Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
Walt Disney World in Florida has a huge choice of family-friendly resorts and hotels. When we were deciding on where to stay we found the choices overwhelming. Many of the hotels are unique and have a great range of facilities. Some are within walking distance of a theme park others you will have to take a shuttle service to get around. Walt Disney World in Florida is huge and covers acres and acres of land. All of the 4 theme parks, 2 waterparks, Disney Springs and the 22 Disney-owned hotels are spread out across the vast site. Below we take a look at our favourite places to stay at Walt Disney World Florida for families. We take a look at the hotels’ facilities, bedrooms and more. This quick-to-read guide is perfect for planning your next, or even first, holiday to Florida. It is based on reviews, recommendations and facilities available.
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747, United States
About – The hotel that consistently comes out top as the best at Walt Disney World Florida is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s an expensive 5-star hotel so to be able to afford a stay here we only stayed a couple of nights. This hotel is located within a wildlife reserve and if you are lucky enough you will see animals such as giraffes and zebra from your balcony. There are also a few viewing areas around the hotel. The hotel is located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area and there is a free shuttle bus to the Animal Kingdom Park. Visiting other parks from here will take longer as this hotel is located in a far corner of the Disney Resorts.
On-site there is a huge pool with a waterslide, a children’s water play area and two whirlpools. There is a choice of places to eat plus you can purchase food at the pool bar. For children aged 3-12, there is a supervised activity centre plus a playground and games arcade. Bedrooms are double rooms that can sleep 4 people in 2 US queen-sized beds. Included are air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, a safe and more.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Resort
Resort Area – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
2. Disney’s Art of Animation
Address: 1850 Animation Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – If you’re looking for a Disney hotel that has the largest pool then Disney’s Art of Animation has just that. Themed on Finding Nemo it is surrounded by giant statues of Nemo, Dory and friends. There are two further pools: Cars and the Little Mermaid plus a children’s wet play area. This hotel is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Resort area. There is a free shuttle bus to and from the Disney Parks and Disney Springs.
This hotel has a food court and a pool bar. Kids will love the Righteous Reef Playground and you can also catch the Disney Skyliner from this hotel that connects you with Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Themed rooms include The Little Mermaid double room that sleeps up to 4, the Finding Nemo suite that sleeps up to 6, the Lion King suite that also sleeps up to 6 and the Family Cars Suite.
Hotel Category – Value Resort
Resort Area – Wide World of Sports Resort Area
3. Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Address: 1050 Century Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – A great value-for-money option which rates well for location, cleanliness and of course, value is Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This is a very popular hotel with families and everything here is themed around pop culture from the 20th century. You can expect oversized memorabilia and themed swimming pools. It is located in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Resorts area and there are free shuttle buses to the Disney Parks. You can also catch the Disney Skyliner from this hotel which connects you with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
You are spoilt for choice with three pools including one shaped like a bowling pin, another that looks like an early computer and a Sixties ‘Hippy Dippy’ pool. If you purchase the Disney Resort Mug you can enjoy free soft drinks during your stay. There is also a restaurant and food court plus a games arcade and playground. Rooms here are doubles which can sleep up to 4 people.
Hotel Category – Value Resort
Resort Area – Wide World of Sports Resort Area
4-5. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside
Address: Riverside – 1251 Riverside Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
French Quarter – 2201 Orleans Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – Themed around the Deep South of America and set on the banks of a River are Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside Resorts. The main building looks like a steamboat ticket station and its grand interior evokes the 10th century. This hotel is located in the Disney Springs Resort area so it is well located for all the great restaurants and shops this area has to offer. Complimentary bus transportation to and from all Disney theme parks and water parks is available. Buses also run to Disney Springs.
The hotel’s main pool is designed to look like a disused sawmill and is accessed by wooden bridges. It has a slide, a whirlpool, a children’s pool and a nearby bar. There are a further 5 pools dotted around the accommodation blocks. These two hotels have shared facilities. On-site there is a food court and dining hall plus a playground, pedalos, games room, kayaks and bike hire. They have double rooms that can sleep up to 4 people.
