Where to Stay? A Guide to Disney and Universal Resorts
Choosing the right accommodation can make or break your trip—and it’s often one of the biggest expenses. If staying at a Resort is a priority regardless if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, mid-range comfort, or full-on luxury, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando offer a range of choices to make your dreams come true. We will explore the options in this On Resort Accommodation Guide.
Here’s a breakdown of where to stay, plus some personal experiences to help you decide if a resort vacation is right for you.
On Resort Accommodation Guide
Disney Resorts: Staying at the heart of the Magic
One of the best parts (and our personal favourite) of a Walt Disney World vacation is the fully immersive experience, and staying at a Disney Resort keeps you right at the centre of the magic. There are options for every budget and taste, each with its own unique theming and perks.
Value Resorts (Best for Budget Travellers and Families)
•Affordable, fun theming, and great for kids
•Smaller rooms but plenty of Disney charm
•Access to Disney’s transportation services including Disney’s Skyliner (at select resorts) for easy park transportation
•Examples:
•Disney’s Pop Century Resort (Skyliner access, nostalgic theming)
•Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Best for families with themed suites featuring The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King)
Moderate Resorts (A Balance of Cost & Comfort)
•Larger rooms, more dining options, and upgraded amenities
•Beautiful theming with lush landscapes
•Great for couples or families looking for a bit more comfort
•Examples:
•Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside (Southern charm, boat transportation to Disney Springs)
•Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Skyliner access, tropical vibes)
Deluxe Resorts (Best Locations & Maximum Perks)
•Closest to the parks, often with monorail or boat access
•Largest rooms, top-tier dining, and best pools
•Extended evening hours for guests
•Examples:
•Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Overwater bungalows, monorail to Magic Kingdom)
•Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Victorian elegance, best fireworks views)
On Resort Accommodation Guide
Perks of Staying at a Disney Resort:
On Resort Accommodation Guide
Early Park Entry – Get into the parks 30 minutes before everyone else!
Free Disney Transportation – Buses, monorails, boats, and the Skyliner make getting around easy.
Early Access to Dining & Lightning Lane Selections – Crucial for snagging hard-to-get reservations! (Click here to learn more about Lightning Lanes)
Personal Experience:
Staying at Disney’s All-Star Resorts was a fun and wallet-friendly way to stay in the magic. The larger-than-life Disney statues at All-Star Movies made us feel like we were stepping into a classic Disney film, with the Toy Story and 101 Dalmatians sections being our personal favourites. While the resorts don’t have Skyliner access, the complimentary Disney bus transportation made getting to the parks easy, and the price point made it a great option for a Disney stay!
On a different vacation we opted to stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, this truly felt like stepping into a Pixar movie. From the moment we walked into the resort, the larger-than-life character statues and bold colours immediately set the scene for an immersive Disney stay.
We stayed in The Little Mermaid section, and it was an absolute dream for our daughter. Walking through the resort, surrounded by life-size versions of Disney Characters, made it feel like I had been transported straight into the movies. Even the buildings looked like they are right off the screen.
One of the biggest highlights of Art of Animation is The Big Blue Pool, themed after Finding Nemo. It’s the largest pool at any Disney resort! Whether it was splashing around in the pool, grabbing a bite at Landscape of Flavours (one of my favourite food courts at any Disney Resort), or just soaking in the incredible theming, every moment at Art of Animation felt like being inside a Disney film.
Universal Orlando Hotels: Next-Level Theme Park Stays
If finding your inner Slytherin or Gryffindor at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or taking a Pipe to Super Mario Land at Epic Universe later in 2025 are on your must-do list, staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel might be the best choice. Universal resorts offer easy park access, exclusive perks, and even free Express Passes at Select Premier hotels!
Value & Prime Value Hotels (Best for Budget Traveller’s)
•Most affordable but limited perks
•Free shuttle buses to the parks
•Examples:
•Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort (Retro 50s vibes, lazy river, family suites)
•Universal’s Aventura Hotel (Modern, tech-friendly, rooftop bar with Volcano Bay views)
Preferred Hotels (More Amenities & Closer to the Parks)
•More dining and recreation options
•Water taxi service to CityWalk & the parks
•Example:
•Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (Caribbean vibes, relaxing atmosphere)
Premier Hotels (Luxury + Free Express Pass!)
•FREE Universal Express Unlimited Pass (Skip the lines at most attractions)
•Best locations – Walk or take a water taxi to the parks
•Examples:
•Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Polynesian paradise, great for families)
•Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (Luxury Italian theming, best for couples & relaxation)
Perks of Staying at a Universal Resort:
Early Park Admission – Get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before the crowds!
On-Site Transportation – Water taxis and shuttle buses make getting around easy.
Express Pass Included at Select Premier Hotels – Save money and skip the lines
Personal Experience:
Cabana Bay was the perfect mix of fun and affordability. The retro theming made it feel like stepping back in time, and the lazy river was a great way to unwind after a long day at Universal Studios. Plus, it’s right next to Volcano Bay, so we could walk straight into the water park without needing a shuttle!
Staying at Portofino Bay felt like a true escape. The cobblestone streets, Italian cafés, and stunning harbour views made it hard to believe we were just minutes from The Incredible Hulk Coaster! And that FREE Express Pass meant we could ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and our daughter could ride The Cat in the Hat over and over without waiting in long lines. If you were planning to buy Express Passes anyway, consider staying here is a great choice!
If staying at a theme park resort hotel isn’t the right fit for you, don’t worry—there are plenty of other great options to consider. Let’s explore the alternatives and find the perfect place for your stay!
