If the outrageous Disney World vacation prices are holding you back from the vacation of your dreams, don’t fret because there are some great, budget-friendly ways that you can stay and play at Disney World without breaking the bank.
Although park tickets are generally one of the biggest costs associated with a Disney World vacation, hotels and resorts are up there too. Thankfully, there are some fantastic budget-friendly Disney World hotels that are perfect for you, your family, and your wallet.
In this guide, I’ll break down the costs to stay at every budget-friendly Disney hotel as well as provide you some great recommendations on-property that I believe are worth staying at.
And yes, although you can easily find significantly cheaper hotels off Disney World property, I truly believe that staying on property has it’s fair share or perks and benefits which can make up for the slight premium you’d be paying.
Related Readings: How much does it cost to go to Disney World?
Jump to:
- Cheapest Disney World Hotels
- What is the cheapest hotel at Disney World?
- Disney World Hotel Discounts
- What day of the week are Disney World hotels the cheapest?
- How many months in advance should I book my Disney World hotel stay?
- Are Disney World park tickets cheaper when staying at a Disney World resort?
- What month are Disney World resorts the cheapest?
- What month are Disney World resorts the most expensive?
- Is staying at a Budget-Friendly Resort worth it?
- Any negatives to staying at a cheaper hotel?
- How many days should you stay at a Disney World resort?
Cheapest Disney World Hotels
Here are the cheapest Disney resorts and hotels at Walt Disney World:
(Average hotel room price data has been compiled using this very helpful room rate chart by MouseSavers. Each graph features the cheapest room rate in every month.)
1. The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $120.75
- Pros: Great for families who love the outdoors, and it’s the cheapest way to stay on Disney World property with all of the normal Disney resort perks and benefits
- Cons: Must take two buses to get any Disney park or Disney Springs, camping is not for everyone, must provide your own tent or camper (unless renting a tent through Disney), long walk to get to transportation, few traditional resort amenities, and the food options are pretty limited at this campground
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is a captivating and unique resort nestled in a serene natural setting.
Offering a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, it provides a memorable escape from the bustling theme parks. Guests can choose to stay in cozy cabins, stay in a tent, or bring their own RVs, enjoying an array of outdoor activities like horseback riding, biking, and fishing.
The resort is renowned for its nightly campfire sing-alongs and outdoor movie screenings, creating a warm and communal atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages. Fort Wilderness offers a distinct vacation experience that captures the essence of adventure and relaxation.
2. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $180.75
- Pros: Food court has great options for all palates, theme is spot on, first stop on the bus route to the parks
- Cons: Even though it’s the first stop, you still have to stop at the other Value resorts before heading to the parks, no hot tub or water slide, no table service restaurant, if you time it wrong the resort will be bombarded by cheerleaders and ESPN Wide World of Sports teams and families
Disney’s All-Star Sports is an ideal choice for both sports enthusiasts, athletes, and fans alike. The resort’s sports theme features baseball, basketball, football, surfing, and tennis, creating a dynamic atmosphere that can feel larger than life.
This cheap Disney World hotel offers fun for all members of the family to enjoy. Not to mention it’s so affordable!
3. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $182.92
- Pros: Price is right, theme is fun, you can walk to both All Star Sports and All Star Movies
- Cons: Shares buses with all of the All Star Resorts, no table service (sit-down) restaurant, no water slides, no hot tub, exterior corridor rooms
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort is a vibrant resort that offers a lively atmosphere that pays tribute to well-loved musical genres such as country, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, calypso, and Broadway show tunes.
This resort features two pools, a food court, and comfortable rooms that cater to families, couples, and individuals alike.
4. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $184.25
- Pros: Price is right, food court has tons of options for every palate, the themes are a huge hit with kids
- Cons: Shares buses with all of the All Star Resorts (Movies is the last stop), no table service (sit-down) restaurant, no water slides, exterior corridor rooms
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is a vibrant hotel designed to immerse guests in the magic of the movies. This budget-friendly resort features larger-than-life icons from beloved films, creating a whimsical atmosphere that appeals to both kids and adults.
The resort offers a range of themed rooms that transport visitors into various cinematic worlds, along with amenities like swimming pools, a food court, and easy access to Disney’s renowned theme parks.
5. Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $220.50
- Pros: Doesn’t share a bus, theme is fun, great locations, newly updated rooms, food court is large
- Cons: No table service restaurant, can get loud at times, exterior corridor rooms
Disney’s Pop Century Resort transport you back into 1950s-1990 with it’s fun themes elements such as bowling, Play-Doh, Jungle Book, Big Wheel, Twister, and other popular fads during those time periods.
