Top Disney World Resort Hotels To Book For Disney's 50th Anniversary

10. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Along with Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this was the other original hotel to open in conjunction with Magic Kingdom Park’s own grand opening back in 1971. Affectionately known as “The Poly” in its heyday, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has seen many changes throughout the years, both in the minor renaming of various buildings as well as newer developments and refurbishments. This also includes the establishment of brand new waterfront bungalows that offer guests standalone accommodations with all the comforts of home.

As a Deluxe Resort property, there are plenty of overall perks to drive this island-themed paradise to the top of the list for many vacationers choosing to stay here. And it’s convenient location to Magic Kingdom Park is just one of many. Again, this hotel is situated on the famed Walt Disney World Monorail Line, making a hop to the Park not only easy, but quick as well. And again, this goes without saying that a quick stop off at the Transportation and Ticket Center will have you on your way to Epcot in no time. And just like the Grand Floridian, frequent ferries travel to and fro the resort and Magic Kingdom Park, directly across the water, throughout the day—giving guests a more scenic, slow-paced alternative for travel than just the monorail alone.

Also like the Grand Floridian, a stay at the Polynesian affords shoreline views and premium vantage points of the nightly fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant. While the Polynesian has its own numerous attributions and amenities, it’s proximity to the Grand Floridian—it’s closest neighbor allows guests at either resort to share in and utilize most of the same amenities, including dining and spa services. So it goes without saying that once the new walking path from the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom is complete, guests at the Polynesian will also find themselves with easy walking access to the Park as well—even if it is a little long. It’s a great option to consider on a beautiful fair weather day.

9. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

This may be one of the most unique if not arguably the most unique accommodation option in all of Walt Disney World Resort. Doubling as both a Moderate Resort and Value Resort in one, this casual and quaint family-friendly camping option is also conveniently situated within the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. Moderate Resort pricing is incurred for those who book individual standalone cabins that can sleep up to six and pack all the comforts of home and then some, including Housekeeping services aka “Mousekeeping.” But for those looking for a truly authentic camping experience via tent or camper and all the works, the charge for space rental is comparable to Value Resort Pricing. 

Just remember, even if you are “roughing it out,” you’re doing it in Disney style, and that always comes with perks and added benefits to set the standard for camping high above any other wilderness experience you can hope to get anywhere else. It doesn’t matter whether you opt for lodging from within one of the cozy cabins or setup at one of the campsite rentals, venture to nearby Magic Kingdom Park with ease via ongoing water taxis throughout the day from the Fort Wilderness Marina. But for some, the walk may be a little lengthy. Fortunately, the resort has its own internal shuttle service to take guests to the aforementioned marina location as well as other bus stops and drop off points for traveling to other Disney World Parks and pleasantries.

And in addition to being a place of convenience for guests looking to enjoy Magic Kingdom magic in lieu of all the 50th Anniversary happenings, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort truly is a remarkable place to explore, with so many onsite activities and extras. It even serves as the home base to Disney’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch, where those loveable horses you see on Main Street, U.S.A. spend their downtime and where guests can participate in a wide range of ranch-related activities, including horseback riding and archery.

8. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Another resort with “wilderness” in its name, the theme at this Deluxe Hotel option encompasses the boundless spirit of the great American West at the turn-of-the-century. Accommodations and design for the resort draw inspiration from those famed and fabled lodges established by the Nation Park Service back in its heyday, celebrating pristine and majestic bucolic beauty. And the peaceful tranquility this natural oasis emanates does not give away the fact that it is in such close proximity to Magic Kingdom Park with all its liveliness and ongoing action. Yet all the same, it is a much closer commute than any would expect—just a boat ride away, in fact.

With water taxis caring hotel guests to and from the Park throughout the day, and another boat launch allowing for visiting nearby resorts like Fort Wilderness and The Contemporary, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a perfect peaceful suggestion for those looking to be near the heart of the action yet opting for a faraway removed feel. And added onsite amenities give the resort considerable boasting rights as well, including signature dining, salon services, plenty of resort-wide recreations, and much more. And like most Magic Kingdom Area Resorts, you are at the vantage point for seeing the nighttime Electrical Water Pageant as it makes waves across Seven Seas Lagoon. So if you like that faraway feel while actually being conveniently close to the action, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge just may be the perfect place for you.