The Closest Disney Resorts to the Parks
Where are the closest Disney Resorts to the parks? You probably know that there are four Disney World theme parks. You might not know those parks are spread out further than you’d think.
That means you might need to travel a good distance from your Disney resort to the park of your choice. Unless you stay at one of the closest Disney resorts to the parks, you visit!
This may seem like a difficult task, especially if you are visiting multiple Disney parks during your vacation in Florida. It isn’t too hard, though. Once you know which resorts are the closest to the Disney parks, you can easily decide.
So, let me share the closest Disney resorts to the parks with you today.
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
You will be amazed at how many hotels you can choose from for your Disney vacation. While you could honestly select any of them, knowing you are close to the park of your choice will feel amazing.
I am sharing the closest Disney resorts to the parks by actual theme park. This will make it easier for you to choose a hotel according to which theme park you want to be closer to.
No matter which park you pick, remember that Disney has excellent transportation via the Skyliner, Monorail, Busses, and boats. So no matter where you stay, you can get where you need to go.
We have a blog post with 7 things to know about the Disney Skyliner, so check it out next!
All Disney resorts on this list contain links to the resorts to check pricing and availability for your travel dates!
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 Magic Kingdom. This modern hotel offers two options. You can stay in the Contemporary Tower or the Garden Wing. Either one will allow you to walk to the main gate of the Magic Kingdom in just minutes.
There are plenty of rooms to choose from at this resort in Disney. Whether your family opts for a room or a suite, you will have lots of space. You can even select home-like accommodations in one of the villas.
During your stay at this Disney resort, you can enjoy amazing views and plenty of dining options. The kids will love the two swimming pools. One of them even has a giant water slide.
At night, your family can watch movies under the stars or roast marshmallows around the campfire. And don’t forget about the arcade room when you are away from the park.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Tropical palm trees, lush gardens, and more await you at this Disney resort near Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort may have opened back in the 1970s. However, you wouldn’t think that upon your arrival. It has been completely reimagined recently with a fun Moana theme!
This closest Disney resort to Magic Kingdom also has quite a few different types of accommodations. You can choose from a room or suite. Unless you want the homier feel, you can get in one of the villas.
The dining options at this Disney resort are incredible. You won’t ever find yourself hungry or going without the foods you crave most.
Your entire family will love swimming in either the Oasis or Lava pools. The Lava Pool is always the most popular. It has a volcano, waterfall, and massive water slide.
This resort also offers evening campfires, Polynesian-style, and movies under the nighttime sky.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Victorian style and elegance are everywhere at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This is one of the best Disney resorts closest to Magic Kingdom because you can watch the fireworks over Cinderella Castle from your room.
The rooms and suites are all quite spacious. The deluxe studio rooms offer a kitchenette. And all the villas offer all the comforts of home.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at many of the on-site restaurants at this Disney resort. And there is a poolside bar and grill for those days when all you want to do is swim. This is also the resort where the infamous Victoria & Albert’s restaurant is located. So, you may consider staying here if dining there is on your list of things to do at Disney.
Everyone will love both the Beach and Courtyard pools. Although, the Beach pool is more suited for kids due to the water slide and waterfalls.
You may decide to leave the rest of the family at the pool while you slip away to the spa for a couple of hours. Multiple treatments are available there. It is even possible to do a full day at the spa.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
It isn’t common to find rustic decor when you are staying at any of the Disney resorts. Yet that is precisely what you will see when you walk into Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This Disney hotel was inspired by many of the National Park lodges.
There are nature trails throughout the grounds. A little downtime can be found as you sit in a chair by the creek.
Larger families will want to reserve one of the cabins at this resort unless they want to be in the main hotel enjoying a spacious room or suite.
You won’t find many dining options at this Disney resort near Magic Kingdom. But there are enough restaurants to keep you well fed during your stay.
That won’t matter, though, because your family will be too busy enjoying the pools, water slides, and hot tubs.
This is the perfect resort to watch the Electrical Water Pageant. You can watch all the sparkling sea creatures and listen to the sounds from the resort grounds.
