15 of the Cheapest Disney World Hotels

As the new year approaches, your plans may include a Walt Disney World vacation. As park prices continue to soar (adult one-day tickets for Magic Kingdom in 2023 will cost as much as $184 per person during peak periods), it’s more important than ever to find creative ways to reduce costs. One way to do this is by comparing prices to find the cheapest Disney World hotels. 

While this list does contain several Disney World hotels on property, it also extends to those off property, including Universal Studios. Some may surprise you. And others will have you pulling out your credit card by the end of the article. 

Here are the top 15 cheapest Disney World hotels you should consider for your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. 

1. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Let’s get the most famous “cheap” Disney resorts out of the way. While I could just group them, each of them is getting their own entry because believe it or not, prices do vary between all three of the All-Star Resorts. Plus, they each offer their own unique benefits (and drawbacks) that deserve to be explored. 

Like all the other All-Star Resorts, the Music is located near Animal Kingdom. That means, if you’re staying here, it’ll take about 20 minutes to get to Magic Kingdom. That may be fine during the day, but at night, when there’s standing room only, it can be a little bit of a pain. 

This resort is themed to different genres of music, including jazz, country, rock and roll, show tunes, and calypso. It has a regular food court that serves classics like Mickey-shaped waffles, pizza, and cheeseburgers, as well as a guitar-shaped pool that features the Three Caballeros as the main centerpiece. 

Considered one of Disney’s Value Resorts, they offer three room selections: a standard room, a preferred room, and a family suite. Standard rooms typically stay in the $161-$190 range depending on the time of year, with family suites going all the way into the $400s. If you’re visiting with three other adults, however, this comes down to about $100 or less a night depending on the time of year, so it can be a real money saver for family reunions or bachelorette parties. 

In March 2023, a preferred room (which is closer to the main entrance and bus transportation) costs $217 a night whereas later in the year in the first week of August, it’ll cost $193 a night. 

2. Disney’s All-Star Movies

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In regards to layout and the overall type of theming, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort isn’t too different from the Music. Instead of music-themed buildings, guests can stay in movie-themed buildings. These areas/rooms are themed to:

• 101 Dalmations
• The Mighty Ducks
• Toy Story
• Fantasia
• The Love Bug

Overall, in regards to theme, the giant statues are similar to what you’d see over at Disney’s Art of Animation. I also personally love the Toy Story section, including photo ops with Rex, as well as checking out Herbie the Love Bug for those of us who grew up with the Lindsay Lohan version (though the original is, of course, a classic). There’s also a pool, arcade, and cafeteria. 

Like the Music, it has a standard room, preferred room, and family suite. Standard rooms start at $113 a night, however, this will depend on the time of year you book. Rates during popular times of the year, such as between Christmas and New Year’s are usually around the $170 per night mark. The average standard room rate during the summer is about $161 per night. 

3. Disney’s All-Star Sports

The last of the All-Star Resorts, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is actually my favorite out of all three of them, which is weird considering I’m not a huge sports fan. I don’t know what it is about this resort, but I just prefer the decorations at this resort more than the others because they don’t feel as outdated to me. 

But then again I also stayed here during my senior trip, so maybe I’m just nostalgic for that large foosball setup. 

Like its sister hotels, the Sports has larger-than-life-sized decorations, including footballs and tennis ball cases, and in the winter, it will actually start to snoap (Disney World’s version of snow) on the football fields. It has a large pool and food court that serves the main staples as the other All-Star Resorts. 

Read more: Glossary of Disney Words and Their Meanings

Standard rooms start around $113 a night, but like the other resorts, they tend to vary between $161 and $170 during peak periods. 

4. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is the All-Stars but just upgraded. And since the introduction of the Skyliner, which allows guests to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios a lot faster, they’ve developed a greater following. 

Like the All-Stars and Art of Animation, Pop Century also has giant decorations adorning the property including rollerblades and yo-yos. They also have facts about the decades lining the walkways, so you get to test your trivia knowledge on the way to Everything Pop Shopping and Dining – the resort’s signature eatery. 

The rooms are pretty standard and have minimal decorations. And, truth be told, this isn’t one of my favorite resorts. Personally, I think the Skyliner has made this resort a lot more crowded than a typical value resort. However, if you’re a fan of the Skyliner or have been wanting to check it out, pop century offers great value. 

Guests have four rooms to choose from: 

• Standard room – $223 a night
• Standard pool view – $229
• Preferred room – $242
• Preferred pool view – $253

Again, these prices will fluctuate depending on the time of year you visit, but you can expect rates to remain in this ballpark all year long. 

