Budget-conscious families, those traveling in large groups, and even those who prefer to sleep in a tent can find the perfect property
When it comes to planning a vacation at Walt Disney World, there are many pieces involved. One important one is finding an on-property hotel that’s the right fit for your family. Choosing the perfect Disney on-property hotel or resort can enhance the overall vacation experience for families. From themed accommodations to having proximity and transportation to the theme parks, Disney’s hotels offer options perfect for every family type. Here are our favorite on-property hotels that will fit every family type.
For Animal-Loving Families
Wake up to the sounds of wild animals outside your window while staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Inspired by a traditional African design, the resort provides plenty of views of the 200 animals and four savannas of Animal Kingdom. Guests can use their in-room field guide to identify the species they see and participate in the programs led by Disney animal specialists. When not gazing at the wildlife, enjoy the hotel’s zero-entry pool, game arcade, spa & fitness center, and campfire activities. Dining options include the restaurant Sanaa, which overlooks one of the savannas and provides views of dozens of animals.
Online: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
For Families That Dream of the South Seas
Enjoy the palm trees whisper while sipping on a tropical drink at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. One of the original hotels on-site, the village is recently renovated. It offers two pools, movies under the stars, a jogging trail, motorized boat rentals, and direct access to view the Electrical Water Pageant. There’s also a spa on-site and ten restaurants and bars to relax. And while the luau that many remember at the resort no longer takes place, there’s a family-style Polynesian-themed dinner and a character breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch.
Online: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
For Families That Enjoy Louisiana
Let the good times roll at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. White columns and dark wood accents remind Port Orleans Resort – Riverside visitors of rural Louisiana, while the wrought-iron balconies and Mardi Gras features of Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter are reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Both hotels offer pools, while Riverside has Ol’ Man Island, replicating an old-time swimming hole. Separated only by a short walk along the river, there are plenty of Creole and Cajun food options between the two.
Online:
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
For Outdoorsy Families
Situated on 750 acres of forest and filled with wildlife, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is an excellent choice for families that love being close to nature. With fully equipped campsites that can accommodate tents and RVs, the campgrounds have wooded trails, a pool with a waterslide, canoeing, horseback riding, and archery. There are even electric golf cart rentals to help get around the grounds. When it’s time to grab a bite, there are plenty of choices on site. Make sure to catch the classic Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. The 2-hour dancing and singing live-action comedy includes an all-you-can-eat feast along with sodas and beer and wine for adults.
Online: Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
For Beach-Loving Families
A relaxed attitude and love of the water are all families need when staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Broken up into villages modeled after Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, and Trinidad, the resort’s bright colors and market areas make guests forget they’re not on the islands. There are five leisure pools in each village area, along with a main pool resembling a Spanish fortress with two waterslides, spray cannons, and a separate play area for younger children. Be sure to grab a meal with a Caribbean twist at one of the three restaurants and then head to one of the hammocks on the ground for a mid-day nap.
Online: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
For Families Traveling in Groups
Disney World is a great place to hold a family reunion or multi-generational trip. Add an extra layer of togetherness by staying at a hotel on Disney property that can accommodate the entire travel group. Fort Wilderness isn’t just for tent camping. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness offer a private cabin with a bedroom, bathroom, patio, grill, and kitchen that sleeps up to 6 adults. Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the Contemporary Resort all offer suites that sleep up to 8 adults and plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Need to sleep even more? Book at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Their treehouse villas have a full kitchen, dining area, and deck area large enough to sleep up to 9 adults, while their 3-bedroom grand villas can comfortably accommodate up to 12 adults.
Online:
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Contemporary Resort
For Budget-Seeking Families
Those looking to save a little money while still staying on Walt Disney World property can book at one of the five value resorts Disney has. The lowest-priced hotels on the property, these resorts still offer perks that guests at the more expensive hotels receive. That includes free transportation to the parks, early park entry, free parking, and the ability to order MagicBands. Each value resort has a theme and fun decorations in the common areas and rooms.
All-Star Music Resort has tributes to multiple musical genres, while All-Star Sports Resort highlights sports, including surfing, tennis, and basketball. Movie lovers can head to Art of Animation Resort, with rooms themed after some of Disney’s most popular family films. Or head to All-Star Movies Resort which pays tribute to various Disney movies. Pop Century Resort is a perfect place to stay for those who love a great pop culture reference. With references to trends from the 1950s to 1990s, there’s always a chance to do the moonwalk or try out a mood ring.
Online:
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
