Walt Disney World hotels: Where to stay on your Disney vacation

in Disney, Hotel, Theme Parks, Travel, Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Grand floridian

Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World is the most magical place on earth, and Disney hotels are some of the happiest places you could ever stay at while on vacation. But with dozens of Walt Disney World Resort hotels, choosing the right one for your trip can be quite the challenge. Cost, location, theming, and even time of year can contribute to which hotel you choose for your Disney vacation. To help, we’re sharing the different types of hotels at Walt Disney World Resort to give you a better idea of where you can stay on your next trip.

There are multiple types of hotels at Walt Disney World. There are Disney-owned resort hotels (which are categorized by four different types), and there are also those that are considered official Walt Disney World hotels but aren’t operated by Disney.

Disney’s Value resorts

Disney\'s Pop Century Table Football Game
Credit: Disney

Value resorts are the lowest-priced hotels on Disney property, as they typically range in price between $100 and $200 per night (though the amount may vary depending on the time of year). They are a great option for families with young children, as they are themed with larger-than-life icons and Disney characters, and they are the most affordable Disney resorts. If you are planning to be at the theme parks during most of your trip, a Value resort may be the best option for you, as it may make more sense to pick the lower-priced hotels if you won’t be spending much time there. But because of their affordable price point, Value resorts can often fill up fast, so the earlier you decide to book, the better chance you have at getting a room at a less expensive Disney resort. Click here for a list of Value resorts at Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Moderate resorts

Coronado Spring Resort
Credit: Disney

These are the mid-priced resort hotels at Walt Disney World. Moderate resorts can generally range in price between $200 and $300 per night depending on the season. These resorts are very well-themed to different parts of the world, from New Orleans to the Caribbean, and they are a great step up from Value resorts because of the amenities they offer. Moderates are great for families and couples who want to spend a bit more money on comfort while on vacation but don’t want to break the bank. Plus, if Disney has a great vacation offer going on, you may be able to snag a room at a Moderate resort for around the same price as a Value. How awesome is that? Click here for a list of Walt Disney World’s Moderate resorts.

Disney’s Deluxe resorts

Disney\'s Boardwalk

Deluxe resorts are the most expensive Disney-owned resort hotels, and the most beautiful. Ranging in price anywhere between $300 to upwards of $600 per night, these resorts are luxurious and unforgettable. They offer pristine amenities, activities for the whole family, and impeccable theming that you can only find at Disney. Like all Disney resort hotels, Deluxe resorts are great for families, friends, and couples, so you can’t go wrong no matter where you stay. Plus, Deluxe resorts are often the closest to the theme parks, offering convenient monorail, boat, or walking access to your favorite attractions. Because the price range is so broad, we highly recommend trying to book these resorts whenever Disney offers a great vacation deal so you can save as much money as possible. Click here for a list of Walt Disney World Deluxe resorts.

Disney Vacation Club Resorts

A wooden cabin in front of Disney\'s Grand Floridian Resort

Several resorts at Walt Disney World are also Disney Vacation Club resorts. Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s version of a timeshare program in which guests purchase points to use on their Disney vacations. These vacation points can be used on a variety of room types, from studios to three-bedroom villas, making it easy for DVC owners to customize their Disney vacations at Disney Vacation Club Resorts, as well as over 4,000 other vacation destinations worldwide. Several resorts at Walt Disney World are Disney Vacation Club, so click here for a list. 

Other hotels at Walt Disney World

Swan and Dolphin Hotel

In addition to Disney-owned-and-operated resorts, there are plenty of other hotels to choose from at Walt Disney World. Some of these hotels (like the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin) are official Walt Disney World hotels, meaning that guests can access exclusive amenities like Extra Magic Hours, advanced FastPass+ reservations, and even character dining at your hotel. Other hotels are within a close distance of Walt Disney World property and are considered Good Neighbor Hotels, meaning they are off-property but recommended by Disney. For more information on other accommodations and to compare prices, click here.

Want to book a Walt Disney World vacation?

Disney Characters in front of Cinderella\'s Castle

With dozens of Walt Disney World hotels to choose from, it can be stressful trying to figure out which one to stay at. Inside the Magic highly suggests working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner when booking or planning a Disney vacation. Academy Travel is our preferred resource for all Disney vacation bookings because of their expertise and service. If you’re interested in receiving more information about Walt Disney World hotels and more, click here for a free, no-obligation vacation quote.

What is your favorite hotel at Walt Disney World, and what is your dream hotel to stay at? Let us know in the comments!

in Disney, Hotel, Theme Parks, Travel, Walt Disney World

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