Disney Resorts Collection Guide: Where to Stay in the Magic at Disney World!

Disney Resorts Collection Guide: Where to Stay in the Magic at Disney World! 

If you're considering a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, located in Orlando, Florida, you may be wondering whether it's worth it to stay at a Disney World hotel.  When it comes to Disney World hotels there are many options from Disney that range from Deluxe Resorts to Value Resorts, with a range of options in between for every budget and travel preference.  And if for some reason you don't want to stay at a Disney Resort, there are many other hotel brands in close proximity to the the Disney World Theme Parks.

Why Stay in the Magic at The Most Magical Place on Earth?

For our recent trip to Disney World, we decided to stay at one of the Disney World hotels, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.  We selected this Deluxe Villa Resort since it offered lots of room for our family of four, a full kitchen (to help save on food costs), proximity to Disney Springs and since it fit well within our budget for this trip.  

A few other reasons why we chose to stay at a Disney World Resort include:

• Convenience
• Staying at a Disney World hotel puts you closer to the parks, which means less time traveling and more time having fun.  Most Disney World hotels offer transportation to and from the parks via bus or skyliner gondola, so you don't have to worry about driving or paying for parking.
• Early Entry Hours
• Guests of Disney World hotels can take advantage of Early Entry, which allows you to enter certain parks 30 minutes before park opening. This can be a great way to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.
• Theming
• Disney World hotels are known for their immersive theming and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Disney.

Disney World Resorts Guide

If you're not familiar with Disney World resorts, the map & guide below will help get you up to speed on the different categories of each resort, as well as location within the overall footprint of Disney World.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

• Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Retreat to this ultra-modern Disney Resort hotel and discover award-winning dining, spectacular views and dazzling pools. Whether you’re staying in the iconic A-frame Contemporary tower or the nearby Garden Wing, you can walk to Magic Kingdom main gate or catch the Resort Monorail as it breezes through the tower. Inside, a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair—responsible for the distinct look and feel of the “it’s a small world” attraction—celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish Disney Resort hotel. Unwind outdoors, indulge in a luxurious massage and watch evening fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort
• Delight in the formal grace of a grand New England-style yacht club at this lakeside hotel. Relax in the inviting elegance of a plush lobby replete with nautical touches, explore the whimsical Stormalong Bay and rent a variety of watercraft from Bayside Marina. Sharing many amenities with its pastel-toned sister, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is walking distance to EPCOT and a convenient boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.
• Disney's Beach Club Resort
• Discover the casual elegance of this charming, New England-style Resort hotel. Savor exquisite dining, and explore the pools, lagoons and spas of Stormalong Bay. Sail around Crescent Lake on a rented mini-powerboat, and experience the luxurious comfort of a Club Level Suite. Sharing many amenities with its more formal sister, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is walking distance to EPCOT and a convenient boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Disney's BoardWalk Inn
• Experience the charm and whimsy of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City at this waterfront Resort hotel. Make a splash at Luna Park Pool and delight in a massage at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Discover carnival games, unique dining and exciting nightlife on the Coney Island-style boardwalk. Strung like saltwater taffy along the shimmering Crescent Lake, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is located within walking distance to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific at this oasis of tropical palms, lush vegetation and so much more. From moonlit nights immersed in the outdoor island ambience to the exotic tastes of our world-class restaurants, discover the signature tropical atmosphere that’s made Disney's Polynesian Village Resort a favorite Disney destination since 1971.
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Escape to the rustic majesty of America’s Great Northwest. Inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge celebrates American craftsmanship and honors the beauty of the untamed wilderness. Soak in the splendor of the great outdoors, from nature trails through pine forests to rocking chairs that overlook a murmuring creek. Inside, discover towering totem poles, headdresses and more, and enjoy the rustic elegance of the stone hearth and roaring fireplace.

