Disney World has often been dubbed the happiest place on earth, and for good reason. Every year, the theme park in Orlando, Florida sees millions upon millions of smiling tourists coming through its gates. Decked out in their best Mickey and Minnie attire, fans from all over the world come here to geek out and share in some of the Disney magic. From dining with their favorite characters to going on some of the most iconic rides in all of history, there is something for everyone, no matter their age, in Disney World.
Considering how large the area where Disney World sits actually is, there are a ton of hotel options for every wallet. From the most kid-friendly to experiencing the luxury of four stars, anyone can find what they are looking for. The majority of Disney brand hotels also have a theme. So, not only can you pick the level of class you want, but you can also choose what type of setting you and your family would most enjoy. We have collected the most popular hotels in all of the most magical places on earth on this list. Let's take a look.
11 Get A Feel For The Classic Jersey Shore At The Boardwalk Inn
The Boardwalk Inn is located just outside of the parks Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. This makes it an excellent place to stay due to its close vicinity. You can walk to both parks or even take a boat instead of having to wait for a bus. The Hotel itself is themed as a classic New Jersey boardwalk resort from the early 20th century. It sits right on an actual boardwalk as well, fitted with shops, restaurants, and even games and entertainers. Check out the Flying Fish restaurant for one of Disney Worlds' most highly rated restaurants.
10 Experience The Tropical Islands At The Polynesian
The Polynesian Resort is one of the most fun and beautiful resorts in Disney World. It sits on The Magic Kingdom area, where all true Disney fans do their favorite things. The hotel is modeled after a pacific island and sits on a gorgeous lagoon. It is like taking a plane to Hawaii or Fiji, except you are actually in Disney. There are palm trees and tiki decorations as far as the eye can see. It's a great place for families as there is a ton to do for everyone. The Kona Cafe is a must-do for breakfast, while Captain Cook's is excellent for some poolside fare.
9 Travel Back To The Splendid Victorian Era At The Grand Floridian
The Grand Floridian is Disney luxury at its peak. It is without a doubt one of the most expensive and highly sought after hotels to stay at in all of Disney World. It also houses Disney's preeminent dining location, Victoria and Alberts, a fine dining restaurant that only serves a very expensive tasting menu. It is set in classical Victorian times and screams class and magnificence at every turn. The central lobby is a grand, open 5 story masterpiece. There is even a piano player playing fancy tunes throughout the day.
8 Bask In Luxury At The Futuristic Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary Resort is the third hotel which sits near the Magic Kingdom. It is a towering structure that looks as modern as it feels. It is open to the outside, with a monorail running right through it. This makes for easy transportation to various parts of Disney. It houses many restaurants, including the family favorite Chef Mickey's, a buffet with all the best characters walking around. It's a great place to stay if you are one for futuristic vibes.
7 Take A Load Off In The Florida Keys At Old Key West
Old Key West is one of Disney World's largest resorts. Instead of occupying one space, it is spread out with various individual units. It is an excellent place to stay if you drove or rented a car. It isn't particularly as close to the parks as some of the other resorts, so a car is a pretty good idea. The theme is the tropical islands of Key West off of the Floridian coast. The main area has boats you can take along the river and an awesome pool with a huge sandcastle waterslide.
6 Stay In An African Safari At The Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique places you could stay while on your visit to Disney World. It is themed as a place straight out of an African safari, animals and all. Where else could you walk out onto your balcony and see giraffes walk about? It is one of the new places, so it can be hard to get a reservation but trying is definitely worth it. Jiko, an African-style restaurant, is one of the most popular places in Disney. If your family loves animals, this is the perfect place.
5 The Yacht Club Is The Perfect Place For Boat Lovers
Hosting the absolute best pool areas in all of Disney World, the Yacht Club is a place for beach and boat lovers alike. The pool is huge, with bridges to walk over, a windmill, and an awesomely fun wrecked pirate ship water slide. The hotel is gorgeous, decorated perfectly to fit its yacht-like atmosphere. Places to eat abound, there is a fine-dining steakhouse and an old school ice cream parlor where you can get a dessert they call the "kitchen sink" and yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. If boat shoes and polos are your thing, you will fit right in here.
4 The Pop Century Resort Is A Throwback To Earlier Fun Times
If you identify with pop culture throughout the decades, you have to stay at the Pop Century Resort. It is filled with decor and memorabilia from the fifties to the nineties. All of your favorite television and sitcom characters from the golden age of television can be found here. It is a really fun and different place to stay. it definitely doesn't look like your typical hotel. It is also one of the cheaper options for Disney, so if you're on a budget, it worth a look.
3 Retreat To A Mountain Get Away At The Wilderness Lodge
You're looking for a mountain escape while still enjoying incredible Disney theme parks, you say? Well, The Wilderness Lodge is the perfect place for you. It is modeled after a log cabin you would find out in the middle of nowhere, deep in a forest. The lovely atmosphere boats both a Native American and American frontiersman flair. The massive lobby looks like it is straight out of a classic western tale. The Whispering Canyon Cafe is a popular spot for food throughout the day and you can even play with Lincoln logs while you wait!
2 If You're A Movie Buff, The All-Star Movie Resort Is For You
The All-Star Movie Resort is another one of Disney World's cheaper, more family-friendly hotels. This one in particular is a fun place to stay for the kids who are true Disney buffs. The entire grounds of the hotel are littered with huge statues of classic Disney movie characters from Toy Story to The Little Mermaid. Each building of rooms is decorated in the theme of a different movie. There are not any restaurants worth mentioning, but they have a great pool and lots of fun things to do for the whole family.
1 European Vibes Await You At Disney's Riviera Resort
The Riviera Resort is one of the newest additions to Disney World's litany of hotels. Modeled after the classic vibes of the French and Italian Riviera, it will feel like you were transported right into the lush beaches of the famous European coast. The restaurant located on one of the top floors gives gracious views of Disney while providing a fine dining menu fit for any foodie. It is a pretty classy place, more fit for couples then entire families with kids. Check it out, as it will probably fill up rather quickly.