Hotel Category – Moderate Resort
Resort Area – Disney Springs Resort Area
6. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Address: 1114 Cayman Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – With colonial-style buildings in hues of pink and blue set against towering palms and manicured lawns, you will feel like you are in the Caribbean. The site is split into separate villages representing different islands. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is located in the Epcot resort area close to the theme park entrance. There is a free bus shuttle and Skyliner transport to the Disney theme parks.
The highlight of this hotel is the outdoor pool which resembles a crumbly Spanish-colonial fortress like those once seized by the Pirates of the Caribbean. It has water cannons, a children’s water play area and two slides. There are more pools dotted around the resort. At this hotel, there is a food court, restaurants and a bar. There are pedal boats, canoes and boats to rent in the marina plus a games arcade and a playground. Rooms are doubles that sleep 2-4 people.
Hotel Category – Moderate Resort
Resort Area – Epcot Resort Area
7. Disney’s Coronado Springs
Address: 1000 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – Disney’s Coronado Springs is a lakeside oasis that has a unique blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures. You can take the complimentary shuttle bus to all the Disney parks and the hotel is located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area. The main pool features a Mayan pyramid waterfall and a statue. There are also three smaller pools, a 22-seater hot tub and a children’s water play area.
On-site there is the Mayan Grill restaurant, a couple of bars plus other places where you can eat. There is also an amusement arcade, a playground with an archaeological theme, a volleyball court, fishing and the Coronado Springs campfire. Rooms are decorated with a Mexican style with double rooms that can sleep up to four people. For adults, there is the La Vida Health Club and a beauty salon.
Hotel Category – Moderate Resort
Resort Area – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
8. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – For a truly luxurious hotel, why not stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa? Located just a Monorail ride away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park this grand hotel has a luxury Victorian design. The monorail passes through the hotel so reaching Disney’s main park is certainly a breeze. Set on the edge of the huge Seven Seas Lagoon this hotel has an award-winning a la carte restaurant and a seafood waterside restaurant.
There are two pools, one that overlooks the lagoon and has a waterslide, a separate children’s pool and waterside cabanas that you can rent. The other is a quieter pool with a hot tub. On-site activities include fishing, boat rental and speciality cruises plus there is a playground and arcade machines. This hotel has spacious double rooms that can sleep up to 5 people.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Resort
Resort Area – Magic Kingdom Resort Area
9. Disney All-Star Movies Resort
Address: 1901 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort area is the Disney All-Star Movies Hotel. Here you will be transported to the movies as you are greeted by larger-than-life characters from the silver screen. Bedroom blocks are themed by films such as Toy Story and The Jungle Book. From the hotel, there is a shuttle bus to the Disney Parks.
There are two themed pools, one is themed on Fantasia with Mickey Mouse commanding the pool. The other has been based on the Mighty Ducks films and is styled like an ice rink. The hotel has a food court and a pool bar plus a playground and arcade machines. Bedrooms here are doubles that can sleep up to 4 people.
Hotel Category – Value Resort
Resort Area – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
10. Disney All-Star Music Resort
Address: 1801 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – This music-themed hotel pays homage to jazz, country, rock ‘n’ roll, Broadway and calypso. Disney All-Star Music has giant instruments propped up against different apartments. The swimming pools are shaped like super-sized pianos and guitars with fun features at the Calypso pool. There are free shuttle buses to and from the Disney Parks and Disney Springs. The hotel is located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom resort area.
On-site there is a food court plus a pool bar or you can make use of the shuttle to Disney Springs which runs until late. Kids can let off steam in the playground, there is a 1-mile jogging track plus arcade machines. There are double bedrooms that sleep up to 4 people plus family suites that sleep up to 6. This has a lounge area with a double bed and a Murphy bed plus a bedroom and another Murphy Bed in the bedroom.