Transportation from these Disney resorts to the Magic Kingdom includes either the monorail or the boat. The monorail is accessible from the Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Contemporary Resort.
As for the boat, you can board that from the Polynesian Village Resort and Wilderness Lodge.
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.
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 throughout Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Your family can immerse yourselves into the landscapes of The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Little Mermaid. These landscapes can be found in all the rooms, the courtyards, and other resort areas.
You will find Spacious accommodations while staying at this closest Disney resort to Hollywood Studios. The family suites will sleep up to six people. Plus, you will never find yourself waiting in line with two bathrooms.
Dining is simple at this Disney Resort. You have the Landscape of Flavors as the main restaurant. Drinks are also available at the Drop Off Pool Bar.
This Disney resort also happens to have the largest swimming pool out of all the resorts. The Big Blue pool has an interactive play area. It is the perfect place to spend time away from the parks!
You can also go swimming at the Cozy Cone pool or the Flippin’ Fins pool.
Other fun family activities include the arcade, playground, and movies under the stars. The resort also holds a campfire over by Pride Rock every night of the week. Grab some marshmallows to roast and enjoy the fun!
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort will take you back to the 1950s through the 1990s. This is one of the closest Disney resorts to Hollywood Studios. And you won’t mind the time travel during your stay!
The rooms at this resort are all standard and basic. But they are excellent for getting a good night’s sleep between park adventures.
Dining is also simple at this Disney resort, with only one restaurant. Yet, you won’t mind since it is one less thing to think about during a busy day.
There are three swimming pools at the Pop Century Resort. The Hippy Dippy pool offers a 60s vibe. The Bowling pool is shaped like a bowling pin. And the Computer pool is shaped like a computer. It is complete with a section shaped like a keyboard and floppy disc.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Your stress will melt away when you walk into Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The vibrant colors, lush landscapes, and music will have you relaxing in paradise.
The rooms at this Disney resort are all spacious. I recommend choosing a room closest to the areas of the resort you know you will be spending most of your time in.
You can choose to spend time in a hammock or explore a lively market when not spending time in your room. Of course, this is when it is not mealtime. You will find yourselves in one of the many on-site restaurants during those times.
There are six swimming pools at this closest Disney resort to Hollywood Studios. One is in each of the five villages. The sixth pool is the Fuentes del Morro Pool. The theme at that pool is a mix of Spanish fortress and pirates.
The kids will love the two water slides. The shipwreck play area and water cannons add to the fun.
The volleyball sand court is one of the better family activities at this Disney resort. You can play a game or two while making new friends.
The new Skyliner system is ready to take you from all these Disney resorts directly to Hollywood Studios.
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 Disney resort is on the water. It is also reminiscent of Atlantic City. Especially since there is a boardwalk, you can wander along at any time.
The rooms and suites are all spacious. However, you will find the most space inside the villas.
Dining options are plentiful at this Disney resort. You can find classic dishes at many of the restaurants. Or you can choose from Old World favorites and seafood if you want something different to eat.
During your downtime, you can play carnival games. Or let the kids do that while you work out at the fitness center.
There are two leisure swimming pools at this Disney resort near EPCOT. You will also find the Luna Park pool there. It has a massive water slide.
Tennis matches, bike rides, and miniature golf games are other possible family activities when you have a little free time at this resort.
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. Therefore, this is an excellent resort option if you 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. It isn’t too much farther from this resort to Hollywood Studios either.
When you arrive at this Disney resort, you will notice it has a New England-style vibe. Crescent Lake adds to the vibe or at least the views. This is one of the more casual Disney resorts near EPCOT. Keep that in mind if casual is part of your vacation plans.
The rooms, suites, and villas are all spacious. I recommend choosing accommodation that offers all the amenities you require for this time away from home.
There are quite a few restaurants to choose from at this Disney resort. Many of the restaurants look out over the lake. This is perfect for those times you want a view with your meal.
When you are not at one of the Disney theme parks, you may find yourself on a mini-powerboat on Crescent Lake. The three leisure swimming pools will keep your family busy too.
