4 Best Hotels in Disney Springs, Walt Disney World Orlando

Disney is nothing if not a master of theming, and this collection of homestyle villas and studios reflective of vintage Key West homes is a shining (and pricey) example. A commonsense choice for families, the one- and two-bedroom pastel-hue rooms include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, full kitchens, and living areas with dining tables. A theme-park shuttle offers complimentary transportation, and three outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a sandy beach are other perks. Other amenities include a casual restaurant, a snack bar, an exercise room, and tennis courts. Boats ferry resort guests to landings along the Disney Springs waterfront, which is a free and convenient service—especially at the tail end of a theme-park day and nightclub evening.

Cobblestone streets, gas lamps, wrought-iron balconies, and fragrant magnolia blossoms create a Disneyfied (i.e., clean) version of the French Quarter at this property. Kids can spend hours in the elaborate pool area with its sea serpent waterslide; other activities include nightly campfires as well as pirate cruises and horse-drawn carriage rides (each for an added fee). Although a Mardi Gras–theme food court and a Southern-style jazz and cocktail bar can keep you occupied in the evening, do make use of the free shuttles and water taxis that travel to other Disney resorts and Disney Springs, located a few miles away. Genteel rooms have dark wood furnishings, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and coffeemakers.

Considered an even more family-friendly choice than its neighbor (the French Quarter resort), this lodging on the man-made Sassagoula River immerses you in a Creole setting—from the white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend to Alligator Bayou’s backwoods cottages. Highlights include Boatwrights Dining Hall, which features hearty portions of southern Louisiana cooking. Some rooms have extra pull-down bunks and river views, others are princess-themed. The six pools, waterslide, and waterfall are sure hits with all kids. Nightly campfires are pleasant, and, for a fee, there's fishing at Ol' Man Fishing Hole and carriage rides. A free water taxi ferries guests to other Disney resorts on the river and to Disney Springs, and a free shuttle is available to all Disney parks and the airport.

This sprawling property takes its inspiration from 19th-century Gilded Age spa resorts in upstate New York, where hot springs and lakes ruled the landscape. Although the rates might be steep, the advantages for families are one- and two-bedroom villas as well as three-bedroom treehouse villas equipped with kitchens, washers and dryers, dining rooms, and separate bedrooms that go beyond traditional hotel rooms. Although it's too far to walk to Disney Springs, a free water taxi can get you there.