Disney World: Best Hotels For A Magic Kingdom Focus
- Brian
- Oct 13, 2025
- 4 min read
If you and your family are most excited to spent time at the Magic Kingdom, staying in the Magic Kingdom resort area is probably the best choice for you. Getting to the park at any of the nearby resorts is either a walk, a very short bus ride, a monorail ride, or any of the above away. Two resorts, Contemporary and Grand Floridian, are easy walks to get into the park. But after many visits to Disney World, and staying at most of the nearby Magic Kingdom resorts, here are my suggestions for your stay.
Best Hotel Closest To The Magic Kingdom
My favorite is, and probably will always be, the Grand Floridian. Sitting on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, with a beautiful view of the Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian is about as close as you'll get staying in what I believe is a "true Disney hotel." I say that because the Contemporary Resort, which is technically closer, feels more like a business hotel and conference center than a through-and-through Disney hotel. Walking in the Grand Floridian is like walking back into a time where grandeur and service ruled the day. Everything about this hotel is opulent, but done in a tasteful Disney way with hidden Mickey's throughout. Built as a mirrow to the Grand Californian at Disneyland, the Grand Floridian was done on an even more grand scale. Staying here can come at a steep price, with basic rooms sometimes crossing the $1,000/night mark. But, if you can find a deal at around $600 or less, and you are willing to spend the money, give it a try.
Beyond the beautiful lobby, stately rooms, and gorgeous grounds, one of the best things about this hotel is the speedy entrance to the Magic Kingdom. In the main building, if you go to the second floor, there's a platform where you go through a private security line. Here, you board the Monorail for a very short ride to the Magic Kingdom. You arrive and walk straight past the throngs of people waiting at the main security lines and can check right in.
The Grand Floridian also offers some of the best pools, a kids splash pad, excellent restaurants, and a multitude of activities.
Kids' Splashpad – If you have younger kids, they'll love this little area.
Pools – The beach pool features a nice waterfall and is close to the splashpad. If you prefer a calmer, zero-entry and slightly warmer pool, head over to the Courtyard Pool.
In 2025, the hotel is undergoing an extensive renovation. The lobby and most rooms should be done by November, so check out the updates.
If you want to learn more, read my separate review of the Grand Floridian.
Best Runner-Up Closest To The Magic Kingdom
The Polynesian Resort, like its neighbor, the Grand Floridian, is filled with grandeur that will spark your imagination. Mimicking a luxurious Polynesian palace. Celebrating the spirit of the islanders of the South Pacific, this resort feels like a tropical oasis. Walking in you'll see the intricate carvings, beautiful woodwork, and incredibly woven rugs and tapestries.
The resort stays on theme throughout with incredible food, relaxing and fun pools, and a combination of rooms options that go all the way to over-the-water bungalows. If you're looking for an oasis that still gives all the Disney flare, this is right for you.
The Polynesian can also get over $1,000/night for a basic room, so definately look out for deals and discounts throughout the year. Just like the Grand Floridian, my suggestion is to find times where this hotel is closer to the $600/night mark and book it.
Best Mid-Tier Hotel Closest To The Magic Kingdom
Not looking to spend as much on your hotel? No problem, Disney has great options. My favorite "mid-tier" hotel not just for the Magic Kingdom, but for any park, is Port Orleans. This is a massive resort complex that is split into 2 sections: French Quarter and Riverside. Both offer unique experiences that I feel are unmatched anywhere else, and for good reason. They're meant to draw you back into old New Orleans.
Other Great Options
Although you can't really go wrong at any of the on-property Disney hotels, here are a few of my other favorites that will all still give you great experiences:
Fort Wilderness – If you love camping, cabins, and the great outdoors, this resort is second-to-none. Themed in a beautifully coalesced Mickey-meets-Camping, you'll be right at home. The Magic Kingdom is just a bus ride away. If you really love camping, consider the Campground vs the Resort.
Wilderness Lodge – Situated just beyond the Contemporary, this resort is also a combination of "Mickey Meets the Wilderness" on a slightly more grand scale than Fort Wilderness.
Swan & Dolphin Resort – This is on Disney property with all the Disney amenities, but is actually a Westin Resort. It's part of the EPCOT Resort Area and allows you to walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, as well as situated just off the Boardwalk. This has been one of my family's favorites for many years.
