Where should you stay during your Walt Disney World vacation? There are many options from budget friendly to luxury resorts, and everything in-between. This makes an on property stay at Disney World accessible to most guests planning their Disney trip.
There are more than 25 resorts at Walt Disney World. Disney Resorts offer standard rooms with budget friendly prices to family themed suites and luxury amenities. Depending on your Disney budget you will be able to find something that fits your traveling needs.
All Disney resorts offer perks to guests staying at the resorts. There is also complimentary transportation between hotels and parks.
Walt Disney World Resorts
With such great options I always recommend staying at a Disney World resort hotel. You may save a little money staying off-site, but the perks really make it worth it, plus parking, renting a car and drive time can make it a wash.
Keep in mind there is not a dedicated transportation option to and from the Orlando International Airport. You will need to rely on public transportation, ride share services, or taxi/uber. (I will have a post about this soon!)
Disney Deluxe Resorts
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney Moderate Resorts
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
Disney Value Resorts
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney Partner Resorts
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Wat Disney World Swan Reserve
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
- Disney Springs Area Hotels
Why We Choose Onsite Disney Resorts
As a family we have stayed at 6 out of the 9 of the resorts with our 7th stay coming up this summer. I always recommend staying on property. You may save a bit of money staying at a off-site hotel, but if you are planning on spending your entire vacation at Universal staying on property is a great option. These are the guest perks:
- Early Theme Park Entry– Guests can enter all four theme parks 30 minutes before official park opening time.
- Extended Evening Theme Park Hours- Guests staying at a Deluxe resort or the Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green can enjoy extended evening hours after official park closing time. These are offered on select nights and select parks. Check for hours.
- Water Park Ticket “Free”- For the remainder of 2025 and possibly into 2026 guests will receive a check-in day water park ticket to be used at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.
- Transportation– Disney guests can use the complimentary bus, boat, or monorail transportation to get between the resorts and theme parks. This saves money on parking, gas, as well as the stress of Orlando traffic. We like to take mid-day breaks during our park days and hopping on a bus is much easier than getting in car driving back to hotel and then driving back later in the day.
- Lightning Lane Reservation Window– Onsite guests can purchase and make their Lightning Lane reservations up to 7 days from check-in day. This is before off-site guests can make them and can allow you to secure the most popular attractions. Lightning Lane is an additional cost and starts around $18/a person per day.
- Dining Reservation Window- All guests can make dining reservations 60 days in advance but on-site guests can book 60 days from the start of their check-in date. This allows you to make reservations a little earlier than the public for reservations later in your trip.
- All-Inclusive Feel- The hotels are not all inclusive but it is nice to take a little break from the outside world and feel like you are in the Disney bubble.
When Should You Stay Off Property
There are times you may want to stay off property. Maybe you are traveling with a group of families and need a house. If you are visiting other places in Orlando other than Disney World it may also make sense to stay off property.
If you are considering staying off property for budget reasons I encourage you to compare the prices. Be sure to add in parking costs, gas, renting cars, and all the extras.
Disney World does not charge a nightly parking fee at their resorts or the Florida resort fees, be sure to check these when booking and compare costs.
Staying at a Disney World resort can enhance your vacation. Ultimately it is a personal preference but I hope I have convinced you to compare different accommodation options for your next Disney World trip.
