Compare All Disney Resorts
There are a lot of different Walt Disney World resorts to choose from and many decisions to make when booking your Disney package. Disney offers three levels of resorts to fit your budget needs: value, moderate, and deluxe resorts. Use the charts and information below to help you compare all Disney resorts.
Benefits of Staying on Property
Disney is really expensive. I know it; you know it; we all know it! You can certainly find cheaper hotel options staying off-property. I, however, always recommend staying on property because of all the added perks. On property benefits include:
- Early access 30 minutes prior to park opening every day
- Ability to book Genie+ reservations and Individual Lightning Lane starting at 7:00am even if you are not in the park
- Can order discounted MagicBands prior to arrival
- Make advanced dining reservations for your entire stay 60 days prior to arrival
- Online check-in
There are some other pretty standard amenities that you can expect at all Disney properties:
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Playgrounds
- Fitness Centers
- Quick service food options and pool bars
- Housekeeping
- Movie under the stars
- Kid activities such as nightly campfires
Hot Tip: Disney parks now require you to have reservation on the specific day you intend to visit a park. Prior to booking your resort package, always check for park reservation availability. Hotels also regularly do maintenance, so be sure to check their maintenance and refurbishment schedule before booking.
Disney constantly makes changes to their perks and benefits including their rules for early access and extended evening hours. Rules for Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes are also constantly changing, so I recommend getting the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World prior to any Disney trip planning. This will make sure you have the most up-to-date information on all the parks and resorts.
Be sure check out my blog post on how to understand Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes.
Value Resorts
Value resorts are the cheapest option for staying on Disney property. I recommend staying here if you are looking to spend most of your time in the parks and don’t want to blow your budget on accommodations. These resorts are also great for families with young kids because there is a lot of Disney theming featuring their favorite characters.
The Art of Animation and Pop Century resorts are slightly more expensive due to their access to the Skyliner, which connects the resort to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The All-Star resorts by comparison all share the same shuttles to get to and from the parks, which can add some extra time to your commute in the morning. Also, make note of which section of the resort you are staying in (as noted below). Some will add a twenty minute walk in the morning just to get to the shuttles.
Value resorts are limited in dining options compared to other resorts. There is one main food court that offers a variety of stations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also utilize mobile food ordering to get your food and bring it back to your room. The rooms are pretty standard hotel rooms, but offer a mini refrigerator, which is great for storing minimal snacks.
All-Star Music Resort
All-Star Music Resort highlights great musical styles and is perfect for any music lover. When booking rooms, note that the Calypso section will be closest to the shuttle transportation and the country section will be the farthest away.
| Closest Park | Animal Kingdom |
| Theming | Country, Broadway, Jazz, Rock, and Calypso |
| Rooms | Standard Rooms & Family Suites |
| Dining | Food Court |
| Amenities | Guitar & Piano Shaped Pools |
| Transportation | Shuttle |
All-Star Movie Resort
The All-Star Movie Resort is great for kids where they can see their oversized versions of their favorite Disney characters. At this resort, Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, and Fantasia will be the closest if you are utilizing the shuttle transportation to the parks. Whereas, The Mighty Ducks and The Love Bug sections will have the farthest walk to the food court and transportation.
| Closest Park | Animal Kingdom |
| Theming | 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, Herbie: The Love Bug |
| Rooms | Standard Rooms |
| Dining | Food Court |
| Amenities | Fantasia themed pool |
| Transportation | Shuttle |
All-Star Sports Resort
Your sports fanatic will love staying at the sports-themed All-Star Sports Resort. When making room reservations, the surfing themed rooms will be closest to the shuttles with baseball being the farthest away.
| Closest Park | Animal Kingdom |
| Theming | Baseball, Basketball, Football, Surfing, Tennis |
| Rooms | Standard rooms |
| Dining | Food Court |
| Amenities | Pools |
| Transportation | Shuttle |
Art of Animation
The Cars area is a cannot miss for its incredible theming. Art of Animation is a great resort for kids and families that are looking for easy access to the parks. The Finding Nemo section will be closest to your transportation options and The Little Mermaid will be farthest away.
