trips near disney world

9 Best Day Trips from Disney World 

There’s so much to experience inside Walt Disney World Resort that most people never even consider leaving the park. However, there are tons of potentially fun and educational day trips within a short drive of Disney World. So if you brought a car (or don’t mind renting one) and you have an extra day to spare, then maybe you should consider taking one of these day trips from Disney World.  There is so much to see and do in the central region of Florida!

All of the destinations listed below are located no more than an hour or two from your Disney-area hotel.  Plus, they’re family-friendly and most are affordable. This list includes beaches, nature preserves, historic cities, and even more theme parks!  So, without further ado, here’s our list of the top 9 day trips from Disney World.

1. Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort, also known as Universal Orlando or just “Universal,” is an American theme park resort and entertainment complex based in Orlando, Florida.

It’s only about 10 miles from Disney World (20-30 minutes) and is an easy day trip. There are plenty of transportation options between Disney and Universal , including Uber, shuttle, taxi, or car rental.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to two theme parks, one water park, and one dining, shopping, and entertainment district.

The first theme park, Universal Studios, is comprised of exciting attractions and areas themed around the film industry.

Islands of Adventure, the second theme park,  is home to eight distinct “islands” that are themed around different forms of adventure.

Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a huge draw, especially for Harry Potter fans.  The area is sandwiched inside both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme park.  Here’s a Universal Orlando map to help you out.

Volcano Bay is Universal’s 27-acre water park that includes water coasters, water slides, raft rides, a lazy river, and wave pools.

Universal CityWalk Orlando is the resort’s entertainment and retail district and features nightclubs and dozens of dining establishments like Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville,  and Voodoo Doughnut.

Check out our list of the Best Rides at Universal and Universal Studios vs Disney World before you go.

Address:  6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

2. SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando is a nearby marine zoological park. In 2018, the theme park hosted a reported 4.594 million guests, which ranks it as the 10th most visited amusement park in the US.

When combined with the neighboring Aquatica and Discovery Cove, the formation is known as  SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando. The entertainment complex consists of three parks and many hotels.

There are rides and attractions, shows and presentations, and interesting animal attractions. It’s fun for the whole family!

The distance between SeaWorld Orlando and Disney Springs is only about 5 miles. Therefore, it makes an easy day trip if you are staying at one of Disney’s hotels.

Address:  7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821

3. St. Augustine

Have you ever been to the oldest city in America? If not, then you’ve never been to St. Augustine.

St. Augustine is located about two hours northeast of Walt Disney World and makes for a good day trip.

The city, founded in 1565,  is located on the northeast coast of Florida. Its know for its Spanish colonial architecture, especially C astillo de San Marcos, a fort built by early Spanish settlers. 

There are many family-friendly attractions and activities in the area, including visits to St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, and Anastasia State Park, a wildlife sanctuary.  You can also explore the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum to check out all the pirate artifacts, or just explore the downtown area by trolley or by walking the cobblestone streets. 

4. Kennedy Space Center

Cape Canaveral has the closest beach to Disney World, where you can just relax and soak up some sun — or head directly to the Kennedy Space Center.

If you are interested in science or space, the Kennedy Space Center is a wonderful day trip from Disney World.  Take a tour of the facility, view the exhibits, see the shuttle launchpads, and experience the IMAX screening and simulator. 

This can be a relaxing, fun, and/or educational day trip from Disney World — and a great option for STEM curriculum coverage on vacation if you’re homeschooling your kids . 

Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953

5. The Beaches

There are plenty of beaches located within a reasonable driving distance of Disney World.  We have an extended list in our Beaches Near Disney World article, but here are a couple of favorites:

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach has been ranked the #1 beach in America for a reason. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, soft, white sand, and – you guessed it – clear water!

The beach attracts visitors year-round.  It gives visitors an opportunity to swim in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters or go jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.

The winding beachfront promenade is a popular spot for cyclists and rollerblades, and the area has plenty of casual seafood restaurants and cafes if you need a bite.

At sunset, you will find nightly festivals with street performers and craft vendors on Pier 60 Park.

Address: Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

New Smyrna Beach

The city of New Smyrna Beach is south of Daytona Beach, about a 1.5 hr drive from Walt Disney World Resort. The area is known for its beaches, including Canaveral National Seashore. Smyrna Dunes Park has beautiful views of Ponce Inlet and the lighthouse.

The downtown Canal Street Historic District is lined with palm trees, shops, art galleries, and the New Smyrna Museum of History.

Guests can come here to surf, swim, fish, rent a bike, explore the city, or just relax along the shoreline.

Address: New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

Daytona Beach

Daytona is known for its NASCAR racing and spring break crowds, but the beach alone is a great place to relax on your day away from Disney World.  Just be sure to avoid the times when crowds are expected.

The beach’s boardwalk is a great place for families.  There are games, carnival rides, and numerous dining spots along the beachfront.

Address: Daytona Beach, FL 32118

6. The Everglades

Everglades National Park is one of Florida’s most popular natural attractions. It’s a 1.5-million-acre wetland preserve on the southernmost tip of the state.

The Everglades is comprised of coastal mangroves, pine flatwoods, and sawgrass marshes. It’s home to hundreds of animal species, including the American alligator, Florida panther, West Indian manatee, and leatherback turtle.

Guests can explore the everglades via an airboat with guided tours. The national park is a way to see some of America’s most interesting flora and fauna, and worthy of a day trip from Walt Disney World.

7. Legoland Florida

Located about an hour away from Disney World, Legoland Florida is a theme park that has over 50 rides spread out over 150 acres.

The park is marketed towards families with children age 11 and under.

Legoland Orlando’s attractions include several roller coasters (suitable for younger children) and education exhibits like a model village of scenes and landmarks from around the world (created out of millions of Lego bricks).

If you or your children like legos, then this is the ideal day trip from Disney World!

Address: 1204 Helena Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884

8. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to an abundance of natural wonders, including its most famous resident: manatees.

Visitors go on the walking trails and a floating observatory to get a closer look at the animals.

The park is also home to American alligators, Black bears, bobcats, herons, flamingos, river otters, white-tailed deer, and the hippopotamus Lu, known for his performances in many movies over the past several decades.

Address:  4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446

Other Daytrips to Experience Florida’s Wildlife 

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is a seasonal park featuring wildlife (like manatees, wild hogs, and bald eagles) and a warm spring on the St. John River. It’s popular for swimming, kayaking, and family fun.

The park has walking trails on the island which lead to a fascinating Native American shell mound. If kayaking isn’t your thing, you can also camp, fish, or go SCUBA diving.

Address:  2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

Lake Toho is one of Florida’s best bass fishing spots.

Here you can take a guided trip and learn how to fish from the experts.  These fishing professionals can teach you how it’s done or helping to improve your skills and show you a few new tricks.

If you’re already a bass-fishing pro, then you may want to just go out on your own.

69 Lakeview Dr. Kissimmee, Florida 34741

9. Bok Tower Gardens

Looking for some peace and quiet after several days at the theme parks? Then look no further: Bok Tower Gardens is calling you!

This contemplative garden and bird sanctuary is located just north of Lake Wales, Florida. The park includes a 250-acre garden, visitor’s center, Pinewood Estate, and the Pine Ridge Trail. The centerpiece is a 205-foot tall Singing Tower, which has stood here since 1929. There are about 60 bells that take up the chorus as the clock chimes.

Spectacular views, walking trails, and tranquility abound!

Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853

Editor’s Note

Ponce De Leon Springs and the metro Tampa area didn’t make our list, but they are worthy of consideration. There are just too many great things to experience in Florida that we can’t name them all!

For that matter, you don’t even necessarily need to commit an entire day — there are plenty of great activities around Orlando that only require an hour or two of your time.

With that said, we hope that our Day Trips from Disney World page has given you some good ideas.

For more helpful Disney World vacation information, check our Disney Crowd Calendar , Comparing Disney World Hotels , Disney World YouTube Channels , Disney Dining Plan Calculator , and our other pages.

Enjoy your trip!

Need some Assistance?

If you need help planning your trip to Walt Disney World, please contact our friends at The Vacationeer   to help you plan and book your trip. We are here to help you plan the most magical Disney vacation possible.

Related Posts:

50 Things to Do in Orlando, Florida Beyond Disney’s Parks

If you’re vacationing to Walt Disney World, there’s a good chance that’s all you’re doing. However, there’s a lot to do in Central Florida and Orlando outside of the Disney parks. This list takes a look at 50+ options for things to do near Walt Disney World, broken down in two categories: things at Walt Disney World that are outside of the parks, and things outside of Walt Disney World, completely.

The second half of this post consists of entirely non-Disney things to do in Central Florida. Many of these things we’ve done, while some remain on our bucket list. As we’ve been staying off-site more recently, we’ve begun to see Florida outside the parks. In so doing, we’ve realized just how many amazing things the state has to offer that we had missed out on during our past trips. We’ve started to spend time outside of Walt Disney World, but still not nearly enough.

Some of the Walt Disney World options we cover in our 1-Day No Parks Itinerary for Walt Disney World, and others are mentioned on our Free Things at Walt Disney World post. However, this time we wanted to present more options (there are several days’ worth of entertainment here, many of which are not free) without the constraints.

The current marketing might suggest otherwise with such an intense focus on the four main theme parks, but Walt Disney World is still the Vacation Kingdom of the World with myriad entertainment options outside of the parks. I don’t have any way of proving this (and I doubt you have any way of disproving it, so I guess we’re at an impasse!), but I think you could spend a few months at Walt Disney World without going to the parks, and still keeping things fresh. As far as vacation destinations go, that’s pretty impressive.

