The "I'm So Tired; Just Tell Me What To Do" Guide To Choosing the Perfect Disney World Hotel

So you’re planning a Disney World vacation — that’s so exciting and we’re thrilled for you!

Art of Animation

However…figuring out which Disney World hotel you’re going to stay at is HARD. Trust us, we know because we’ve been there countless times! If you’re planning your vacation and just can’t make a decision, no need to worry, we’re here to help!

There are 3 different tiers of Disney World hotels, plus Good Neighbor hotels (we’ll talk more about those in a bit). Each one is structured to fit the budgets of different people traveling to Disney World, but don’t worry — we’re telling you the BEST hotel in each category.

Value Hotel

Disney World’s Value Hotels are their cheapest options, and there are 5 to choose from. Without a doubt, our favorite is Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

‘Cars’ section

All of the value hotels are known for their over-the-top theming, but we think Art of Animation does it best! It’s themed after some of Disney Animation’s most beloved films of the late ‘90s and early 2000s — The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo! Not only is the resort itself themed fantastically, but the rooms are too.

Art of Animation Lobby

Not to mention that one of the BEST Disney World hotel pools is here as well, and that’s the Big Blue Pool in the Finding Nemo Section! It’s massive with plenty of space for everyone to play and hang out, and there’s a splash pad right nearby for younger kiddos.

The Big Blue Pool

And lastly, you’ve got the Skyliner right nearby, which can help you resort hop to other hotels, and get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT quickly (and from EPCOT you can hop on the Monorail to get to Magic Kingdom)!

Moderate Resort

If you’re staying at a Moderate Resort, we have to recommend Port Orleans French Quarter! Its sister hotel, Port Orleans Riverside, is also stunning and wonderful, but there are just a few features that push French Quarter over a smidge.

Doubloon Lagoon at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

For one, this is a smaller hotel, meaning that it will be less crowded overall, especially when it comes to traveling on the bus from the hotel to the parks. Yes, it’s a bit of a bummer the buses are your only option, but unlike other moderate resorts (including Riverside), there’s only ONE bus stop!

Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

And come on — there are beignets RIGHT. THERE. Beignets are one of our favorite Disney World snacks (we’ve been known to travel TO the hotel just to get them), so staying so close to them is a real perk.

Deluxe Resort

Disney World’s most expensive hotels are going to be their deluxe hotels. Our pick might be slightly controversial, but we have to go with Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Now, these two hotels are right next to each other and even share an INCREDIBLE pool called Stormalong Bay. This Disney World hotel pool truly is like no other with its immersive theming, lazy river, and over 3 acres of water fun.

Stormalong Bay

These hotels are also extremely close to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which also means you’re close to the Skyliner and Monorail, too! Hooray for easy transportation!

Good Neighbor Hotels

If you’re looking to stay close by to Disney World but aren’t really interested in having all that Disney theming (or paying those prices), Disney World’s Good Neighbor hotels are hotels that partner with Disney to provide free transportation to the theme parks and Transportation and Ticket Center and offer some of the same perks Disney World hotel guests receive.

Swan and Dolphin

Our favorites of these Good Neighbor hotels have to be the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, which are both located ON Disney World property! Not only is their location fantastic, but stays at this hotel are nothing less than wonderful. Getting around to the Disney World theme parks is easier with buses and water taxis taking you where you need to go, or you can walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios!

Swan and Dolphin Hotel

We’ve also heard from some readers that the mattresses here are BEYOND comfortable, so you may get the best sleep of your life here too!

Swan Resort lobby

And there you have it! These are the top hotels we would recommend for your Disney World stay, so now the decision is out of your hands. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news!