotel keeps you inside the magic, the experience can vary dramatically depending on the resort you choose. Location, transportation, room size, dining, recreation and proximity to your favorite theme parks can all affect how your vacation feels.

Walt Disney World Resort hotels generally fall into three main categories:

Disney also offers a collection of Deluxe Villa Resorts, which include Disney Vacation Club accommodations ranging from Deluxe Studios to multi-bedroom villas and cabins.

Here’s a closer look at your options.

Disney Value Resorts

Disney Value Resorts are generally the most affordable way to stay within the Disney Resorts Collection.

They feature larger-than-life Disney theming, food courts, pools, complimentary Disney transportation and many of the same onsite benefits available to guests staying at higher-category Disney hotels.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Resort Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Bus

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort celebrates classic Disney and Pixar films with oversized icons and colorful themed areas.

The resort is a great option for families who want unmistakable Disney theming while keeping the hotel portion of their vacation more affordable.

Guests will find:

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Resort Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Bus

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort celebrates musical genres ranging from jazz and Broadway to rock ‘n’ roll and country.

In addition to traditional hotel rooms, the resort offers Family Suites, making it an option worth considering for larger families who need more space.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Resort Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Bus

Sports fans will recognize larger-than-life football helmets, basketball hoops, surfboards and other athletic icons throughout Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort.

It offers the same general Value Resort experience as the other All-Star properties, including pools, casual dining and complimentary bus transportation.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Resort Area: Wide World of Sports Resort Area
Transportation: Bus and Disney Skyliner

Disney’s Pop Century Resort celebrates pop culture from decades past with colorful oversized icons throughout the property.

One of its biggest advantages is access to the Disney Skyliner, which connects guests with:

Pop Century can be an excellent choice for guests who want Value Resort pricing with more convenient transportation options.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Resort Area: Wide World of Sports Resort Area
Transportation: Bus and Disney Skyliner

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort features some of the most immersive Disney theming in the Value category.

The resort includes areas inspired by:

Most of the resort consists of spacious Family Suites, which can be especially useful for larger families.

Like Pop Century, Art of Animation also has access to the Disney Skyliner.

Disney Moderate Resorts

Disney Moderate Resorts typically provide more elaborate grounds, additional dining and recreation options and a more relaxed resort atmosphere than the Value properties.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Resort Area: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Bus and Disney Skyliner

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort surrounds guests with colorful island-inspired villages, tropical landscaping and beaches around Barefoot Bay.

One of its biggest advantages is that the resort serves as the central hub of the Disney Skyliner system.

Guests can travel by Skyliner to:

Because of the resort’s size, room location can make a significant difference in your stay.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Resort Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Bus

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort combines Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American influences with one of the most sophisticated atmospheres in the Moderate category.

The resort includes Gran Destino Tower, which offers an experience that can feel closer to a Deluxe hotel while still being part of Coronado Springs.

You’ll also find:

Coronado Springs can be an especially strong choice for couples and adults who prefer a more upscale atmosphere.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Resort Area: Disney Springs Resort Area
Transportation: Bus and select boat transportation to Disney Springs

Port Orleans Riverside is inspired by the rural Louisiana bayou and grand Southern mansions.

The expansive property features two distinct accommodation areas surrounded by waterways and lush landscaping.

Guests can also take a boat to Disney Springs when service is available.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Resort Area: Disney Springs Resort Area
Transportation: Bus and select boat transportation to Disney Springs

Port Orleans French Quarter is the smaller and more intimate of Disney’s two Port Orleans resorts.

Inspired by New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, the resort features cobblestone-style streets, wrought-iron details and colorful Mardi Gras touches.

Its smaller footprint makes it particularly appealing to guests who prefer a resort that is easier to navigate.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney Deluxe Resorts offer some of the best locations, transportation options, dining and recreation available at Walt Disney World.

Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts also receive access to Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights at select parks, in addition to Early Theme Park Entry. Disney has confirmed both benefits will continue through 2027.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Resort Area: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Monorail, bus and walking access to Magic Kingdom

The Contemporary is one of Walt Disney World’s original resorts.

Its biggest advantage may be its location: guests can walk to Magic Kingdom.

The Disney Monorail also travels directly through the resort’s iconic A-frame tower.

