The Absolute Best Disney World Resort Area to Stay At (the 10 Best Resorts & Borderline Genius Budget Tips!)

Are you planning your Disney trip, and want your hotel to be located in the best and most convenient Disney World Resort area? This is the post for you!

Disney World is HUGE (as in “almost double the size of Manhattan” huge – a fact you’ll know well if you’re a Disney fan). And unfortunately, not all Disney World resort areas are made equal.

On this Disney World resort area list of hotels, we’re talking about all the hotels close to the Disney World Parks – and offer the best transportation.

So, let’s find out which Disney World resort is the best for you!

This post is all about the best Walt Disney World resort area hotels – in the most convenient locations – and how to stay at these resorts on a budget.

Best Walt Disney World Resort Area Hotels

How many Disney World resorts are there in a prime location?

When I refer to a hotels in a “prime location”, I’m talking about Disney Resorts located on the Monorail, Skyliner or within walking distance of at least one park.

On this list, we’re discussing 10 best Disney Resorts in “prime locations” (as well as a couple of honourable mentions).

The Disney Monorail is an iconic transportation system with three separate lines:

The Resort Monorail takes guests between Magic Kingdom, three Disney World Resorts (more on these later) and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).

The Skyliner is an innovative gondola system that can transport guests from four Disney World Resorts to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

So, let’s dive into the best Disney World Resort Area hotels!

Which ‘Disney World Resorts’ are on the Monorail?’

1) Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort was an Opening Day Resort at Disney World, and is best known for having the Monorail that goes THROUGH the Main Tower of the Hotel.

The Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied): 

• Garden Wing – Resort View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $572/night – $1,043/night
• Garden Wing – Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $578/night – $1,134/night
• Garden Wing – King (sleeps up to 3 guests): $681/night – $1,140/night
• Garden Wing – Deluxe Room (sleeps up to 4 guests): $688/night – $1,190/night
• Main Tower – Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $804/night – $1,284/night
• Main Tower – Theme Park View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $903/night – $1,423/night
• Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,043/night – $1,665/night
• Resort View – King – Club Level (sleeps up to 2 guests): $1,045/night – $1,709/night
• Theme Park View – Atrium Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,100/night – $1,897/night
• Garden Wing – 1 Bedroom Suite Access (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,512/night – $2,818/night
• Garden Wing -1 Bedroom Hospitality Ste Access (sleeps up to 7 guests): $1,603/night – $3,004/night
• Water View – 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,972/night – $3,457/night
• Theme Park View 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $2,091/night – $3,879/night
• Water View – 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 8 guests): $2,879/night – $5,399/night
• Theme Park View 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 10 guests): $3,003/night – $5,523/night
• Theme Park View Presidential Suite Club Level (sleeps up to 10 guests): $3,405/night – $5,905/night

But, don’t worry, a cheaper alternative to staying at the hotel side of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is staying at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower.

This is the Disney Vacation Club property at the Contemporary.

If you’re a DVC member, you can use your points to stay here.

But, if you’re NOT a DVC member, and want to stay here for a more moderate price, you can rent DVC points to stay here on a budget – we discuss this in our post all about renting DVC points! 

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• It’s arguably ugly – the buildings feel very 1970s, which can make it feel kind of dated. If this resort was a tribute to the 1970s, it would make a little more sense, but they’ve tried to modernise it in some ways, so it just looks like a resort without a clear identity.
• If you stay on the hotel side, the rooms are themed after The Incredibles. Yeah, not Disney’s best choice ever.

• Luckily, this is the least expensive resort on the Monorail (as it should be for the rooms it offers!).
• If you stay in Bay Lake Tower, the Studios and Villas look tired and old. Thankfully, it’s due to be refurbished in 2025.
• Bay Lake Tower is also the cheapest DVC Resort on the Monorail.
• The Contemporary Resort is only a 5-10 minute walk to Magic Kingdom.

