Frequent visitors to Walt Disney World in Orlando often refer to the “Disney bubble,” where the outside world ceases to exist. With more than 25 official Walt Disney World Resort hotels alone, each with a unique theme, and dozens more within a few miles of the parks, it’s easy to find the perfect escape for your travel party. We’ve narrowed the options down to our favorite properties in and around Disney, and whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat with adults-only amenities, somewhere to hang out with larger-than-life characters, a place to enjoy your morning coffee with a view of the African savanna, or are just a frequent business traveler cashing in points, we’re sure you’ll find your dream vacation here. As a bonus, many of the hotels on this list offer 30-minute early access to all four Disney theme parks, and many more also grant extended evening hours, allowing you to pack in some more pixie dust after the crowds have gone home.
FAQ
When is the best time to go to Walt Disney World?
In the olden days of the mid-2010s, you could answer a question like this by saying, “travel in the off-season: shortly after school starts in the fall, in the window between Thanksgiving and Christmas, or January and February before spring break season kicks in.” Those months are still better than others, but since Disney rolled out dynamic pricing on park tickets—where lower-demand days are cheaper, and events like the Epcot Festival of the Arts draw in visitors during the winter—crowds have become less predictable. The new answer? Travel at a time that works for your budget and tolerance for Florida’s heat and humidity. Consult a crowd calendar (I like the one at Undercover Tourist) that incorporates overall pricing and special events, and notes early closures for ticketed events like Halloween parties, which begin in early August.
What is the most affordable Disney hotel?
If you’re looking for a lower nightly rate that still comes with added perks, the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, operated by Sheraton, is often available for about $200 a night and includes the deluxe resort benefit of extended evening hours at select theme parks. When browsing Disney’s official resort hotels, don’t forget to check for seasonal discounts, often up to 30% off with additional deals for room and ticket packages.
Why stay at a Disney World Hotel?
Official Walt Disney World Resort hotels come with perks like 30-minute early entry to theme parks every day and early access to Lightning Lane skip-the-line ride access. These benefits come with a price tag, but it’s hard to beat a 10-minute stroll along a scenic waterway or a speedy monorail ride to the park gate, rather than battling traffic and trying to remember where you parked the rental car at the end of your magical day.
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
