The best hotels at Disney World for adults might not be what you’d expect.

by Alicia Butler, May 11, 2023

I find planning a Disney vacation to be almost as enjoyable as the trip itself. Almost.

Since I’ve stayed at my fair share of resorts both on and off Disney property (and I’ve only visited with kids twice), I can tell which ones are the best Disney resorts for adults — based on what you’re looking for. 

Most Disney World hotels are ideal for adults traveling without children. The keyword being most here. 

Depending on how much kiddo interaction you’re ready to handle, some resorts at Disney World and Disneyland might fit the bill better than others. And depending on what types of amenities you need on your vacation, you may be able to omit some Disney resorts altogether.

This post may contain affiliate links, so if you buy something after clicking on a link, I might (fingers crossed!) just get a little commission. Good news: I only recommend products that I love! Which means you can feel good about all of my recs.

Best Disney Resorts for Adults

Best Disney resorts for adults breakdown:

Best budget best Disney resorts for adults: Budget resorts all offer a similar experience at Disney World; there’s really no reason to stay at one over the other.

Best moderate resort for adults: Port Orleans Riverside

Best deluxe resorts for adults: Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian, and Boardwalk Inn

Best off-property Disney World resorts for adults: Swan & Dolphin Hotels and the Waldorf Astoria

How to Choose a Disney Resort: Things to Consider

Just a few things to consider before choosing a resort if you’re a Disney adult: 

• Staying on or off property
• Your hotel budget
• Disney theming
• Transportation options
• Park proximity
• Hotel amenities

If you’re the type of Disney adult that craves plenty of child-free time, you may want to consider staying at a resort that caters more to adults than kiddos. 

Staying On or Off Property

How important is staying on-property to you? 

I, for one, am a huge fan of staying on property at a Disney resort. I love feeling immersed in Disney theming, and I love Disney’s transportation system. 

If you stay on property at a Disney resort, you don’t need to carry your wallet, keys, or anything else really (especially if you’re a Disney adult!) if you buy a Magic Band.

Tap your Magic Band to get into Disney parks, access your Genie+, unlock your hotel room, pay for meals, and buy souvenirs. 

I’ll admit it: I’m a total dork for the Disney Magic Band. I even bought a slap bracelet band. 

Of course, you can still buy and use a Magic Band if you stay off-property too (you just won’t be able to use it to unlock your hotel room — duh!). 

If you’re planning on imbibing alcohol as a Disney adult, staying on-property can be pretty convenient, as you won’t need to worry about driving anywhere. Many of the Best Disney Resorts for adults are also located within walking distance of several of the parks.  

Your Budget

The best hotels for Disney World adults range pretty drastically in price. 

You could stay at a motel in Downtown Orlando for less than $100 a night — or at a Disney Deluxe resort for upwards of $1,000 nightly. 

If you’re on a tight budget, don’t discount staying on-property immediately. Disney’s budget resorts can be pretty affordable — especially if you’re staying off-season (as I recommend Disney adults to do). 

Budget resorts can cost as little as $100 a night, and Disney often runs promotions that can make hotel stays even cheaper.

But if you’re going to Disney World during a peak time or planning your trip last minute, I’d recommend staying at the Disney Swan or Dolphin hotels because they’re within walking distance to EPCOT, you get some of the perks of staying on property, and they cost less than most of the Disney-branded hotels. 

Disney Theming

If Disney theming is important to you, I recommend staying on property at Disney World. 

All of the Disney World resorts incorporate individual theming into the property’s design and decor. 

Transportation

Planning on driving to Disney World or renting a car? You may not need to consider transportation at the Disney resorts. 

Yet, Disney provides its resort guests with free transportation to and from the parks and Disney Springs. 

Disney World public transportation includes:

• Buses
• Monorail
• Boats/ferries
• Gondolas

Of course, you can always use rideshares like Uber or Lyft to get around the Disney property, too. This isn’t the most cost-effective option if you’re staying off-property, though. 

I love Disney World transportation, and I think it’s especially convenient for Disney adults. 

You can freely enjoy your EPCOT bar hop or to-go alcoholic beverages (though you can’t take alcohol out of the parks, resorts, or Disney Springs) without worrying about a designated driver. Disney adults also don’t need to worry about lugging strollers, diaper bags, or other cumbersome accouterments that might detour parents from using public transportation.  