• If you’re taking the Monorail back from Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary is the first stop – which is awesome. But, if you’re going to the Magic Kingdom, you have three stops before getting to the Magic Kingdom.
• They have a LOT of dining locations 
• There are two pools for all guests – and another pool, exclusive to guests at Bay Lake Tower.
• You can watch the Electrical Water Pageant (from the beach or boat pier)
• There is a fitness center, known as Olympiad Fitness Center
• You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from certain locations at the Contemporary.

RELATED POST: A Definitive Ranking of the Disney World Monorail Resorts

2) Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort & Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was another Opening Day Resort at Walt Disney World – with gorgeous South Pacific theming.

Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied): 

• Resort View Room (sleeps up to 5 guests): $691/night – $1,256/night

• Water View Room (sleeps up to 5 guests): $799/night – $1,346/night

• Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $944/night – $1,591/night

• Theme Park View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $979/night – $1,645/night

• Water View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,152/night – $1,924/night

• Honeymoon Room – Club Level (sleeps up to 2 guests): $1,195/night – $1,997/night

• Theme Park View – Club Level(sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,276/night – $2,068/night

• 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,659/night – $2,750/night

• Ambassador VP Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 8 guests): $2,773/night – $4,647/night

• King Kamehameha Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 8 guests): $3,593/night – $5,825/night

The less expensive alternative is staying/renting points at the Polynesian’s DVC Property—Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (be aware that the Two-Bedroom Bungalows are still CRAZY expensive).

They’re also currently building a new DVC Tower at the Polynesian, set to open in late 2024.

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• It’s the second most expensive resort on the Monorail.
• You can easily walk to the TTC, making it easy to catch the Monorail to Epcot.

• They have two amazing pools.
• You can find some of the most popular Disney World dining locations at the Polynesian.
• The rooms on the hotel side have had a Moana-themed renovation – which is definitely more tasteful than The Incredibles rooms at the Contemporary.

• You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from certain locations at the Polynesian.
• You can watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach at the Polynesian.
• There is NOT a Fitness Center at the Polynesian (but guests staying at the Polynesian are allowed to use the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Health Club).
• You can also catch a boat to Magic Kingdom (instead of the Monorail).
• There’s a walking path to Magic Kingdom

3) Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney World’s Flagship Resort and the only 5-star on-site Disney World Resort.

The Grand Floridian is based on the Victorian era – and it is stunning and luxurious!

Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied): 

• Resort View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $824/night – $1,350/night
• Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $838/night – $1,438/night
• Theme Park View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $964/night – $1,721/night
• Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,303/night – $2,332/night
• Deluxe Room – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $1,357/night – $2,523/night
• Deluxe King Room – Club Level (sleeps up to 3 guests): $1,367/night – $2,535/night
• Theme Park View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,473/night – $2,662/night
• 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,767/night – $3,457/night
• 1 BR – Theme Park View – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 4 guests): $1,785/night – $3,476/night
• Sugarloaf Bldg – 1 BR Ste – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,920/night – $3,665/night
• 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $2,056/night – $3,871/night
• Victorian Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $2,490/night – $4,070/night
• 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 8 guests): $2,796/night – $4,983/night
• Sugarloaf Bldg – 2 BR Ste – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 8 guests): $3,067/night – $5,134/night
• 2 BR – Theme Park View – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $3,097/night – $5,546/night
• 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 8 guests): $3,136/night – $5,604/night
• Disney Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $3,267/night – $5,660/night
• Grand Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $3,470/night – $5,808/night

 You can also use or rent DVC points to save money on your stay at Disney Vacation Club Studios and Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort.

RELATED POST: 

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• They have arguably the best variety of dining locations – from quick service to the INSANELY EXPENSIVE Victoria & Albert’s.

• They have two incredible pools.

• You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks at the Electrical Water Pageant from this resort.

• There’s a walking path to Magic Kingdom.
• You can catch a boat to Magic Kingdom.

• It’s one of the best resorts to visit at Christmas – they have a life-sized gingerbread house!

• The rooms have had a STUNNING Mary Poppins-themed makeover – on the hotel and DVC sides.