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Warm luxury meets modern elegance at this lakeside Resort hotel located in walking distance to Magic Kingdom park. Delight in studios and multi-bedroom villas, kitchens or kitchenettes and dramatic views that may include old-growth cypress trees, the shimmering Bay Lake, the lush courtyard or Cinderella Castle. Enjoy enchanting pools and award-winning dining—plus the extensive offerings of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, connected by the convenient Sky Way Bridge.
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Recalling the 1860’s railroad hotels of the American West, Boulder Ridge Villas offer the comforts of home amid the rustic beauty of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Dine on traditional Pacific Northwest cuisine, explore trails through lush meadows and delight in the enchanting Copper Creek Springs Pool. Just a breezy boat ride to Magic Kingdom park, this Resort hotel celebrates the ethos of traditional craftsmanship and the great outdoors.
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Welcome to new idyllic retreat that evokes a rustic-elegant vibe—a perfect nod to the rich and pioneering heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Consider this your new go-to vacation base camp when pining for serene surroundings located just around the river bend from Magic Kingdom park. Standout features include a full range of accommodations with modern amenities—from Deluxe Studios to 26 waterfront Cabins with wraparound porches.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
• Experience your own African safari adventure! This Resort hotel's horseshoe-curved design, inspired by the traditional African kraal, provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas, where over 200 hoofed animals and birds freely roam. Enjoy the comforts of home in our spacious Studios and multi-bedroom Villas—and indulge in Club Level service for added luxury!
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
• Escape on your own African safari adventure at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design offers exquisite views of lush savannas—where over 30 species of African wildlife freely roam. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and all the comforts of home in our spacious Studios and multi-bedroom Villas.
• Disney's Beach Club Villas
• Leisure, elegance and romance abound at this charming New England-style beach hotel—in easy walking distance to EPCOT and a boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Enjoy the pools, spas and lagoons of Stormalong Bay, and the many amenities shared with Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
• Disney's BoardWalk Villas
• Timeless elegance meets old-fashioned charm at this waterfront Resort hotel. Delight in saltwater taffy-colored cottages, private courtyards and picturesque gardens—plus the ragtime sounds and carnival pastimes of the exciting Coney Island-style boardwalk. Reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas is located within walking distance to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Experience the romance of the Florida Keys at this tranquil community of Conch Flats—a sprawling island hamlet with shimmering waterways, swaying palm trees and manicured golf-course fairways. Delight in sun-soaked pools, casual dining and such amenities as fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes.
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Escape to an enchanting oasis of swaying palms, tropical surroundings and an island ambience that evokes the languid spirit of the South Pacific. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows makes its home at one of the original—and legendary—Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
• Disney's Riviera Resort
• Enchantment awaits you at a Resort hotel that’s inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney. Here, you can delight in exhilarating activities, delectable dining and stylish accommodations—from cozy Tower Studios to spacious villas with up to 3 bedrooms.
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs—a late-1800s’ New York retreat famous for its spas and horse racing—this charming, Victorian-style Resort hotel is nestled between rolling golf course greens and the shimmering Lake Buena Vista. Delight in stately Studios and multi-bedroom Villas, dazzling pools and a spa.
• The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Revel in Victorian-style splendor and enjoy the comforts of home at this elegant Disney Resort hotel. Stay in a stately deluxe studio or multi-bedroom villa. Indulge in a luxurious massage at the full-service spa or receive a grooming service in the salon. Unwind outdoors as evening fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop from Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.

Disney Moderate Resorts

• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Discover a world where life slows to a leisurely pace and worries melt away amidst Calypso rhythms. Awash with vibrant colors and lush landscapes, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort transports Guests to a relaxing paradise that captures the essence of 5 distinct islands: Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba. Celebrate the spirit of the Caribbean with blissful sights and fun-filled activities—including colonial forts, lively markets, pristine beaches, splashy florals and swaying hammocks—sure to awaken the imagination
• Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Celebrate the unique blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This beautiful lakeside oasis offers classic influences, Disney touches and modern comforts to energize and inspire.
• The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• Nestled on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground evokes the timeless beauty of the American frontier. Teeming with such wildlife as deer, ducks, armadillos and rabbits, the Resort welcomes you to delight in scenic woodland trails, exciting pool areas, rootin’ tootin’ entertainment and hearty country eats.
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
• Revel in the romance and pageantry of New Orleans’s historic French Quarter at this Moderate Resort hotel. Discover cobblestone streets, gas lamps, wrought-iron balconies and fragrant magnolia blossoms, along with colorful Mardi Gras characters and the sounds of jazz. Then stroll along the lushly landscaped Sassagoula River to Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, where the bayou beckons, as do Cajun and Creole specialties.
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
• From the stately white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend to Alligator Bayou’s quaint backwoods cottages, delight in a picturesque setting that evokes the romance of rural Louisiana. Take a short walk along the Sassagoula River to Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, known for Southern specialties like gumbo, jambalaya and beignets. 