The resort features multiple large themed pools and a nice food court. Best of all, Pop Century doesn’t share a bus with any of the other Value Resorts.
6. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $272.08
- Pros: Room themes are amazing, price is great, themed family suites are surprisingly spacious, food court is massive, pool is huge, located on the Skyliner
- Cons: No hot tubs or water slides, no table service restaurant, and the only standard rooms available are Little Mermaid theme (as the rest of the movie themes are suites only)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is widely considered to be the best Value Resort at Disney World thanks in part to it’s spacious themed suites, fun theming, and great value.
You’ll find rooms and buildings themed around some of the most beloved animated films like Finding Nemo, Lion King, Cars, and the Little Mermaid. Plus, their suites are so cool!
Art of Animation has one of the largest pools of any Disney World hotel, and it’s right on the Skyliner route.
But in order to get the cheapest room rate possible, you’ll need to book The Little Mermaid Standard Room.
7. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $301.67
- Pros: Grand Destino Tower is fantastic, prices are good, dining options are plentiful, great for professionals
- Cons: May not be the best for families, rooms are spread out if not in Grand Destino Tower, bus makes multiple stops within the resort before heading to parks
Disneys’ Coronado Springs is a Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American-themed Deluxe resort at heart thanks in part to it’s rooms, amenities, and dining options, but with a moderate price tag.
Even as a Moderate Resort, Coronado Springs offers Club Level rooms, a spa, and a convention center, making it a great choice for adults and professionals.
As a result, the theming may not feel as Disney as you’d like meaning kid’s may not enjoy it too much. That said, the pool is still great!
There are plenty of dining options including three table service restaurants (one’s at the rooftop!) and a “food court” just to name a few.
The resort features premium rooms in the Grand Destino Tower, as well as exterior corridor type rooms spread out in little villages throughout the resort.
Rooms inside of the Grand Destino will come at a higher price tag, so if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, the you’ll want to opt for the non-tower rooms.
8. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $321.50
- Pros: Nice pool, table service restaurant, waterslides, and Skyliner accessible
- Cons: Exterior corridor rooms, rooms are spread out so you will have to do a lot of walking, pirate rooms are the furthest from the main lobby, and the buses make multiple stops around the resort before heading to parks
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort features vibrant colors and lush landscapes that capture the essence of 5 dipstick Caribbean Islands: Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba.
The resort features tropically inspired rooms, a white sand beach, 6 pools, and one of the best bang for your buck family style restaurants in all of Disney World – Seabastion’s Bistro.
Rooms are spread out into separate villages so you will have to do some walking.
9. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
- Average Nightly Rate: $325.00
- Pros: Theme is great for adults and kids, you can use the pools or restaurants at either resort, boat transportation
- Cons: Lots of walking involved since this resort is massive, no table service restaurant at French Quarter (only at Riverside)
Disney’ Port Orleans is spread between two separate resorts – French Quarter and Riverside. Both resorts are charming and features their fair share of tasty dining options, pools, and rooms.
That said, the French Quarter is the better choice as it has a more immersive theming than Riverside, as well as beignets!
10. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Average Nightly Rate: $563.75
- Pros: Nice room, good location in the Magic Kingdom area, offers both bus and boat service to Magic Kingdom, good breakfast option at Whispering Canyon, offers club level rooms suites and villas, room prices are some of the lowest of any Deluxe resort
- Cons: Pretty long ride to get to Animal Kingdom, wi-fi can feel pretty slow at times
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a captivating and immersive resort nestled within the heart of nature. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s rustic charm, the lodge offers guests a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. The grand lobby welcomes visitors with its towering totem poles and roaring fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
With its cozy yet luxurious accommodations, themed dining options, and stunning natural surroundings, the Wilderness Lodge provides a tranquil escape while allowing guests to experience the magic of Disney in a wilderness setting.
Not to mention that this resort has some of the cheapest rates of any Deluxe Disney resort.
What is the cheapest hotel at Disney World?
The cheapest hotel at Disney World is the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. While you will have to bring your own tent or pop-up camber, you can find some very low rates for campsites for under $80 a night including tax. Plus, if you don’t have a tent, you can rent one at the resort and they’ll gladly put it up and take it down for you.
This is great for families who love the outdoors and don’t mind staying in a tent or pop up camper.
The cheapest true hotel at Disney World is Disney’s All-Sports Music Resort with an average price of $180.25 per night.
Disney World Hotel Discounts
If you hate paying full price, then you’re in luck because there are surprisingly quite a few seasonal Disney World hotel discounts that you can take advantage of.
Although these deals come and go quick and will have a number of blackout dates, you can usually find some great discounts during the off-seasons at Disney World.