Hotel Category – Value Resort
Resort Area – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
11. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Address: 1960 Broadway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – Named after a New York retreat that’s famous for wellness it’s only fitting that Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is home to an award-winning spa. Staying here is like stepping into Victorian times as the hotel has been themed on the historic city of Saratoga Springs. With Lake Buena Vista Golf Course nearby and Disney Springs a boat ride away across the lake this hotel is certainly more laid back than most on this list. There are free bus shuttles to the theme parks.
That’s not to say that there aren’t some fun family-friendly facilities. There is the Paddock Pool with a 146-foot waterslide plus a whirlpool bath and a kid’s pool with smaller slides. You also have the High Rock Spring pool with a rocky setting and a waterslide. Kids will also love the Donald Duck wet play area and there are three quieter pools, each with a whirlpool bath. There are lots of other facilities here including an arcade, bike hire, basketball, tennis courts, evening campfire activities, fishing trips and a playground. Rooms here are 1-2 bedroom villas, treehouse villas and deluxe studios. The 2 bedroom villas and treehouse villas can sleep up to 9 people.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Villa Resort
Resort Area – Disney Springs Resort Area
12. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Address: 1701 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom area Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is great for sports fanatics. It is split and themed into five sports-related zones which are American football, baseball, basketball, tennis and surfing. From the hotel, there is a free shuttle bus to and from the Disney Parks and Disney Springs.
The Surfboard Bay Pool has been lined with three-storey high bodyboards and it has been designed to feel like a beach. There is a smaller pool for children plus a children’s water play area and a Grand Slam-themed pool. Other facilities include a pool bar, food court, a playground, arcade machines and a one-mile jogging track. Bedrooms are doubles with two queen-size beds that can sleep up to 4 people.
Hotel Category – Value Resort
Resort Area – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
13. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Address: Bay Lake, FL 32836, United States
About – With views of Cinderella’s castle and a Monorail straight to the Magic Kingdom that runs right through the hotel Disney’s Contemporary Resort is an ultra-modern hotel with award-winning dining. This hotel is the closest hotel to Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park and it is also home to the famous Chef Mickey’s buffet restaurant where you can meet Mickey and some of his friends. You can also visit the other parks from this hotel or head out to the marina to rent a motorboat or go fishing on the lake.
The main swimming pool has a waterslide and an interactive water fountain. There are two quieter pools close by. As well as Chef Mickey’s there is a choice of other places to eat at this hotel. Plus there is volleyball on the beach, tennis and an amusement arcade. Bedrooms are doubles that can sleep up to 5 people. Make sure you book a park view room to have views of Magic Kingdom.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Resort
Resort Area – Magic Kingdom Resort Area
14. Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Address: 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836, United States
About – With paradise-like surroundings, Disney’s Polynesian Resort brings a taste of the South Pacific to Florida. Around the buildings, there are coconut palms, tropical blooms and cascading pools. Set on a lake with its own manmade sandy beach this hotel is located within the Magic Kingdom Resort area. The monorail starts from this hotel and buses and water taxis can take you to the other Disney parks. At Ohana restaurant there are character breakfasts.
The Lava Pool is great fun as it is themed with a 40-foot-high volcano and a 142-foot-long waterslide. Next to this is a splash play area for the kids plus there is a more tranquil pool nestled in a garden. There is a choice of places for food and drinks plus there is a games arcade, fishing and boat rental. Bedrooms are doubles that sleep up to 5 and you can upgrade your stay here to club level. These extras include a turndown service, access to the Club Lounge, a concierge service and free health club access.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Resort
Resort Area – Magic Kingdom Resort Area
15-16. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Address: Yacht Club – 1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States – Beach Club – 1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – Just 5 minutes from Epcot is Disney’s Yacht Club Resort or you can stay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. These resorts will transport you to the seaside of New England one of the earliest English settlements in America. They are located next to a huge 25-acre lake that has a lighthouse in its centre. The grounds are full of palm trees and water features. Plus the staff dress in navy blazers and captain’s hats. Located in the Epcot resort area this resort complex has shuttles to the parks.
