Hey guys! Planning a trip to Disney World? Awesome! But where to stay? Choosing the right hotel can seriously make or break your vacation. That's why I've put together this guide to the best Disney hotels near Disney World. Let's dive in and find the perfect spot for your magical adventure!

Why Stay at a Disney Hotel?

Before we jump into specific hotels, let's talk about why staying at a Disney-owned hotel is often the best choice. Sure, there are plenty of hotels near Disney World, but the perks of staying on property are hard to beat.

First off, let's address that theme and immersion. Disney hotels are like extensions of the parks themselves. From the moment you arrive, you're surrounded by Disney magic. The theming is incredible, with details that transport you to different worlds. Think about it: you could be sleeping in a Polynesian paradise one night and a jazz-infused New Orleans the next! This immersive experience really enhances the overall Disney vacation.

Next, let's consider the convenience and transportation. Disney hotels offer complimentary transportation to and from the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. This means you can skip the hassle of driving, parking fees, and navigating unfamiliar roads. The buses, monorails, and boats are efficient and run regularly, making it easy to get around. Plus, you can take advantage of Disney's Magical Express service (though it's being replaced, so keep an eye on alternatives!), which handles your luggage and transports you to and from the Orlando International Airport.

But there's more! Let's talk about early theme park entry and extended evening hours. Guests staying at Disney hotels get a significant advantage: the ability to enter the parks 30 minutes before other guests. This might not sound like much, but those extra minutes can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to popular rides. During certain times of the year, Disney also offers extended evening hours for resort guests, allowing you to enjoy the parks after they've closed to the general public. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience attractions with shorter wait times. It’s like having the park all to yourself, and who wouldn’t want that?

And finally, let's consider Disney's Magical Extras. Disney hotel guests receive a variety of perks, such as complimentary MagicBands (though these are increasingly optional), package delivery to your room, and the ability to make dining reservations 60 days in advance. These little extras can add up and make your vacation more enjoyable and stress-free.

Disney's Deluxe Resort Hotels: The Ultimate in Luxury

Okay, so you're sold on staying at a Disney hotel. Awesome! Let's start with the top-tier options: the Deluxe Resort Hotels. These are the cream of the crop, offering the most luxurious accommodations, the best amenities, and the most convenient locations. Sure, they come with a higher price tag, but for many, the splurge is totally worth it. You're not just paying for a room; you're paying for an experience.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Let's start with Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This is the flagship hotel of Walt Disney World, and it oozes Victorian elegance. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, you'll be transported to a world of luxury and sophistication. Think grand chandeliers, live orchestras, and impeccable service. The rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, and many offer stunning views of the Magic Kingdom. The Grand Floridian is located on the monorail line, providing easy access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot (with a transfer). It's also home to some of Disney World's finest restaurants, including Citricos and Narcoossee's. If you're looking for the ultimate in Disney luxury, the Grand Floridian is the place to be.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Next up is Disney's Contemporary Resort. This hotel is iconic for its modern architecture and the monorail that runs right through the building! The Contemporary offers a unique and convenient experience, with easy access to the Magic Kingdom. The rooms are sleek and stylish, and many offer breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake. The hotel is home to several popular restaurants, including California Grill, which offers stunning views of the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. If you're looking for a hotel that's both stylish and convenient, the Contemporary is an excellent choice.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

If you're dreaming of a tropical getaway, look no further than Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. This hotel transports you to the South Pacific with its lush landscaping, thatched roofs, and relaxing atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and beautifully themed, and many offer views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Polynesian is located on the monorail line, providing easy access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot (with a transfer). It's also home to some fantastic restaurants, including 'Ohana, which is famous for its delicious Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. If you're looking for a relaxing and immersive experience, the Polynesian is a great option.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

For a rustic and outdoorsy vibe, check out Disney's Wilderness Lodge. This hotel is inspired by the national park lodges of the American West, with its towering lobby, stone fireplaces, and stunning natural surroundings. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and many offer views of Bay Lake or the surrounding forest. The Wilderness Lodge is located on Bay Lake, and it offers boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom. It's also home to some excellent restaurants, including Whispering Canyon Cafe, which is known for its fun and boisterous atmosphere. If you're looking for a hotel that's both beautiful and relaxing, the Wilderness Lodge is a great choice.

Disney's Moderate Resort Hotels: Great Value and Fun

Okay, maybe the Deluxe Resorts are a bit out of your budget. No worries! Disney's Moderate Resort Hotels offer a great balance of affordability and amenities. They're not quite as luxurious as the Deluxe Resorts, but they still offer a fantastic Disney experience. Let's take a look at some of the best options.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

First up is Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This hotel is themed after the islands of the Caribbean, with colorful buildings, sandy beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and the resort features several pools, including the Fuentes del Morro Pool, which has water cannons and slides. Caribbean Beach is also a Skyliner station, providing easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If you're looking for a fun and affordable hotel with great transportation options, Caribbean Beach is a great choice.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside & French Quarter

Next, we have Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter. These two resorts are located next to each other and share many of the same amenities. Riverside is themed after the rural South, with elegant mansions and bayous, while French Quarter is themed after New Orleans, with wrought-iron balconies and cobblestone streets. The rooms are comfortable and well-themed, and both resorts offer boat transportation to Disney Springs. If you're looking for a charming and affordable hotel with a touch of Southern hospitality, Port Orleans is a great option.

Disney's Value Resort Hotels: Budget-Friendly Magic

If you're on a tight budget, Disney's Value Resort Hotels are the way to go. These hotels offer the most affordable accommodations on Disney property, without sacrificing the Disney magic. They're not as fancy as the Deluxe or Moderate Resorts, but they still offer a fun and comfortable experience. They're perfect for families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks and just need a place to sleep.

Disney's All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resorts

The All-Star Resorts include Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, All-Star Music Resort, and All-Star Sports Resort. These hotels are themed after, you guessed it, movies, music, and sports. The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable, and the resorts feature large pools and food courts. The All-Star Resorts are located a bit further from the parks than the other Disney hotels, but they offer bus transportation to all of the parks and Disney Springs. If you're looking for the most affordable option on Disney property, the All-Star Resorts are a great choice.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

For a step up from the All-Star Resorts, check out Disney's Art of Animation Resort. This hotel is themed after classic Disney and Pixar movies, with colorful buildings and larger-than-life characters. The rooms are themed after movies like Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King. Art of Animation is also a Skyliner station, providing easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. While it's pricier than the All-Star Resorts, it offers a more immersive experience and better transportation options, making it a great value for families.

Beyond Disney: Good Neighbor Hotels

Okay, so maybe you're still looking for something just outside the Disney bubble. No problem! There are tons of