Our Walt Disney World hotel reviews feature room photos & video, pros & cons, top choices for families, honeymooners, solo, adults, and other travelers. We also rate off-site resorts in Orlando, including Universal, with everything you need to choose the best accommodations for your Florida vacation! (Updated February 3, 2024.)
We have stayed at every single on-site hotel at Walt Disney World numerous times. We do monthly resort stays, and closely monitor updates regarding reimaginings, room refurbishments, closures, and more. See our 2024-2025 Walt Disney World Hotel Refurbishment & Construction Calendar for info about these projects and hotels you might want to avoid due to construction.
There’s a lot happening in 2024, including at several beloved Deluxe Resorts near Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. There are also rumored projects on the horizon that’ll start this year or in 2025. If you want more Walt Disney World news & notifications for hotels and beyond, sign up to receive our FREE Walt Disney World Email Newsletter.
With over 30 different on-site resort options and hundreds of hotels in and around Walt Disney World in Orlando, choosing the right resort can be overwhelming. You probably do NOT want to dive in and read reviews for every single one. If you’re just getting started planning and don’t know where to start, the answer is not here. Instead, we’d recommend first reading our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Hotels from Worst to Best.
Honestly, even those rankings might be overwhelming, as it takes dozens of different options–with a wide range of price points–and lumps them all together in one comprehensive list. It’s a great way of understanding the pros & cons of each, and how they might appeal to you, but there’s still a lot to digest.
One big factor that will likely narrow down your resort options even further is cost. If you’re on a tighter budget, that eliminates 80% of hotel options. Likewise, if you want a lavish and luxurious trip, that rules out about half of all hotel options. To that end, if you’re unfamiliar with pricing, start by consulting How Much Does Walt Disney World Cost in 2024? That should help you narrow down your search to a tier or two of different on-site or off-site hotels.
From there, you might consider consulting our rankings of each resort tier if you already have set your budget and know which level of accommodations you want:
You can use our ranking and comparison resources to narrow your search down to a couple of different resorts that you think will work well for you based on value for money, location, theme, transportation, dining, pools, and other parameters that are your priorities.
From there, the individual reviews here and head-to-head comparisons help determine which resort is the best fit for you! There is no one size fits all answer as to which resorts are best or worst–it varies based on your preferences and priorities.
Alternatively, you can get help with choosing the right resort for your family and personalized planning other aspects of your vacation by contacting an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” (Disney’s term for a travel agent). They receive commission from Disney, so most authorized planners will not charge you for booking the vacation package and planning services.
The fee-free Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that we recommend is Be Our Guest Vacations. Their services don’t cost extra, they’ll reserve your room, help you with dining reservations and itineraries, and apply the best discounts to your reservation.
Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the win-win option if you’re overwhelmed by the complexities of Walt Disney World and don’t want to do all of the “homework” yourself. If you relish the planning process, we’d still recommend starting with the below comparison and ranking resources…
Guide to Club Level & Concierge Lounges at Walt Disney World Hotels – If you’re looking for luxury and are willing to splurge, Club Level is the top tier of resort rooms at Walt Disney World. This answers whether Club Level is worth the money, looks at our favorite concierge lounges, and shares photos & reviews of the best options in the Deluxe Resorts, VIP services, pros & cons, and more.
Tips for Renting Disney Vacation Club Points – If Club Level is the ultimate splurge, this is the ultimate way to book a Deluxe Resort for a fraction of the price. Save a ton of money–paying about the cost of a Moderate–and get a luxury vacation for less.
How to Do a Split Stay at Disney World Hotels – Want to take advantage of Club Level or have access to Extended Evening Hours without breaking the bank? A split stay is for you! We are huge fans of split stays and recommend them to a lot of tourists trying to stretch their budgets.
Walt Disney World Resort Comparison Series – This head-to-head series compares similar individual hotels to one another on the basis of amenities, rooms, pools, value for money, and other considerations. For example, should you stay at Grand Floridian or Polynesian? Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach?
Universal Orlando vs. Walt Disney World Hotels – This covers the pros & cons of staying on-site at each theme park complex.
Off-Site vs. On-Site Walt Disney World Hotels – The pros and cons of staying in an on-site Walt Disney World hotel, versus staying at a hotel outside of Walt Disney World. Largely comes down to convenience v. cost, but here are other things to consider!