| Closest Park | Hollywood Studios |
| Theming | Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid |
| Rooms | Standard rooms and family suites, dog friendly |
| Dining | Food Court |
| Amenities | Largest resort pool |
| Transportation | Shuttle, skyliner |
Pop Century
Jump into the past and experience nostalgia from all your favorite fads of the decades 1950s-1990s. If you want to minimize your walk to transportation, stay in the 1960s section. The 1990s will be the farthest away from the food court and shuttles.
| Closest Parks | Epcot and Hollywood Studios |
| Theming | 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, & 1990s |
| Rooms | Standard Rooms |
| Dining | Food Court |
| Amenities | Three pools |
| Transportation | Shuttle, skyliner |
Moderate Resorts
Moderate resorts are slightly more expensive than the value level resorts at Disney. Generally speaking, they offer more variety for transportation and more table service dining options. Additionally, you will find different room styles that suit the needs of your family.
Port Orleans Resort
Port Orleans Resort features the charming nature of Louisiana’s Bayou. It has two different sides of the resort: Riverside and French Quarter. It is loosely themed with Princess and the Frog characters.
| Closest Park | Disney Springs |
| Theming | Riverside and French Quarter, Princess and the Frog |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, dog friendly |
| Dining | Food court, Boatwright’s Dining Hall |
| Amenities | Pool with waterslide, horse drawn carriages, surrey bike rentals, Scat Cat’s Club (one-man jazz band) |
| Transportation | Ferry, shuttle |
Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Bring the outdoors in with the rustic cabins at Fort Wilderness! This location is unique with its fully furnished cabins in the woods with private patio and grill.
| Closest Park | Magic Kingdom |
| Theming | Rustic Charm |
| Rooms | Private Cabins |
| Dining | Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Trail’s End Restaurant |
| Amenities | Pool with waterslide, golf cart rentals |
| Transportation | Ferry, shuttle |
Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs blends together Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures. It features one of the coolest looking pools with a 50-ft Mayan pyramid and waterslide.
| Closest Park | Animal Kingdom |
| Theming | Spanish & Mexican Cultures |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, family suites, club-access benefits |
| Dining | Toledo (rooftop restaurant), Three Bridges Bar & Grill (lakefront restaurant), Maya Grill |
| Amenities | 50-ft Mayan pyramid pool with waterslide, Chronos Club (exclusive club-level benefit) |
| Transportation | Ferry, shuttle |
Caribbean Beach Resort
Capture the spirit of the Caribbean with nods to Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba. This resort stands out for its amazing pool with Spanish theming and two waterslides.
| Closest Park | Epcot |
| Theming | Caribbean |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, 5th sleeper options |
| Dining | Sebastian’s Bistro (family style) |
| Amenities | Spanish citadel pool with two slides and water cannons |
| Transportation | Shuttle, skyliner |
Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe resorts definitely offer you the most luxurious stays among all the Disney resorts. If you plan to spend less time in the parks and want to maximize your experience at the resort, then the deluxe options have the most to offer. Value resorts often attract young families or large groups. In comparison, deluxe resorts tend to be a lot quieter and relaxing.
Deluxe resorts offer the largest variety when it comes to rooms. Most resorts offer club-level access which come with their own concierge service to help you with all your Disney planning needs. Additionally, they offer the most options for sit-down table service dining and character dining. Some of the restaurants are so popular, such as Victoria & Albert’s or ‘Ohana, that they require advanced dining reservations.
Resorts such as the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian are along the monorail route which makes it extremely easy to get to the parks. A number of deluxe resorts are also within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. At value resorts, you might spend 30-minutes waiting for a shuttle, but you are far less likely to wait long at deluxe resorts due to the increased number of transportation options.
