Deciding on a hotel for your Disney vacation can be difficult because there are so many great options to choose from!  My recommendations are based off of our experiences and love of Disney resorts, particularly the “Big 5” in and around the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center areas.  I’m referring to The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Yacht and Beach Club, and Boardwalk hotels.  Of course, Disney offers a wealth of other lodging options, but for the purpose of this article I am focusing my attention on these five hotels specifically.

We love all of these hotels because of their proximities to either the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and the ease they offer in getting there.  Choosing a hotel might feel overwhelming at first, but if you keep a few questions in mind the decision will be easy.

The biggest question you need to ask yourself is at which park or parks will you spend most of your time while on vacation.  This will be largely determined by how old your children are and the level of convenience you desire in getting to and from said parks.

If Magic Kingdom is your jam I would highly recommend staying on the monorail system which serves The Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary hotels.  The monorail is great because it’s a ride before the real rides!  You can also walk from the Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom which is a plus if you have an extra pep in your step!

These three hotels would have you in close proximity to watch the nightly Wishes fireworks show in the Magic Kingdom.  Even if you don’t want to go into the park, sometimes you get a room with a view, or you can watch from various other locations at the resorts.

If you love exploring the different cultures and foods of Epcot, the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach Club are the closest hotels within walking distance.  My personal favorite hotel is the Beach Club because it has the best pool on property with a zero entry sandy bottom, shipwreck slide, and lazy river.  If you are going with kids who love a pool this hotel will be your best bet!  Beach Club also has two quiet pools if you’re looking for a more low-key experience.

I really enjoy staying on the Boardwalk because there is a lot to do aside from being at your hotel.  You can go for a walk or run around the lake, rent a bike and take a ride, play some carnival games outside of the Boardwalk hotel, stop into ESPN to catch a game, or use that park hopper and stroll through Epcot every night.

As with most of the shows at Disney, the Illuminations show at Epcot never gets old, I could watch it night after night!

While this article was very specific to these five hotels, there are so many other choices available. Depending upon your preferences and budget, there are hotels suited for just about everyone.  At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter where you stay, it’s being together with friends and family and enjoying the magical experience that is Disney!

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner ET Family Travel

*Photo credits:  Disney