Disney Value Resorts

• Disney's Art of Animation Resort
• Be surrounded in the artistry, enchantment and magic of Disney and Pixar movies. Stay at a Disney Resort hotel that invites you to explore the storybook landscapes seen in such classics as Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. From delightfully themed family suites to wondrously detailed courtyards, Disney’s Art of Animation “draws” you and your family in to become a part of some of your animated favorites.
• Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Experience the unforgettable fads of the 1950s through the 1990s all over again. From yo-yos and Play-Doh to Rubik's Cube and rollerblades, this Resort hotel salutes the timeless fashions, catch phrases, toys and dances that captivated the world through the decades.
• Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
• Imagine yourself sharing the spotlight with some of your favorite Disney friends, as you headline your very own all-star adventure. Stay at a Disney Resort hotel that salutes the legends of Disney films—from the dotted pups of 101 Dalmatians to the playful toys of Andy's Room— with whimsical, larger-than-life décor.
• Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Let the rhythm move you at this Resort hotel that pays homage to some of the world’s most popular music genres, including country, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, calypso and Broadway-style show tunes. Large-sized, music-inspired icons outside and subtle song-and dance surprises inside provide a harmonious setting for music lovers of all ages.
• Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
• Get in the game at this Resort hotel that salutes the world of competitive sports, including baseball, basketball, football, surfing and tennis. Go the distance and don’t be afraid to celebrate your inner fan amid sporty décor starring some of your favorite Disney characters.

Disney Campgrounds

• The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• Camp amid the magic of the great outdoors. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground evokes the timeless beauty of the American frontier, with deer, rabbits, ducks and armadillos roaming the Resort’s 750 acres of pine and cypress forest. Discover charming woodland trails, spectacular pool areas and rip-roarin’ entertainment at this picturesque backcountry retreat.

Other Select Deluxe Hotels

• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
• Escape to a luxurious yet tranquil oasis—and convenient home base for your Walt Disney World vacation. With EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios within walking distance, you can flow effortlessly from the excitement of the theme parks to the relaxation of a lavishly appointed hotel room at this Autograph Collection hotel.
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• With deluxe accommodations inspired by Florida itself, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel juxtaposes modern architectural silhouettes alongside Renaissance flourishes—most notably, the twin stylized dolphin statues gracing its rooftop. A tropical palette of aqua and coral, elaborate fountains, towering palm trees and grassy expanses render the hotel as idyllic as it is striking.
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• This sister of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel employs the same modern design sensibilities with a nod to Renaissance elegance. Clamshell fountains and graceful twin swans preside over swaying palm trees, verdant lawns and the gleaming shores of Crescent Lake, while a wave motif with a coral-and-aqua color scheme embodies Florida's unique subtropical style.

• Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser - A 2-Night, Immersive Adventure
• Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a revolutionary new 2-night experience where you are the hero. You and your group will embark on a first-of-its-kind Star Wars adventure that’s your own. It’s the most immersive Star Wars story ever created—one where you live a bespoke experience and journey further into a Star Wars adventure than you ever dreamed possible.
• Arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser. Stay in a cabin or suite with an exquisite view of space. Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with an eclectic collection of characters, sit down to exotic galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together.
• As the itinerary continues, you’ll take the story further and deeper. Choose your path. Seek out the inner workings of the legendary starship, learn the traditional art of wielding a lightsaber and even jump on a transport to the planet Batuu—where your mission continues at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

As you can see from the guide above, there is a Disney Resort available for everyone that ranges from category, location, different price points, and more.  

Where will you choose to stay in 2023?