Disney Springs Resort Area Hotel Rankings – There are 7 hotels in this resort district on-property at Walt Disney World, all of which are within walking distance of the wealth of dining (and shopping) options at Disney Springs.
Value Resorts vs. Moderate Resorts – Exactly what it sounds like. An article that helps you determine whether Value Resorts or Moderate Resorts might be right for you, if you’re unsure.
Best Disney Vacation Club Resorts at Christmas – Rankings of the various Disney Vacation Club resorts during the Christmas season. Considers point cost, convenience, and decor.
If you’ve already narrowed your search to a few different resorts or want to read about all of them, that’s where our individual hotel reviews come into play. In addition to room photos, each full Walt Disney World resort review contains photos of main common areas of the hotel, pools, restaurants, etc. to give you an idea of whether the decor and the theme of the hotel will appeal to you. In addition to this, the reviews offer Walt Disney World resort hotel tips, information about amenities, and dining recommendations at the hotels.
Unlike many hotel review sites that crowdsource or aggregate information from other sources leading to inconsistent ratings or uninformed “opinions”, our reviews are all first-hand accounts of our personal stays at each of the hotels at Walt Disney World. You may totally disagree with our opinions, but at least you’re getting the actual opinions of the same two people who have stayed at each of the hotels.
Below we have blurbs with quick-hit pros and cons of each Walt Disney World hotel if you just want basic information. If you want to know more about each hotel and see Walt Disney World hotel photos, click the name of the hotel to go to its full review. (Links will open in new tabs.)
Monorail & Magic Kingdom Area Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review (Deluxe Resort) – Thanks to its A-frame design and the monorail running through it, the Contemporary has a distinct look. It offers convenient access to the Magic Kingdom via monorail or walking path, and to Epcot via monorail. Good dining options are another plus, as is the compact layout. Its new Incredibles-inspired rooms are a mixed bag, but many families will love them. Weaknesses are high nightly rates, generic pool, and that the hotel is showing its age and hardly feels “contemporary.” Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resort) – Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, but arguably not worthy of that distinction–or the high prices. The lobby and restaurants are grandiose and luxurious, but areas of the resort are a tad dated. The good news is that the new rooms are fantastic, a night-and-day difference over what was there before and truly befitting of its status and price point. Grand Floridian offers excellent on-site dining, location within walking distance of Magic Kingdom on the monorail loop, and a nice ambiance in general around the resort. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review (Deluxe Resort) – The Poly as it’s known by fans, this resort celebrates tiki culture, meaning it’s a fun environment rather than an authentic one. Strengths of the Polynesian are its beautiful grounds, great restaurants, and new Moana makeover of the guest rooms. Location on the monorail loop, makes it a short ride to Magic Kingdom and easy access to EPCOT. Weaknesses are that it’s one of the most expensive resorts at Walt Disney World, and is dated in some regards. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Review (Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resort) – My favorite resort at Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge scores huge points for its accurate, idealized take on a National Park lodge. Unlike the other Magic Kingdom area resorts, this is not on the monorail loop–but is connected via boat service. Other highlights include its gorgeous grounds, underrated dining, compact layout, serene location, great boat transportation, and lower price point than other Deluxes. It also is second to none at Christmas in terms of ambiance. If you like the rustic theme here, Wilderness Lodge is tough to beat. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
EPCOT Area Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Review (Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resort) – We love BoardWalk for its walking-distance proximity to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk theme. The new guest rooms here are attractive and fairly subdued while still being well-themed. Price and bus service are the main downsides. BoardWalk also lacks a full counter service restaurant, although several alternatives exist around Crescent Lake. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review (Deluxe Resort) – The lighthearted sister resort to Yacht Club, Beach Club has a lot going for it. The theme is breezy, fun, and well-executed. Storm-Along Bay is by far the best pool at Walt Disney World. Beach Club is a short walk from Epcot, and walking, Skyliner, or boat distance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On-site dining is excellent, with the exception of mediocre counter service. Weaknesses are price and shared bus transportation. We also think the rooms are superior at Yacht Club. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review (Deluxe Resort) – Yacht Club is the more ‘sophisticated’ of the two hotels, offering a slightly more refined theme. Like Beach Club, the pool, convenience to Epcot & Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and dining options are major strengths. We’d also give the slight nod to Yacht Club in terms of room design. Weaknesses are nightly price and shared bus service. Others might contend that the theme is a bit stuffy, but we don’t consider that a downside–it’s just a matter of personal taste. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Riviera Resort Review (Deluxe & Villa Resort) – The newest “Epcot-area resort” is not located at Crescent Lake within walking distance of the park like the two below, but is accessible via a direct Skyliner ride. Disney’s Riviera Resort is a mixed bag, with minimal theming, lazy architecture, and the location being the biggest downsides. In addition to the Skyliner, the Riviera offers a formidable slate of upscale dining, elegant rooms, and other features that will appeal to many guests. As big fans of Disney’s iconic themed design, Riviera Resort is not for us. Your mileage may vary. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Other Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House (Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resort) – This is one of our favorite resorts at Walt Disney World, and pound for pound one of the best value for money options on-site. Pros of Animal Kingdom Lodge are its encompassing “resort” feel, with a litany of great dining options, plus savannas with animals to view, and a high quality art collection. Thematically and culturally authentic, Animal Kingdom Lodge is perfect for guests looking for a resort that, itself, offers something to do. Its biggest con is its remote location.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village (Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resort) – Very similar to Jambo House above, but with some slight differences in location and amenities. Particularly in pools and dining, but really, if you’re staying at one, you have access to the features of both. This is particularly useful for Disney Vacation Club members who may want to conserve points by staying at Kidani Village.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – A lush environment themed to Key West, it features the largest rooms of any DVC resort, which is a big plus if you want space. Old Key West’s theming is well done, but whether a resort themed to Florida in Florida is for you is another matter. On-site dining and amenities are great. The biggest downside is how spread out Old Key West is, which means a long walk to dining and an inefficient multi-stop bus system. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – The theme is subdued, and the resort overall feels fresh. It’s also within walking distance or ferry distance of Disney Springs. On the downside, Saratoga Springs is the largest and most spread out resort at Walt Disney World, utilizing multiple bus stops which makes transportation to the parks a chore if you don’t have a rental car. On-site dining is also weak. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Treehouse Villas Resort Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – An incredibly unique resort nestled in the woods alongside the banks of the Sassagoula River only a short distance from Disney Springs, the Treehouse Villas feel a world away from the rest of Walt Disney World. These larger units are good for some families, but definitely are not for everyone–especially those without cars. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Moderate Resorts
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Review (Moderate Resort) – Caribbean Beach recently underwent a multi-year reimagining and now feels much fresher, and also offers Skyliner gondola transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Also on the positive side, the pool at Caribbean Beach is arguably the best of any Moderate, and the dining options are diverse and good. One downside is the spread out nature of the resort and its bus transportation, including an internal loop. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Review (Moderate Resort) – Fort Wilderness is unlike any other resort at Walt Disney World, and if you didn’t know better, you might have no clue that a theme park was across the lake from it. Great outdoor activities like fishing, boating, archery, campfires, and more. Inefficient internal bus system is biggest weakness. Either Fort Wilderness is for you or it isn’t. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort Review (Moderate Resort) – This is a great option if you have a large party and enjoy the secluded ambiance of the resort. It’s a good way of “roughing it” except in a beautiful room that merges a rustic style with modern amenities (so not really roughing it at all, but whatever!). Throughout 2024, these cabins will be replaced by new accommodations as they’re converted into Disney Vacation Club–but they remain bookable for everyone. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Hotel Review (Moderate Resort) – While this is technically a Moderate Resort, Gran Destino is more adult and feels like a tower hotel in Las Vegas. It’s very different, in ways both good and bad. While we expect it’ll appeal to those taking adults-only vacations or Walt Disney World honeymoons, Gran Destino is much more of a mixed bag for families.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Review (Moderate Resort) – The room quality and dining options of a Deluxe Resort for the price of a Moderate. This is because Coronado Springs is the primary convention hotel at Walt Disney World. This means amenities are on par with what conventioneers who aren’t interested in theme parks would expect. Coronado Springs is good for adults traveling without kids and not as good (but not bad) for families. Other weaknesses are its spread out nature, bus service, and a more neutral theme and color palette. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (Moderate Resort) – French Quarter is a romanticized version of New Orleans, and that’s a definite plus. Beyond that, its biggest strength is its compact size and single bus stop, which is a stark contrast to other Moderates. The pool is also cool, as are many areas of the resort. Weaknesses are that it shares some amenities with Riverside and has no table service restaurant. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Review (Moderate Resort) – The theming and entertainment of a Deluxe Resort for the price of a Moderate. We consider it the perfect Walt Disney World hotel for honeymooning on a budget because of its romantic atmosphere. The only downsides are its spread out layout, which leads to long (romantic?) walks and multiple bus stops. