Where to Stay at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Thinking about a Disney vacation and wondering where to stay? 

It’s a big decision, in this post, we’ll give you the details on where to stay at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland!

Walt Disney World

If you’re dreaming of waking up in the middle of the magic, there’s no better way to do it than by booking a Disney Resort hotel. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, or just want to soak up every ounce of Disney pixie dust, there’s a perfect place waiting for you.

So, let’s jump right into deatiling WDW’s Resorts and all they have to offer.

Why Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort?

Yes, you can stay off-property. But once you’ve experienced the full Disney bubble, it’s hard to go back. Staying at a Disney Resort isn’t just about location—it’s about convenience, perks, and keeping the magic going 24/7.

Here’s what you get when you stay on property:

Let’s break down the Disney Resort experience—from perks and prices to the personalities of each resort type—so you can find your dream home away from home.

• 🚍 Free Disney transportation (buses, boats, monorails, and Skyliner)
• 🅿️ Complimentary parking at your resort and at the theme parks
• 🕖 Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours at the parks
• 💳 Resort-wide charging privileges for dining and merchandise
• 🍴 Access to Disney Dining Plans
• 🍽️ Advance dining reservations for your entire trip (up to 10 days) starting 60 days out

Plus, you’ll be guaranteed theme park admission during those rare high-capacity days (subject to current policies).

Note: While the Shades of Green Military Resort is located on Walt Disney World property, it isn’t Disney-owned, so it doesn’t offer all of the same perks.

Walt Disney World Resorts

Walt Disney World offers three levels of Resort Hotels. Each has its own level of room amenities, guest services, eating and entertainment venues, and price category.

Value Resorts: Big Fun on a Budget

If you’re looking to stretch your vacation dollars without sacrificing that magical feeling, Disney’s Value Resorts are here to deliver. These resorts are bursting with bold colors, larger-than-life theming, and plenty of kid-friendly energy.

Value Resorts Include:

• 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

Each resort has its own theme—whether it’s movie icons, musical instruments, or retro nostalgia—and the décor doesn’t hold back. Giant statues, themed pools, and colorful buildings make these a hit with kids and families.

🛏️ Rooms typically sleep four, with two double or queen beds. Family Suites are available at Art of Animation and All-Star Music for groups of six.

🍕 Amenities include Quick Service food courts, playgrounds, arcades, pools, and pool bars. All rooms have exterior hallways, and the resorts are on the larger side—be prepared for a little walking.

🚍 Transportation options are limited to Disney Bus Service at the All-Stars and Bus or Disney Skyliner at Art of Animation and Pop Century.

🎯 Best For: First-time visitors, families with young kids, budget-conscious travelers, and sports teams.

Moderate Resorts: The Sweet Spot

Moderate Resorts are a step up in both atmosphere and amenities. These resorts offer more detailed theming, slightly larger rooms, and a quieter overall vibe—without going all the way up to Deluxe prices.

Moderate Resorts Include:

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

These resorts are beautifully themed, from the island-inspired Caribbean Beach to the charming New Orleans feel of French Quarter. Coronado Springs brings a blend of Southwestern flair and sleek, modern touches thanks to the Gran Destino Tower.

🛏️ Rooms generally sleep four to five guests and include queen beds, with some offering a small Murphy bed for an extra guest. Fort Wilderness Cabins sleep six and come with a kitchen!

🍽️ Moderate Resorts feature Quick Service dining and Table Service restaurants (except French Quarter), along with pools with slides, hot tubs, playgrounds, arcades, and even boat rentals at some locations.

🚌 Many Moderate Resorts are quite spread out, with multiple bus stops around the property. French Quarter is the smallest and easiest to navigate.

🚍 Transportation options are Disney Bus Service, Disney Skyliner, or Water Taxis.

🎯 Best For: Couples, families with older kids, travelers wanting a balance between price and comfort, and those who appreciate immersive theming.

Deluxe Resorts: The Best of the Best

Deluxe Resorts are where Disney goes all out—stunning themes, elegant lobbies, fine dining, and unbeatable proximity to the parks. If you’re looking to splurge or celebrate something special, this is the way to go.

Deluxe Resorts Include:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Walt Disney World Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin (not Disney-owned, but part of the Deluxe tier)
• The Shades of Green Resort (A U.S. Military Owned and Operated resort exclusively for the military community)

From watching wildlife at Animal Kingdom Lodge to enjoying a Dole Whip by the pool at the Polynesian, the Deluxe Resorts offer a level of storytelling and service that truly elevates the experience.

🛏️ Rooms are the largest of any category and often include balconies, plush furnishings, and a more spacious layout. Most sleep four to five guests.

🍷 These resorts offer the widest range of dining—signature restaurants, lounges, in-room dining, and quick bites. Amenities include spas, fitness centers, valet parking, and often the most elaborate pools on property.

🚶 Many are just steps away from a park, like the Contemporary (walk to Magic Kingdom) or the Yacht and Beach Club (walk to EPCOT).

🚍 Transportation options are Monorail Service, Water Taxis, Disney Skyliner, walking, or Disney Bus Service.