Here are some highlights–consider this a work in progress as we discover other possibilities (perhaps through your feedback?) and try to fill a full year outside of the parks! 😉

Electrical Water Pageant — A little light parade on Bay Lake outside the Magic Kingdom that runs as follows: 9 p.m. at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, 9:15 p.m. at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 9:30 p.m. at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, 9:45 p.m. at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, and 10 p.m. at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Fireworks — The best place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks is from the Ticket & Transportation Center, near the ferry entrance. The Halloween and Christmas party tickets are expensive, making this is a great way to watch those shows for free. The BoardWalk is a good spot to view Epcot’s IllumiNations fireworks, too.

Miniature Golf – Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens are themed miniature golf courses at Walt Disney World that each have 18 holes. Not that we are mini-golf aficionados or anything, but these are the two nicest courses we’ve ever seen, with fun Disney details and obstacles, and well-maintained courses. Admission here is included with some ticket and vacation packages, but even out of pocket it’s fairly inexpensive.

Golf – Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista gold courses are championship-caliber 18-hole courses. Oak Trail is a 9-hole course aimed at intermediate and beginner players. Get even more out of your day by taking advantage of their (surprisingly) reasonably-priced “ Sunrise 9 ,” which includes 9 holes of golf plus breakfast and a beer.

Tennis Lessons – Several courts have clay and/or hard courts for tennis, lessons from a professional are actually available (for a fee, naturally) at the Grand Floridian.

Spa Day – From the priciest options at the Grand Floridian or Four Seasons, to more affordable options in the Wyndham, Hyatt, and other third party hotels, there are a surprising number of spa options available in and around Walt Disney World. (I guess a lot of people need some tension relief after a busy day in Magic Kingdom!)

Monorail Bar Crawl – For us, the monorail is a great “attraction,” and riding it around the resort loop is a relaxing and fun activity…and even more fun when you’re drunk! ‘Suit up’ or dress down for a crawl of the Magic Kingdom Deluxe Resort bars & lounges, riding the Highway in the Sky between stops.

Surrey Bike Rental – Explore your resort hotel with your group by pedaling your way around on a surrey bike. These are popular around the Crescent Lake Resorts (watch out for the big hill over by Yacht Club!), but several other resorts have them as well. They are especially useful for exploring spread out areas, like the Port Orleans resorts.

Go Running – Don’t have any friends? Explore your resort by foot instead of on a surrey bike. I prefer this option, especially in the pre-sunrise hours when the weather is cool and there’s a crisp dew in the air. Most resorts having dedicated running paths (my favorites are at the Poly/Grand Floridian and Caribbean Beach).

Water Parks – I don’t write enough posts about them, but I love Typhoon Lagoon ( here’s our guide to it ) and Blizzard Beach ( read our guide to it ). I’d go as far as to say that Typhoon Lagoon is the only park at Walt Disney World that still executes perfectly on its theme (and Blizzard Beach is still close behind). Both are must-dos, in my book. If I were a local, I think I could spend the better part of my summer in the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool and lazy river. Along those same lines…

Private Surfing – If you want more of a unique experience, try surfing at Typhoon Lagoon . There are lessons (for beginners) or private sessions (for experienced surfers) that are held prior to park opening. While pricey, these are very limited in size (12-25 people), so it’s an intimate experience.

Bass Fishing Excursions – If you’d rather spend your time on the water pulling animals out of it than being the animal in it, consider a 2-hour guided bass fishing trip. They depart from any of the resorts with a marina, and all tours include reels, bait, and beverages.

Disney Springs – This area has made significant strides as it has transformed from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs. After Pleasure Island closed, it was a place we ignored for several years, but that has all changed in the last couple of years. New restaurants like Morimoto Asia and The Boathouse are seriously good, and other venues like the Edison and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar offer bona-fide nightlife options.

Parasailing – Ever since seeing publicity shots when I was a kid, I’ve wanted to go parasailing at Walt Disney World. Now, the idea of unique aerial photos has me even more intrigued. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and personal watercraft rental are all also available at Disney’s Contemporary Resort via Sammy Duvall’s.

Art Classes — Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers free drawing classes that are open to any Walt Disney World resort hotel guests. These classes currently occur at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm.

Horseback Riding – If you are a fan of “doing things,” Fort Wilderness is a great resort for you. The next several entries on the list are all options available there. The first of these is horseback riding, available at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. (You can also see a free little exhibit about horses there, pictured above.)

Fort Wilderness Archery Experience – File this under “things I can’t believe they still do.” Don’t get me wrong…it sounds like an awesome activity for kids , it just seems surprising that modern day Walt Disney World would still offer something like this. Then again, there are a lot of pleasant little surprises like this at Fort Wilderness.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along – A nightly campfire show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, and is the only free way of meeting the characters outside the parks (to our knowledge). Port Orleans Riverside and Animal Kingdom Lodge also have nightly campfires with storytellers, albeit no character.

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure – Continuing the list of “fun things to do that you might not know exist at Fort Wilderness” is this guided tour on a Segway X2 (that’s the off-road edition) through rough trails of the resort. Training comes first, presumably so you don’t Segway right into the lake or something.

Christmas Sleigh Rides – Yet another option at Fort Wilderness is a Christmas sleigh ride that offers excursions through the “ unspoiled beauty of the woodlands ” surrounding Fort Wilderness. Or, maybe you can elect to go through the unspoiled beauty of the RVs decked out in festive lights and campsites filled with majestic, inflatable Christmas decor. (Port Orleans also offers carriage rides, year-round.)

Boat Rides — Few things are as peaceful as a Friendship boat ride around Crescent Lake or a Sassagoula River Cruise from Old Key West to Disney Springs. While these are technically transportation (just like the monorail), they are a fun and relaxing way to see Walt Disney World by water…and get from point A to point B.

Pirate Cruises – There are several pirate cruise options departing from different exotic “Ports of Call” (read: Disney hotels), and they’re all for kids aged 4-12 (no adults) and offer an opportunity to search for treasure.

Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage – We assume no adults are allowed on the pirate cruises because they are so unbelievably cheesy that no one over the age of 8 could possibly enjoy them. A good alternative might be this fireworks cruise, which is themed to pirates and offers something more entertaining for the entire family.

IllumiNations Cruise – An alternative to that doing a private IllumiNations Cruise on a pontoon that accommodates up to 10 guests, plus a drive. The pontoon has a canopy, and drink holders…but no pirate entertainment, which is sort of a deal-breaker, in my opinion.

DVC Tour – Not for those who have trouble saying “no” or are prone to impulse buys, but we found the Disney Vacation Club tour to be very enjoyable (~2 hour tour) and nothing like other high-pressure timeshare sales pitches. To be sure, y ou absolutely should read about the pros & cons of buying DVC before taking the plunge , but it’s a fun experience…and ends with free ice cream. (We should’ve led with the free ice cream bit–what matters besides that?!)

Restaurant Tours — The restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offer free 30-minute tours focusing on the culinary selections and architecture.

Resort Tours — “The Wonders of Wilderness Lodge” tour is a free tour open to any Disney resort-hotel guest, and it details the inspiration of Wilderness Lodge and its many details. At present, tours are also offered of Animal Kingdom Lodge, BoardWalk, and perhaps other Deluxe Resorts(?). Check with your hotel front desk for times and availability.

Signature Dining – Some of Walt Disney World’s best restaurants are in the resort hotels, including Yachtsman Steakhouse and California Grill. If you really want to TREAT YO SELF, go all out and do Victoria & Albert’s . Totally worth the money for a special occasion.

Dine with an Imagineer – The more well-known version of this occurs at the Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios every day at lunch, but on select evenings, you can dine with an Imagineer at Citricos for dinner.

Afternoon Tea – The Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian offers a high-brow afternoon tea service. Sarah has been keen on doing this for a while, so it’s on our shortlist of things to do soon. For kids and less sophisticated adults, the Wonderland Tea Party and My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party are also options.

Character Dining – Want to knock out something you might otherwise spend time doing in the parks on one of your non-park days? Try a character breakfast (or dinner at some spots) in the hotels! Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary, ‘Ohana at the Polynesian, Cape May Cafe at Beach Club (our favorite), and 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian are all options.

Animal Viewing — Grab a seat on the balcony outside the lobby of Animal Kingdom Lodge or walk outside and watch the animals. Cast Members who are knowledgeable about various species can share information, and it’s a relaxing experience, especially around sunset.

Hula-tainment – The Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian is one of two dinner show options at Walt Disney World. The other, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is far more popular (and another show I loved growing up), but it seems like half this list is things at Fort Wilderness, so it gets second billing here.

Movies Under the Stars — Most Walt Disney World resort hotels hold an outdoor screening of a Disney film each night that is free to attend if you’re a hotel guest. Weekly schedules are available at the front desk of your hotel. Disney Vacation Club members can also rent DVDs from their resort for free. Not quite as unique of an experience as Movies Under the Stars, though.

Self-Guided Yuletide Tour – The “ Self-Guided Yuletide Tour ” is something we made up as a way to kill a morning before Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (and not waste a day of park admission!), and it has been quite popular with readers wanting to do the same.

BoardWalk Entertainment – Particularly on weekends and during busier times of year, the BoardWalk comes alive with jugglers, acrobats, and other entertainment. Stroll along the BoardWalk and enjoy this entertainment after dinner (a meal of fine cupcakes at BoardWalk Bakery is as good as it gets!).