Read more: Pop Century VS. Art Of Animation

5. Endless Summer – Universal Studios

Ah, the first non-Disney entry on this list, and man, is it a good one. Endless Summer at Universal Studios is broken into two parts: Surfside and Dockside. A standard room at both locations is just $96 a night – which is half of what you’d be paying for one night at any of the All-Stars when you account for tax and parking. 

Even one of the resort’s two-bedroom suites is only $144 a night, which is less than you’d typically be paying for a standard room at one of the All-Stars. And truthfully, these hotels blow the All-Stars and Pop Century out of the water. 

First and foremost, they’re newer and more updated. Even the exterior of the building looks more contemporary than the other entries on this list so far. Both hotels have a pool, a Universal-themed gift shop, and a fitness center. 

Though you won’t be able to take a shuttle from Universal to Walt Disney World, there are rideshare options that should only set you back about $20, considering both parks are only about 15 minutes away from one another. 

6. Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort and Walt Disney World Swan Resort

You wouldn’t think that the Swan and Dolphin hotels are cheap by looking at them because they are one of the swankiest resorts on property, but they surprisingly are…if you can find availability. 

Reservations for this resort used to be easier to come by, but lately, it seems that everyone has realized how beautiful these resorts are and they’ve since increased A LOT in popularity. And for good reason too. These resorts offer weddings, golf courses, spas, pools, and health clubs. Plus, they have an incredible selection of restaurants that will sizzle your tastebuds. 

Because these resorts aren’t owned by Disney, they don’t offer that “Disney magic” you might otherwise find with other resorts on property, but they do offer the same kind of luxury you’d find at Bay Lake Tower or the Grand Floridian. And, since they aren’t owned by Disney, you get to experience this luxury without the luxurious price tag. 

The average room rate is $278 per night. To put it in perspective, you’re really only paying another $100 a night if you were staying at the All-Stars. 

7. Holiday Inn Resort: Orlando Suites – Waterpark

A four-minute drive down the road from Walt Disney World is the Holiday Inn Resort: Orlando Suites – Waterpark. And a cool piece of history is that this resort actually used to be the former Nickelodeon Hotel. 

Rates vary depending on the time of year but you can find prices as low as $84 a night on travel websites such as Hotels.com. This resort is considered a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, which means that you’ll still be able to take advantage of Disney-based perks via shuttle service to and from the parks (with an additional fee). 

8. Polynesian Isles Resort Kissimmee

Is Disney’s Polynesian Resort just a little out of budget? No worries, because you can still enjoy that famous tropical theme by booking a stay at the Polynesian Isles Resort. This resort is quaint and offers guests a swimming pool, tennis court, hot tub, miniature golf course, and most importantly, privacy. 

Though the resort is a bit smaller, it’s perfect for a romantic getaway that will also be coupled with a few days spent exploring one of Epcot’s many yearly festivals. Room rates range between $121 – $269 a night, depending on the time of year you visit and the number of nights you book. This resort does not offer a complimentary shuttle service but is only a few minutes outside of Walt Disney World if you opt to take a Lyft or Uber or drive your own vehicle. 

9. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Though it’s technically listed as one of Disney’s moderate resorts, it’s really on par with what you’d pay for a night at the Swan or Dolphin, which isn’t bad considering it has the largest hot tub on Disney property. 

A lot of people tend to overlook Coronado Springs because, like the Contemporary Resort, it hosts a lot of workshops and seminars, so you tend to see a lot of companies there doing business rather than seeing kids running around in Mickey Mouse T-shirts. 

Also, this resort is huge. And I mean, HUGE. We lucked out last time we stayed there because our room was right near a bus stop, but it really is a rather large, sprawling property, which can leave a lot to be desired for many guests. However, if you haven’t stayed here yet, I really think you should.

First off, the theming is beautiful. Set to the Southwest, this resort makes you feel like you’re exploring Arizona or New Mexico instead of muggy Florida. Plus, the pool is beautiful and the dinner options and view while sitting outside aren’t bad. The rooms are spacious and the bathroom has a sliding wooden door for privacy, which I prefer over the curtains they use at the All-Stars. 

They have several room options available, which can be incredibly pricy. But if you stick to a standard view, the rate is pretty affordable:

• Standard view – $269
• Water view – $318
• King bed – $327
• Preferred room – $351
• Water view – king – $356
• Preferred room – king – $356
• Casitas – 1 bedroom suite – $1,035
• 1 bedroom suite – king – $1,047

Personally, I think this resort is great for couples or families with older teens because it doesn’t have that kitschy Disney feel to it. When you stay here, you ultimately do end up getting a lot for what you’re paying for. 

