Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels
Another notable aspect of the Magic Kingdom is that there are a wide variety of hotels that you can stay at that are in walking distance from the park itself (or just a very short monorail ride, shuttle bus, or car ride away).
Below, I’m going to cover what resort hotels are available around the Magic Kingdom, as well as the kind of features and amenities they offer.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Located within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom, the Bay Lake Tower offers its guests white sandy beaches and views of Bay Lake, the courtyard, Cinderella’s Castle, or cypress trees.
Capable of purchasing a studio or a villa, guests here get access to not only a pool, but also excellent transportation options that include the monorail, complimentary bus transportation, and even water transportation to places like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge. On top of that, guests get in-room wi-fi, valet parking if you desire it (for an additional cost), locker rentals, spa and fitness and much more.
Bay Lake also offers quick service dining options, as well as character and fine dining options, so every family member of virtually any age is satisfied.
Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: Definitely one of the most unique resorts located near the Magic Kingdom, The Cabins sit on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest and actually have amazing wildlife like deer and armadillos running around.
The appeal of The Cabins is feeling like you’re really out in the wild, without actually having to fully give up your creature comforts. It’s like if the contestants of “Survivor” got to go back to a beautiful resort hotel after every immunity challenge.
You get the best of both worlds: nature and comfy amenities.
Speaking of amenities, guests are provided living rooms, private patios, charcoal grills, and kitchens fully equipped to handle whatever you want to throw at them. This resort is great for those that like to be sporty, too, as you can rent a bike to get around the grounds.
The Cabins feature a pool that houses a corkscrew shaped waterslide, as well as a whirlpool spa and even a kiddie pool for the little ones. On top of having fun in the water, this resort allows you to take part in archery, have fun on pony and wagon rides, sing along with Chip ‘N’ Dale by the campfire and even partake in waterskiing. You’ll never run out of things to do away from the theme parks if you stay here.
Type: Moderate Resort
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: Get a feel for what camping in the wilderness is like, with the benefits and comforts that only Disney can provide.
Yes, there are deer and armadillo roaming around, but each campsite also comes equipped with landscaping, water, and even hook ups for TV. You’ll even have access to a charcoal grill.
The Campsites are great for large groups too, as the grounds are capable of accommodating large RV’s (45 feet and longer) as well as any tents you plan to pitch with the family.
You’ll also have access to the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and even have an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities like horseback riding.
Type: Campground Resort
(Video by Disney Parks)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Probably best known as being the resort in which the monorail passes directly through (on its way to the Magic Kingdom), the Contemporary is a hotel that features white sandy beaches that will almost make you forget you’re on Disney grounds. The resort also features a mural of Mary Blair, the woman responsible for the unique design of the well-known ride “it’s a small world.”
One thing in particular that’s noteworthy about the Contemporary is the ease of getting to and from it. While you can certainly ride the monorail to Magic Kingdom, the resort is actually so close the park that it’s walkable. The hotel also features pools and spas, as well. And inside, you can dine at the restaurant “The Wave…of American Flavors,” which serves American dishes to guests.
Type: Deluxe Resort
(Video by Disney Parks)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort: If you enjoy the look of Victorian construction, you’ll likely fall in love with the Grand Floridian.
Once you enter the beautiful lobby of this resort, you’re instantly treated to a live orchestra that plays jazz and ragtime. Capable of viewing Cinderella’s Castle from this resort, watching firework shows like “Wishes” are particularly enchanting.
And did I mention that, like the Contemporary, guests get to enjoy paradise-like white sandy beaches?
The resort also features elegant dining options—like the romantic Victoria and Albert’s restaurant—as well as relaxing recreation areas like pools, spa, and a health club.
Type: Deluxe Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: If there’s ever a time in your life where your friend, significant other, or spouse wants to go to Hawaii, and you want to go to Disney World, you can compromise by going to Disney World and staying at the Polynesian Village Resort (known affectionately as The Poly by many Disney fans).
This resort, which fully embraces the soul of the South Pacific, comes to life with lush plant life, beautiful palm trees, and white-sand beaches.
You can also enjoy a dinner show that features fire, knives, and hula dancing (just like if you were staying in Maui and were at a genuine luau). The resort even features a kid play area called “Lilo’s Playhouse,” where parents can feel comfortable leaving their children (ages 3 to 12) knowing that they will be both entertained and supervised while you seek out more adult ventures at the resort.
Type: Deluxe Resort
(Video by Disney Parks)
Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows: The newly constructed Bora Bora Bungalows are spectacular to see as they sit on the water and one can even view the incredible fireworks that go off at Magic Kingdom!
The villas themselves, like all villas on Disney property, allows guests (particularly Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, although all guests are welcome to rent) an opportunity to beef up their Disney stay, so to speak. Instead of just getting a small room with one or two queen size beds, guests enter a room that will feel like a condo or apartment. Inside, you’ll not only see Disney artwork and even murals on the walls, but incredible views, furniture, washers and dryers, and kitchenette’s or even fully equipped kitchens.
Type: Deluxe Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Grabbing inspiration from National Park lodges, you’ll feel like you teleported to the Great American Northwest when you enter Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Very rustic and perfect for any guests that love the outdoors, you’ll enter the lodge and immediately see things like totem poles and headdresses, and even a fireplace, as the lobby does its best to truly give guests that log cabin/lodge feel.
For those that like to swim, you’ll enjoy a heated pool too. There is, however, no monorail access to or from this resort, so guests will have to rely on options like complimentary bus transportation.
Type: Deluxe Resort
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Have you ever wanted to stay at a wonderful resort but coveted more of the perks you get from home? If so, then the Villas of the Grand Floridian are perfect for you.
Here, you’ll be able to stay inside a deluxe studio room or mutli-bedroom villa. Inside the beautiful condo-like area will be a kitchenette (in a deluxe studio) or kitchen (inside the villas), a mini fridge (deluxe studio) or full refrigerator (villas), mirror tv’s inside the bathrooms (yes, you’ll get to enjoy seeing a television inside the mirror!), and even a balcony or porch.
As far as how many guests each room holds, Disney says that those that opt for the deluxe studio should expect a room that sleeps up to five guests. Those that need more space and want to go the villa route should expect a room that sleeps up to nine guests.
And, when you’re not eating or swimming in the pool, how about taking a mental and physical break at Senses, a Disney spa that features massages, body wraps, and facials.
You’ll feel like a new person after you emerge from your treatment.
Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Why not soak in the charm of the Pacific Northwest in style? Here, you can enjoy the comforts of home while still engaging in a unique Disney World resort experience.
Offering guests both studios and villas for their stay, the studio will sleep up to five adults; a one bedroom villa sleeps up to four adults; and a two bedroom villa sleeps up to eight adults.
Guests are able to take a water craft taxi to and from the Magic Kingdom, as well.
Type: Deluxe Villa Resort
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