Our team recommends staying on Disney property when visiting the Walt Disney World parks in Orlando.
Here are our top reasons why.
You Get to Stay in the Middle of the Magic
From the moment you open your eyes until you shut them after long magical days you get to have Disney all around you.
Get Around Quickly
For many this is a trip of a lifetime and something you and your family members will remember fondly for so many years. When you stay on property you get the advantage of getting to things more quickly to keep on making memories.
Early Theme Park Entry
Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry—available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks.
Complimentary Self-Parking
YAY, free parking at your resort for Walt Disney World guests has returned. You can find out more here.
Dining reservations
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort can book all the dining based on availability 60 days before your trip.
- Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day.
- All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance. – so if you are going to the parks for four days, you will need to make dining for each day, not all at once.
Resort Categories
Walt Disney World has broken their resort hotels into categories to make it super easy to work within your budget for your magical vacation.
My Favorite Walt Disney Resorts and Why
Check out our Youtube Channel for Walt Disney World resort tour videos with our team.
Deluxe Resorts
Depending on what parks you are visiting the most and how much time you are spending in the park’s effects which deluxe resort I recommend.
Magic Kingdom with small kids I recommend the Magic Kingdom area resorts.
Wilderness Lodge
A short boat ride away and a super relaxed feel. I could easily go and just stay at the Wilderness Lodge. Check out my video, and you can see why I love this resort so much. Resort Tour of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Polynesian
You feel like you’ve traveled to the South Pacific while staying a short boat or monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. Disneys Polynesian Village Resort
The Grand Floridan
This is the crown jewel of Walt Disney World resorts. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Tour
If you visit Epcot and/or Hollywood Studios a lot, these are my suggestions.
Boardwalk Inn and Villas
A fun, festive area within walking distance of Epcot and on the Skyliner. The nightlife is fun at this resort too. Disneys BoardWalk Villas
Beach Club and Yacht Club
This resort is within walking distance of Epcot and on the Skyliner. Beach Club has the best swimming pool at Walt Disney World with a sand-bottom pool. Disneys Beach Club Villas
Rivera Resort
This is one of the newest resorts at Walt Disney World, with great theming and a great atmosphere. Resort tour of Disneys Riviera Resort
Animal Kingdom Lodge
This is a great option if you don’t mind being a little further away from Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot, it is an incredible place to stay. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Tour
Moderate Resorts
Coronado Springs Resort
The tower is a moderate resort but feels more deluxe. I personally love staying in the tower. Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Port Orleans French Quarter
This is an excellent option for someone who likes a smaller resort.
The Caribbean Beach
This resort is right on the skyliner; perfect for those who like to get around quickly.
Value Resorts
Two go-to Value Resorts are Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century Resort; both are on the Skyliner.
Check out the theming at Art of Animation Resort; Resort Tour of Art of Animation.
Embrace the Journey Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and we would love to put our expert knowledge to work assisting in planning your perfect Walt Disney World Vacation.