The Closest Disney Resorts to the Parks

Where are the closest Disney Resorts to the parks? You probably know that Disney World consists of four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. What you might not know is that those parks are spread out farther than you’d think.

Today, we’ll discuss the Disney hotels closest to the parks, so you can spend less time getting from A to Z and more time enjoying the parks!

Plan your vacation with a Disney Travel Agent!

Before we get to the details on the closest Disney Resorts to the parks, let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Florida resident, mom of 4, Disney Annual Passholder, and a Disney College of Knowledge graduate.

I keep up with the latest Disney news; it’s my job! If you’re interested in saving lots of time by booking with a Disney Travel Agent, make sure to contact me!

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Did you know there are lots of things to do at Disney Resorts? If not, check out 30 Things to Do at Disney World Resorts.

Do I need a rental car at Disney?

I like to get around as needed while on vacation, so I like to rent a car. I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the best rates available on major brands like Hertz or Enterprise. You don’t pay until arrival and can cancel anytime.

Closest Disney Resorts to the Parks

Disney World has so many resorts to choose from that it can be overwhelming. While any resort can make for a great stay, being close to the park you want to visit most makes your vacation even easier and more fun.

To help, I’ve rounded up the closest Disney resorts closest to the parks, so you can pick a hotel based on which park you want to be near.

No matter which resort you choose, Disney’s transportation options, including the Skyliner, Monorail, buses, and boats, make getting to the parks simple and (mostly) stress-free.

We have a blog post with 7 things to know about the Disney Skyliner, so check it out next!

Closest Disney Resorts to Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the most popular Disney park, so it would make sense if you want to stay nearby!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the closest Disney resorts to the parks and is one of the absolute closest hotels to Magic Kingdom. Guests can stay in the Contemporary Tower or the Garden Wing, and both options allow you to walk to Magic Kingdom in just a few minutes.

Room options range from standard rooms and suites to spacious villas, making this resort a great choice for families who want extra space while staying close to Magic Kingdom.

When you’re not in the parks, the Contemporary offers plenty to do. There are multiple dining options, two swimming pools (including one with a large water slide), and great views of Magic Kingdom. In the evenings, families can enjoy movies under the stars, roast marshmallows at the campfire, or visit the arcade.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Tropical palm trees and lush gardens welcome you to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, one of the closest Disney resorts to the parks and an excellent choice near Magic Kingdom. While the resort originally opened in the 1970s, it has been recently reimagined with a Moana-inspired theme that feels fresh and modern.

This closest Disney resort to Magic Kingdom offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and villas for families who want a more home-like stay. Dining is a highlight here, with multiple popular restaurants and quick-service options, so it’s easy to find something everyone will love.

Families will especially enjoy the Oasis Pool and the Lava Pool, with the Lava Pool being the favorite thanks to its volcano, waterfall, and large water slide.

In the evenings, guests can relax with Polynesian-style campfires or enjoy movies under the stars before heading back to their room.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Victorian elegance sets the tone at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, one of the closest Disney resorts to the parks and one of the best resorts near Magic Kingdom. Some rooms even offer views of Magic Kingdom fireworks over Cinderella Castle.

Rooms and suites are spacious, with deluxe studios featuring kitchenettes and villas offering full, home-like amenities. This makes the Grand Floridian a great option for families who want comfort while staying close to the Magic Kingdom.

Dining is a standout here, with multiple on-site restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a poolside bar and grill for relaxed days. The resort is also home to Victoria & Albert’s, making it an ideal choice if this signature dining experience is on your Disney wish list.

Families can choose between the Beach Pool and Courtyard Pool, with the Beach Pool being the favorite for kids thanks to its water slide and waterfalls. Adults may also appreciate the on-site spa, which offers a full range of treatments and is perfect for a relaxing break from the parks.

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Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

It’s not common to find rustic décor at Disney resorts, but that’s exactly what you’ll see at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Inspired by America’s National Park lodges, this resort feels peaceful and tucked away while still being close to Magic Kingdom.