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Value Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Suites Review (Value Resort) – The majority of its rooms are cartoony family suites, which is either a pro or a con depending upon your perspective. Design throughout the resort will appeal to families and avid Disney movie fans. Other pros include the food court and transportation. Cons are the spread out layout and price, which is above the rest of the Value tier. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms Review (Value Resort) – If the family suites at Art of Animation are too large for your family, these standard rooms in the Little Mermaid wing are a potentially viable alternative. They come with a lot of downside (namely the price), but we love Art of Animation, and it’s the most affordable way to stay at that fun Walt Disney World hotel. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort Review (Value Resort) – A good Value Resort choice because it costs less per night than Art of Animation and some rooms are within walking distance of the Art of Animation food court. Pop Century’s Newly Reimagined Rooms, dedicated bus service, and a fairly nice food court all make Pop Century a winner. Weaknesses are that it’s basically a Disneyfied motel and is spread out. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s All Star Music Family Suites Review (Value Resort) – Similar to the family suites at Art of Animation, except considerably cheaper and minus the transportation and other upsides. There’s a lot of convertible space, which is a pro or con depending upon your perspective. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s All Star Music Resort Review (Value Resort) – Each of the All Star Resorts has the same basic strengths and weaknesses. The larger than life icons will be considered a pro by some while it’s a con by others. Strengths here are the price and the fact that you can still take advantage of Disney on-site amenities. Of the All Stars, we find Music to be the most relaxed and best laid-out. Weaknesses are transportation, sprawling resort size, and overall quality. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort Review (Value Resort) – Like All Star Music, the greatest strength of All Star Movies is its price point. It also has a fun theme for kids and movie fans, although many others will find it tacky and over the top. All general strengths and weaknesses are the same here as Music. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort Review (Value Resort) – Exactly the same general pros and cons of the other All Stars. Additionally, All Star Sports benefits from having a nicer food court than the others. Its biggest downside is that it is the hotel most frequently used for large youth groups. If you don’t think this is a big deal, you’ve never had a group of cheerleaders practicing their chants at 11 pm outside your room. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Deluxe Villa Resorts (Magic Kingdom & Epcot)
Beach Club Villas Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – We love Beach Club in general and this tough-to-score Disney Vacation Club resort still ranks highly for us, but the rooms could use a bit more character. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Boardwalk Villas Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – As with the Beach Club Villas, the room design here is a bit bland, leaving something to be desired in the thematic realm. Nonetheless, we love Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and the common areas still make this an exceptional resort. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – The Disney Vacation Club wing of the Contemporary, this is the closest resort to any theme park at Walt Disney World. It’s less than a 10 minute walk to the Magic Kingdom. Offers a clean and modern, but also somewhat generic design with flourishes of Disney. Its strengths and weaknesses are the same as the Contemporary. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – The Villas at Grand Floridian have quickly won our hearts. The highlight is its rooms, which are actually nicer and more detailed than the main Grand Floridian–and at a fraction of the cost (in DVC points, that is). This has quickly jumped to the top of our list of Disney Vacation Club resorts! Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Polynesian Villas Review – These Deluxe Villas iterate further on what room designers have learned from previous efforts, and make excellent use of space. Some people may not like the vibrant, arguably clashing color scheme, but we find it to be fun. Location and view are another big plus. Cost isn’t. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney’s Polynesian Bora Bora Bungalows Review – Over the water bungalows in the style of those found in the real Bora Bora, but without the crystal clear waters underneath…and at a higher price point. These units don’t offer a ton of upside, and are best suited for those who have tons of DVC points, and are looking to flaunt that fact. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – The Disney Vacation Club wing of Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas are a popular choice for Disney fans, particularly at Christmas. We like the style of the recently-redone rooms here, and recommend this resort as a cost-effective way to enjoy Wilderness Lodge. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Cascade Cabins at Wilderness Lodge Review (Deluxe Villa Resort) – These waterfront cabins at Wilderness Lodge are among the most expensive rooms at Walt Disney World. While the price is steep, the rooms do an exceptional job of marrying modern luxury with rustic and thematically-appropriate design. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
On-Site Third Party Hotels at Disney World
This is our selection of “other” hotels near Walt Disney World. Some of these hotels are located on-site, some are off-site in the Disney Springs area, and some are off-property but a very short drive of Walt Disney World.