The Stormaway Bay-themed pool is excellent and has waterfalls, a lazy river and a 230-foot waterslide. It also has a 3-acre splash play area with a huge shipwreck to explore. There are also 3 quieter pools which guests can use. You have several on-site restaurants including a la carte dining and the Cape May cafe with character dining at breakfast time. Other facilities include a kids activity centre for ages 3-12, fishing, a pirate adventure cruise, boat rental, tennis, a playground and arcade machines. Their double rooms can sleep up to 5 people.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Resort
Resort Area – EPCOT Resort Area
17. Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Address: 1510 N Cove Rd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – Designed to mimic colonial towns in the Florida Keys, Disney’s Old Key West Resort features villas reminiscent of those in Key West. This hotel is located in the Disney Springs area and you can get a water taxi from here to the Springs. There are bus shuttles from here to the Disney Parks.
There are four pools to choose from including one with a giant sandcastle slide and a sauna inside a lighthouse plus a sandy beach area for sunbathing. The other three pools are quieter and can be found dotted around the grounds. On-site there is a family restaurant, a fast food outlet and a couple of bars. Facilities also include tennis, games rooms, bike hire, basketball, bike hire, fishing trips and playgrounds.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Villa Resort
Resort Area – Disney Springs Resort Area
18. Disney Boardwalk Inn Hotel
Address: 2101 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – Located on a lively promenade within walking distance of some of the Disney Parks is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Hotel. It has a lakefront setting with bars, shops and restaurants all around. The other parks can be accessed via water taxis and buses from just outside the hotel. With a Vintage American theme, the hotel has candy-coloured seaside buildings and a Coney Island-style boardwalk with street performers.
Luna Park is the biggest pool on-site that has a circus and amusement park theme with spouting elephants, a 200-foot-long waterslide and a nearby whirlpool bath and bar. There are also two quieter pools and places to eat and drink on-site. Other activities include a mini golf course, arcades, bike hire, tennis, a playground and more. Bedrooms here are doubles that can sleep up to 4 people.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Resort
Resort Area – EPCOT Resort Area
19. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Address: 901 Timberline Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – With a pine forest setting Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has been built in the style of an old-time mountain retreat. At the back of the hotel, there is a manmade sandy beach and elsewhere around the grounds, there are forests and a pretty waterfall. There is transport to all the theme parks.
There are two pools at this resort. The Silver Creek Springs pool has a fun waterslide built into the rocks and there is a water play area for the kids. The second pool is more relaxed and comes with a whirlpool. Storybook Dining with Snow White is available at this hotel plus there is a food court, grill, bars and a cafe. Rooms here are doubles that can sleep up to 4 people.
Hotel Category – Deluxe Resort
Resort Area – Magic Kingdom Resort Area
20. Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Address: 4510 Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
About – We stayed at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and I’m actually listing it last. We found the site too big to get around even though we hired a golf cart. It just didn’t feel like we were staying at Disney World. The only bonus is that we were well located for the wonderful Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review musical-themed meal. You can take a boat from here over to the Magic Kingdom and there are bus stops that can take you to the other theme parks.
There are two pools including one with a corkscrew waterslide plus a fort-themed water play area. In the campground, kids can join in with a Chip ‘n’ Dale campfire sing-a-long. Other activities include motorboat rental, wagon rides, archery, bike hire, tennis, fishing, pony rides, canoe rentals and there is a playground. Accommodation is by way of lodges set in natural surroundings (we spotted a lot of wildlife). The lodges can sleep up to 6 people and they have a lounge and kitchen area.
Hotel Category – Campground Resort
Resort Area – Magic Kingdom Resort Area
For further reading why not check out some of our other posts?
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review | Club Level | Room Review
Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins | Photos of Our Cabin | Review
Three Week Florida Itinerary With Kids Including Disney World