Near Walt Disney World

Universal Orlando Resort – We’ve been visiting Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure with regularity for the past few years, and really enjoy both of these parks. Although we’ve yet to do it, Volcano Bay water park also looks pretty cool now that it’s gotten past its first-year hiccups. For first timers to Orlando, we’d (potentially) go as far as recommending either (or both) parks over a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction is finished.

For more tips on visiting, read our Universal Orlando Trip Planning Guide . Other popular parks, including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Legoland Florida don’t make the list because they don’t hold much interest for us, personally. (Although I’d love to revisit Busch Gardens, I’m interested in the Williamsburg version.) Also, it doesn’t make sense to have a list of things “outside the parks” include a ton of other theme parks.

Discovery Cove – With a more intimate experience than SeaWorld, Animal Kingdom, or just about anywhere else, for that matter, Discovery Cove is intriguing. Much of that intrigue is killed for us by the price (and I’d rather swim with manatees), but this remains a ‘someday’ item for us.

Bioluminescent Kayak Tours – Tired of waiting in line for Pandora’s N’avi River Journey? There’s already a bioluminescent boat ride in Central Florida. These nighttime kayak tours through Indian River Lagoon sound really fascinating (and potentially gorgeous) to us.

Madame Tussauds Orlando – This one definitely is not for everyone. I’ll admit that I don’t really “get” the appeal of this place, but cannot deny that I know others who have had a blast here. I also cannot deny the quality of the work. Each Madame Tussauds wax figure is truly a work of art, involving teams of professional artists and sculptors who spend months on extensive research. From that perspective, I have to give props to Madame Tussauds, even if I have no desire to go back. Your mileage may vary.

Orlando Magic Game – I remember becoming a fair-weather fan of the Magic as a child in the 90s as Shaq-mania swept Florida during our vacations. I had largely forgotten about that until recently watching ESPN 30 for 30’s “This Magic Moment” (highly recommended for Disney fans, even those who don’t like the NBA–it’s streaming on Netflix).

Dinosaur World – We recently lamented the lackluster showing of dinosaurs in Walt Disney World and other theme parks. Dinosaur World Florida doesn’t do much to reverse that trend, but it is a neat low-budget place to explore and wander through a forested park.

Coca-Cola Orlando Eye – The butt of jokes when it first opened for its views of nothing in particular, the Orlando Eye “observation wheel” is nonetheless the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast of the United States.

Disney Character Warehouse Outlets – I cannot stand outlet malls (95%+ sucker customers into thinking they are getting deals on inferior products), but the Disney Character Warehouse outlets are an exception to this in that they are actual clearance centers for items that didn’t sell in the parks at a significant discount. Some of the merchandise is there for a reason, but there are some real gems to be found, too. For reasons unknown, Derek Burgan does a monthly report on the Disney outlets that offers a glimpse of the good, bad, and ugly sold at these outlets.

Zipline – I’ve never gone ziplining, and although I’m really intrigued by the experience, I’m also worried of a “that was it?” feeling afterwards. Forever Florida’s zipline “course” that combines multiple lines along with sky bridges seems like a good way around that feeling.

Airboat on Lake Tohopekalgia – If it’s my time to go, I want it to happen during a quintessential FloridaMan experience: while my toothless airboat guide fights a gator over a can of Busch Light. This has been something I’ve wanted to do for a while–as crazy as it might seem, it also sounds pretty exhilarating.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – We did our first stay at Vero Beach in January 2018, and absolutely fell in love with this tranquil seaside resort. It has all of the charm and character of the resorts built during the Disney Decade (think BoardWalk or Beach Club) plus the actual beach. It’s a real winner.

Kennedy Space Center – I was hardly deprived as a kid, as we regularly visited National Parks and Walt Disney World, but one thing I always wanted to do–but never did–was Space Camp. A recent visit to the Space Shuttle Endeavour reminded me that we still haven’t seen Kennedy Space Center as adults, which seems borderline criminal given how much we are in Florida.

Wekiwa Springs State Park – From birding to hiking 13 miles of trails to swimming in a 72-degree spring to wildlife viewing, it seems like Wekiwa Springs checks off several boxes in showcasing the natural world of Florida. After seeing so much of the developed side of things, I’m curious to see more of this.

We headed to Blue Spring State Park since it’s about half the distance of Crystal River, and we were floored by what we saw. It was a chilly day, which is the prime time for manatee-watching as the sea cows seek warmth in spring water, and there were 308 manatees counted that day. Above is the video we posted of them on our non-Disney Facebook page for TravelCaffeine.com .

With Crystal River being fairly remote (nearly 2 hours) from Walt Disney World, it’s about the farthest spot on our list of things we want to see and do in Central Florida. There are a lot of things worthwhile things to do in Florida that we’ve left off the list. For example, I still haven’t done Everglades National Park (4 hours from WDW), Dry Tortugas National Park, or Biscayne National Park. Visiting the Florida Keys would also be high on my list. And, of course, going on a Skunk Ape Hunting Expedition is something on everyone’s bucket list…right?!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Anything else you’d recommend doing outside of the parks at Walt Disney World or in nearby Central Florida? Anything you would recommend not doing? Do you agree or disagree with our tips? Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

As a native Floridian (South Florida), I really appreciate you highlighting some of the other things to do in Central Florida. I do love Disney, always have, but it’s nice for people to see that there’s more to Florida than just WDW. We have a TON to offer here. Thanks.

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THE BEST Day Trips from Walt Disney World

Day trips from walt disney world.

• Walt Disney World to Orlando
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Orlando Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise

2. ICONic City Tour Of Orlando

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Manatee Adventure, Airboat, Lunch, Wildlife Park with Transport

Kennedy Space Center Adventure with Transport from Orlando

Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee

Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando

Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando

Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando with Upgrade Options

Kennedy Space Center Plus Airboat Ride & Transport From Orlando

Kennedy Space Center Express from Orlando

Orlando Bass Fishing Guide near iDrive

Kennedy Space Center, Chat with Astronaut and Transport

Florida Manatee Swim Adventure

Clearwater Beach Pirate Cruise Adventure with Lunch & Transport From Orlando

Fun Spot Attractions Theme Parks Admission Ticket

Miami Orlando on High Speed train and Millionaire Boat Tour

Clearwater Beach Bus Express

Clearwater Beach Day Tour and Dolphin Watch Boat from Orlando

Kennedy Space Center Day Tour from Orlando

Kennedy Space Center Direct Express

Silver Springs+Glass-bottom Boat 1-Day Tour from Orlando

Paddleboard in Orlando, Beginners welcome!

8-hr. Kissimmee and St. Cloud Beach Tour on Fully Electric Trike

Cape Canaveral Inshore Fishing Charter

Orlando Inshore Fishing Charters

Cape Canaveral Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Titusville Inshore Fishing Charter

Melbourne Inshore Fishing Charters

All Day St Johns River Fishing Trip near Daytona

Orlando Deep Sea Fishing Charter

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8 Best Beaches Near Disney World – Orlando Day Trips in Florida

Extend your trip to Disney World with a family beach vacation in Florida

Many families are attracted to Orlando, Florida, for its host of family-friendly attractions, including Disney World , Universal Studios , and SeaWorld. In fact, you could spend WEEKS in Orlando itself.

However, a great well-rounded Florida family vacation isn’t complete without heading to the coast to enjoy Florida’s glorious year-round sunshine and world-famous beaches.

Disney World in Orlando sits almost smack in the middle of Florida; it’s a little closer to the Atlantic coast, heading east with many prime sandy white beaches to choose from, but many prefer the calm shallow waters and sunsets of Florida’s Gulf Coast to the west. The closest beach to Disney World sits 65 miles away.

Here we’re going to take you through our experience and preferences on both coasts so you can decide what will fit best with your vacation plans, as well as your kid’s ages, stages, and beach-faring experience, which can make a big difference in what you all want from a family beach vacation .

This post is part of our series discover the USA . You may also want to check out our guide to the closest beaches to Disneyland, California

Florida beaches closest to disney world.

Check out the closest beach options on the map of Florida here, then read on to see exact driving times and what you can expect to find at each of these beautiful Florida beaches.

• Daytona Beach
• New Smyrna Beach
• Canaveral National Seashore
• Cocoa Beach
• Clearwater Beach
• St Pete Beach

If you’re looking further afield and to explore more around Florida, check out our complete guide to the best Family beaches in Florida and the best beaches on the Gulf Coast and East Coast

Choosing a Florida Beach Near Disney World – What Does Your Family Enjoy at the Beach?

Before we dive into exactly which beach in Florida to pick near Disney World, let’s look at some of the factors that are likely to sway your decision:

Available Time

Are you simply adding a day within your itinerary to take a break from the theme parks , or are you looking to split your time?

You may want to choose only the closest beaches if it’s just a day trip to maximize the time you get in the water and still get home for bedtime and back to taking advantage of your Disney World deals. Alternatively, with longer to spare and several days at the beach, a little longer drive to get there and car parking is no problem.

Driving Time

Next up, exactly how long will you spend in the car? Driving from Disney World to the Atlantic coast is a little over one hour. Driving from Disney World to the Gulf beaches will take more like 2 hours + with the notoriously slow Interstate 4 to tackle. We personally think the extra drive time is only worth it if you’ll be spending extra days.

NB if you are setting off from different parts of Orlando than Disney World, for example staying further north near Universal, your drive times will vary – sometimes by a lot – if you’re traveling in peak hour. The driving times we quote below are indicative fastest times only!

Parking & Traffic Congestion

Generally speaking, you will find parking for day-trippers more limited at the Gulf coast beaches than on the Atlantic coast, as well as heavier traffic to deal with going through Tampa. We all know longer wait times in a car full of kids on a hot day can lead to a miserable day out; for day-tripping, we prefer the Atlantic coast.