Park Proximity

If you’re planning on spending the lion’s share of your vacation at one Disney World park, you may want to choose a hotel within close proximity.

The following Disney resorts are located within walking distance or short bus, monorail, or gondola ride from corresponding parks.

EPCOT Hotels

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Swan & Dolphin Hotels

Contemporary Resort

Polynesian Resort

Grand Floridian Resort

Port Orleans Riverside

Hollywood Studios Hotels

Beach Club Resort 

Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Swan & Dolphin Hotels

Magic Kingdom Hotels

Contemporary Resort

Polynesian Resort

Grand Floridian Resort

Animal Kingdom Hotels

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Amenities

The best Disney hotels for adults offer similar amenities, such as pools, restaurants, bars, and activities. 

The biggest difference between budget, moderate, and deluxe hotels for Disney World adults is in the quality of amenities. 

For example, the deluxe hotel pools have a more high-concept design (waterslides, landscaping, soundtracks, etc.), while budget hotels offer one large pool with few bells and whistles. 

Most resorts have at least one quick-service restaurant and one sit-down dining experience. The moderate and deluxe resorts also feature lounges and bars. Most resorts also offer poolside bars. 

If you want an in-house spa, I’d recommend staying at the Grand Floridian, the Waldorf Astoria, or the Swan Resort. 

Disney World Resort Tiers: Budget, Moderate & Deluxe

Disney breaks its resorts down into three different tiers, including budget, moderate, and deluxe. You can also stay at the Disney Campground, which offers three different price-points as well as varied amenities.

Are Budget Disney World resorts good for adults?

Budget Disney resorts are an excellent option for travelers who want to experience the magic of Disney without breaking the bank. 

These resorts offer affordable accommodations while still providing the signature Disney experience, with themed decor, on-site dining options, and convenient transportation to the Disney parks. 

Although you may not get the same level of luxury as you would at some of the higher-end Disney resorts, budget resorts are still better (in my opinion) than most of the off-site options near Disney World parks. 

If you’re on a budget, staying at a budget Disney resort can be a great way to make the most of your Disney vacation without breaking the bank.

Most of the budget Disney resorts offer a similar experience and theming. 

If you’re an adult who doesn’t want a lot of Disney theming, these resorts may not be for you. It’s difficult to get away from Disney characters at the budget hotels, as the theming is more “in-your-face” than at the moderate or deluxe resorts. Or, even at the campground, for that matter.

If you’re an adult visiting Disney, I’d recommend staying at Pop Century. Yes, you’re still going to get a serious eyeful of characters every day, but it’s not as aggressive as it could be at the other budget resorts.

Best Moderate Disney Resorts for Adults

If you crave more theming and a slightly more elevated experience than a budget resort can provide (but don’t want to spend more than $400 a night), I recommend staying at a Disney World moderate resort.

My favorite Disney World resort is a moderate resort: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside.

I stayed at this resort for the first time in 2010 and it’s been my go-to resort ever since. Yes, I’ve stayed at other resorts too, but the Port Orleans Riverside still remains my favorite.

For Disney adults that have a little more cash to burn (but not a big enough budget to stay at a deluxe resort), I’d definitely recommend this one.

When I first started staying here, the cost was about $250 a night during the swing season (mid-September to mid-October). These days, you can score the same price if you book when Disney is offering a 25% off deal; otherwise, it generally runs about $350 per night during the month of September.

I love this hotel’s theming. It’s not too over the top (as a lot of Disney adults find the Orleans French Quarter’s and Caribbean Beach Resort’s to be). 

It’s pretty spread out, so you’re not tripping over other guests, and there are several “quiet pools” if the noise of the main pool gets to be too much. 

Best Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels for Adults

If you’re a Disney adult, the deluxe resorts are probably your best bet — if you’re willing to shell out upwards of $500 a night. 

Polynesian Resort 

Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a tropical oasis with Polynesian-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and a man-made beach. Rooms and suites are decorated in island-style decor. 

The resort features several dining options, including a popular character breakfast at ‘Ohana and a dinner show at Spirit of Aloha. You also enjoy amenities like a spa, fitness center, and multiple swimming pools. 