What Disney World Resorts are on the Skyliner?

4) Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is based on the second half of the 20th century (as the first half of the 20th century never came to be and eventually turned into Art of Animation – the next resort on our list. This interesting blog post covers the history of this and why it happened).

If you’re wondering ‘Which Disney World resort is the cheapest’ on the Skyliner, this is it!

Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied): 

• Standard Room (sleeps up to 4 guests): $183/night – $392/night
• Standard Room – Pool View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $191/night – $406/night
• Preferred Room (sleeps up to 4 guests): $202/night – $418/night
• Preferred Room – Pool View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $215/night – $429/night

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• Like all the Value Resorts, there are some AWESOME photo opportunities – with larger-than-life statues and characters!

• There are three pools at Pop Century.
• You can only find quick-service dining locations here – the Everything POP Shopping & Dining location and Petals Pool Bar.

5) Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a tribute to the incredible animation of some of Disney – and Pixar’s – most popular movies, including:

• The Little Mermaid

• The Lion King

• Finding Nemo

• Cars

Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied): 

• The Little Mermaid Standard Room (sleeps up to 4 guests): $209/night – $413/night
• Family Suites – you could be allocated a Lion King, Finding Nemo or Cars Suite – (sleeps up to 6 guests): $478/night – $885/night
• Cars or Lion King Family Suites (sleeps up to 6 guests): $494/night – $891/night
• Finding Nemo Family Suites (sleeps up to 6 guests): $522/night – $963/night

RELATED POST: How to Find The Best Art of Animation Prices on Your Next Disney World Trip

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• This is the MOST expensive Value Resort.
• This resort feels like an extension of the Disney World Parks, due to the theming. 
• Art of Animation has some dog-friendly accommodations.
• There are 3 pools (and the Big Blue Pool is the largest pool at Disney World!)
• You can only dine at quick-service locations here (including Landscape of Flavors and The Drop Off Pool Bar).

6) Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a bright and beautiful resort, which celebrates 5 tropical islands:

• Aruba
• Barbados
• Jamaica
• Martinique
• Trinidad

Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied): 

• Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests): $268 – $505
• Standard View – 5th Sleeper (sleeps up to 5 guests): $288 – $522
• Water or Pool View (sleeps up to 4 guests):  $307 – $543
• Water or Pool View – 5th Sleeper (sleeps up to 5 guests): $325 – $558
• King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests):  $314 – $552
• Preferred Room (sleeps up to 4 guests):  $368 – $582

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• This is the most expensive Moderate Resort at Disney World.
• There are 6 pools at Caribbean Beach!
• Caribbean Beach has quick service, table service, and bar locations—a better selection than the Value Resorts on the Skyliner.

• The Pirate Rooms have been refurbished to become Little Mermaid-themed rooms (a step up from the Little Mermaid rooms at Art of Animation), and the other rooms have had a subtle refurbishment recently—which was VERY necessary.

7) Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort was inspired by the French and Italian Riviera (though, in reality, it looks nothing like this).

Riviera is one of the newest DVC Resorts – it opened in December 2019. 

Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied – if you book directly through Disney – which is usually the least cost-effective way to book a stay at the Riviera):

• Tower Studio (sleeps up to 2 guests): $476/night – $864/night
• Deluxe Studio – Standard View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $722/night – $1,202/night
• Deluxe Studio – Preferred View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $786/night – $1,326/night
• One Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $990/night – $1,618/night
• One Bedroom Villa – Preferred View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,082/night – $1,907/night
• Two Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 9 guests): $1,624/night – $2,594/night
• Two Bedroom Villa – Preferred View (sleeps up to 9 guests): $1,775/night – $2,977/night
• Three Bedroom Villa (sleeps up to 12 guests): $3,255/night – $5,479/night

The cheapest way to stay here is by using or renting DVC points.

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• It is the only Deluxe Resort on the Skyliner.

• It has arguably some of the best dining options.

