Which Walt Disney World Hotel Is Closest to Each Theme Park?

“I hate spending forever on a bus to get to the parks.”

As a Travel Planner, I hear this from clients over and over again.  The Walt Disney World Resort is so much larger than most people realize! Choosing the wrong Walt Disney World hotel can mean spending 15 – 30 minutes on the bus getting to your favorite park. (And that doesn’t include the wait for the bus to arrive!)

If time is money, then choosing a hotel closest to your favorite park can offer a savings! Yes, Deluxe Resorts cost more per night than other resorts. But given their proximity to the parks, you may actually come out ahead in the “Time = Money” equation!

Here are the resort hotels that are closest to each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks.

Hotels Closest to the Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – “Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is truly the best of both worlds. Located in the heart of Walt Disney World, mere minutes from the Magic Kingdom, this resort still offers the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.”

Disney’s Contemporary Resort – “Opening with the Magic Kingdom in 1971, the Contemporary Resort is unique in several ways. Not only does the monorail run right through the resort, it is the only resort that has a walking path to/from the Magic Kingdom! With rooms overlooking Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom, a stay at the Contemporary is one of the best ways to pamper yourself while at Walt Disney World!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – “The Polynesian Village Resort opened with the Magic Kingdom in October 1971. It is in a perfect location because it’s just a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. It’s also a quick walk (or monorail ride) to the Transportation and Ticket Center to get to Epcot.”

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – “Since it opened in 1988 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, has offered guests the ultimate in accommodations, dining, and amenities. Located right next to the Magic Kingdom, this gorgeous Victorian-themed resort is the perfect choice for a vacation that includes the best of both park time and relaxation.”

Hotels Closest to Epcot & Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Beach Club – “Built in 1990, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and its sister resort, Disney’s Yacht Club, are located on Crescent Lake, adjacent to Epcot. The light blue and white exterior evokes the classic seaside resorts of the Northeast. The Beach Club shares amenities with the Yacht Club but each has its own distinct decor.”

Disney’s Yacht Club – This sister resort to Disney’s Beach Club has an attached convention center. Given the number of business travelers, this hotel tends to attract more adults. The lobby is quieter than the more boisterous Beach Club Resort, but shares most amenities such as Stormalong Bay.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn – Located across the lagoon from the Beach Club and the Yacht Club, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn offers fun boardwalk-style entertainment and well appointed rooms.

Hotel Closest to Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – “Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most iconic resorts at Walt Disney World. With its distinctive architecture, and incredible views of wildlife, this resort is definitely a resort worth trying! But Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is not for every family or for every trip. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect resort for a “Do Less, Enjoy More!” trip. A Savanna View Room at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a must!”

 

Conclusion

Okay, okay, I know I said that choosing the “wrong” resort can be an issue. But let’s be clear – there is no “wrong” Disney resort! There are almost as many reason to choose a particular hotel as there are hotels at Walt Disney World. Location is just ONE factor! What factors are most important to you when choosing a Walt Disney World Resort? Let us know in the comments!