Where to Stay at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is a 25,000-acre resort that offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you decide where to stay at Walt Disney World.
1. On-site Hotels
Walt Disney World has four on-site hotels: the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Polynesian Village Resort, the Contemporary Resort, and the Wilderness Lodge. These hotels are known for their luxurious amenities, beautiful gardens, and exceptional service.
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: This deluxe resort is the most luxurious of the four on-site hotels. Guests can enjoy monorail access to Magic Kingdom, as well as a variety of dining and shopping options.
- Polynesian Village Resort: This deluxe resort is a tropical oasis, complete with lagoon-style pool, outdoor bar, and several restaurants serving international cuisine.
- Contemporary Resort: This classic Disney resort is a fan favorite, with a modern design, monorail access to Magic Kingdom, and several dining options.
- Wilderness Lodge: This rustic, wilderness-themed resort is a great option for those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, with a large outdoor pool and several dining options.
2. Off-site Hotels
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are many off-site hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options like the Days Inn and the Comfort Inn to luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and the Waldorf Astoria.
Key Factors to Consider
- Location: Consider the location of your hotel in relation to the theme parks, as well as other Disney amenities like water parks and shopping districts.
- Dining: If you’re a foodie, consider where you’ll be eating during your stay. Disney resorts offer on-site dining options, while off-site hotels offer a wide range of dining options.
- Cost: Consider your budget when choosing a hotel. Disney resorts can be expensive, but off-site hotels offer a more affordable option.
- Amenities: Consider what amenities are important to you. Some on-site hotels offer water parks, fitness centers, and children’s programs, while others offer shuttle service to the theme parks.
Table: Comparison of On-site and Off-site Hotels
| Hotel | Location | Price Range | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | Magic Kingdom | $600-$1,200 per night | Monorail access, upscale dining |
| Polynesian Village Resort | Magic Kingdom | $400-$900 per night | Lagoon-style pool, outdoor bar, several restaurants |
| Contemporary Resort | Magic Kingdom | $400-$900 per night | Monorail access, modern design, several dining options |
| Wilderness Lodge | Magic Kingdom | $400-$900 per night | Outdoor pool, several dining options, rustic theme |
| Off-site Hotels | $150-$300 per night | On-site shuttle service, wide range of dining options |
3. Water Parks
Walt Disney World offers two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Both parks offer a fun day out for families with kids.
- Typhoon Lagoon: This tropical-themed water park is themed around hurricanes and offers a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool.
- Blizzard Beach: This outdoor water park is themed around snowy mountains and offers a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool.
4. Shopping
Walt Disney World is a shopper’s paradise, with over 30 shops and kiosks throughout the resort.
- Disney Springs: This shopping district is located on the monorail line and offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa: This resort offers a variety of shops and restaurants, including a boutique and a swim-up bar.
- Disney’s BoardWalk: This waterfront district offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a giant Ferris wheel.
5. Shopping Districts
Walt Disney World offers several shopping districts, including:
- Disney Springs: This shopping district offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa: This resort offers a variety of shops and restaurants, including a boutique and a swim-up bar.
- Main Street, U.S.A.: This shopping district is located at the Magic Kingdom and offers a wide range of shops and restaurants.
6. Transportation
Walt Disney World offers several transportation options to get you to the theme parks, including:
- Monorail: This underground monorail line connects all four theme parks and offers a convenient way to get to the parks.
- Bus: The bus line offers transportation to and from the theme parks, as well as to other Disney resorts.
- Walking and Cycling: Many resorts offer walking and cycling paths to and from the theme parks.
7. Dining
Walt Disney World offers a wide range of dining options, including:
- Disney’s Be Our Guest Restaurant: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a French-inspired menu and beautiful gardens.
- Character Dining: Disney offers several character dining experiences, including character breakfasts and lunches.
- Food Court: This food court offers a wide range of international cuisine options, including Asian, Mediterranean, and more.
8. Parks and Recreational Activities
Walt Disney World offers several parks and recreational activities, including:
- Magic Kingdom: This classic Disney park offers a wide range of attractions, shows, and characters.
- Epcot: This park offers a wide range of attractions, shows, and characters, as well as a beautiful garden district.
- Hollywood Studios: This park offers a wide range of attractions, shows, and characters, as well as a state-of-the-art IMAX theater.
9. Resort Clubs
Walt Disney World offers several resort clubs, including:
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: This resort club offers a private pool, hot tub, and sun deck.
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas: This resort club offers a private pool, hot tub, and sun deck, as well as a private beach.
10. Resort Reviews
Here are some guest reviews to help you decide where to stay at Walt Disney World:
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: 5/5 stars – "The Grand Floridian is the most luxurious resort at Walt Disney World. The service is impeccable, and the food is top-notch."
- Polynesian Village Resort: 4/5 stars – "The Polynesian is a great choice for families. The food is delicious, and the pools are beautiful."
- Contemporary Resort: 4/5 stars – "The Contemporary is a fun and modern resort. The monorail is a great way to get around the park."
- Wilderness Lodge: 4/5 stars – "The Wilderness Lodge is a great choice for those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. The food is delicious, and the pools are beautiful."
Conclusion:
Walt Disney World is a resort that offers something for everyone. With its four on-site hotels, two water parks, and several shopping districts, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. When it comes to deciding where to stay, consider your budget, location, and preferences. On-site hotels offer a luxurious and convenient stay, while off-site hotels offer a more affordable option. With so many options to choose from, it’s no wonder that Walt Disney World is a top destination for families and Disney fans alike.