Many more off-site hotel reviews are coming soon, as we have stayed at a lot of hotels near Walt Disney World recently. If you have questions about a particular hotel not covered here, please ask about it in the comments, as there’s a decent chance we’ve stayed there.
Swan & Dolphin Resort (Epcot Area) Review – My favorite non-Disney hotel option, Swan & Dolphin are great options if you’re looking for a luxury experience or walking-distance proximity to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at a lower price point. The resort fees here do bug me, but the fact remains that prices at the Swan & Dolphin are significantly better than comparable Disney-owned hotels even with added costs factored in, and the amenities give virtually every Disney-owned hotel a run for its money. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Swan Reserve Resort (Epcot Area) Review – This is the new tower across the street from the Swan & Dolphin (the photo above of the Swan & Dolphin was taken from the Swan Reserve). Lots of similarities between the three, with the biggest differences being that the Swan Reserve has significantly nicer and larger rooms–but charges higher prices (and typically has lower discounts due to higher demand). Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Shades of Green Resort (Magic Kingdom Area) Review – The most “Disney” of the third party hotels on Walt Disney World property, if only because it actually used to be owned by Disney. It’s now owned by the Department of Defense with eligibility requirements to stay here. My dad is a retired Blackhawk/Huey helicopter pilot, we we did for years when I was growing up, and I love Shades of Green. If you’re able to stay here, it’s a great option. Click here to read our full review.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa Review – Another on-site luxury option near the parks, the highlights here are smart styling and modern design. It’s luxurious and offers a formidable slate of amenities that should make it appealing to couples or solo travelers looking for a more adult option with convenient access to (or even isolation from) the parks. Lack of kid-friendly amenities and a weak pool make this less attractive for families.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando Review – Another on-site Bonnet Creek area resort, the Waldorf Astoria’s is exceptionally well-appointed. The hotel is superior to a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World in nearly every regard aside from theming and also less expensive than most of them. One of the most luxurious hotels in all of Central Florida, this is a hotel at which all luxury-minded guests should take a hard look. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Disney Springs Area Resorts
B Resort & Spa Review – B Resort feels like a hip boutique hotel, with attractive prices considering its quality and on-site location. This style probably is not for everyone, namely, families with small children. It seems better suited to conventioneers or younger folks looking to go out after the parks close and have a good time at Disney Springs. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Review — Huge suite-style guest rooms that offer space for guests to spread out is the huge selling point of this hotel, and in that regard it absolutely excels. Oh, they also have freshly-baked cookies, so two important things really well. One of the best bang-for-buck options in all of Walt Disney World. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Review – This hotel has an impressive slate of amenities, is an easy walk to Disney Springs, and fresh rooms. Buena Vista Palace is not perfect, having some dated areas, and the nightly resort fee is absurdly expensive, but it still offers great bang for buck. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Review – The Hilton Orlando leaves a lot to be desired. While the dining slate is nice and the hotel is likewise an easy walk to Disney Springs, the rooms are dated and very tired. There are significantly better options at Disney Springs, and we expect more from the Hilton name. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Holiday Inn Orlando Review — The rooms here are nothing special, but there’s nothing wrong with them, either. Their highlight is the comfort of the bedding, which is far better than it has any business being at a Holiday Inn. This hotel also scores points for its dining areas and pool. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Review – The Wyndham is a very basic, albeit reasonably nice, off-site option that is primarily going to appeal to those who do not want the theming of a Disney resort, or have rewards they can use or earn at the Wyndham. It offers fair value, especially for those who will be venturing off-site. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review – The Hyatt Regency is situated around golf courses in the Grand Cypress area, a bit farther from Disney Springs. It takes resort to the next level, with the most robust slate of activities and amenities at any hotel at which we’ve stayed in Orlando. This Hyatt offers chic style, top-notch service, and great rooms. As far as luxury hotels go, this is a pretty good value. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Universal Orlando Hotels