Generally speaking, you can expect to save anywhere from 25-35% on your stay booking one of the seasonal promotions. Cast Members and U.S. Military will generally have access to even steeper discounts.
Here are some generic Disney World hotel discounts that are available all year round (with a few blackout dates)
- Disney World Hotel Military Discount
- Disney Cast Member Hotel Discount
- Florida Resident Hotel Discount
And here are some of the types of deals you’d find during select periods of the year:
- Disney+ Subscribers Hotel Discount
- Disney Visa Cardmember Hotel Discount
- Disney World Annual Passholder Discount
For the most up date list of Disney World promotions and special offers, be sure to check out their official page.
What day of the week are Disney World hotels the cheapest?
The cheapest day of the week to stay at a Disney World hotel are from Monday to Thursday (not including any holidays). Prices are the most expensive on Friday through Sunday and weekends are normally when discounts and promotions won’t apply.
How many months in advance should I book my Disney World hotel stay?
According to the Disney World Trip Planning Timeline, the best time to book your Disney World hotel stay is 6 months in advance.
Are Disney World park tickets cheaper when staying at a Disney World resort?
No, park tickets are not cheaper even if you bought them together with your Disney World hotel.
That said, you may be able to find a hotel and park ticket deal if you book using a any applicable seasonal special offers.
What month are Disney World resorts the cheapest?
The cheapest time to stay at a Disney World Resort is August.
From late August to mid-September, you’ll find some of the cheapest room rates of the year at almost every Disney World hotel.
You can also surprisingly find the best deals and discounts in July since the parks are usually pretty empty due to the terribly hot and humid weather.
What month are Disney World resorts the most expensive?
The most expensive month to stay at a Disney World resort is December. You’ll find the most expensive room rates around Christmas through New Years Eve.
The second most expensive month is April around Easter and spring break.
That said, Christmas is still significantly more expensive than any other time of the year.
Is staying at a Budget-Friendly Resort worth it?
Deciding on staying at a cheap Disney World hotel vs staying at a more expensive one might be the biggest decision you’ll have to make when planning your vacation due to the number of different factors you will need to consider.
Here’s a cheat sheet that will help you decide if staying at a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort is worth it:
Save Money and Stay at a Value Resort IF:
- You don’t plan on being in the room that much
- You want to save the most money possible
- You don’t care about luxury or other luxurious amenities
- You don’t care about table service restaurants
Splurge and Stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort IF:
- You want a bigger room
- You don’t mind spending money on a nicer hotel
- You see yourself spending more time at the resorts
- You want a good location
- You want to eat at a sit-down restaurants
If it were up to me, I knew that I wasn’t going to be in the room that, but also wanted a slightly more elevated experience than what you’d find at a Value Resort, I would opt for a Moderate Resort in a heartbeat. I truly don’t see the value of splurging for a Deluxe Resort especially since I prefer to spend all my time and money inside of the parks!
I also have nothing against Value Resorts and would stay at Art of Animation or Pop Century in a heartbeat. I would only skip All-Star because of the pretty rough bus sharing situation.
Any negatives to staying at a cheaper hotel?
Here are some potential downfalls that you may experience when staying at a cheaper Disney resort:
- The All Star Resorts are pretty far from all of the other parks besides Animal Kingdom
- Fort Wilderness Campground is very isolated near Magic Kingdom
- The Value Resorts have so many rooms and buildings that it may make the resort feel so crowded at all times of the day. As a result, it might get pretty loud
- Dining options are lacking at all of Value Resorts because there’s only food courts and no table service (sit-down) restaurants.
- Rooms will be pretty small at both Value and Moderate Resorts. You are looking at around 260 square feet for Value and 314 square feet for Moderate.
- Rooms feature exterior corridors which may be a turn off for some guests
- Value and Moderate Resorts are separated into motel-like buildings that are scattered throughout the hotel property. And since there are no interior hallways, you’ll have to brave the weather and elements when walking to your room.
Although some people may not view these as a negative, it’s still something to consider when staying at a cheap Disney World hotel.
How many days should you stay at a Disney World resort?
Although this 100% depends on your vacation style, budget, and if you wanted to explore any of the other theme parks in Orlando, I like to say that 5 or 6 nights is perfect.
4 days for Disney World parks, 1 day for a resort day (or Universal Orlando), and 1 day for Disney Springs or Water Park.
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And there you have it, the best magical budget-friendly options for your stay at Walt Disney World!
So next time you’re planning your fun escape, remember that a dream Disney vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. With these wallet-friendly accommodations, you’ll be turning your pennies into pixie dust and your savings into smiles.
So, go ahead and start packing – your affordable adventure awaits!
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