If you’re planning on working out during your adult Disney vacation, you may want to forgo this resort, as the gym here is located at the Grand Floridian, meaning you’ll need to walk to a neighboring resort to get in your reps.

The Polynesian is also on the monorail line, which stops at the Transportation Center, EPCOT, and the Magic Kingdom, making transportation to and from two of the parks much easier than at other resorts for Disney adults.

Why Disney Adults Should Stay at the Polynesian 

This resort is more geared toward adult guests at Disney. 

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) section isn’t as kid friendly as most of the other resorts, so you won’t see as many kiddos here as you would at say the Grand Floridian. 

If you’re the type of Disney adult that doesn’t want to run into too many minors on your vacation, the Polynesian Resort is one of the best options at Disney World. 

Grand Floridian Hotel

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style resort that features elegant accommodations with exquisite details, including marble bathrooms, balconies, and antique furnishings. 

This hotel offers several different dining options, including a signature restaurant, Victoria & Albert’s (which offers a tasting menu), and the popular character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. 

Enjoy amenities like a full-service spa, fitness center, and swimming pools, including a zero-entry pool with a waterslide. 

Like the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian is on the monorail line, and you’ll be able to get to the two original parks within a few minutes’ train ride. 

Why Disney Adults Should Stay at the Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian feels like a high-end resort. If you love staying at five-star hotels, you’ll feel right at home here. 

While you will run into a lot of kiddos during your stay at the Grand Floridian, the high-end vibe really classes things up a bit and guests seem to follow suit and act accordingly. 

I personally have never been to Victoria and Alberts, but I’ve heard it’s a great experience and well worth the $235 to $295 per person cost for dinner. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is an immersive hotel, designed to resemble an African savanna lodge, with authentic decor, thatched roofs, and lush landscaping. 

The lodge is situated next to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and features live animals roaming freely across the savanna and public areas. 

There are multiple dining options, including the buffet-style Boma restaurant and the signature dining experience, Jiko the Cooking Place. 

Why Disney Adults Should Stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you love Disney theming, you’ll love staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort really comes through on what Disney does best: immersive experiences. 

Want to get as close to the animals as possible? Stay in a savanna view room, and the giraffes could literally walk right up your balcony.

Boardwalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a charming and nostalgic resort, designed to resemble a classic Atlantic City boardwalk. 

It features a waterfront promenade, carnival-style games, and street performers. The rooms and suites are decorated in a vintage beach style. 

There are multiple dining options, including the signature restaurant Flying Fish, Big River Grille and Brewing Works, a pizza window, a deli, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, and several lounges and bars. 

Amenities include a fitness center and multiple swimming pools. 

Why Disney Adults Should Stay at the Boardwalk Inn

Though the main pool is pretty kid-oriented, there are quite a few lounges and bars at the Boardwalk worth visiting — and the hotel is very close to the EPCOT World Showcase, which is a huge draw for Disney adults. 

The Abracadabar mixes up creative cocktails with equally creative names, and the Belle Vue Lounge is a cozy bar with decor that makes you feel as though you were in a seaside lounge in the 1930s. 

Again, the theming here is top-notch. Every nook and cranny of the hotel is thoughtfully decorated; you’ll find corners crammed with tchotchkes and nicknacks that make you feel as though you’re really at an East Coast boardwalk hotel at the turn of the 20th century. 

Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort resembles a New England yacht club, with nautical decor and a stunning waterfront location on Crescent Lake. 

The resort features multiple dining options, including the signature steakhouse, and Yachtsman Steakhouse, and amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center, and multiple swimming pools, including a sand-bottomed pool with a waterslide. 

Why Disney Adults Should Stay at the Yacht Club

The Yacht Club is kind of an underrated hotel. Similar to the nearby Old Key West Resort, this property has a nautical theme and doesn’t include much Disney-branded theming. 

If too much theming isn’t really up your alley and you need a break from all that, the Yacht Club might be the Disney adult resort for you.

Best Disney Hotels for Adults – Off Property

Though I really hate staying off-property at Disney, there are a few resorts that I’ve enjoyed staying at in Orlando in the past. 

The best Disney hotels for adults off property include the Swan and Dolphin Hotels (part of the Marriott chain), the Waldorf Astoria (now owned by Hilton), and the Hilton Bonnet Creek, all of which are ideal resorts for Disney adults.