10. Maingate Lakeside Resort

This is a very budget-friendly hotel, ranging between $26 and $45 a night, depending on the time of year you visit. What I love about this resort is that it’s not only close to Walt Disney World, but they offer free shuttle service to all of the Orlando theme parks while also being pet-friendly. 

This is a big bonus, especially if you’re considering traveling with your pet. Granted, the decor and room sizes may leave something to be desired, but if you’re only looking for a place to lay your head at night, this is a functional and affordable option. 

Read more: Bring Your Dog Along to Disney World with You!

11. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Another Universal Studios hotel made the list – and for good reason! One, it’s located near a water park, which is pretty cool, as is. But, it’s also pretty affordable. This retro-themed hotel will set you back $139 per night, depending on the time of year you visit. 

By staying here, you’ll also be able to enjoy complimentary park transportation and early entry into the theme parks. 

12. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort

A truly gorgeous resort, located not far from Disney, here, you’ll be able to enjoy an on-site gym, golf course, and full-service spa. This resort is also pet-friendly and offers room service as well as electric-vehicle charging stations. 

Room rates vary depending on the time of year you book but generally, they’ll cost this much: 

• Standard room – $268
• Lake view – $295
• Pool view – $309
• Suite – $443
• VIP suite – $563
• Bi-level suite – $617
• President’s House – $2,144

Again, when it comes to the affordability of this resort, try to keep it to either the standard room or one with a lakeside view. Otherwise, it can get quite costly. 

13. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando at Disney

If you want to be near Disney Springs, then this is the resort to book. Rates are pretty cheap, including: 

• 1 bedroom suite with king – $176
• 1 bedroom suite with 2 queens – $194
• Pool view – $200
• Executive patio suite – $295
• King suite – $295
• Patio suite – $295
• Patio squirt 2 queens – $304
• 2 bedroom suite – $572

Like other resorts on this list, you’ll be able to enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, as well as a beautiful, relaxing pool. There’s also a poolside bar, tennis court, playground, and laundry services available. This is a very kid-friendly resort, so it’s recommended for families looking to stay off-property. 

14. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Located relatively close to Disney World, this is another beautiful resort that offers the magic of a Disney resort without the hefty price tag. 

This resort offers so many magical amenities including scheduled shuttle service to and from the parks, the ability to buy theme park tickets, multiple pools, walking paths, a golf course, and lazy rivers. It’s the epitome of relaxation, all at an affordable rate, which includes: 

• Standard room – $177
• Balcony room – $181
• Lake view – $192
• Family bunk – $232
• Lake view bunk – $348

15. Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista

Take a quick drive around Lake Buena Vista and you’ll find several Rosen resorts. Situated close to Disney Springs, the Rosen Inn is an affordable resort, despite it being a bit outdated. It offers free shuttles to all the Orlando theme parks, including Disney. It also has a buffet restaurant, 24-hour arcade center, playground, and heated swimming pools. 

Rates for this hotel include: 

• Double Comfort Room – $73
• Deluxe Double – $89
• Twin/Double Room – $105

While the rooms themselves may be nothing to write home about, the exterior of the resort and swimming areas are very relaxing and picturesque. And after all, you’re just sleeping there so it’s okay if the decor isn’t top-notch. 

Why We Aren’t Including Art of Animation on This List

Visit any Disney-related website and they’ll most likely include Art of Animation on a list of the cheapest Disney World hotels, but in actuality, it ends up being around the same price as a luxury hotel on Disney property, especially considering family suites can go up to the mid-$700s, and at minimum one of the Little Mermaid rooms can be around $266-$340 a night.

So, on average, Disney deluxe hotels cost between $359 -$1,080 per night. However, there are times during the year when epic sales drastically reduce the price. In September 2021, for example, I was able to book several nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge for $300-something per night. And, yes, that is expensive compared to the All-Stars. But considering that I’d be paying something similar for a night at Art of Animation, which is considered a value property, it’s a great deal. 

Art of Animation tends to be more expensive because it caters to larger families. For that, it can be worth the price, but if you’re two people visiting Disney World for a few days, there are definitely cheaper options available. 

Read more: Art of Animation Resort Review

Save Money on Your Walt Disney World Vacation by Booking One of These Hotels

So there you have it, the cheapest Disney World hotels both on and off Disney World property. Have you stayed at any of these? Let us know which ones.