Swimming & Activities

If you have older kids or adults who are keen to grab their boogie boards and catch some waves, the Atlantic coast is likely to serve you best.

If you’d rather have calmer, gentler waters or you’re traveling with a toddler, the Gulf coast may better suit (though, make no mistake you can get some waves too!).

If you love finding interesting shells washed up on the shore, you’re better off on the Gulf Coast. You still find them on the Atlantic coast, too, but the larger waves here see the shells more broken down – little feet also moan a little more about these broken bits of shell, so we do recommend beach shoes for kids , no matter where you head in Florida.

Other activities in Central Florida

Are you looking for more than just some sand between your toes? The major attraction east of Disney World is the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral.

If you want it to be a complete side trip from Orlando, be it all in one day or overnight, combining Cape Canaveral with a day out on an Atlantic Coast beach is our favorite combination.

Looking at Disneyland California beach/theme park vacation instead? Make sure you check out our guide to the nearest beach to Disneyland (pssst – the beaches in SoCal are even closer to Disney than in Florida!)

Atlantic Beaches Closest to Disney World & Orlando

The  closest beaches to Disney World are Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, and Cocoa Beach , all on the Atlantic coast (East).

Each is about the same driving distance from Disney World, with Daytona Beach sitting just over an hour to the northeast, just above Cape Canaveral. Cocoa Beach is about an hour to the southeast, just below Cape Canaveral, while New Smyrna and Canaveral National Seashore, in between the two, are slightly more remote hidden gems for families who like their beaches simple and crowd-free.

Slightly further away but still very popular with Disney fans is Vero Beach . Let’s take a look at each Atlantic Coast Beach:

Closest Beaches to Disney World: Daytona Beach

Driving Distance: 71 miles (114 kilometers)

Approximate Drive Time: 70 minutes

Driving along the I-4 east, then heading northeast on the I-95 you can reach Daytona in around 80 minutes from Disney World. Although it does have a bit of a party reputation, if you avoid going over Spring Break or while the Daytona 500 is on, families will find something to enjoy at this bustling city beach.

Look beyond the main part of the city; there’s quite a long stretch of coast and smaller beach suburbs that make up Daytona Beach. There are several designated zones along the beach for surfing, safe swimming, and popular attractions of Daytona Beach, beach driving ( for a sizeable fee – winter months only).

Daytona personally wasn’t to our taste, but we’re very willing to give it another try now our kids are older and the attraction of the surf as well as the Daytona Lagoon Waterpark and the arcades. With younger kids, we’ve got better suggestions still to come!

Where to stay:  For the full resort experience, try  Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach , or on a smaller budget Hampton Inn Daytona is worth a try; you can compare prices on family accommodation in Daytona Beach here.

Closest Beaches to Disney World: New Smyrna Beach

Another beach sitting just over an hour north-east of Disney World and Orlando is New Smyrna Beach. Not nearly as famous as its more northern counterpart, but if you like your beach a little quieter but still slightly developed, this would be the one for you.

There are several beach approaches to choose from along this stretch of coast, many of them allowing vehicle access for a daily fee of $20 for visitors in off-peak seasons.

Kayaking and fishing are popular in the backwaters of Indian Rover, and of course, the wicked waves for surfers are a real highlight of visiting this part of the Space Coast.

For younger kids, they can still enjoy the idyllic 17-mile stretch of beach for sandcastle building or try the Smyrna Dunes Park , an elevated boardwalk through the dunes around the shoreline of Ponce de Leon Inlet.

Generally, there are limited facilities so do be prepared with a picnic.

Where to stay: A lovely on the beach option is New Smyrna Waves by Exploria Resorts or try The Riverview Hotel New Smyrna

Closest Beach to Disney World: Canaveral National Seashore

Driving Distance: 65 miles (104 kilometers)

Approximate Drive Time: 65 minutes

If you prefer your beaches a little more rugged and less developed, then Canaveral National Seashore could be your answer. Technically the closest beach to Orlando, here you can enjoy unspoiled sea views for 24 miles along this protected section of the Space Coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

You are about 35 minutes from the Kennedy Space Centre , which is ideal if you want to spend a morning at the Space Centre and then finish off with a splash in the ocean. A small entry fee applies, and we recommend you head into the Apollo Beach Visitor Center to appreciate this unique coastal stretch truly.

Where to stay overnight: Being a National Park, there is no direct accommodation on the beach here; your nearest option is Titusville , with several motel and hotel options

TOP TIP! Just want to see the Space Centre but don’t have a car? You can take the Kennedy Space Centre express from Orlando – tickets and transfers included.

Closest Beaches to Disney World: Cocoa Beach

State Road 528 takes you pretty much all the way from Disney World to Cocoa Beach in just over an hour. An easy drive, but do be mindful of tolls and if you want to park close to the pier and center of the action, expect paid parking if you’re on a day trip.

Situated on the Space Coast, Cocoa Beach is a laid-back affair with brilliant surf conditions attracting a good crowd no matter the season. It’s a great place to come if your kids want to try their hand on a board for the first time, with several surf schools on offer .

You will find many beach condos and hotels lining the beachfront, but not like the wall of highrises at Daytona. There are still plentiful gaps between the buildings where you can access the beach.

Plentiful shops and restaurants line the coast or grab yourself a picnic and head to one of our family favorites, Lori Wilson Park – free parking here, washrooms on hand and a lovely lawned area, BBQs, and a playground for kids to have a good run around at the beach.

Make it an overnight: Staying at Cocoa Beach can be an affordable Florida beach option. A good value option in a prime location is Days Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach , really close to the Pier, or with private beach frontage and sea view family rooms, try Doubletree by Hilton Cocoa Beach . Campers will love Jetty Park Campground, RV parking right on the beach !

Closest Beaches to Disney World: Vero Beach

Driving Distance: 102 miles (164 Kilometres)

Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Now we’ll admit that Vero Beach is not THE closest of the Atlantic coast beaches to Disney World and Orlando, but given it takes about the same time to get there as the popular Gulf coast beaches, we thought it was worth throwing the option out there. Die-hard Disney fans will be aware it’s home to the hugely popular Disney Vero Beach Resort .

The Treasure Coast offers wide sandy beaches and is also famous for the wildlife attracted to the shores including pelicans and loggerhead turtles. You can combine a trip to Vero Beach with visiting Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge to learn more about these magnificent creatures or enjoy strolling through the historic downtown area when you need a break from the waves.

Staying overnight (other than Disney!) If Disney Vero Beach Resort sees you out of budget, why not try Prestige Hotel Vero Beach right on the waterfront

Gulf Beaches Close to Disney World & Orlando

If you’d prefer to head west, the driving distances are slightly further but still rewarding.

The closest Gulf Coast beach to Orlando is Clearwater Beach, approximately a 2-hour drive west on the I-4; there are several other family-friendly options as you head south along the coast. (Though without fail, we’ve hit traffic and road works on three consecutive trips , and it’s been at least 2.5 hours!)

Closest Gulf Coast Beach to Disney World: Clearwater Beach

Driving Distance: 92 miles (148 kilometers)

Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

You hit Clearwater Beach when heading almost due west from Disney World and Orlando on the I-4, then Highway 60. Clearwater Beach is a small island packed with restaurants, hotels, shops, a busy marina, and a popular aquarium. If you want to add a fishing trip or boat cruise to your Florida vacation, this is the place to do it!

Parking here is paid, and then you can stroll the beachfront before picking your favorite spot. It is quite touristy, as you might expect, and busy no matter the season.

The water at Clearwater Beach is calm, and the sand is lovely and soft. Lifeguards patrol the beach, and you’ll find washroom facilities on hand and playgrounds for the kids.

If you want to enjoy the calmer Gulf Coast waters but don’t fancy the crowds, a good option can be heading just 10 minutes further south to Sand Key County Park. Still busy on weekends and holidays but has a less high-rise and touristy feel.

For a quieter experience again, there are plenty of nearby islands and nature reserves you can explore from Clearwater – it really is a great all-rounder family beach vacation destination in Florida.

Make it an overnight trip:  On a budget, try  New Hotel Collection Harborside   or for a luxury stay, try  Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa .

TOP TIP! Don’t have a car? Several tour operators will take your family from Orlando to Clearwater – including meals and a boat ride: Check out some options here >>

Closest Beaches to Disney World: St Pete Beach

Driving Distance: 96 miles (154 kilometers)

Heading just a little further south, past Tampa , you come to a stunning stretch of Florida coastline, including Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach. Frankly, you can’t go wrong with any of these, but we have a little sweet spot for St. Pete Beach.

We love playing on the wide expanse of the beach and enjoy the condo-style accommodation along the waterfront, watching the sun gracefully set each night into the magnificent Gulf waters from our balcony. Plenty is happening on and off the water making this a family-favorite beach close to Orlando.

Where to stay: Make a proper beach vacation of it and hire a beachfront condo , or if budget permits try one of the fun family resorts such as Sandpearl Resort or Bellwether Beach Resort .

Closest Beaches to Disney World: Siesta Key

Driving Distance: 122 miles (196 kilometers)

Approximate Drive Time: 2 hours

We almost hesitated and left Siesta Key off this list of beaches close to Disney World, as it’s quite a lot further south on the Gulf Coast. However, as you skirt around Tampa and take the I-75, your drive time is not dissimilar to St. Pete Beach.

It’s certainly worth that little extra drive, in our opinion, for that stunning soft, white sand. The calm, shallow azure waters here appeal particularly to families with babies and toddlers; it’s our favorite Florida Key !.