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites Review (Value Hotel) – Tremendous value for money that is great not just by theme park standards, but real world ones as well. Despite its efficient nature, it’s not overly spartan, with a decent amount of personality and sufficient amenities. It’s great for those who won’t be spending a ton of time at the resort—but still want to enjoy the occasional meal or use the pool from time to time. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn Review (Value Hotel) – The cheapest hotel at Universal Orlando Resort with starting rates below $100/night, Endless Summer delivers solid but basic accommodations. If you’re comfortable with a hotel that’s light on theme and amenities, it’s a great option with nice rooms, interior hallways, a compact footprint, and convenient access to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It’s perfect for rope drop to park close theme park ‘touring commandos.’ Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Review (Prime Value Hotel) – We absolutely adore this romanticized and elevated 1950s-60s era midcentury modern motel. Cabana Bay offers unparalleled value for money among theme park adjacent resorts and features far more than you’d expect from the price-point. The diversity and range of the amenities is really impressive, and all of this in-tandem is what makes Cabana Bay work so well as a bona-fide resort where you’ll have a lot of fun without even going to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure! Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel (Prime Value Hotel) – A modern and streamlined hotel with no theme that caters to solo business travelers and some couples. Aventura is ideal for those who primarily view the hotel as a place to shower and sleep, prefer a condensed layout, and want quieter or less crowded accommodations. It’s also great for fans of complicated television remotes. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (Preferred Hotel) – Themed as an island paradise, from the stone turret in the lobby to the bright blue accents to flowing waterfalls that cascade over lush grounds. Sapphire Falls toes the line between form and function, with enough style and details to convey its goals, but also with a strong focus on convenience, amenities, and comfort. Sapphire Falls’ execution is near-flawless, with relaxed atmosphere, strong rooms , water taxi transportation, and great location. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Review (Premier Hotel) – Just past Hard Rock Hotel is Portofino Bay, another luxury resort within walking or boat distance of Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure, with unlimited front-of-line Express Pass at rides in both theme parks. Theme is Portofino Bay’s strong suit, with its own harbor, cobblestone streets, quiet courtyards, intimate walkways, and more that evoke the seaside town of Portofino. Large rooms, diverse dining options, and an expansive pool complex are other selling points, but it’s the lavish and transportive design that makes Portofino Bay our favorite hotel at Universal Orlando Resort.
Hard Rock Hotel Review (Premier Hotel) – The closest resort to Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure, Hard Rock Hotel is only a 10 minute walk to the parks. It also offers unlimited Express Pass at both theme parks, a formidable slate of amenities, large rooms, fun dining, and a huge pool. The rockin’ style isn’t for everyone, but Hard Rock Hotel is a high quality resort with a ton of selling points.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Premier Hotel) – Themed to the South Seas, Royal Pacific has a sense of adventure, and evokes a bygone era of exotic and luxurious world travel. Contrary to some misguided comparisons, it is not analogous to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which is themed to tiki culture and Americana. The biggest selling point is that Loews Royal Pacific Resort is typically the least expensive Premier Hotel, making it the sweet spot for families on somewhat of a budget, but recognizing the value of Unlimited Express Pass and not needing as much from their hotel. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Floridays Resort Orlando Review — Floridays is a less expensive villa resort between Disney and Universal, closest to SeaWorld Orlando. It offers spacious accommodations for shockingly low prices. Rooms are nicer than they have any business being at this cost. It’s not a hotel that’s going to be featured on any Travel Channel specials covering the ritziest hotels in the world, but the value here is too good to ignore, especially given the quality. Click here to read our full review and see room photos.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
At which Walt Disney World hotels have you stayed? Do you have a favorite hotel? A least favorite hotel? Please provide some feedback and share your thoughts or questions in the comments! If you’re a first timer with some questions, feel free to post them and we will do our best to answer!
