When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, selecting the right resort involves weighing various factors like price, transportation convenience, and the level of amenities and space you desire. RopeDrop's data shows that Disney's lodging options range from budget-friendly value resorts, which primarily offer bus transportation, to deluxe resorts that provide premium experiences, often with unique transport options and closer park proximity, all reflected in their varying price points.
Value Resorts: Budget-Friendly Stays
Value resorts are the most economical option for families, offering comfortable accommodations at a lower price point. RopeDrop's data shows these resorts typically rely on bus transportation to all parks.
- Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, and Disney's All-Star Sports Resort are available for approximately \$120–\$260 per night. For these resorts, bus travel to all parks averages about 20 minutes.
- Disney's Pop Century Resort (\$140–\$300/night) and Disney's Art of Animation Resort (\$180–\$520/night) offer an additional transportation perk: the Disney Skyliner. From these resorts, the Skyliner provides access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in about 15 minutes. Bus service is available for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, with travel times averaging about 20 minutes. Disney's Art of Animation Resort also stands out for offering family suites, providing more space for larger groups.
Moderate Resorts: A Step Up in Comfort and Convenience
Moderate resorts offer a balance between value and deluxe options, providing enhanced amenities and often more varied transportation choices. Prices for these resorts generally range from approximately \$270–\$500 per night.
- Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (\$270–\$470/night) is a hub for the Disney Skyliner, offering travel to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in about 12 minutes. Bus service to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom takes approximately 20 minutes, and an internal shuttle connects resort villages in about 10 minutes.
- Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (\$280–\$500/night) provides bus service to all parks in about 18 minutes. Guests can also use internal walkways and a bridge to travel between villages and Gran Destino Tower in about 10 minutes.
- Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (\$280–\$480/night) and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (\$280–\$490/night) offer boat service to Disney Springs along the Sassagoula River, taking about 20–25 minutes. Bus service to all parks from these resorts averages about 20 minutes. Guests can also walk between the two Port Orleans resorts in about 10 minutes.
Deluxe Resorts: Premium Perks and Proximity
Deluxe resorts are the highest tier, offering prime locations, diverse transportation, and a wide range of amenities. Prices for these resorts typically range from approximately \$450–\$1,400 per night.
Magic Kingdom Area Resorts: These resorts offer convenient access to Magic Kingdom.
- Disney's Contemporary Resort (\$550–\$1,100/night) allows guests to walk to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes or take the Monorail in about 5 minutes. Boat service to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness is also available, taking about 15 minutes.
- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (\$700–\$1,400/night) offers a lagoon walkway to Magic Kingdom, taking about 15 minutes. Monorail service to Magic Kingdom takes about 6 minutes, with EPCOT accessible via transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Boat service to Magic Kingdom is about 10 minutes.
- Disney's Polynesian Village Resort (\$600–\$1,200/night) provides Monorail access to Magic Kingdom in about 7 minutes (with EPCOT via transfer at the TTC) and boat service to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes. Guests can also walk to the TTC for the EPCOT monorail in about 8 minutes.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge (\$450–\$900/night) offers boat service to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes and to Contemporary and Fort Wilderness in about 15 minutes. Bus service is available to all other parks, averaging about 20 minutes.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios Area Resorts: These resorts are known for their proximity to EPCOT's International Gateway and Hollywood Studios.
- Disney's Beach Club Resort (\$550–\$1,000/night) allows guests to walk to EPCOT (International Gateway) in about 5 minutes and to Hollywood Studios in about 20 minutes. Boat service to both parks takes about 15 minutes.
- Disney's BoardWalk Inn (\$550–\$1,050/night) is a short walk to EPCOT (International Gateway) in about 10 minutes and to Hollywood Studios in about 20 minutes. Boat service to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT takes about 15 minutes.
- Disney's Yacht Club Resort (\$550–\$1,000/night) offers a walk to EPCOT (International Gateway) in about 7 minutes and to Hollywood Studios in about 20 minutes. Boat service to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT takes about 15 minutes.
Animal Kingdom Area Resort:
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (\$450–\$950/night) provides bus service to Animal Kingdom in about 10 minutes and to all other parks in about 25 minutes.
Deluxe Villa Resorts: Home-Away-From-Home Options
Deluxe Villa resorts, often part of the Disney Vacation Club, offer more spacious accommodations, including studios, one-bedroom, and multi-bedroom villas, which can be ideal for longer stays or larger families. These resorts are available for cash bookings or through Disney Vacation Club points, with cash prices generally ranging from approximately \$400–\$950 per night.
- Disney's Old Key West Resort (\$400–\$800/night) offers boat service to Disney Springs along the Sassagoula River in about 20 minutes. Bus service to all parks averages about 20 minutes.
- Disney's Riviera Resort (\$500–\$950/night) provides Disney Skyliner access to EPCOT (International Gateway) in about 10 minutes and to Hollywood Studios in about 15 minutes. Bus service to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom takes about 20 minutes.
- Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (\$400–\$850/night) is conveniently located near Disney Springs, with a walk taking about 15 minutes or boat service along the Sassagoula River taking about 15 minutes. Bus service to all parks averages about 20 minutes.
Ultimately, the best Walt Disney World lodging choice for your family depends on your budget, desired proximity to parks, and the type of transportation you prefer. RopeDrop's data highlights the diverse options available, ensuring there's a resort to fit nearly every family's needs. For more details on all the resorts, visit our Walt Disney World resorts page.