The beach itself offers brilliantly soft sand, sun shelters, picnic areas, beach volleyball courts, and washroom facilities. Off the beach, enjoy exploring Siesta Key Village, stroll Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, or make a curious trip to the Ringling Circus Museum.

If we had to pick a favorite of all of these beaches, we’d make the extra journey from Disney World as far as Siesta Key for a perfect Florida vacation combination.

Make it a beach stay: It’s not the cheapest of Florida’s beaches but a great place to pick up a holiday rental property on the beach  or on a luxury retreat try  Tropical Beach Resort

FAQ’s on The Best Florida Beaches Near Disney World

Theoretically, yes! Crossing from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast will only take about 3 hours, avoiding rush hour. So, it’s possible to start your day overlooking the Atlantic, enjoy a day in Orlando, and finish over on the west, admiring the sun disappearing over the Gulf.

In driving time and distance, the closest beach is Canaveral National Seashore.

It would make for a long day accounting for traffic, but yes, a beach day trip is possible with the most accessible beaches on both the Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coast sitting only 1 to 2 hours away.

Yes, as one of the closest beaches to Disney World on the Atlantic Coast, you can reach Cocoa Beach in about 70 minutes’ drive time without traffic.

Although Orlando and Disney World sit fairly central in Florida, Disney World in Orlando is slightly closer to the Atlantic Coast.

Packing for the beach?

Before you head off on a beach vacation, you need our ultimate family checklist for a day at the beach!

All the essentials you can think of for packing your beach bag, from sun cover and pop-up tents through to beach toys , entertainment , dealing with feeding and changing time at the beach, keeping your drinks cool , and much more!

We take you through everything you need in detail here – or subscribe to our mailing list , and you can immediately download this handy checklist immediately.

More Beach Guides!

We hope you’ve found this Florida beach guide helpful. Don’t forget to check out more handy guides from the beaches section of our family travel blog, including:

• The best family beaches on the US East Coast
• All the best beaches along the Gulf Coat – Florida to Texas!
• Best family beaches in California
• Best worldwide beach destinations to learn to snorkel
• Best family beaches around the world chosen by travel bloggers
• San Diego’s most family-friendly beaches

And More on Visiting Orlando

If you are spending more time at Disney World and in and around Orlando, you may also be interested in:

• An introduction to all the best Theme Parks in Orlando
• A complete beginner’s guide to Visiting Universal Resort Orlando
• Hotels in Orlando that offer shuttles to Disney World AND Universal
• Which hotels and resorts offer free shuttles to Universal?
• Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks -The Best Activities to Add to Your Central Florida Itinerary
• All the best toddler activities in Orlando
• Activities to keep kids busy when queuing for rides

Helpful? Bookmark this page or save it for later

Disclosures: This Florida beach guide contains affiliate links to some of our preferred suppliers. If you make a qualifying purchase using any of our links, we may earn a commission. You can find our full privacy policy and website terms of use over here .

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One thought on “ 8 Best Beaches Near Disney World – Orlando Day Trips in Florida ”

Oh all of these beaches look seriously amazing! I haven’t been to the East Coast, only to the West Coast and loved the beaches there! I bet I’d love the ones mentioned here as well 🙂

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11 Best Beaches Near Disney World & How to Choose the Perfect One

Visiting Walt Disney World and wanting to combine a beach vacation with The Most Magical Place on Earth?

Look no further, because, in this post, we’re covering the 11 best beaches near Disney World . Plus, how to choose the perfect one for you and your family!

How to Choose the Best Beach Near Disney World

So, with 11 of the best beaches to choose from near Disney World, you might be thinking, which is the best one for my family?

No worries, let me help you decide!

In case you’re not familiar with the state of Florida, Walt Disney World is located in Orlando, which is right in the center of the Sunshine State. ☀️

To the east of Orlando, you have the Atlantic Coast and to the west of Orlando, you have the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

The closest beach to Orlando is going to be Cocoa Beach, Florida. Cocoa Beach is on the Atlantic Coast; which is approximately 64 miles and about an hour’s drive from Disney World.

But, you may not be interested in going to just the CLOSEST beach, so we’re including 10 other amazing beaches here that are all within a two-hour drive of Walt Disney World.

All of these beaches offer something a little different, so keep reading to find the perfect beach for you and your family.

Gulf Coast Beaches vs Atlantic Coast Beaches

Gulf Coast vs Atlantic Coast! Which is the perfect coast for you and your family?

There are some pretty significant differences between the Gulf Coast beaches and the Atlantic Coast beaches in Florida.

The Gulf Coast beaches are known for their beautiful white sandy beaches and gorgeous clear water. And the waves on the Gulf of Mexico are calmer for the most part.

The Atlantic Coast beaches have sand with a more golden brown hue and the water is not as clear. (Now, the further you go down the east coast in Florida this changes, but these beaches are not the closest to Disney World, so we aren’t including these east coast Southern Florida and Miami area beaches in this post).

And the waves are bigger on the Atlantic Coast, making the Atlantic Coast better for those that want to surf.

• Are you looking to do a day trip? If so, an Atlantic Coast beach might be better for you because Orlando is closer to the Atlantic Coast.
• Are you looking to do some surfing? 🏄‍♀️ If, so an Atlantic Coast beach might be better for you because the waves are bigger. 🌊
• Are you looking for the most gorgeous clear water in Florida and the most beautiful white sandy beaches? If, so head to a beach on the Gulf Coast.
• Are you looking into visiting the Tampa area and maybe hitting the Florida theme park, Busch Gardens? If so, then a Gulf Coast beach is for you.
• Are you looking to explore the Space Coast and Kennedy Space Center in Florida? 🚀 If, so go to an Atlantic Coast beach.
• Are you looking to explore the culture of the oldest city in the U.S.? If, so go to the Atlantic Coast.

Map of the Best Beaches Near Orlando

To give you a better idea of where these 11 best beaches near Orlando are in relation to Walt Disney World, a map is included below.

All these best beaches near Orlando are marked along with the Most Magical Place on Earth itself. Once you click on the map, you can zoom in and out!

Best Gulf Coast Beaches Closest to Disney World

For those of you who want to visit one of the most stunning beaches in the world , then a Gulf Coast (Gulf of Mexico) beach is for you.

These Gulf of Mexico beaches are known for their beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.

And all of these beaches are within a 2-hour drive from the Disney Parks .

Here are the best Gulf Coast beaches closest to Disney World .

1. Clearwater Beach

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 89 miles; 1 hr 29 minutes drive

If you’re looking for one of the closest beaches to Walt Disney World with clear water and white sandy beaches, Clearwater Beach , Florida should be at the top of your list.

Clearwater Beach is approximately 89 miles and a 1.5-hour drive from the Most Magical Place on Earth. It has beautiful soft, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.

It’s a great family destination for relaxing, swimming, or playing in the sand. For those who like to be more active you can fish, jet-ski, paddleboard, kayak, or parasail at Clearwater Beach.

This beach has an amazing paved walkway that runs alongside the beach. This is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking while enjoying the stunning Gulf of Mexico views.

Clearwater also offers plenty of entertainment for the entire family including Pier 60 with nighty musicians, dancers, and crafts. For marine animal lovers, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a must-see attraction in Clearwater. Here you’ll see dolphins, otters, and sea turtles.

2. St. Pete Beach

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 93 miles; 1 hr 28-minute drive

Another best Gulf Coast beach close to Disney World is St. Pete Beach . St. Pete Beach is located just south of Clearwater Beach.

It is approximately 93 miles and a 1 hour and 28-minute drive from Walt Disney World.

Just like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach also has that gorgeous clear water and beautiful white sand.

While Clearwater Beach is busier, St. Pete is the quieter and more laid-back of the t wo. You’ll also find St. Pete to be a little more affordable.

St. Pete Beach is an excellent destination for those looking to relax on the beach or swim in the beautiful clear water. A fun activity while at St. Pete Beach would be to go on a glass-bottom kayak tour.

3. Honeymoon Island State Park

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 90 miles; 1 hr 34-minute drive

Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida State Park located just north of Clearwater Beach.

It is approximately 90 miles and a 1 hour and 34-minute drive from Walt Disney World.

Honeymoon Island State Park has 4 miles of beautiful beaches to explore. It’s a great place for relaxing, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Oh, and there are plenty of seashells here! 🐚 So, if you’re looking for a beach near Disney World with seashells , Honeymoon Island State Park is an excellent choice.

But besides relaxing, hiking, swimming, fishing, and collecting seashells, Honeymoon Island State Park is also a great place for spotting wildlife . Some wildlife you might see here include bald eagles, tortoises, armadillos, and owls.

4. Treasure Island

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 93 miles; 1 hr 31-minute drive

Treasure Island is one of Florida’s hidden gems located just north of St. Pete Beach and south of Clearwater Beach.

It is approximately 93 miles and a 1-hour and 31-minute drive from Walt Disney World.

Treasure Island has wide, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear water. Because of its unusually wide beaches , Treasure Island has plenty of room to spread out. This makes it great for sunbathing, flying a kite, or throwing a football on the beach.

This hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico has a very relaxed atmosphere with many cute cafes and shops.

Treasure Island is also referred to as the Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida . If you happen to be in Florida in mid-November, you must visit Treasure Island for its annual event, Sanding Ovations . This is a sand sculpting exhibition and competition where master sand sculptors from all around the world come here to create the most amazing sand masterpieces on the beach.

5. Anna Marie Island

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 106 miles; 1 hr 46-minute drive

Anna Marie Island is another one of the best Gulf Coast beaches closest to Disney World.

