Best Hotel Closest to the Magic Kingdom
Updated: Aug 28
Walt Disney World Resort is large—2x the size of Manhattan—and offers 4 core theme parks and 2 waterparks amongst countless resorts and hotels. Deciding where to stay, where to spend your time, and what to do can feel overwhelming. But that's why we're here to help. If you have smaller kids, or just love the magic, then you might want to spend the most time at the Magic Kingdom.
In this case, finding hotels near Magic Kingdom resort area is probably the best choice for you so you can get to and from the park with little transit time. 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 for the best hotel in the Magic Kingdom.
I've broken things down into these categories:
Best Hotel Closest To The Magic Kingdom
Although my family and I have only been able to stay here twice, my favorite is, and probably will always be, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 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
Another great resort close to Magic Kingdom, and one of my family's favorites, is Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Like its neighbor, the Grand Floridian, it 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. This resort is in the deluxe category.
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.
My daughter and I stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter and loved it. The hotel was quaint, had lots to do, the rooms were basic, but still nice.
What is the closest hotel to Magic Kingdom?
The closest hotel to Magic Kingdom is one of the most famous because of its uniqueness: the Contemporary Resort and Hotel. This wonderful hotel is, in my opinion, one of the least "Disney" hotels and feels more like a business hotel, but it is technically the closest hotel to Magic Kingdom. You can take the monorail or walk across via sidewalks. This technically isn't just a hotel anymore, though. When you include Bay Lake Tower, this is a very nice resort near Magic Kingdom that has lots of pools, restaurants, and other amenities.
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.
EXPERT TIP: The Swan & Dolphin is a great Westin owned resort that qualifies for all the standard Disney amenities, is walkable to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and is a moderately priced resort.
