The 10 Best Disney Hotels and Resorts

From luxury Disney World hotels to charming Disney resorts, find your perfect magical stay

Choosing the right Disney hotel can make or break your magical vacation experience. This comprehensive guide showcases the 10 best Disney hotels and Disney resorts that offer the perfect combination of theming, convenience, amenities, and Disney magic. Whether you're seeking the luxury of the best Disney World hotels, the charm of classic Disney resorts, or the convenience of Walt Disney hotels with park proximity, these properties represent the absolute pinnacle of Disney hospitality and will ensure your stay is as magical as your park experience.

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Disney Resort Experience

Disney hotels and resorts are more than just places to sleep – they're integral parts of the Disney experience that extend the magic beyond the theme parks. The best Disney hotels feature immersive theming, world-class dining, exclusive perks like Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours, and legendary Disney service that makes every guest feel like VIP. From the moment you arrive at any of these Disney World hotels, you're transported into carefully crafted environments that tell stories and create lasting memories, making the best Disney resorts destinations in themselves.

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Top 10 Disney Hotels Ranked

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Luxury Magic Kingdom Resort

Disney's flagship resort epitomizes Victorian elegance and luxury, offering the most prestigious accommodations among all Disney World hotels. Located on the monorail line with stunning views of Magic Kingdom, this best Disney resort features a full-service spa, award-winning dining, and an atmosphere of refined sophistication that makes it the crown jewel of Disney hospitality.

Fun Fact: The resort's lobby features a working 1,200-pipe organ that plays Disney melodies, and the property was inspired by the grand Victorian seaside resorts of the late 1800s. The Grand Floridian is the only Disney resort with a dedicated bridal suite and hosts more Disney weddings than any other property.

Transportation: Monorail, Boat | Pools: 2 | Price Range: $600-1000+ per night

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Tropical Magic Kingdom Resort

This South Pacific paradise brings the magic of Polynesia to Central Florida with its iconic longhouse architecture, tropical landscaping, and laid-back island atmosphere. As one of the original Disney World hotels and a monorail resort, the Polynesian offers both convenience and immersive theming that makes it among the most beloved Disney resorts.

Fun Fact: The resort's Great Ceremonial House lobby features authentic Polynesian artifacts and a three-story tropical atrium. The famous Dole Whip was first introduced at the Polynesian, and the resort's beaches offer some of the best Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing on property.

Transportation: Monorail, Boat | Pools: 2 | Price Range: $500-900 per night

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

African Safari Resort

This stunning resort brings the African savanna to Disney World with authentic architecture, cultural experiences, and over 30 species of African animals roaming the property. The best Disney resort for animal lovers offers an immersive experience unlike any other Disney World hotel, making guests feel like they're on an African safari adventure.

Fun Fact: The resort was designed by Animal Kingdom's lead architect and features over 200 pieces of authentic African art. Guests can spot giraffes, zebras, and flamingos from their resort rooms, and the property's restaurants serve authentic African cuisine prepared by chefs trained in Africa.

Transportation: Bus | Pools: 2 | Price Range: $400-700 per night

Disney's Beach Club Resort

New England Seaside Resort

This charming New England-style resort captures the essence of a turn-of-the-century seaside resort with its shingled architecture, lighthouse, and proximity to Epcot. Home to Stormalong Bay, one of Disney's most elaborate pool complexes, this Disney World hotel offers the perfect blend of relaxation and Disney magic.

Fun Fact: Stormalong Bay is a 3-acre water wonderland featuring a sand-bottom pool, waterslide, and lazy river. The resort's design was inspired by actual New England seaside resorts, and its proximity to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios makes it one of the most convenient Disney resorts.

Transportation: Boat, Walking, Bus | Pools: 3 | Price Range: $450-750 per night

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Pacific Northwest Wilderness

This magnificent resort recreates the grandeur of America's great national park lodges with its towering timber construction, massive stone fireplace, and rustic elegance. Among Disney resorts, Wilderness Lodge offers the most authentic wilderness experience while maintaining luxury amenities that place it among the best Disney World hotels.

Fun Fact: The resort's 8-story lobby features authentic Native American totem poles and a working geyser that erupts every hour. The property was designed to replicate the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, and its Silver Creek Falls is fed by a natural hot spring that keeps the pool area warm year-round.

Transportation: Boat, Bus | Pools: 2 | Price Range: $350-650 per night

Disney's Riviera Resort

European Elegance (DVC)

Disney's newest deluxe villa resort captures the glamour and sophistication of the European Riviera with Mediterranean-inspired architecture and Disney storytelling. This Disney Vacation Club property offers modern luxury amenities and convenient Skyliner transportation, making it one of the most desirable new additions to Disney World hotels.

