Disney World Resort Series: Magic Kingdom Area Resort Hotels
There are so many resorts to choose from when it comes to Disney World Resort Hotels!
So where do you stay?
Source: Spectrum News/Ashley Carter
Cost is often a big factor for families. Disney World has conveniently labeled its resort hotels as value, moderate, or deluxe.
But location is also a consideration. Which parks do you plan to visit most? What modes of transportation are available to these locations?
Photo: Kent Phillips
Today we start by exploring the five Magic Kingdom area resorts. As Mickey would say, “Oh boy!” These are some great hotels!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
This iconic resort hotel is probably the hotel you think about when you imagine Walt Disney World!
Kent Phillips, photographer
Am I the only one who remembers the Full House episode when the Tanners stayed at The Grand?
Themed around the Victorian era, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the most luxurious resort on property.
There are more than 850 guest rooms, 100 villas, and 24 suites. Standard guest rooms can accommodate up to 5 adults.
In addition to the great accommodations, there’s plentiful transportation options! Enjoy monorail service to Magic Kingdom and Epcot as well as boat service to Magic Kingdom.
Oh, and did we mention that it’s now walkable to Magic Kingdom?
We should note that the monorail is not currently running to the Ticket & Transportation Center as of this writing. That means that you will not be able to transfer to Epcot by monorail. Instead, you’ll need to take the bus.
Another perk of the Grand Floridian is THE FOOD!
This hotel offers the most table service restaurant options with Citricos, Victoria & Albert’s, 1900 Park Fare, Grand Floridian Cafe, and Narcoossee’s. We’re still waiting on the first three of these to reopen.
Along with amazing pools, there’s a fun splash pad for the kids. There’s also Gasparilla Island Grill, the quick-service restaurant, and pool bars, lounges, and a team room.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
It might not get better than this tropical escape! The Polynesian features island ambiance and newly refurbished rooms! Disney fans are counting down until the resort officially opens later next month.
You will find more than 480 guest rooms, 20 bungalows, and 5 suites at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. There’s also a Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, attached to this resort.
Standard guest rooms sleep up to 5 adults, and Club Level rooms are available.
This resort features multiple modes of transportation to the parks, including monorail service to Magic Kingdom and Epcot; but this is currently unavailable as construction work continues.
Take a quick boat ride to Magic Kingdom or sit back and relax on the bus to all other theme parks and Disney Springs.
Now, let’s talk food, mainly one word: ‘Ohana!
Yes, it’s back beginning July 9th! Now, it will look a little different with updated menus and no character visits at breakfast time. But it’s ‘Ohana, and it’s amazing, so you should go there.
Other dining options include Kona Cafe, a table-service restaurant, and the Spirit of Aloha dinner show, which is currently unavailable. Or you can catch a quick bite to eat at Capt. Cook’s or at bars or lounges.
Image Credit: Disney
You’ll want to stay Aloha to this resort. It’s a family favorite!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
This resort hotel is INCREDIBLE. Literally!
Disney recently released photos of the refurbished tower rooms, which feature an Incredibles theme! Construction is currently taking place with an expected completion date of early fall.
Keep in mind that this refurbishment is only for rooms located in the main tower at this time.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a classic. It, too, is located along the monorail line, which whizzes through the middle of the main tower.
There are more than 1,000 guest rooms here along with 428 villas, 633 deluxe rooms, and 23 suites. Standard rooms can sleep up to 5 adults, and Club Level service is available.
Let’s talk transportation. As we mentioned, you can access the monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (currently unavailable). But the walk to Magic Kingdom is just about 5-10 minutes. It’s so easy!
Of course, there’s bus service to all other theme parks as well as Disney Springs.
We love the dining options here, especially Chef Mickey’s, which features the Fab 5 Mickey & friends! Of course, we think California Grill and The Wave…of American Flavors are pretty great, too. (And we’re excited to see the reimagination of The Wave taking place soon!)
You can also grab a quick-service meal at Contempo Cafe, which might have some of the best cupcake options on property!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Do you want to feel like you are truly escaping the parks at the end of a busy day? Then you’ll love Wilderness Lodge!
With boat service to Magic Kingdom, it’s a great option. It’s also one of the most economical deluxe resort options on property!
The theming here is that of the American Northwest. It really is breathtaking, especially at the holidays with the towering Christmas tree in the main lobby.
There are a lot of options when it comes to accommodations, too. For starters, there are over 300 guest rooms, which sleep up to 4 adults. Club Level service is available.
Additionally, Wilderness Lodge is home to two Disney Vacation Club properties: Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins.
Boulder Ridge features deluxe studios as well as one- and two-bedroom villas. Copper Creek also features these rooms types along with three-bedroom grand villas and cabins.
Image Credit: Disney
Let’s just pause a second to mention how gorgeous these cabins are. There is a built-in hot tub in the screened-in porch overlooking Bay Lake. Can we move in? Please?
We really love the dining options here, too! Table service restaurants include Storybook Dining at Artist Point (currently unavailable) and Whispering Canyon Cafe.
Quick-service locations include Roaring Fork and Geyser Point Bar & Grill.
Did we mention the rooms are newly renovated? Yep, that’s another point for Wilderness Lodge!
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Last, but certainly not least, is this rustic gem. This resort is incredibly popular! It can be nearly impossible to book as so many people want to stay here.
Image Credit: Disney
Let’s dive into why guests love Fort Wilderness.
This is a fantastically economical option for those who plan to drive RVs to Disney World. The campground features a multitude of sites made specifically for RV enthusiasts, or even those who want to rough it and camp!
Image Credit: Disney
Campsites are the most economical option available in all of Walt Disney World. Obviously, though, the catch is that you have to bring your own RV, which serves as your accommodation for your stay.
Another reason that people flock to Fort Wilderness is for the Nature Cabins. These are a great option for larger families as cabins can sleep up to 6 adults and feature a full kitchen. Plus, these come in at a lot less than deluxe villas.
Fort Wilderness offers boat service to Magic Kingdom and bus service to all other theme parks and Disney Springs.
It also boasts some great dining options, including the Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue, which we are impatiently waiting on to return!
Image Credit: Disney
Best of all, Fort Wilderness has so many great recreation options! The main gem might be the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. This location is a big draw to all guests visiting Disney World, especially horse lovers.
Outdoorsy types like the archery experience, canoe and boating offerings, and bike rentals.
For us, we really miss Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long! This special nighttime experience features Chip ‘n’ Dale, roasted marshmallows, and family fun. We hope this returns one day soon!
Image Credit: Disney
If you’re planning on spending most of your time in Magic Kingdom, we highly recommend booking one of these magical Magic Kingdom area resorts.
Stay tuned as we explore the other resorts in our resort series!