However, the kids may prefer to spend time at Stormalong Bay. It is a beachside water park. Inside the water park, you will find a pool with a sand-covered bottom. A water slide begins at the top of a shipwreck. And everyone will love relaxing as you all go around the lazy river.
The miniature golf course or the pirate adventure cruise are two other activities your family will love at this resort.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort also has a New England-style vibe. That shouldn’t be too surprising since it is the sister resort to Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Although, this resort is more formal.
The elegant lobby is filled with nautical decor. And the rooms boast incredible views of Crescent Lake.
The rooms, suites, and villas are all spacious. The best part about this Disney resort is it is pet friendly. So, you can bring your dog with you on vacation in Florida!
The on-site restaurants give you plenty of options for every meal. And you can even head over to any of the restaurants at Disney’s Beach Club Resort if you simply can’t find what you are looking for.
This Disney resort closest to EPCOT also has three leisure swimming pools. Plus, you have access to Stormalong Bay.
Mini golf, pirate adventure cruise, campfires, tennis, and volleyball are excellent family activities at this resort.
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
The Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin Resort is the last on the list of closest Disney resorts to EPCOT. It is all about elegance and sophistication at this Disney resort. You will instantly feel as if you have walked into paradise from the moment you arrive.
The rooms and suites are all spacious. The suites offer the most space, but families of all sizes have raved about the family rooms too.
All types of cuisine are available at the restaurants in this Disney resort. Comfort foods, steak, seafood, and Asian foods, should be at the top of your list of things to eat during your stay.
There are six different swimming pools to choose from at this Disney resort. While the kids are at the pool, you can enjoy a little time at the Mandara Spa. Or you can simply relax in a hammock on the sandy beach.
You can take the kids to the game room if you have any downtime. Or play a rousing game of ping pong or volleyball.
A friendship boat can take you to EPCOT from Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club Resort, Swan & Dolphin Resort, and Beach Club Resort. The new 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. Sports are everywhere at this resort. Baseball, basketball, tennis, football, surfing, and many other sports are everywhere.
The sports themes continue into the guest rooms at this Disney resort. Every room is spacious. I recommend choosing a room that is closest to Stadium Hall, as well as the transportation options. Less walking at the end of a long day, if you know what I mean!
The End Zone Food Court is your only meal option at this Disney resort. But it will have all your kids’ favorites. Talk about making it easy at mealtime!
There are two swimming pools at this resort. Surfboard Bay pool is designed to make you feel like you are spending your day at the beach. And the Grand Slam pool is shaped like a baseball diamond.
You may be out on the jogging trails when you are not in the pools. The kids may even convince you they need a little time at the playground.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort theme is all the infamous Disney movies. Imagine decor that includes all your favorite characters and scenes from Disney movies.
The rooms at this Disney resort are spacious like all the rest. But this is another one where I recommend getting accommodations closer to Cinema Hall.
The dining options aren’t as plentiful at this Disney resort-like others. However, you will be fed well when you eat at the World Premiere Food Court.
You must spend a few hours at the Fantasia pool during your stay. There is a Sorcerer Mickey Fountain there. It is perfect for selfies to remember the fun you are having!
The other pool is the Duck Pond Pool. It resembles a hockey rink.
You may find yourselves hanging out at the arcade or playground while not in the swimming pools.
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
It is all about the music at this Disney All-Star Music Resort, one of the Disney resorts closest to Animal Kingdom. On the outside, you will discover music-inspired icons. On the inside, don’t be surprised if you happen upon a song and dance performance in the unique places.
The family suites are a must at this Disney resort. They all have music-inspired decor. There are also two bathrooms, plus a kitchenette to make your life easier.
The Intermission Food Court has all the foods your kids will eat. Plus a few foods you love the most.
The Calypso pool is shaped like a guitar. In the center of the pool, you will find Panchito, Donald Duck, and Jose Carioca. The Piano Pool is shaped like a piano. These pools are perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day.