Room categories range from standard accommodations to Theme Park View and Club Level rooms and suites.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Resort Area: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Monorail, watercraft and bus

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is another original Walt Disney World hotel and remains one of the resort’s most popular Deluxe properties.

Guests can enjoy:

The Polynesian is especially popular with families and couples who want convenient Magic Kingdom access while still feeling like they’re at a tropical resort.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Resort Area: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Monorail, watercraft, bus and walking access to Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Walt Disney World’s flagship Victorian-inspired resort.

Guests can walk or take the monorail to Magic Kingdom and enjoy some of Disney’s most elevated dining and accommodations.

It can be particularly appealing for:

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Resort Area: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Watercraft and bus

Inspired by the grand lodges of America’s national parks, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers one of the most dramatic resort lobbies at Walt Disney World.

Although it isn’t located on the monorail, complimentary boat transportation provides convenient access to Magic Kingdom.

The resort also shares its property with Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Resort Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Bus

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers one of the most unique resort experiences at Walt Disney World.

Savannas surrounding the resort are home to African wildlife, and guests can book select rooms with direct savanna views.

The resort is also known for some of Walt Disney World’s most distinctive dining.

For animal lovers or travelers who want their hotel to feel like a destination itself, Animal Kingdom Lodge can be an excellent choice.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Resort Area: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Watercraft, bus and walking access to EPCOT

Disney’s Beach Club Resort has an especially valuable location for EPCOT fans.

Guests can walk to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance and can also walk or boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Beach Club shares the impressive Stormalong Bay pool complex with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Resort Area: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Watercraft, bus and walking access to EPCOT

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort shares many amenities with neighboring Beach Club but has a more refined nautical atmosphere.

Like Beach Club, guests can walk to EPCOT and reach Hollywood Studios by boat or walking path.

Yacht Club also shares Stormalong Bay with Beach Club.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Resort Area: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Watercraft, bus and walking access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn recreates the atmosphere of an early-20th-century Atlantic Coast boardwalk.

The location is one of its strongest benefits.

Guests can walk to both:

Restaurants, nightlife and entertainment are located around Crescent Lake and Disney’s BoardWalk.

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Disney’s Deluxe Villa Resorts offer many of the amenities associated with Deluxe Resorts along with home-like accommodations.

Depending on the property and room category, guests can choose from:

Many one-bedroom and larger villas include:

You do not have to be a Disney Vacation Club member to stay in many of these accommodations when they are available for cash reservations through Disney.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Located beside the Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower offers Villa accommodations within walking distance of Magic Kingdom.

Guests also have convenient access to the Contemporary’s restaurants and monorail station.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Boulder Ridge Villas combine the rustic atmosphere of Wilderness Lodge with Disney Vacation Club accommodations.

Guests share transportation, recreation and dining with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Copper Creek offers Deluxe Studios and Villas along with spectacular waterfront Cascade Cabins.

The larger villas and cabins can provide significantly more space for families or multigenerational groups.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort

The newest Fort Wilderness cabins offer an updated take on Disney’s campground experience.

Each cabin sleeps up to six and includes:

The cabins are located throughout Disney’s expansive Fort Wilderness property, where guests can also enjoy outdoor recreation, pools and entertainment such as Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House

Jambo House combines Villa accommodations with the dramatic lobby, dining and savanna experiences of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Kidani Village is a separate Disney Vacation Club section of Animal Kingdom Lodge with its own lobby, pool and accommodations.

Its Villas can be particularly useful for larger families, and many offer savanna views.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Beach Club Villas provide Disney Vacation Club accommodations just steps from EPCOT.

Guests also have access to the amenities of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, including Stormalong Bay.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas combine Villa accommodations with the walkable EPCOT Resort Area location of Disney’s BoardWalk.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian offer Disney Vacation Club accommodations alongside Disney’s flagship Deluxe Resort.

Guests enjoy convenient access to Magic Kingdom by monorail, boat or walking path.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort was the original Disney Vacation Club resort.

Its accommodations are known for being particularly spacious compared with many newer DVC properties.

Guests can enjoy a relaxed Florida Keys-inspired atmosphere and select boat transportation to Disney Springs.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows includes several distinct accommodation styles.