Nature trails wind through the resort grounds, and it’s easy to find quiet moments relaxing by the creek. Accommodations range from spacious rooms and suites in the main lodge to cabins, which are a great option for larger families.

While Wilderness Lodge doesn’t have as many dining options as some other Disney resorts near Magic Kingdom, there are enough choices to stay well fed during your trip. Most families spend their downtime enjoying the pools, water slides, and hot tubs.

This resort is also a great place to watch the Electrical Water Pageant, which can be seen right from the resort grounds as sparkling sea creatures glide across the water.

Transportation to Magic Kingdom includes boat service from Wilderness Lodge, making it a convenient option for park days. Guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, or Grand Floridian Resort can also use the monorail to reach Magic Kingdom.

Closest Disney Resorts to Hollywood Studios

I might be biased, thanks to Galaxy’s Edge, but Hollywood Studios is my favorite park. It’s also easy to access via the Skyliner (my favorite Disney transportation), so if you’re like me, you’ll want to stay at one of the following resorts.

A note for families with strollers: You do NOT have to fold single strollers on the Skyliner, unlike on buses. That alone may be enough to choose a resort on the Skyliner line!

Don’t forget to check out our post with the best Things to do at Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Storybook landscapes are everywhere at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Families are immersed in the worlds of The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Little Mermaid, with themed details throughout the resort, including the rooms and courtyards.

This is one of the closest Disney resorts to Hollywood Studios and offers spacious accommodations, especially in the family suites, which sleep up to six guests. Having two bathrooms makes mornings much easier for families.

Dining is simple and convenient, with Landscape of Flavors serving as the main quick-service restaurant and drinks available at the Drop Off Pool Bar.

Art of Animation is also home to the largest pool at Walt Disney World. The Big Blue Pool features an interactive play area and is a great place to relax away from the parks. Guests can also swim at the Cozy Cone Pool or the Flippin’ Fins Pool.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort celebrates the decades from the 1950s through the 1990s and is one of the closest Disney resorts to Hollywood Studios. Plus, families can easily reach the park using the Disney Skyliner, making mornings and park-hopping much simpler.

Rooms here are standard and fairly basic, but they’re comfortable and perfect for families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.

Dining is simple, with one main food court, making meals easy on busy days.

Pop Century also has three themed swimming pools. The Hippy Dippy Pool brings a colorful 1960s vibe, the Bowling Pool is shaped like a bowling pin, and the Computer Pool features a retro computer design complete with a keyboard and floppy disk.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort features vibrant colors, lush landscapes, and lively music, making it feel like a little slice of paradise.

Rooms are spacious, and it helps to pick one closest to the areas you know you will spend the most time in.

When you are not in your room, relax in a hammock or explore the resort’s colorful market. Meals are easy at one of the many on-site restaurants.

This is one of the closest Disney resorts to Hollywood Studios, with six swimming pools to enjoy. There is one in each of the five villages and the Fuentes del Morro Pool, which is themed like a Spanish fortress with pirates. Kids will love the water slides, shipwreck play area, and water cannons.

Families can also enjoy the volleyball sand court or just spend time making new friends around the resort. The Disney Skyliner makes getting to Hollywood Studios simple, connecting Caribbean Beach and several nearby resorts directly to the park.

Closest Disney Resorts to EPCOT

If your main priority at Disney is one of EPCOT’s many unique festivals, you’ll want to stay at the closest Disney resorts to EPCOT.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

One of the closest Disney resorts to EPCOT is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This waterfront resort has a charming Atlantic City vibe, and families can stroll along the boardwalk at any time.

Rooms and suites are spacious, with the villas offering the most room for families who want extra space.

Dining options are plentiful. You can enjoy classic dishes at several restaurants or try Old World favorites and fresh seafood for something different.

During downtime, you can play carnival games or let the kids enjoy them while you work out at the fitness center.