Disney Swan & Dolphin Hotels

My personal picks for the Best Disney resorts for adults off property are the Disney Swan & Dolphin Hotels are two neighboring resorts that offer convenient access to the Disney parks. 

The Swan is decorated in a chic, contemporary style, while the Dolphin features a futuristic design. 

Both resorts offer a variety of dining options, including the award-winning steakhouse, Shula’s, and the character breakfast, Garden Grove. 

Amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center, and multiple swimming pools. 

Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek

The Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek is situated within the Bonnet Creek nature preserve and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 

There are multiple dining options, including the signature restaurant, Bull & Bear, and amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center, and multiple swimming pools. 

The Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek is a top choice for guests looking for a high-end resort experience with convenient access to the attractions of Orlando.

Hilton Bonnet Creek

Located in an adjoining building to the Waldorf Astoria, the Hilton Bonnet Creek is a short shuttle ride away from Walt Disney World. 

The resort features multiple dining options, including the signature restaurant, La Luce. 

Amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center, and multiple swimming pools (and a lazy river). 

Benefits of Staying Off Property for Disney Adults

If you don’t want to run into too many kiddos on your vacation, you may want to stay off-property.

Yes, Disney World is mostly geared toward families (though Disney has been expanding marketing toward childless adults now, too). But you’re still going to run into lots of kids at the parks and in the resorts — though, you’ll run into kids at nearly every Orlando-area resort, too.

If you want to avoid kids as much as possible, I recommend staying at either the Disney Swan or Dolphin Hotels or the Waldorf Astoria.

Since the Swan and Dolphin host a lot of corporate events and conferences, you’ll see more adults than little-one here. The Waldorf Astoria also targets more childless adults than families, so you won’t see as many kids here, either. 

Best Disneyland Hotels for Disney Adults 

The best Disney resorts for adults at Disneyland include the Grand Californian Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel.

Why do I love these two more than the others? Let me count the ways…

Grand Californian Hotel

The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a deluxe resort located in the heart of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. 

The hotel features a beautiful Craftsman-style design and multiple dining options, including the signature restaurant, Napa Rose. There is also a full-service spa, fitness center, and multiple swimming pools. 

With its prime location just steps away from Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a popular choice.

Why Disney Adults Should Stay at the Grand Californian Hotel

The Grand Californian is one of my favorite Disneyland hotels for adults because it’s so close to both parks.

This hotel has a separate entrance to Disney’s California Adventure Park for guests, and Soarin’ is only a few minutes’ walk from any hotel room. You can also take the monorail to a special entrance in Tomorrowland and skip the line to get into Disneyland.

All of this makes it so easy to get in and out of the parks. Ride all the rides, eat all the foods, and drink all the drinks. Then, come back to your hotel room and take a nap. 

The biggest downside I noticed is that the hotel lobby can get pretty crowded with non-guests later in the day since it’s so close to both parks and Downtown Disney. I wasn’t able to get dinner at the Hearthstone Lodge, the onsite cocktail bar, because it was totally overrun.   

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel is a classic resort located in the heart of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. 

The hotel features a retro-chic design and offers comfortable accommodations, with spacious rooms and multiple dining options, including the signature restaurant, Steakhouse 55.

Amenities include a fitness center and multiple swimming pools.

Why Disney Adults Should Stay at the Disneyland Hotel

Personally, I find the Disneyland Hotel to be a better option for Disney adults than the Grand Californian. 

It’s a short walk from both parks and Downtown Disney so you won’t be saddled with crowds of non-hotel guests. 

I love the retro design and its onsite bar, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Boy, does this bar have vibes. Every half hour, the lights dim, and a “rainstorm” hits the reef. 

The food is decent, and the tiki cocktails (if a bit overpriced, even for Disney) and really tasty. 

I’ve stayed at off-property Disneyland hotels and on-property hotels, and I prefer staying at Disney. Yes, you can get a cheap hotel or motel that’s only a five-to-ten-minute walk from the parks, but leaving “the bubble” of Disney kind of defeats the whole purpose of visiting Disney. This is one of the best Disneyland tips I can offer.

What do you think are the best Disney resorts for adults?