Walt Disney World is a sea of excitement and magic — and the experience is only made better when you stay at Disney hotels in Orlando. But with over a dozen high-end resorts to choose from, deciding which is best for you can be a little tough.
We’re making it easy though with five of our favorite Disney hotels in Orlando, including both Disney-owned properties as well as a world-class partner hotel.
Want tailored recommendations instead? Connect with Fora to plan and book your Disney adventure with expert suggestions, one-on-one support and more.
5 of the best hotels in Orlando: Disney Deluxe Resorts & Good Neighbor hotels
When you stay at Disney hotels in Orlando, you’re getting a lot more than easy access to the parks. Disney doesn’t hold back when it comes to providing guests with upscale amenities and that classic magical ambiance at its own properties. But don’t expect anything less from Disney partner hotels (a.k.a. “Good Neighbor” hotels). These hotels still offer many of the same amenities and conveniences, but with a more traditional luxury hotel experience.
Read on for five of our favorite places to stay at Walt Disney World in Orlando. (And if this is your first visit, check out our beginner’s guide to Walt Disney World.)
1. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels: gorgeous four- and five-star hotels neighboring EPCOT
Disney’s trio of Swan and Dolphin hotels — including the new, five-star Swan Reserve experience — embody an elegant take on Floridian flair with an infusion of Renaissance-era stylings. The result is unique, fun and oh-so lavish.
Parents can drop their young ones off at Camp Dolphin for some alone time, get pampered at Mandara Spa and otherwise indulge in the hotel’s diverse gastronomy.
While staying at any of the three hotels, you can enjoy complimentary water taxi services to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios (the ride is scenic and relaxing, perfect for winding down after a long day in the parks) as well as bus services to each park.
Connect with Fora for the full scoop on Disney’s Swan and Dolphin hotels (or any Orlando resorts, for that matter) and to plan and book your stay.
2. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort: a luxe retreat-within-a-retreat
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Orlando
If you’re the type that needs a vacation from your vacation — we totally get that — Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect choice for you (and yes, it most certainly is a mouthful).
This huge, not-so-Disney hotel in Orlando feels like its own world — and yet, it’s still set within the confines of the larger Walt Disney World Resort. Whereas Disney-owned properties go all out with the “Disney magic," Four Seasons Resort Orlando trades a dash of that magic for more traditional luxuries. In other words, this resort dials back the immersion just a tad while still maintaining that “I’m at Disney World" feeling.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando also features an exclusive, five-acre water park that’s independent of Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort Orlando:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
3. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: a unique Disney hotel in Orlando featuring up-close encounters with African wildlife
Arguably the coolest Disney hotel in Orlando, Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to one of the largest collections of African art in the United States. Oh, and the rooms feature views of a mini safari park exhibiting over 30 species native to Africa, including giraffes, zebras and flamingos… as in, you can wake up, open your blinds and witness exotic wildlife in a habitat carefully cultivated by expert zoologists.
As for the accommodations themselves, expect nothing short of the coziest furnishings, plus award-winning dining and a massive pool complex.
Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is just steps away from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
4. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: a stunning Disney Orlando hotel sourcing inspiration from the beautiful South Pacific
Celebrating the culture and atmosphere of the South Pacific in a chic, ritzy package, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is easily one of the best luxury resorts at Walt Disney World.
In addition to a bevy of stylish room choices — all of which feature vibrant Polynesian themes — there are overwater bungalows that allow guests to live out their best Fiji vacation desires. The bungalows are exceptionally spacious, offering home amenities like a full kitchen, a washer and dryer and more. Of course, even the standard rooms at Polynesian Village Resort offer more than enough space if you’re looking for a more traditional hotel setting (and the King Kamehameha Club level is exquisite, with A+ views).
(Curious about the best food at Disney World? See our guide.)
5. Disney's Contemporary Resort: an ultra-modern Disney hotel near Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Contemporary Resort trades exotic themes for an ultra-modern look (no surprises here) sure to appeal to travelers seeking trendy and luxurious accommodations. This four-star hotel does its best impression of a sleek, big-city hotel while still retaining its identity as a classic Disney hotel in Orlando (there are new rooms inspired by The Incredibles, too).
As for the hotel’s trademark futuristic appearance: the pyramidal structure allows a monorail track to run through the middle of the hotel, affording guests unbeatable access to Magic Kingdom Park and beyond.
Pro tip: Contemporary Resort’s California Grill is one of Disney World’s most awarded fine restaurants. The view of Magic Kingdom Park from the restaurant is stellar. Plus, guests can return to view Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show from the restaurant’s rooftop deck.
Need help deciding which Disney hotels in Orlando match your style? Connect with Fora
There’s no shortage of excellent options when it comes to Disney hotels in Orlando. If you’re not sold on any of these five options, there are over a dozen more to choose from. Better yet, connect with Fora and receive personalized recommendations from a travel pro. We’ll hook you up with the best accommodations that match your preferences, plus handle all the hassles of booking. It's the best way to travel.
Need more Orlando or Disney travel inspiration? Check out these guides, too:
This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Travis Tanner, an expert on travel to Orlando, Florida.