10 Disney World Luxury Hotels for an Extra-Magical Holiday

When Disney World first opened its doors 50 years ago, there was only one theme park and two hotels. Today, the sprawling resort complex is home to over 20 themed Walt Disney World hotels as well as four of the world’s most popular theme parks. With that in mind, planning a Disney World vacation may appear daunting, but don’t worry — we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best hotels near Disney World to get you started.

There are a few things you should know about Disney World hotels before booking a room. Disney’s on-site hotels and resorts are classified as Deluxe, Deluxe Villas, Moderate, Value, and Campgrounds. All Disney resorts provide benefits such as complimentary theme park transportation, early park entry, and, of course, Disney-level theming and service. Deluxe properties are typically the most expensive, the closest to the theme parks (though this is not always the case), and the most luxurious, and beginning this fall, guests staying at a Deluxe resort will also be able to enjoy extended nighttime hours in the theme parks. There are also non-Disney hotels in the area, such as the Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria, that offer some of the same perks as Disney hotels.

Here are 10 of the best Disney World hotels, ranging from safari-inspired luxury hotels to guest-favorite properties celebrating 50 years of magical memories.

#1 Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, tucked away in a picturesque residential setting but only a short drive from the Disney World theme parks, offers five-star luxury with upscale accommodations, an outstanding food and beverage program, and incredible amenities. A beautifully landscaped family pool complex with waterslides and a lazy river, as well as an adults-only pool oasis, are available at the AAA Five Diamond resort (a rarity at Disney World). Adults will appreciate the luxurious amenities, which include a relaxing spa, the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando, and the rooftop Capa steakhouse and lounge. Furthermore, the Kids for All Seasons program provides supervised children’s activities, allowing parents to enjoy much-needed alone time. There’s also a character breakfast, rooms with views of the theme parks and nightly fireworks, and perks like early entry to the Disney parks for Disney fans.

Rooms and prices

#2 Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is nautical and sophisticated, with easy access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — both of which are a short walk, boat ride, or Skyliner ride away. Stormalong Bay is a three-acre themed pool area with a lazy river, waterslide, and other amenities at this Deluxe resort. The resort, as the name suggests, has an old-school New England yacht club theme that is elegant but not stuffy, and it has great views of the charming BoardWalk Inn across the lake.

#3 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

When you stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can begin each day by greeting giraffes, zebras, and other animals. With an African safari theme, this resort provides an experience unlike any other in the United States. The Deluxe resort is close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, but the animal programs and savanna-view rooms make it feel like it’s a part of the park. Other on-site amenities include themed pools and one-of-a-kind dining experiences that highlight African flavors.

#4 Waldorf Astoria Orlando

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando, located near the Disney theme parks and Disney Springs, offers a luxurious stay with perks such as transportation to the parks, early theme park entry, and rooms with theme park views. Among the amenities that make this a top choice for a hotel near Disney World are the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, the award-winning Bull & Bear restaurant, the Waldorf Astoria Spa, and the beautiful pools.

Rooms and prices

#5 Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The iconic A-frame main tower of Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened 50 years ago, and guests still love it. The modern Deluxe resort has a fantastic location — the monorail runs right through the middle of the hotel, and you can walk to Magic Kingdom Park — as well as a plethora of great amenities, such as fun pools and spectacular views. California Grill is a guest favorite, and Chef Mickey’s serves a character breakfast that is the ideal way to start a Disney-filled day. Just in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary, the resort received some updates, including a new dining venue, Steakhouse 71, and reimagined guest rooms with a “The Incredibles” theme.

#6 Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, one of two Disney World hotels dating back to the theme park resort’s opening day 50 years ago, is a guest favorite, loved for its Polynesian-inspired design and proximity to Magic Kingdom Park. The Polynesian Village Resort has excellent dining options, including Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, which serves tiki drinks with a Disney twist, Pineapple Lanai, which serves Dole Whips, and ‘Ohana, which serves breakfast and dinner. The Deluxe hotel’s monorail stop makes it simple to visit the theme parks, and you can even see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach. Overwater bungalows and new “Moana”-themed guest rooms have recently been added.

#7 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, like a few other properties on this list, aren’t owned by Disney, but their proximity to the parks and on-site Disney resort benefits make them worth a look. Furthermore, Marriott Bonvoy members will be pleased to learn that they can earn (or use) points at these Marriott-managed properties. Guests can take advantage of benefits such as early entry and extended hours at Disney parks, as well as complimentary transportation (you can even walk to Hollywood Studios or Epcot from these hotels). The hotels provide a variety of suites and guest rooms, as well as six pools and 18 restaurants and lounges. In addition, the brand-new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve opened in the fall of 2021.

Rooms and prices

#8 Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is ideal for families with young children, with hotel areas themed to “Finding Nemo,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” and “Cars” (and nostalgic adult guests). This Value resort provides excellent value for money, as guests can take advantage of bus and Skyliner transportation to the theme parks, as well as several pools. Family suites themed after the aforementioned Disney and Pixar animated films can sleep up to six guests, allowing the entire family to spread out and relax after days of riding Space Mountain and waving to Mickey Mouse.

#9 Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers rustic luxury with comfortable rooms and lots of character, with decor inspired by the country’s majestic national park lodges. The Deluxe resort offers boat transportation to Magic Kingdom (as well as bus transportation to other parks) and several eateries serving crowd-pleasing American fare. Themed pools and outdoor areas inspired by U.S. national parks give this Disney World hotel a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.

#10 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

When you check into Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you’re transported to a seaside Victorian resort (with a sprinkle of Disney flair, of course). This lovely Deluxe resort is only one monorail stop away from Magic Kingdom Park, and you can watch the nighttime fireworks or the Electrical Water Pageant for a magical end to a day at the theme parks. You can walk (or take the monorail) to the Magic Kingdom, take the monorail to Epcot, or take the buses to the other Disney parks from the resort. There are several dining options, including Enchanted Rose, a “Beauty and the Beast”-themed lounge, as well as pools, a spa, and other amenities.

Found something amazing? Spread the wonder and share it with your friends! 🥰