It is approximately 106 miles and a 1 hour and 46-minute drive from Walt Disney World.

This beach is excellent for those looking for that Old Florida beach feel . You will not find any high rises here on Anna Marie Island and the closest major city, Sarasota is a 40-minute drive away.

Anna Marie Island has 7 miles of sugary white sandy beaches and stunning emerald-green water.

It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation spent lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

Historic Bridge Street on Anne Marie Island is a great place to browse art galleries, shop and dine.

6. Siesta Key

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 118 miles; 1 hr 51-minute drive

Siesta Key, located off the coast of Sarasota, Florida is the furthest beach on this 11 best beaches near Disney World list .

It is approximately 118 miles and a 1-hour 51-minute drive from Walt Disney World. You might have heard about this beach town from the MTV show Siesta Key.

Siesta Key has beautiful white quartz sand and clear turquoise water great for swimming, jet skiing, and spotting dolphins.

The town of Siesta Key is also a fun place to explore because of its thriving arts and culture scene. Here in Siesta Key, you’ll find many great boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, a pier, and a farmer’s market.

Best Atlantic Coast Beaches Closest to Disney World

Walt Disney World is slightly closer to the Atlantic Coast, making the Atlantic Coast the closest coast for a beach getaway from Disney World.

The closest beach to Walt Disney World is Cocoa Beach , which is about a 1-hour drive. The other best Atlantic Coast beaches listed here are all within a 2-hour drive from Walt Disney World.

The Atlantic Coast beaches differ from the Gulf Coast beaches in the color of the sand and water. The beaches on the Atlantic Coast have sand with a more golden hue and the water is not as clear.

However, the waves are more prominent on the Atlantic Coast making it a much better place to surf.

If you’re interested in exploring the Space Coast and Kennedy Space Center while in Florida, you’ll also want to visit one of these Atlantic Coast beaches.

Here are the best Atlantic Coast beaches closest to Disney World .

7. Cocoa Beach

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 64 miles; 1 hr 2-minute drive

Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando and Walt Disney World .

It is approximately 64 miles and about a 1 hour and 2-minute drive from Orlando. You can leave straight from your Disney hotel and arrive at Cocoa Beach an hour later.

Cocoa Beach would make for the perfect day trip from Disney World if you just want to dip your feet in the sand and water before leaving the Sunshine State. ☀️

The city of Cocoa Beach is located on the Space Coast and is about 15 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center . This makes it the perfect beach to visit if you are also looking to visit the incredible Kennedy Space Center while in Florida.

Cocoa Beach is famous for its beaches, surfing, and surf shops. In fact, Cocoa Beach is called the East Coast Surf Capital of the U.S .

Visiting the surf shop Ron Jon is a must while in Cocoa Beach, even for you non-surfers. This place is massive, with 52,000 square of merchandise and souvenirs, it is the World’s Largest Surf Shop! You’ll also find the Florida Surf Museum here inside.

There are many fun family activities in Cocoa Beach. Walking the Cocoa Beach Pier is a must while at this east-coast Florida beach. Near Cocoa Beach Pier you’ll find many great shops and places to eat.

For more information on everything you need to know about getting from Orlando to Cocoa Beach, check out Orlando to Cocoa Beach: Essential Travel Tips, Must-See Spots & Day Trip Ideas !

8. New Smyrna Beach

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 73 miles; 1 hr 12-minute drive

New Smyrna Beach is a great Atlantic Coast beach near Disney World.

This beach town is approximately 73 miles and a 1-hour 12-minute drive from Walt Disney World.

It is located south of Daytona Beach and north of the Kennedy Space Center. So, for you race car lovers, you just might want to visit the Daytona International Speedway while visiting New Smyrna Beach.

New Symrna has 17 miles of beaches and is highly rated for surfing. Some parts of the beach even allow cars on it.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a must-visit while at New Smyrna Beach. This is a historic lighthouse located right across from New Smyrna Beach and is the second-tallest masonry lighthouse in the country.

While at New Symrna Beach you have a good chance of seeing dolphins, but dolphins are not the only marine you might see while here. You might even see a Florida manatee at New Smyrna Beach.

The best time of the year to see manatees in New Smyrna Beach is in the fall and winter. Take a scenic manatee boat tour for your best chance of seeing this gentle, incredible marine animal up close.

9. Vero Beach

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 100 miles; 1 hr 28-minute drive

Vero Beach is a small, elegant city in Florida on the Atlantic Coast.

It is located approximately 100 miles and a 1-hour 28-minute drive from Walt Disney World.

Vero Beach is a great beach on the Atlantic Coast of Florida for water sports and fishing. It’s also a popular town for golfing. In Vero Beach, you’ll also find many shops, museums, and art galleries.

Just like New Symra Beach, manatees are also found in the inlets of Vero Beach.

Vero Beach is also home to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort . 🏖️ So, you can combine a Walt Disney World vacation, with a Disney beach vacation right here at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort!

➡️ If you need help planning your Disney vacation or booking Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, contact me ! I’m a travel agent who specializes in all things Disney!

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Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is an elegant hideaway located on a quiet, tranquil beach. This beach has natural preserves including nesting habitats of sea turtles. 🐢

This resort has lots to do to keep families entertained including a Mickey-Mouse-shaped swimming pool, crafts, campfire sing-a-longs-, kayaking, a spa, tennis courts, and more!

10. St. Augustine Beach

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 118 miles; 1 hr 47-minute drive

St. Augustine Beach is a popular Atlantic Ocean beach located approximately 118 miles and a 1 hour and 47-minute drive from Walt Disney World. It is the northernmost Florida beach on our list of the 11 best beaches near Disney World.

St. Augustine’s beaches are wide and great for walking, relaxing, or playing. St. John’s County Ocean Pier area is a great spot for fishing and playing volleyball. There is also a great playground and a splash zone here for children.

There are many delicious restaurants and shops in St. Augustine Beach. And what attracts a lot of people to St. Augustine is that it is a wonderful, family-friendly Florida city to explore.

St. Augustine is known for being the oldest city in the U.S . It also has gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture.

Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century fortress worth exploring while in St. Augustine. Other fun things to do in St. Augustine include riding the St. Augustine Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, St Augustine Alligator Farm, St George Street, and the Fountain of Youth.

11. Canaveral National Seashore

Distance from Walt Disney World Resort: approx 86 miles; 1 hr 33-minute drive

Canaveral National Seashore is the final beach on our list of the best beaches near Orlando.

It is approximately 86 miles and a 1 hour and 33-minute drive from Walt Disney World.

It is located between New Smyrna Beach and Titusville, Florida. This east coast national seashore is the longest expanse of undeveloped land along the East Coast of Florida .

There are many great things to do at this east coast central Florida beach including sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, fishing, surfing, hiking, camping, and exploring all the nature and historical trails.

The closest clear-water beach to Disney is Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach. These beautiful Gulf Coast (Gulf of Mexico) clear-water beaches are located about a 1.5-hour drive from Disney World.

The closest beach to Disney World is Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach is located on the Atlantic Coast of Florida approximately 64 miles and a 1 hr drive from the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Walt Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida which is in the center of Florida. Because it is not on the coast, there are NO beaches . The closest beach, Cocoa Beach is about a 1-hour drive from Disney World. However, if you’re looking for a hotel with a “beach” Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a fabulous choice. This resort gives you all the beach feels without having to leave your Disney Resort. It even has a sand-bottomed pool and beach buckets and toys for the kids to play with.

Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Walt Disney World. It is approximately 64 miles and about a 1-hour drive from Disney World.

Clearwater Beach is approximately 89 miles and a 1 hr 29-minute drive from Walt Disney World. It is a beautiful beach with clear water and white sandy beaches.

Disney World is not too far away from the beach. The closest Atlantic Coast beach is about 64 miles and a 1-hour drive. The closest Gulf Coast beach is about a 1.5-hour drive.

Siesta Key is approximately 118 miles and a 1 hr 51-minute drive from Walt Disney World. This beach has clear emerald water and beautiful white sandy beaches.

Final Thoughts

There are lots of great beaches to choose from near Disney World!

Which one is best for you and your family depends on many factors including whether you want to do a day trip or an extended vacation in addition to Walt Disney World.

If you’re looking for a beautiful, white sandy beach and some of the clearest water in Florida, go to a Gulf Coast beach. If you’re looking to visit Kennedy Space Center, St. Augustine, or looking to surf, go to an Atlantic Coast beach.

✨ Enjoy your time at the Most Magical Place on Earth and one of these beautiful Florida beaches!

Kim Swanson, founder of Traveling Swansons, is a wife, mother of three and travel lover. Her love for exploration spans from the bustling streets of cities to the serene beauty of National Parks and her favorite destination, Italy. But that's not all – Kim's heart also belongs to all things Disney. Her special love for the magic of Disney has led her to become an expert in the field. Whether you seek advice on iconic destinations or a Disney adventure, Kim Swanson's expertise turns your travel dreams into reality.

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10 Closest Beaches Near Disney World You Must Visit

June 1, 2022 //  by  Brandi Lyons //   Leave a Comment

Are you looking for the best beaches near Disney World? Then look no further! We know that visiting the beach is a great way to spend any vacation day, and you can’t beat the beach in sunny, hot Florida. And visiting the beach during your Disney vacation can help you relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

So which beaches near Disney should you visit? And which ones are the closest? We’ve done the work for you, and we’ve chosen the ten closest beaches to visit on your trip! There are some on the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Ocean, and you can choose from popular, exciting beaches or some that are better for relaxing and exploring.

Does Disney World have Beaches?