If you happen to be at the Calypso pool at the end of the day, stay to watch a movie under the stars.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is shaped like a horseshoe. It was designed this way so guests could see the four different savannas. Inside, you will discover the US’s most extensive collection of African art.
All the rooms and suites are spacious. The best part, though, is you can watch the animals from your windows.
The restaurants at this Disney resort closest to Animal Kingdom offer a wide variety of cuisine. American classics will keep your kids happy. But if adventurous like you, they may be willing to try some African-inspired dishes.
Over at the Uzima Springs pool, you can look out at the Uzima Savanna while swimming. This pool has a water slide.
The Samawati Springs pool also has a water slide. The Uwanja Camp is not too far from the pools. It is a waterpark with three different kid-friendly zones.
The kids will love playing in the arcade and playground. While they are there, you may be able to sneak away for a massage at the Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center.
One of the more unique activities at this Disney resort is the Wild About Painting Class. You can paint your masterpiece to take home with you.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
The villas at Kidani Village offer the same amenities and activities as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is because the villas are on the same property as the lodge. 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 closest Disney resorts to Animal Kingdom is Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This resort is next to a lake. The decor is a mix of Southwest American, Spanish, and Mexican.
The decor is carried into the rooms and suites. Each option is spacious. Although, I do recommend requesting a room with a view of the lake. It just adds to the ambiance of your stay.
There are a few different restaurants and bars at this Disney resort. Each one offers different types of cuisine. A few of the restaurants are more upscale than others. You will want to keep this in mind when packing for your stay at this resort.
There is a swimming pool in each of the three settlements at this Disney resort. You can also go swimming at the Lost City of Cibola Pool. This swimming pool has a Mayan ruins theme. In the middle, there is a giant pyramid.
The water slide will keep the kids busy. You may spend your time enjoying a drink from the poolside bar.
Two unique activities at this Disney resort include a painting class and a Spanish mosaic art class.
The only transportation option available for taking you from your Disney resort to Animal Kingdom is the Disney Bus system.
Closest Disney Resorts to Disney Springs
Maybe you don’t care about being close to any Disney theme parks. Perhaps you want to be close to Disney Springs. If you want shopping and dining to be a stone’s throw away from where you are staying, you can always choose your resort accordingly.
There are a couple of Disney resorts that are closest 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 any time of the day or night.
This is another one of the dog-friendly resorts 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. It might not seem like much, but you won’t notice the difference from other Disney resorts.
You will find five leisure pools at this Disney resort. Another swimming pool, Ol’ Man Island, was designed with an abandoned sawmill in mind. You must cross one of three wooden bridges to reach this pool.
Bike rentals are available at this resort. But the most popular activity is the horse-drawn carriage rides.
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. I recommend requesting a room that looks out over the river or the garden. Those are much better than the rooms that look out over the parking lots!
There are a couple of options for dining at this resort near Disney Springs. However, remember that you can also venture to another resort to eat.
This resort shares Ol’ Man Island with Riverside. You can also swim over at Doubloon Lagoon. Mardi Gras happens every day at that swimming pool.
The other activities your family will enjoy are the same as the ones over at the Riverside resort.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Back in the 1800s, one of the most popular places to vacation 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 are spacious at this resort. However, the villas are the best option in my opinion. 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.
Painting classes, sunrise yoga, bike rentals, and a round of golf are just a few activities your family can enjoy during your stay.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
The theme at this closest Disney resort to Disney Springs is Disney’s Old Key West Resort. The resort is filled with palm trees, waterways, and a sprawling golf course. This is one of the more romantic resorts at Disney. But it also offers a casual vibe you won’t be able to resist.
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 keep your family busy for hours. At the Sandcastle pool, you can all go down the water slide through a massive sandcastle.
Arcade games, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and bike rides are family activities you can enjoy during a bit of downtime.
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. Since several resorts are close to each park, you can narrow it down to your favorite.
Looking for more Disney Travel tips or other Orlando theme park tips? Check out:
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- 15 Amazing Volcano Bay Tips and Volcano Bay Hacks
- First Timer Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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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? It’s true! You can request more information via her travel website contact form.
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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