How Disney World Resorts Work



Updated 9/1/2022

Once you know what parks you want to visit, you need to figure out how Disney World Resort hotels work. 

Disney World Resort has many official “on property” resorts. These are broken down into categories based on price: Value, Moderate and Deluxe. There are also select hotels near Disney World property or Disney Springs. Some select hotels share the same benefits as staying on property.

Location, Location, Location

Choosing a resort can be tricky, especially when you don’t know how the Disney World resorts work. Positioning yourself at the resort with the best way to get to where you want to go is key. That’s why we suggest figuring out which parks you would like to visit first. While every park can be accessed via free bus, monorail and boat service from any of the on property resorts, distance and time will vary. There are resorts located near each of the parks and three of the parks can even be accessed via walking paths from certain resorts. 

You will be walking, on average, 10 miles a day, so be realistic about your travelling group. Do they want to hit the parks all day? Would anyone benefit from an afternoon nap or siesta at the resort pool? Does everyone need a resort only rest day free from the parks to just relax  and recharge?

Pick what works for YOU.  Every resort has its own activities, pools, eateries and shops to explore. However, you are primarily looking for somewhere to rest your park-spent body. This applies to everyone whether you are park opener, park closer or all day marathoner.

Transportation is important

Speaking of transportation. When you are selecting a resort, pay attention to your transportation options. Don’t let travel eat away at your precious vacation time.

Price

I’m not going to get too much into budget concerns because they are different for everyone.  In terms of resorts at Disney World, you can book anything from a fancy Deluxe Villa to a tent campsite.   

Perks

All visitors to Disney World have access to free transportation (buses, Skyliner, boats). However, only guests staying at Disney World Resort Hotels or a specific list of “select hotels” offer Early Theme Park Entry. Only guests staying at Disney World Resort Deluxe Hotels are eligible for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

Deluxes aren’t necessarily the best option

The more convenient something is the more expensive it can be. For the most part, the resorts that are within walking distance of parks or have more transportation options ARE the more expensive Deluxe resorts. BUT, the Skyliner Gondola transportation system services two of the Value resorts, one Moderate resort, and one DVC resort. You won’t be eligible for the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours at a value but if you have young kids staying out until midnight might not be an option anyway.

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Option

Disney World also has it’s own spin on timeshares. Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Deluxe Studio and Villa accommodations can be booked either through a DVC Club membership, renting from a DVC member or booking directly as a non-DVC member through Disney. These DVC resorts are either stand alone or associated with a regular Disney World Deluxe resort:

  • Bay Lake Tower (Contemporary)
  • Boulder Ridge & Copper Creek Villas (Wilderness Lodge)
  • Jambo House & Kidani Village (Animal Kindgom Lodge)
  • Deluxe Villas (Beach Club, Boardwalk, Polynesian Village, Grand Floridan)
  • Bungalows (Polynesian Village)
  • Old Key West
  • Riviera Resort
  • Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Let’s take a look at resort locations in relation to the parks:

For Epcot and Hollywood Studios:

  • Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, Yacht Club have walking paths to both parks. ~5-10 minute walk to Epcot’s International Gateway and ~15-20 min walk to Hollywood Studios.
  • Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century and Art of Animation have Skyliner access to Epcot’s International Gateway and Hollywood Studios
  • Honorable mention: The Swan and Dolphin resorts are technically on property but are not Disney World Resort hotels. They both offer Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

For Magic Kingdom:

  • The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian Village Resort & the Contemporary Resort all have walking paths, boat and monorail service to Magic Kingdom.
  • Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness both have boat service to Magic Kingdom

For Animal Kingdom:

  • Animal Kingdom is the most remote of the 4 parks and the Lodge is really the only resort “close” to it

For Disney Springs:

  • Saratoga Springs has a walking path to Disney Springs
  • Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter have boat service to Disney Springs

Remember, all of the resorts have at least free bus service to the parks and Disney Springs. The only exceptions are the four deluxe resorts that are near Magic Kingdom (Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village Resort, the Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge) which DO NOT have buses to Magic Kingdom. Guests of Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village and the Contemporary resorts can access Magic Kingdom via a walking path or by boat. Guests of Wilderness Lodge can access Magic Kingdom by boat. The lists above just give you an idea of the most convenient resorts for each park.

For a full breakdown, check out our Transportation by Resort page.

Still with me? I know it’s a lot to take in. Now that you have this basic understanding of how Disney World resorts work you can dig down a little deeper. Take a minute or two and check out each category to see what works for you:  Value, Moderate, Deluxe.

Disney World is rapidly changing. Finding out the resort pool is closed once you get there is no fun for anyone. Neither is trying to sleep through construction. For one of the best updated lists on resort construction or temporary closures due to refurbishments, check out AllEars.net.