The resort has two leisure swimming pools and the Luna Park Pool, which features a massive water slide. Families can also enjoy tennis, bike rides, and miniature golf when they have some free time.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

This is the same Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort that is also closest to Hollywood Studios. The distance between this Disney resort and EPCOT is also short. That makes this resort an excellent resort option if you plan to spend your time at Hollywood Studios and EPCOT! Since this resort is on the Skyliner line, it’s easy and fun to get to either park.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of the closest Disney resorts to EPCOT and is also convenient for Hollywood Studios.

The resort has a charming New England-style vibe, and views of Crescent Lake add to the relaxing atmosphere. This is one of the more casual Disney resorts near EPCOT, which is perfect if a laid-back stay is part of your vacation plans.

Rooms, suites, and villas are all spacious. Choose accommodations that include the amenities your family needs for a comfortable stay.

Dining options are plentiful, and many restaurants overlook the lake, offering a great view with your meal.

When you are not at the parks, the resort has plenty to do. You can take a mini-powerboat on Crescent Lake or enjoy the three leisure swimming pools. Kids will especially love Stormalong Bay, a beachside water park with a sand-bottom pool, a water slide that starts at the top of a shipwreck, and a lazy river for relaxing together.

Other family activities include the miniature golf course and the pirate adventure cruise, which are both popular with kids and adults alike.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort shares the New England-style vibe of its sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club, but it is more formal and elegant. The lobby features nautical décor, and many rooms offer stunning views of Crescent Lake.

Rooms, suites, and villas are all spacious, and this resort is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along on your Florida vacation.

Dining is flexible, with several on-site restaurants to choose from. You can also visit any of the restaurants at Disney’s Beach Club Resort if you want more options.

This Disney resort closest to EPCOT has three leisure swimming pools, plus access to Stormalong Bay for a full beachside water park experience.

Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, including miniature golf, the pirate adventure cruise, campfires, tennis, and volleyball.

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort

The Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin Resorts are the last on the list of closest Disney resorts to EPCOT.

They are technically Marriott properties, but are located on Disney property. Elegance and sophistication greet you from the moment you arrive, making it feel like a little paradise.

Rooms and suites are spacious, with suites offering the most room. Families of all sizes enjoy the family rooms as well. Dining options range from comfort foods to steak, seafood, and Asian dishes, so there is something for everyone.

The resort has six swimming pools to choose from. For downtime fun, families can visit the game room, play ping pong, or enjoy a game of volleyball together.

A friendship boat can take you to EPCOT from Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club Resort, Swan & Dolphin Resort, and Beach Club Resort. The Skyliner system will take you straight to EPCOT from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Closest Disney Resorts to Animal Kingdom

If you love Avatar or Animal Kingdom is your favorite park, check out the best Disney Resorts near Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is one of the closest Disney resorts to Animal Kingdom. The All Star Resorts are the cheapest Disney resorts, so they are perfect for anyone planning a Disney vacation on a budget.

The theming continues into the guest rooms, which are all spacious. It helps to choose a room closest to Stadium Hall and the transportation area to reduce walking after a long day in the parks.

The End Zone Food Court is the main dining option, offering all your kids’ favorites and making meals simple for busy families. There are two swimming pools. Surfboard Bay Pool has a beachy vibe, while the Grand Slam Pool is shaped like a baseball diamond.

When you are not in the pools, you can enjoy jogging trails, and kids will love spending time at the playground.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney All-Star Music Resort are also nearby. If the accomodations don’t matter that much but saving money is top priority, choose whichever resort prices better for your stay.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is shaped like a horseshoe so guests can enjoy views of four different savannas. Inside, the resort features one of the largest collections of African art in the United States.

All rooms and suites are spacious, and the best part is watching the animals from your window. Dining offers a wide variety of options. American classics will keep kids happy, while adventurous eaters can try African-inspired dishes.

The Uzima Springs Pool overlooks the Uzima Savanna and features a water slide. The Samawati Springs Pool also has a water slide, and nearby Uwanja Camp is a water park with three kid-friendly zones. Families will also enjoy the arcade and playground.