Fun Fact: The resort celebrates Walt Disney and his family's travels through Europe, with artwork and design elements inspired by their journeys. The Skyliner gondola system offers aerial views of Disney World, and the resort's rooftop restaurant provides panoramic views of both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios fireworks.

Transportation: Skyliner, Bus | Pools: 1 | Price Range: $500-800 per night

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Nautical New England Elegance

This sophisticated resort embodies the spirit of a grand New England yacht club with its nautical theming, elegant accommodations, and shared access to the magnificent Stormalong Bay pool complex. Among Disney World hotels, Yacht Club offers refined luxury with convenient park access that makes it a favorite of Disney resorts.

Fun Fact: The resort shares Stormalong Bay with Beach Club, creating one of the largest resort pool complexes in the world. The property's design incorporates actual nautical artifacts, and guests can rent boats for exploring Disney's waterways from the resort's marina.

Transportation: Boat, Walking, Bus | Pools: 3 | Price Range: $450-750 per night

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Modern Magic Kingdom Resort

This iconic A-frame resort made history as one of the original Disney World hotels and remains a symbol of Disney innovation with its sleek modern design and monorail running through the building. The Contemporary offers unparalleled convenience and stunning Magic Kingdom views that secure its place among the best Disney resorts.

Fun Fact: The resort's unique design allows the monorail to pass directly through the building's Grand Canyon Concourse. The Contemporary was one of the first hotels built using modular construction, and its Bay Lake Tower addition is Disney's first LEED Gold certified building.

Transportation: Monorail, Boat, Walking | Pools: 2 | Price Range: $450-800 per night

Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Atlantic City Boardwalk Resort

This charming resort recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of 1930s Atlantic City with its colorful boardwalk entertainment, unique shopping, and romantic ambiance. Among Disney World hotels, BoardWalk Inn offers a sophisticated adult-oriented experience while maintaining family-friendly amenities that make it one of the most distinctive Disney resorts.

Fun Fact: The resort's boardwalk entertainment district features street performers, unique restaurants, and shops inspired by turn-of-the-century Atlantic City. The property shares amenities with Disney's Beach and Yacht Club resorts, including access to Stormalong Bay, and offers boat transportation to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Transportation: Boat, Walking, Bus | Pools: 3 | Price Range: $400-700 per night

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Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Southern Charm and Hospitality

This intimate resort captures the romance and charm of New Orleans' French Quarter with its Mardi Gras colors, wrought-iron balconies, and Southern hospitality. As one of the most affordable Disney resorts that still offers Disney's signature service and theming, French Quarter provides excellent value among Disney World hotels without sacrificing the magic.

Fun Fact: The resort is Disney's smallest, creating an intimate atmosphere with only 1,008 rooms. The property features authentic New Orleans architecture and landscaping, including magnolia trees and gas lamps. The resort's Sassagoula River connects it to Disney Springs via relaxing boat transportation.

Transportation: Boat, Bus | Pools: 1 | Price Range: $200-400 per night

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Hotels by Theme and Location

The best Disney hotels and resorts can be categorized by their unique themes, park proximity, and luxury levels. From the Victorian elegance of Disney's flagship resort to the exotic adventures of Polynesian paradise, these categories help you choose among the Disney World hotels and Disney resorts that perfectly match your vacation dreams and budget.

Deluxe Magic Kingdom Area

The most luxurious Disney World hotels located near Magic Kingdom, offering monorail or boat transportation, upscale amenities, and the highest level of Disney service and theming.

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Village Resort, Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge

Deluxe Epcot Area

Sophisticated Disney resorts near Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, featuring elegant theming, world-class dining, and convenient transportation to multiple parks.

Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn, Riviera Resort

Unique Themed Experiences

Disney hotels that offer completely immersive experiences with authentic cultural theming, specialized amenities, and one-of-a-kind attractions that extend the Disney magic beyond the parks.

Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian Village Resort

Disney Vacation Club Properties

Premium Disney resorts featuring spacious villa accommodations, home-like amenities, and flexible vacation ownership options that provide excellent value for frequent Disney visitors.

Riviera Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas, Beach Club Villas, Polynesian Villas

Moderate Resort Excellence

Well-themed Disney resorts that offer Disney magic and service at more accessible price points, featuring unique theming and solid amenities without deluxe resort pricing.

Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

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Frequently Asked Questions

These 10 properties represent the absolute best of Disney hotels and hospitality, each offering unique magic that transforms a simple vacation into an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose the luxury of the best Disney World hotels or the themed immersion of Disney resorts, you're guaranteed exceptional service, magical details, and memories that will last a lifetime. The best Disney hotels don't just provide accommodation – they create the foundation for magical moments that make Disney vacations truly special.