A visit to a Disney park is a dream vacation for many families, and staying at a Disney hotel can make the experience even more magical. But how much does it really cost to stay at a Disney hotel? Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly trip or a luxury getaway, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the pricing of Disney hotels, what affects those costs, and how to save money while still enjoying the Disney magic.
Price Ranges for Different Disney Hotel Categories
Disney offers several types of hotel experiences across its resorts in Orlando (Walt Disney World) and Anaheim (Disneyland). These are generally grouped into four categories: Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts, and Deluxe Villas. Each category offers a different level of comfort, amenities, and price.
Value Resorts
Starting from $124 per night
Value Resorts are perfect for travelers on a tighter budget who still want to stay inside the magic. These hotels offer basic amenities, themed rooms, and easy access to Disney transportation.
Popular Value Resorts:
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
These resorts are family-friendly and often come with large pools, food courts, and fun decor inspired by Disney movies and pop culture.
Moderate Resorts
Starting from $248 per night
Moderate Resorts strike a balance between affordability and comfort. They offer more dining options, better landscaping, and slightly larger rooms than Value Resorts.
Popular Moderate Resorts:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
These hotels offer sit-down restaurants, larger pools with water slides, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the Value options.
Deluxe Resorts
Starting from $403 per night
Deluxe Resorts are Disney’s premium hotel category. They are located closer to the theme parks, offer luxurious amenities, fine dining, and stunning views.
Popular Deluxe Resorts:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
These resorts often include spa services, signature dining experiences, and monorail or walking access to the parks.
Deluxe Villas
Prices vary significantly
Deluxe Villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club but can be booked by non-members as well. They are ideal for families or groups who want more space, kitchens, and multiple bedrooms.
Popular Deluxe Villas:
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Prices vary based on villa size and location, but they typically start around $450 and can go well beyond $1,000 per night for larger suites or prime views.
Factors Affecting Pricing
Hotel rates at Disney are not fixed. They fluctuate due to several key factors. Knowing these can help you plan smarter and save money.
1. Seasonal Demand
Disney hotel prices change throughout the year depending on demand. You’ll pay more during:
- Holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Spring Break)
- Summer vacation (June through mid-August)
- Special events (like Halloween parties or EPCOT festivals)
If you visit in January, early February, late August, or September, you’ll likely see lower rates and smaller crowds.
2. Room Type & View
Rooms come in different types and with various views, and this impacts pricing. For example:
Standard room (no view): Cheaper
Pool view or garden view: Mid-range
Theme park view or water view: Most expensive
At some hotels, a park-view room can add over $100 per night to the base price.
3. Special Packages & Discounts
Disney frequently offers discounts that can significantly reduce your total cost:
- Florida resident discounts
- Annual passholder rates
- Disney+ subscriber promotions
- Vacation packages that bundle hotel, tickets, and dining
Signing up for Disney emails and checking the special offers page on the Disney website can help you catch these deals.
Comparison of Popular Disney Hotels
Here’s a closer look at some of Disney’s most popular hotels and what you can expect to pay.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Starting at $580 per night
This resort immerses you in African-inspired design and even offers savanna-view rooms where you can watch giraffes and zebras from your balcony. It’s a favorite for animal lovers and those looking for a unique Disney experience.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Luxury stay at $904 per night
As Disney’s flagship hotel, the Grand Floridian offers elegance, Victorian charm, and quick access to Magic Kingdom via monorail or boat. It’s the most luxurious (and most expensive) resort in Disney World.
Polynesian Village Resort
Tropical-themed resort at $798 per night
This resort brings South Pacific vibes to Florida. With overwater bungalows, tiki torches, and a view of Cinderella Castle, it’s one of the most iconic Disney hotels.
Each of these hotels also features high-end dining, spas, themed pools, and transportation to all Disney parks.
Booking Tips & Cost-Saving Strategies
Book Early
Prices tend to rise as availability goes down, especially during peak seasons. Booking 6–12 months in advance gives you the best room choices and access to discounts when they’re released.
Travel During the Off-Season
As mentioned, traveling in less popular months like January or September can lead to massive savings. Not only are hotel rates lower, but so are crowd levels in the parks.
Use a Disney Travel Planner
Authorized Disney travel planners don’t charge extra and can help you find discounts, plan itineraries, and manage bookings. They often get early access to deals you might miss.
Consider a Split Stay
You can split your trip between a Value Resort and a Deluxe Resort. This allows you to enjoy a couple of nights in luxury without paying premium rates for the entire trip.
Use Reward Points
Some third-party sites or travel credit cards let you use points to book Disney hotels. Disney-branded credit cards may also offer discounts and perks like 0% financing.
Skip the View
If you don’t plan to spend much time in your room, skip the “theme park view” option. A standard view room can save you $100+ per night.
Conclusion
Staying at a Disney hotel can cost anywhere from $124 per night at a Value Resort to over $900 at a Deluxe Resort like the Grand Floridian. Your final cost depends on the hotel category, travel dates, room type, and whether you can find special discounts.
To get the best value, consider traveling during off-peak times, booking early, using authorized travel planners, and staying flexible on room views and hotel tiers.
A Disney vacation is a big investment—but with the right planning, it can be a truly unforgettable experience that stays within your budget.
If you’re planning your dream trip, start comparing prices now and keep an eye on seasonal deals. The magic is just a booking away!