Lastly, deluxe resorts offer more perks when visiting the parks. Exclusive to deluxe resort guests, Disney offers extended evening hours in addition to early access, which allow guests to stay two hours after park closing. Additionally, there is an extra opportunity to join a virtual queue at night. Extended evening hours are a great time to ride some of your favorite rides with minimal crowds.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Wake up seeing exotic animals from your room with a savanna view! This unique resort draws inspiration from Africa and the animals that live there.
| Closest Park | Animal Kingdom |
| Theming | Exotic Animals |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, suites, club-level (concierge service), villas |
| Dining | Jiko (African dinner), Boma (all-you-can-eat buffet) |
| Amenities | Savannah view with exotic animals, large pool with waterslide |
| Transportation | Shuttle |
Grand Floridian Resort
Bring yourself back to the Victorian style of Palm Beach’s golden era. This is the most expensive resort at Disney, averaging $800-$1000 per night, but also offers the most luxurious amenities and dining options. Located on the Seven Seas Lagoon, the Grand Floridian offers views of the Electrical Water Pageant each night.
| Closest Park | Magic Kingdom |
| Theming | Victorian style of Palm Beach’s golden era |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, suites, club-level (concierge service), villas |
| Dining | Citricos (Mary Poppins theme), Narcoossee’s (views of lagoon), Grand Floridian Cafe, Gasparilla Island Grill (casual dining), 1900 Park Fare (character dining), Garden View Tea Rooms, Victoria & Albert’s |
| Amenities | Grand Floridian Spa, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Seven Seas Lagoon, Electrical Water Pageant, boat rentals, lagoon cruises, arcade, pool with waterslide, cabana rentals |
| Transportation | Monorail, shuttle, ferry, walk |
Contemporary Resort
This resort is recognizable by its A-frame shape and the monorail that goes straight through the middle of it. Chef Mickey’s offers one of the favorite character dining buffets. The Contemporary Resort also has views of the Electrical Water Pageant and some rooms offer the best views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks outside the park.
| Closest Park | Magic Kingdom |
| Theming | Contemporary |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, suites, club-level (concierge service), villas |
| Dining | Chef Mickey’s (character dining buffet), California Grill, Steakhouse 71 |
| Amenities | Boat rentals & specialty cruises, Seven Seas Lagoon, arcade, views of Magic Kingdom fireworks, pool with waterslide, cabana rentals |
| Transportation | Monorail, shuttle, walk |
Yacht & Beach Club Resort
Inspired by the New England lakeside, these deluxe resorts are side-by-side and share the same amenities. They offer one of the best pools with a life-size shipwreck and pools in their Stormalong Bay. Additionally, don’t miss the Kitchen Sink 8-scoop ice cream bowl at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
| Closest Park | Epcot |
| Theming | New England inspired lakeside setting |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, villas, dog friendly |
| Dining | Yachstman Steakhouse, Ale & Compass, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop |
| Amenities | Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf, boat rentals, arcade, Stormalong Bay (pools, life-size shipwreck, lagoons), cabana rentals |
| Transportation | Ferry, shuttle, skyliner, walk |
BoardWalk Inn
Experience Coney Island and Atlantic City vibes at this waterfront resort and boardwalk. You can also play miniature golf and visit Fantasia Gardens close by. Trattoria al Forno also offers a character breakfast featuring rotating characters such as those from The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel.
| Closest Park | Epcot |
| Theming | Coney Island style boardwalk |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, suites, club-level (concierge service), villas |
| Dining | Trattoria al Forno (Italian, character dining breakfast) Flying fish (seafood), Big River Grille & Brewing Works |
| Amenities | Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf, surrey bike rentals, arcade, spa & fitness center, pool with waterslide |
| Transportation | Ferry, shuttle, skyliner, walk |
Polynesian Village Resort
This is a fan favorite featuring palm trees and a tropical atmosphere inspired by the South Pacific. The Polynesian is known for Trader Sam’s Grotto and the beloved family breakfast at ‘Ohana. Sitting on the Seven Seas Lagoon, the Polynesian also offers views of the Electrical Water Pageant each night.