• Riviera has the Athlétique Fitness Center.
• There are 2 pools at Riviera. 
• This is one of the most expensive DVC Resorts at Disney World (third to the Polynesian and Grand Floridian).

Disney World Epcot Area Resorts

8) Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is based on Atlantic City in the early 1900s. As the name suggests, it is located at the BoardWalk – home to entertainment and dining locations.

Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied):

• Resort View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $641/night – $1,118/night
• Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $775/night – $1,408/night
• Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $775/night – $897/night – $1,520/night
• Deluxe Room – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,082/night – $1,860/night
• Garden Room – Club Level (sleeps up to 2 guests): $1,163/night – $1,999/night
• 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 9 guests): $2,104/night – $3,624/night
• Sonora VP Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $2,812/night – $4,702/night

BoardWalk Villas is one of the cheapest DVC Resorts to rent points at.

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• You can walk or take the boat to Epcot or Hollywood Studios
• You can walk to the International Gateway and catch the Skyliner.

• There are 3 pools at BoardWalk Inn.
• BoardWalk Inn has the Muscles & Bustles Health Club (yeah, that’s really the name 😂)

9) Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a New England inspired resort – and is an understated Deluxe Resort.

Most Important Things You Should Know About This Resort:

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied):

• Resort View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $569/night – $1,043/night
• Resort View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $597/night – $1,084/night
• Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $724/night – $1,174/night
• Deluxe Room (sleeps up to 6 guests): $784/night – $1,252/night
• Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $843/night – $1,516/night
• Water View – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $914/night – $1,612/night
• 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $1,052/night – $1,854/night
• Nantucket VP Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 2 guests): $1,401/night – $2,581/night
• 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 7 guests): $2,102/night – $4,008/night
• Newport Presidential Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 7 guests): $2,855/night – $5,029/night

Availability is very limited at Beach Club Villas, but if you can rent points here, it can be more cost-effective.

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• Beach Club is known for the iconic Stormalong Bay pool – which has a sand-bottomed pool and a lazy river! (Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool are closed between January 2025 and June 2025 for maintenance).

• There are 3 leisure pools at the Beach and Yacht Club.
• You can walk to Epcot in minutes (and you can also walk to Hollywood Studios – or catch a boat).
• You can catch the Skyliner from the International Gateway. Yeah, this hotel really is located in an awesome Disney World Resort Area!
• Beach Club shares a Fitness Center with Yacht Club.
• It is located by Disney’s BoardWalk.

10) Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is themed similarly to Beach Club, but as the name suggests, it is a New England-inspired yacht club hotel instead!

PRICING (based on 2024 room rates – with tax and without discounts applied):

• Resort View – King Bed (sleeps up to 2 guests): $569/night – $1,046/night
• Resort View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $598/night – $1,081/night
• Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $709/night – $1,180/night
• Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $830/night – $1,457/night
• Water View – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $974/night – $1,654/night
• 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $2,264/night – $4,093/night

OTHER KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS RESORT:

• Yacht Club guests have access to the awesome Stormalong Bay pool (Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool are closed between January 2025 and June 2025 for maintenance). As we already mentioned, Yacht and Beach Club also share 3 other pools.
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is essentially a slightly more sophisticated version of Beach Club.

• There is not a DVC property at Yacht Club.
• Beach and Yacht Club share a Fitness Center.
• This resort is located by Disney’s BoardWalk.
• You can walk to Epcot in a handful of minutes (and you can also walk to Hollywood Studios – or catch a boat).
• If you walk to the International Gateway, you can catch the Skyliner.

Honourable Mention: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

These Marriott hotels are also located in the BoardWalk area which provide guests with some of the same perks as those staying at on-site Disney World Resorts. (The best perk is access to Extended Evening Theme Park Hours).

Ta Ta For Now

Which do you think is the best Disney World Resort Area, and the best hotel to stay at for convenient access and transportation to the Disney Parks?

This post was all about the best Walt Disney World resort area hotels – in the most convenient locations – and how to stay at these resorts on a budget.

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