13 Must‑Visit Disney World Hotels for Every Age Group & Interest
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is more than just the most magical place on earth—it’s the definitive family vacation destination. With over 30 Disney‑affiliated hotels, picking the right stay can feel overwhelming.
The Best Disney World Hotels in Orlando
To help you narrow your search, we’ve ranked the top Disney World hotels for different age groups, family sizes, and vacation styles.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Best Disney hotel for little kids
Animated movies come to life at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a value‑priced property that offers four themed wings—The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid. Standard rooms with two queen‑size beds sleep four, while family suites provide a kitchenette, two bathrooms, and three separate sleeping areas that accommodate up to six guests. The highlight for young travelers is the resort’s “Big Blue Pool,” the largest pool in any Disney World resort.
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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Best of the Disney World hotels for families with big kids and tweens
Island vibes meet pirate adventures at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, one of the most balanced mid‑range hotels. Rooms are grouped into themed bungalows—each representing a different Caribbean island. Older kids will enjoy pirate‑styled rooms with ship‑shaped beds and rum‑barrel nightstands, while parents appreciate the child‑sized pull‑down sleepers. The resort’s Fuentes del Morro pool mimics a Spanish fortress and features a waterslide, a shipwreck play area, and pirate water cannons.
Additional kid‑friendly activities include bike rentals, a daytime pirate cruise for ages four to 12, and an evening mystery cruise for ages 10 to 16. The Skyliner gondola gives easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, and buses connect to the other parks.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Best for families with teenagers
With a prime monorail location, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers swift park access for teens who crave independence. The resort’s beach faces the Magic Kingdom, providing a front‑row view of nightly fireworks. Its South Pacific‑themed pool features a volcano, and the on‑site Dole Whip stand offers a refreshing treat.
Dining options that resonate with teens include O’hana’s buffet (also firework‑viewing), Kona Café’s famed Tonga Toast, and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. For an extra splurge, book a two‑bedroom overwater bungalow.
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Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Best place to stay near Disney for large families
Large families needing extra space can opt for the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. These moderately priced units accommodate up to six guests with a queen‑size bed, bunk beds, and a double‑sleeper sofa. Each cabin includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining nook, outdoor grill, picnic table, and a private patio deck.
Activities at Fort Wilderness include horse‑drawn carriage rides at the Tri‑Circle‑D Ranch, the “Hoop‑Dee‑Doo Musical Revue” dinner show, and nightly campfire marshmallow roasts with Disney characters and a movie.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Best of the Disney hotels for adults and grown‑up kids
Inspired by Mediterranean beach towns of the French Riviera, Disney’s Riviera Resort blends casual elegance with leisure. Modern rooms feature art inspired by European masters, subtle Disney touches, and balconies overlooking water. The signature Topolino’s Terrace restaurant offers sweeping views of Walt Disney World and nightly fireworks.
Guests can reach Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner gondola, which is accessed through a tunnel adorned with grand mosaic murals of classic Disney scenes.
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Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Best Disney resort hotel for multigenerational family vacations
Families spanning generations will appreciate Disney’s Beach Club Resort (and its neighbor, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort). This deluxe property features the iconic Stormalong Bay— a sandy‑bottom lagoon with three distinct areas, a waterslide, and a shipwreck. The resort’s 19th‑century New England beach cottage theme appeals to older guests who appreciate “home‑away‑from‑home” villas.
Easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios is available by boat, while buses connect to the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. After a day of park fun, indulge in the decadent treats at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, where families can share the legendary “Kitchen Sink”—eight scoops of ice cream topped with every imaginable topping.
- Related: 6 Resorts Perfect for Multigenerational Family Vacations
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Top Disney World hotel for theme park commandos
Families eager to spend every minute inside a theme park will find Disney’s Pop Century Resort ideal. This value‑level hotel offers straightforward access to the parks via the Skyliner. Rooms feature a queen‑size bed and a second pull‑down sleeper, making it a cost‑effective option for those prioritizing park time over resort amenities.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Best of the Disney World Hotels to savor and splurge
For families seeking luxury, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World delivers. Located near Fort Wilderness’s Golden Oak community, the property offers an award‑winning spa, a Tom Fazio‑designed golf course, and the expansive Explorer Island water park—complete with a zero‑entry family pool, waterslides, a splash pad, a rock‑climbing wall, and sand volleyball courts.
Dining options include three on‑site restaurants, one of which sits on the 17th floor with panoramic views of nightly fireworks at both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Best of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels in Orlando to transport you to a faraway land
With a 46‑acre savanna that hosts giraffes, gazelles, bongos, and tropical birds, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas immerses guests in an African wildlife experience. Ambassadors from across Africa help identify animals and answer questions, while the resort’s restaurants—Boma – Flavors of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place, and Sanaa—offer authentic African cuisine.
Designed in an African‑inspired aesthetic, the resort features an 11,000‑square‑foot Uzima Pool with a children’s wading pool and two whirlpool spas. A second pool area, Samawati Springs, includes a waterslide and splash pad.
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Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Best of the Disney World hotels for a unique experience
Perched 10 feet above ground, the Treehouse Villas are part of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. These octagonal, three‑bedroom treehouses accommodate nine guests and feature two bathrooms, a granite‑counter kitchen, flat‑panel TVs, a barbecue grill, and an elevated deck. Designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding woods, the decks offer quiet, star‑lit evenings far from park bustle.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Our all‑time favorite among Disney World hotels
Combining rustic charm with upscale amenities, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge emulates classic national‑park lodges such as Old Faithful Inn and the Ahwahnee. The six‑story lobby boasts hand‑carved totem poles, teepee‑topped chandeliers, and an 82‑foot‑tall stone fireplace.
The Geyser Point Bar & Grill is a popular spot for charcuterie, craft beer, and breezes off Bay Lake. Guests can witness a geothermal geyser erupt hourly from a nearby rocky outcrop.
Room options range from standard guestrooms to studios and multi‑bedroom villas. For a “glamping” experience, reserve a private waterfront cabin—two‑bedroom units sleep eight, feature two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a double‑sided fireplace, and a built‑in hot tub within a screened‑in porch.
- Related: The 12 Best All‑Inclusive Resorts for Big Families
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Best non‑Disney resort hotel located on Disney property
Although the Swan and Dolphin are situated within Walt Disney World property, they are not Disney‑owned. This luxury dual resort often offers competitive rates for teachers, nurses, and AAA members. Highlights include the Mandara Spa, expansive grounds, four pools featuring waterfalls and slides, and complimentary swan‑boat paddling on the lagoon.
Walks, boats, and bus routes connect guests to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Boardwalk—making it the closest option to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. With 17 restaurants and lounges, the resort’s Fountain lounge is famed for over‑the‑top milkshakes.