| Closest Park | Magic Kingdom |
| Theming | South Pacific |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, suites, club-level (concierge service), villas |
| Dining | ‘Ohana, Trader Sam’s Grotto, Nonna Island (sushi), Capt. Cook’s (all day + late night) |
| Amenities | Seven Seas Lagoon, Electrical Water Pageant, boat rentals, spa & fitness, Lava & Oasis pools |
| Transportation | Monorail, ferry, shuttle |
Wilderness Lodge
If you love the great outdoors and nature, then this resort is for you. Experience character dining with Snow White and the dwarfs at Story Book dining. The lodge is also on the Seven Seas Lagoon and has easy ferry access to the parks.
| Closest Park | Magic Kingdom |
| Theming | Great outdoors & nature |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, suites, club-level (concierge service), villas |
| Dining | Story Book dining (Snow White character dining), Whispering Canyon Cafe |
| Amenities | Seven Seas Lagoon, Electrical Water Pageant, arcade, pools |
| Transportation | Ferry, shuttle |
Other Options:
Disney offers a few other options that still receive some of the perks of staying on-property. All of these options:
- Meet Disney standards of cleanliness and customer service
- Fit a variety of budgets
- Can use hotel points to book
- Include transportation to and from the parks
- Convenient to the locations of the parks
Swan & Dolphin Resorts
The Swan and Dolphin Resorts are two separate resorts that share similar amenities. These are both considered deluxe resorts that get you early access to the parks and Extended Evening Hours on select days. The benefit of these resorts compared to the other on-property deluxe resorts are that you can book them using Marriott points, which can allow you to get a serious deal for deluxe amenities.
| Closest Park | Epcot |
| Theming | Minimal Disney theming |
| Rooms | Standard rooms, can book using hotel points |
| Dining | Shula’s Steakhouse, Kimonos |
| Amenities | Pools, cabana rentals, spa, boat rentals |
| Transportation | Ferry, shuttle, walk |
Gateway Hotels
Gateway hotels are located outside of the resort but are still convenient to the parks. Guests can utilize the 30-minute early access, but they are not officially considered “on-property”. Therefore, guests cannot buy individual lightning lanes until the official park opening. They also cannot participate in extended evening hours.
Disney Spring Resort Area Hotels
These are hotels that are closer to Disney Springs. They are not considered on property, but are easy walking distance to shops and dining. These hotels are great for people looking to experience a bit of the Disney magic at Disney Springs, but not spend the majority of their time in the parks.
Shades of Green
Shades of Green is a resort exclusively for active and retired members of the military. They offer various discounts and extra perks such as early access and extended evening hours. This resorts has some of the largest standard rooms and has two pools with waterslides.
Good Neighbor Hotels
Good neighbor hotels are located within 14 miles of the parks and really do not have any additional Disney magic or offer any additional perks. These are your standard hotels that are just acknowledged by Disney as being decent hotels, but you do not have any early access or extended hours that come with staying on property.
**This list is not inclusive of DVC properties, including Riviera Resort, Old Key West, or Saratoga Springs
Overall Best Resorts:
| Budget Friendly | All-Star Resorts |
| Best Pool | Beach & Yacht Club Resorts |
| Best Food | Grand Floridian Resort |
| Best Transportation | Contemporary Resort |
| Family Friendly | All-Star Resorts |
| Best Overall | Art of Animation |
I personally love to spend my time in the parks so I have really only experienced staying at value resorts as an adult. I love the theming, the relatively cheap cost, and the easy access to the parks via shuttles. Let me know what your favorite resort is and why below in the comments!
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