One of the resort’s most unique activities is the Wild About Painting Class, where kids and adults can create a masterpiece to take home.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

The villas at Kidani Village offer the same amenities and activities as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge since they are part of the property. Choose which accommodation is best for your family and enjoy the benefits of this gorgeous property.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

The last of the list of closest Disney resorts to Animal Kingdom is Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This lakeside resort features a mix of Southwest American, Spanish, and Mexican décor throughout the property.

The theming carries into the rooms and suites, all of which are spacious. Dining options include several restaurants and bars, each offering different types of cuisine. Some are more upscale than others, which is helpful to know when planning meals during your stay.

Each of the three resort settlements has a swimming pool, plus there is the Lost City of Cibola Pool, a Mayan ruins-themed pool with a giant pyramid and water slide that kids will love. Adults can relax at the poolside bar while the kids play.

Unique activities include a painting class and a Spanish mosaic art class for families who want a creative break from the parks. The Disney Bus system is the main transportation option from Coronado Springs.

Closest Disney Resorts to Disney Springs

There are a couple of Disney resorts that are close to Disney Springs.

Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside is right next to the Sassagoula River. This is one of the closest Disney resorts to Disney Springs. It is a charming resort that offers picturesque settings at any time of the day or night.

This is another dog-friendly resort at Disney. Your dog will have plenty of room to stretch out with you inside the spacious rooms. There is a food court, restaurant, and two bars for dining and drink needs.

You will find five leisure pools at this Disney resort. Another pool, Ol’ Man Island, was designed with an abandoned sawmill in mind.

Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter

Steps away from Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside is Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter. This entire resort is filled with cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and gas lamps.

The rooms are all spacious. There are a couple of dining options at this resort near Disney Springs. This resort shares Ol’ Man Island with Riverside. You can also swim over to Doubloon Lagoon. Mardi Gras happens every day at that swimming pool.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

In the 1800s, one of the most popular vacation destinations was Saratoga Springs, NY. That destination inspired Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. The Victorian-style resort offers gorgeous views of Lake Buena Vista and the nearby golf course.

The rooms at this resort are spacious. However, the villas are the best option for large families or groups. And if you want unique accommodation, the treehouse villas will make your day.

All the restaurants have a horse track theme. As for the cuisine, there is something for everyone at each restaurant.

There are three leisure pools plus two others at this Disney resort. The High Rock Spring pool has rushing waterfalls and a water slide. Over at the Paddock pool, there is also a water slide. That is where you will find the horseshoe-shaped whirlpool spa.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is filled with palm trees, waterways, and a sprawling golf course.

The rooms and villas are quite spacious. They offer all the room you need for your time away from home. Plus, the amenities in each one will ensure you aren’t lacking anything during your stay.

A bar, poolside snack bar, cafe, and restaurant are all the options you will need when you are hungry and need a bite to eat. Three leisure pools and the Sandcastle pool will be a big hit with pool lovers. At the Sandcastle pool, you can all go down the water slide through a massive sandcastle.

All these Disney resorts are along the Sassagoula River. Ferry boats along the river will take you directly over to Disney Springs.

The closest Disney Resorts to Disney World

These are the closest Disney resorts to the parks. You will want to choose your Disney resort according to the park or parks you will visit most.

Looking for more Disney Travel tips or other Orlando theme park tips? Check out:

• 25 Free Things at Disney World
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• How to keep cool at Disney World
• Where to see Manatees at Disney World
• 15 Amazing Volcano Bay Tips and Volcano Bay Hacks
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• Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Marriott Cypress Harbour Villas Review near Universal and Disney
• Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World
• 50 free things to do in Orlando

Planning your Disney vacation

I recommend booking with a Disney Travel Agent if you want to work with a Disney Travel Agent! Did you know that Amy (the mom and writer of this blog) is a certified Disney Travel Agent? Request a quote here.

I highly recommend buying tickets through Undercover Tourist if you choose not to use a Travel Agent. There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist) or an approved Travel Agent!

If you plan to stay off property, I recommend checking out Expedia to see what is available in the Orlando area outside the Disney Resorts.

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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