No! Unfortunately, Disney World doesn’t have any beaches because it’s completely inland. Thankfully, there are several beaches not too far from Disney World, and you can be on a white sand beach in just over an hour.

The Atlantic Coast is about an hour away from Disney World, and the Gulf Coast is just an hour and a half away. With beaches on both coasts being so close, you’ll be able to take a day trip to any of these beaches during your Disney vacation!

How Far from Disney is the Closest Beach?

The closest beach to Disney World is Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach is about 70 minutes away from Disney World and will be the closest choice for a day trip when visiting Disney World. This is probably the easiest beach to get to from Disney, since it is the closest and it’s on the Atlantic Ocean.

Best Disney Beaches You Should Visit

When it comes to finding the perfect beach to visit while staying at Disney World, we narrowed our list of favorites down to ten beaches that are anywhere from 70 minutes to just about two hours away. All of these are close enough to do a day trip to, and close enough to not take a lot of time away from your Disney trip! Visiting one of these is a great way to spend you Disney rest day too!

It gets very hot in Florida, so don’t forget your water and sunscreen when visiting the beaches just like when visiting the parks. And just like relaxing at a Disney pool or water park, visiting a Florida beach is great for beating the heat !

Cocoa Beach

We will start with Cocoa Beach since it’s the closest of the beaches near Disney World at just over an hour away. Cocoa Beach is a city in Brevard County, close to both Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It’s a 70-minute drive from Disney World and is just 65 miles away. Cocoa Beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean and is a very popular beach for tourists and locals alike.

Don’t miss visiting the pier while here and taking advantage of the white sand beach for swimming, relaxing, and surfing. And speaking of surfing, Cocoa Beach is home to the largest surf shop in the world – the 52,000 feet Ron Jon Surf Shop.

This is a great beach for water sports, party boats, wind sailing, and so much more! There’s so much to do besides enjoying the white sands and blue water. Plus, the proximity to both the airport and Disney World makes this the perfect beach for a quick escape during your vacation.

Daytona Beach

Another one of Florida’s famous beaches is Daytona Beach. Considered “The World’s Most Famous Beach,” Daytona Beach is also one of the closest beaches near Disney World. In just over 70 minutes – or miles northeast of Disney World – you can have your toes in white sand or in the Atlantic Ocean.

This beach is very popular for Spring Break of course, and it’s also very busy for Bike Week, the Daytona 500, and for those interested in seeing the sea turtles laying eggs and venturing out into the ocean. Daytona Beach is unique because it is one of the beaches you can drive on, as well as it’s probably one of the more touristy beaches on our list.

While here, visit the beach, the Daytona International Speedway, and the boardwalk and pier. You also don’t want to miss the Museum of Art and Science to learn a little on your vacation.

St. Pete Beach

An hour and 40-minute drive will get you to St. Pete Beach in St. Petersburg on the Gulf Coast. This gorgeous beach is of the closest of the gulf beaches near Disney World, located on the barrier island. You’ll love the emerald-green water, white sands, and you don’t want to miss the iconic pink hotel known as the Don CeSar.

St. Pete Beach is a resort city, with lots of hotels, boutiques, and restaurants to visit while spending the day there. They have 10 public beach walkways, so there’s numerous areas to access the beach from. This beach is great for those looking to rent a beach cabana and relax, but there’s no shortage of water sports and bars for those looking for a little excitement too!

Kayaking and canoeing are very popular, but so are some of the more exciting water sports! You can parasail, go speed boating, and even go wind surfing at this beautiful beach.

Clearwater Beach

Located on the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is another one of our favorite beaches near Disney World. It’s just an hour and 45 minutes west of Disney. Clearwater is a wonderful beach for a day trip while visiting Disney World, and you won’t regret it!

Clearwater Beach is actually one of the best beaches in the nation! It was voted #1 by TripAdvisor, Dr. Beach, USA Today, and Forbes and it’s easy to see why. There are calm waves, deep emerald green water, and powdery soft white sand – the city even rakes the sand to keep it soft! This is the sand you’ll want to have your toes in.

This is the perfect beach to lay on, relax, and sink in the Florida sun. The sand is easy to brush off because it’s so soft. You’ll also enjoy the watersports, snorkeling, and great restaurants and shops.

New Smyrna Beach

Popular with locals, New Smyrna Beach is located just south of Daytona on the Atlantic coast and is only about an hour and 15 minutes away from Disney World. If you’re looking for a laid-back beach to visit, this is one of the calmest beaches near Disney World.

New Smyrna Beach is a calm, uncrowded hidden gem and you’ll enjoy the relaxing vacation vibes this beach has to offer. The golden-hued sands are gorgeous, and this beach is great for families, surfing, and is even dog-friendly!

While visiting New Smyrna Beach, be sure to check out Flagler Avenue – here you’ll find great places to eat, shop, and mingle with the locals. New Smyrna has a wonderful small-town feel, and the personality of the town is pretty funky. The boutiques and community are full of local art, and you’ll enjoy your trip down Flagler.

Canaveral National Seashore

Located between New Smyrna and Titusville on the barrier island, Canaveral National Seashore is just over an hour from Disney World. This is another one of the Atlantic coast beaches near Disney World and is a great place to unwind – this is the ultimate nature beach.

Canaveral National Seashore is wonderful for those looking to explore nature, and there’s no shortage of endangered species to observe – sea turtles, manatees, alligators, birds, and over 1000 species of plants populate the island. The Scrub Ridge Trail is a great place to explore, and you don’t want to miss out seeing the wetlands and ponds.

If you visit the beaches here, you’ll find calm, warm waters and great spots for fishing. There is a fee for visiting here, but the park pass gives you access to both the trails and beaches.

Over a hundred miles southwest of Disney World, you’ll be able to get to Vero Beach on the Atlantic Ocean in about an hour and 40 minutes. It’s in an area called Treasure Coast and is in between Daytona Beach and Palm Beach. This is one of the closest beaches near Disney World for a day trip, and here you’ll find 26 miles of coastline to enjoy.

This small seaside town is a great place to visit when looking to relax go shelling. The beach is uncrowded, and you’ll want to visit South Beach, Jaycee Park, and Round Island Beach Park while here.

You also will enjoy the non-beach activities to do here, since this little town is full of culture and art. Don’t miss the Vero Beach Museum of Art, the McKee Botanical Gardens, and Riverside Theatre.

And if you can’t get enough of Disney even on your rest days, consider visiting or even staying at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – it’s a Disney Vacation Club Resort located at Vero Beach!

Madeira Beach

Located on the Gulf Coast, you can reach Madeira Beach in about an hour and 40 minutes. This is just west of St. Pete, and is known as “Mad Beach” to the locals, this small beach town has a lot to offer for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Disney.

Madeira Beach is home to an 1100-foot boardwalk village center, that has over 100 shops and restaurants to enjoy. There’s 25 miles of powdery soft white sand, and calm clear water to swim in. This is one of our favorite beaches near Disney World for relaxing, and you won’t regret making the drive to this little laid-back town.

The 2 miles of coastline here are gorgeous, and don’t miss the stunning sunsets and soft white sands. This beach is not only beautiful, but also great for families, tubing, and shelling.

Melbourne Beach

An hour and a half southeast of Disney World, Melbourne Beach is known as the “Harbour City” by locals. There are miles of beautiful, unspoiled Atlantic beaches here, and the whole town has an old Florida feel to it. The beach is also loved by surfers because of the great waves.

This is a great beach to visit if you plan on visiting Kennedy Space Center since it’s so close to that as well. Not to mention, Melbourne Beach is the second largest nesting ground for seat turtles over the summer, and a lot of people come here to catch a glimpse of them – but please be careful and be sure not to disturb their nests!

If you plan on visiting Melbourne Beach, you can park for free at Curtis Byrd Park. You’ll be able to just walk right onto the beach!

Anastasia State Park

This is the farthest of our favorite beaches near Disney World, at exactly two hours from Disney. This beach is northeast of Orlando, near St. Augustine. This state park has an $8 entrance fee per car, but it’s worth it with all the park has to offer.

Anastasia State Park has tidal marshes, beaches, and nature trails to explore, and you won’t run out of nature to see on this 16,000-acre preserve. This is a great state park for camping, as well as visiting the beaches. There are 4 miles of white quartz sand beaches, and they are calm, relaxing, and perfect for shelling.

We hope that our list of beaches gives you some ideas for places to visit outside of Disney. You won’t regret visiting some of Florida’s famous beaches or exploring the beautiful Florida nature and wildlife while here. Make a little time for a beach day on your next Disney trip and enjoy that warm weather!

Do you plan on visiting any of these beaches near Disney World on your next trip? Or do you already have a favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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101 Things to Do Near Walt Disney World Without Going into a Theme Park

You’ve got time to kill on your arrival or departure day. You’re taking a chill day mid-vacation. You’ve got a park-phobic in your party. Whatever the reason, there may be times when you’re at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, but can’t, or don’t want to, venture into a theme park. Here’s a handy list of 101 ways to keep busy and have fun without heading into the parks.

Before I get going, let me say that one oft-mentioned reason for avoiding the theme parks is to save money. I mean, going into the park means a big outlay of funds for admission, right? Well, yes, if you’re going into the parks, you will need a ticket, but you should be aware that spending a day in the park may actually end up cheaper than looking for fun elsewhere. For example, the price difference between an 8-day Walt Disney World park ticket and a 9-day park ticket could be as little as $15 per adult, depending on your travel dates. Even simple activities like mini-golf ($19 per adult at Winter Summerland) or a trip to the movies (about $20 per adult ticket at AMC Disney Springs, depending on the film and time of the showing) will cost more than that. The math is less clear with a shorter stay, and you still may want or need to avoid the parks for sanity purposes, but you should sit down and do the math to make sure that a non-park day makes financial sense for you.