Options include:

Guests share the amenities and convenient Magic Kingdom transportation of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Island Tower is one of the newest additions to Walt Disney World’s resort lineup.

Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Island Tower includes:

Select accommodations offer views of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon.

The tower also features its own pool, tropical terrace gardens and dining while retaining access to the amenities and transportation available throughout Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort is a standalone Disney Vacation Club property inspired by Europe and the Mediterranean.

One of its greatest advantages is access to the Disney Skyliner, providing convenient transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Riviera offers accommodations ranging from Duo Studios for two guests to spacious multi-bedroom villas.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs, New York, this sprawling Disney Vacation Club resort is located near Disney Springs.

Select sections provide convenient walking access to Disney Springs, while boat transportation may also be available.

Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The Treehouse Villas offer some of Disney World’s most unusual accommodations.

Raised among the trees, they provide a secluded, residential-style experience while remaining part of Saratoga Springs Resort.

What About Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground?

In addition to the Disney Vacation Club cabins, The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort remain available.

Guests can bring:

Fort Wilderness offers a very different Disney experience with outdoor recreation, horseback riding, golf cart rentals, campfire activities and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

What’s Coming Next? Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge

Disney is currently building an entirely new Disney Resorts Collection property along Bay Lake.

Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is scheduled to open in summer 2027.

Disney says the nature-inspired resort will include 967 rooms, ranging from studios to suites, along with new one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses.

The resort will also feature an outdoor recreation area known as The Wetlands, which is expected to include:

As Disney releases additional information about dining, accommodations and booking availability, this will become another option to consider for future Walt Disney World vacations.

What Are the Benefits of Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel?

All eligible Disney Resorts Collection guests receive several onsite benefits.

Early Theme Park Entry

Disney Resort hotel guests can enter all four Walt Disney World theme parks 30 minutes before regular opening each day.

Disney has confirmed Early Theme Park Entry will continue through 2027.

Earlier Lightning Lane Access

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can purchase eligible Lightning Lane passes and select experiences up to seven days before their stay.

Complimentary Disney Transportation

Depending on the resort, transportation may include:

Transportation options vary by property.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Guests staying at eligible Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts can enjoy Extended Evening Theme Park Hours at select parks on select nights.

Disney has confirmed this benefit will continue through 2027.

Complimentary Water Park Admission During Eligible Summer Stays

For qualifying arrivals during summer 2026, eligible Disney Resorts Collection guests receive complimentary admission to a Disney water park on their check-in day.

Disney has also announced that the benefit will return for eligible Resort hotel guests during summer 2027, with certain exclusions.

Value vs. Moderate vs. Deluxe: Which Disney Resort Is Right for Me?

There isn’t one Disney resort that’s best for every family.

Choose a Value Resort if:

Choose a Moderate Resort if:

Choose a Deluxe Resort if:

Choose a Deluxe Villa Resort if:

Does Resort Location Really Matter?

Absolutely.

Location can have just as much impact on your Walt Disney World vacation as the resort category.

For example:

Magic Kingdom-focused trip:
Consider Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge.

EPCOT and Hollywood Studios-focused trip:
Consider Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk, Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century or Art of Animation.

Animal Kingdom-focused trip:
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers the closest Deluxe Resort experience.

Disney Springs-focused trip:
Saratoga Springs or Port Orleans can be excellent options.

There isn’t one universally perfect location — it depends on the way you plan to spend your vacation.

Which Walt Disney World Resort Should I Choose?

With so many resorts, Villas and room categories available, choosing based solely on price can be a mistake.

We look at factors such as:

Sometimes paying slightly more for the right location can save you significant travel time throughout your vacation.

Other times, a Value or Moderate Resort may offer everything you need without paying for amenities you won’t use.

Ready to Choose Your Walt Disney World Resort?

Your Disney Resort isn’t simply somewhere to sleep.

It can become an important part of your Walt Disney World vacation — whether that means walking to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary, taking the Skyliner from Riviera, watching animals from your balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge or spending an afternoon relaxing at the Grand Floridian.

With so many room categories and resort styles available, we’ll help you narrow down the options and choose a Disney Resort hotel that fits the way you want to vacation.

Complete our vacation quote request and we’ll help you compare your Walt Disney World Resort options, vacation package and available offers.