🎯 Best For: Park lovers who want to be close to the action, luxury-seekers, Disney veterans, and anyone looking to treat themselves.

Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Home Away From Home

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts are perfect for guests who want a more residential-style stay. Even if you’re not a DVC member, you can still book these deluxe villas—great for families or longer vacations.

DVC Villas Attached to Deluxe Resorts:

• Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary
• Copper Creek & Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge
• Kidani Village & Jambo House at Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Beach Club Villas
• BoardWalk Villas
• Villas at the Grand Floridian

Standalone DVC Resorts:

• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

🛏️ Options range from studio rooms to 1-, 2-, and even 3-bedroom villas, complete with kitchens, laundry, and lots of room to spread out.

🎯 Best For: Larger families, groups of friends, multi-generational trips, or anyone looking for extra space and comfort.

Disneyland

Whether you’re walking in Walt’s footsteps for the first time or you’re a seasoned Magic Keyholder looking for a little luxury, choosing the right hotel can make your trip even more magical.

Let’s dive into everything the Disneyland Resort Hotels have to offer—from perks and pricing to personalities—so you can find your perfect place to call home after a day of pixie-dusted adventures.

The Disneyland Resort is minuscule compared to Walt Disney World. Disneyland is roughly 500 acres, while Disney World is 25,000 acres. Due to its small size, Disneyland offers no transportation from its hotels to guest areas. There is a Monorail service from Downtown Disney to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

Why Stay at a Disneyland Hotel?

Sure, you can stay off-property (and there are lots of nearby options), but staying at one of the three official Disneyland Resort Hotels puts you right in the heart of the magic. You’ll enjoy exclusive perks that keep the fun going before and after your park time.

Here’s what you get by staying on-site:

• 🌅 Extra time in the parks with Early Entry
• 🎢 Convenient park access (some hotels even have their own entrances!)
• 🛍️ Package delivery to your room from Disneyland shops
• 🛏️ Legendary Disney theming and service
• 🍽️ Early access to Advance Dining Reservations
• 🎟️ Guaranteed park access even on busy days (with valid ticket + reservation)
  

Disneyland Hotels

The Disneyland Resort offers three levels of Hotels also, but the distinctions are not a clear-cut as at Disney World. Here we list them in ascending price order.

Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel

Vibe: Playful, relaxed, and colorful—with a splash of Pixar charm.

The Pixar Place Hotel celebrates all things Pixar with décor and storytelling. While it’s the most budget-friendly of the three Disneyland hotels, it still offers a great location and exclusive access to the parks.

🛏️ Rooms sleep up to 5 and feature Pixar-themed touches (updates are ongoing).

🍽️ Dining includes the new Great Maple restaurant, grab-and-go options, and a rooftop pool and bar. Half the rooms offer park views.

🎯 Best For: Families who want to stay on property without breaking the bank, Pixar fans, and those who don’t mind being just a little bit further from the main guest areas.

Disneyland Hotel

Vibe: Nostalgic, classic, and packed with history—this is where the Disneyland dream lives.

The Disneyland Hotel blends retro Disneyland charm with modern luxury. Think Monorail-themed water slides, Dole Whips by the pool, and an unbeatable location at the end of Downtown Disney.

🛏️ Rooms sleep up to 5 and include magical headboards that light up and play music. Suite options and Disney Vacation Club villas are also available.

🍽️ Dining includes the legendary Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Goofy’s Kitchen character dining, and Tangaroa Terrace for casual fare.

🎯 Best For: Disney fans, nostalgic guests, first-time visitors, and anyone who loves a bit of Disney history with their vacation.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Vibe: Rustic elegance meets luxury lodge, with a direct line to the magic.

This is Disneyland Resort’s flagship property, offering Craftsman-style luxury and the only hotel with direct access into Disney California Adventure. The Grand Californian is known for its gorgeous lobby, deluxe amenities, and prime location.

🛏️ Rooms and suites sleep up to 6, and the Disney Vacation Club wing offers studio to 3-bedroom villas.

🍽️ Dining includes Napa Rose (a signature dining experience), Storytellers Café (character buffet), and Hearthstone Lounge.

🎯 Best For: Couples, luxury travelers, multi-generational families, and guests who want the most immersive Disney stay possible.

Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Home Away From Home

Disneyland has two DVC Resorts, both are co-located with a Disneyland Hotel.

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
• The Villas at Disneyland Hotel

🛏️ Options range from studio rooms to 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas, complete with kitchens, laundry, and lots of room to spread out.

🎯 Best For: Larger families, groups of friends, multi-generational trips, or anyone looking for extra space and comfort.

Final Thoughts: Let the Magic Begin!

Choosing a Disney Resort isn’t just about picking a hotel—it’s about setting the stage for your entire vacation. Whether you’re all about saving on a Value stay or living it up in a Deluxe suite, each resort puts you inside the magic in a different way.

✨ No matter where you stay, the real win is being immersed in the Disney spirit from sunrise to bedtime snacks. That’s what makes the difference.

So—are you a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe kind of traveler? Tell us in the comments below! Or better yet, which resort is on your Disney dream list?

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