1. Sleep in. Take a nap. Take another nap. You’re on vacation!

2. Dine with characters at a resort hotel.

3. Go to a concert at House of Blues .

4. Create a candle at Bowes Signature Candles or at Basin, both at Disney Springs.

5. Watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from any of the monorail line resorts.

6. Indulge in some decadent pastries at Amorette’s . Cake decorating lessons are also available.

7. Explore the holiday decorations at the resorts. This is primarily a winter activity, but some resorts also have small displays for Easter, Halloween, and other events.

8. Stage a family photoshoot at the Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio .

9. Swim at your resort pool.

10. Taste all the tapas at Jaleo .

11. Get a personalized ornament for your tree at the Disney Springs Days of Christmas Shop.

12. Shop for fashion. There are so many stores at Disney Springs or at Orlando area outlet malls.

13. Bowl a few frames at Splitsville .

14. Go to a hoedown dinner at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue .

15. Rent a canoe at Fort Wilderness.

16. Get your face painted at Disney Springs.

17. Visit a Disney merchandise outlet shop .

18. Rent a bike . Several resorts have both standard bike and surrey bike options.

19. See a movie at AMC Disney Springs.

20. Ride the monorail.

21. Ride the Skyliner .

22. Learn some circus skills .

23. Run a marathon .

24. Take a ride in a hot air balloon .

25. Visit the horses at Fort Wilderness .

26. Use the fitness center, several Walt Disney World resorts have gyms for guest use.

27. Play some games at the hotel arcade.

28. Have a drink and sing along with the amazing keyboardists at Jellyrolls piano bar .

29. Watch the big game at City Works bar .

30. Watch a Cirque du Soleil show.

31. Play miniature golf . There are two courses on Disney property, Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens, as well as many off-site options.

32. Stroll around the Boardwalk and watch the free evening entertainment: magicians, musicians, jugglers, etc.

33. Go for a jog. Many Disney resorts have interesting jogging or walking paths. Ask for a map at your hotel’s front desk.

34. Volunteer at Give Kids the World . This wonderful organization provides cost-free vacations for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. It an awe-inspiring place.

35. Take a day trip to Kennedy Space Center, a bit over an hour away in Port Canaveral.

36. Play tennis. Courts are available at Saratoga Springs, Yacht Club, Fort Wilderness, Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, and Old Key West.

37. Karaoke, baby. Kimonos bar at the Swan features karaoke on Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

38. Check out the animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can see many of the same animals available for viewing on the Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safari, without entering the theme park.

39. Rent a cabana, available at most deluxe resorts. Have your own poolside oasis with comfy chairs, a TV, fresh towels, and the service of an attendant.

40. Visit a trampoline park .

41. Play regulation golf. Disney has three 18-hole and one 9-hole golf courses.

42. Go fishing . There are both guided experiences from a boat and dock-based fishing options available.

43. Create a plush animal at the Build-A-Dino Store at the T-Rex Cafe .

44. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans .

45. Take the kids to a playground .

46. Attend the free Chip & Dale Campfire Singalong at Fort Wilderness.

47. Watch a sporting event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

48. Watch Irish Step Dancing. Music and dancing are part of the entertainment at Raglan Road .

49. Have tea. The soon-to-be-open Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk will offer traditional tea service.

50. Ride a carousel. The mini carousel at Disney Springs is the perfect place for little ones to get their first play on the ponies. There’s a tiny train ride too.

51. Shoot some pool. There are free tables located just outside the Turf Club Bar and Grill at Saratoga Springs.

52. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant. This free boat parade passes by the Magic Kingdom and area resorts every evening, weather permitting.

53. Listen to some light opera at Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel .

54. Build a sand castle. There are sandy beach areas at the many of the Disney resorts. While you can’t swim in the water, the sand is perfect for digging and sculpting.

55. Hit the beach. Real live beach areas (you know, with the ocean) are about an hour away from the parks.

56. Get a makeover. The Sephora at Disney Springs will be the place for all things beautification, and on the off chance that they don’t have what you need, the nearby MAC Cosmetics surely will.

57. Have the best meal of your life at Victoria & Albert’s .

58. Make your own treat at Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs. Choose cookies, apples, pretzels, or marshmallows. Dip them in caramel, white chocolate, or milk chocolate. Cover them with nuts, sprinkles, cookie crumbs, or more chocolate. Yes!

59. Get in Tiki mode at Trader Sam’s .

60. Get a cupcake from a vending machine at Sprinkles .

61. Pretend you’re on the islands at Margaritaville .

62. Listen to some tunes at the Hard Rock Hotel .

63. Get a massage at the Senses Salon at the Grand Floridian , or a pedicure at The Mandara Spa (there’s one at Universal too!)

64. Chow down on some roasted pig at a luau .

65. Be amazed at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum.

66. Make a trade. Stop by your resort’s gift shop or the pin trading station at Disney Springs. You can tweak your collection by swapping pins with the cast members or other guests.

67. Hunt for Hidden Mickeys at your resort.

68. Crash a wedding. I’m not encouraging you to pull a Vince Vaughn, but if you station yourself near Disney’s Wedding Pavillion for a while, you’re bound to see some wedding parties and blushing brides heading to their nuptials. Always charming.

69. Get a Hair Wrap.

70. Break your way out of an escape room .

71. Sample dozens of sodas at the Coca-Cola Store .

72. Show off your moves at Atlantic Dance Hall .

73. See the entire area from above on Icon Park Orlando .

74. Make your own crayon at the Crayola Experience .

75. See some theater or other live entertainment at the Dr. Phillips Center .

76. Have your portrait cut in silhouette at Disney Springs.

77. Go for a river cruise — in an automobile. The Boathouse offers an amphicar experience where you can tour the Disney Springs waterways in rare style.

78. Get some culture at the Orlando Museum of Art .

79. Create a masterpiece at the Disney Springs LEGO store.

80. Go to church. If services are important to you, your resort concierge can help you find a nearby congregation that meets your needs. Many local churches welcome visitors.

81. Get inked. The Hart and Huntington Studio at Universal City Walk can adorn you with a permanent souvenir of your vacation.

82. Do your laundry. No it’s not exciting, but sometimes you do need to take care of chores. Every WDW resort hotel has guest laundry facilities available. And let’s face it, it is more fun to wait for your whites to dry when you’re sitting poolside than it is when you’re in your kitchen.

83. Read a trashy novel. We won’t judge.

84. Rent a swan boat at Lake Eola Park .

85. Pretend you’re royalty at Medieval Times .

86. Try some gluten-free eats at Erin McKenna’s Bakery .

87. Explore the Carolwood Pacific Room (a.k.a Iron Spike Room) at the Boulder Ridge Villas. The Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has its own lobby with a train-themed lounge filled with railroad memorabilia related to Walt Disney’s love of trains.

88. Conquer the famous Kitchen Sink . It’s legendary at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

89. Go antiquing. Hunt for vintage Disney World memorabilia at area antique shops.

90. Take an archery lesson at Fort Wilderness. Merida better watch out!

91. Educate yourself at a Disney Resort. Certain Disney World Resorts like Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge have artifacts on display for guests to discover.

92. Have a Dole Whip . The Polynesian Village Resort offers a Dole Whip window known as the Pineapple Lanai. In addition to your classic Dole Whip combos, this locale also offers specialty flavors from time to time. You can also get a Dole Whip at Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs.

93. Make a friend. Disney guests and cast members come from every state and all over the world. Strike up a conversation at the pool, bar, or spa. You never know who you’ll meet.

94. Find your perfect shoe at Fit2Run. This Disney Springs store is known for its running shoes and apparel, but also for its custom fit analysis that evaluates your foot to determine the shoe that’s best for you.

95. Hunt for Indiana Jones artifacts. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs is packed with references and items from the Indiana Jones films.

96. Collect Pressed Pennies. At many of the resorts, you can find pressed penny machines that make for a cool (and inexpensive!) souvenir. Plus, it’s a challenge to try to collect them all.

97. Participate in the cult of the Gideon’s Bakehouse cookie.

98. Enjoy a Caribbean tasting dinner with a rum pairing .

99. Listen to a pianist. At the Grand Floridian Resort lobby, a pianist plays a variety of tunes on a grand piano.

100. Take a Disney Vacation Club Tour. See a stand or representative for the Disney Vacation Club? Stop by to learn more about Disney’s version of a timeshare and maybe to take a tour of certain DVC Villas. You may even get a cool freebie too.

101. Book your next trip. Disney typically offers discounts to repeat visitors if they book their next vacation during their current vacation. Look for an offer sheet in your room (they’re often in the welcome folder on the table or desk), or if you don’t see one, speak to your resort concierge about a “Bounce Back” discount.

These are just some of the things you can do in Central Florida without venturing into a theme park. What are your favorite non-park activities?

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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Four seasons resort orlando at walt disney world resort.

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Eight of the Best Beaches to Visit Near Walt Disney World

I’m in Florida, there has to be a beach I can visit close to Walt Disney World, right? Well, while Walt Disney World doesn’t exactly have a beach location that is “close,” (it is located in central Florida) there are many beaches within a one to two-hour drive that would make great additions to your Walt Disney World vacation. 

To help you decide what beaches near Walt Disney World are the best fit to add to your itinerary, we located eight of Florida’s most popular beaches near Walt Disney World that have everything you desire for a nice beach day (or two) escape! 

When deciding to visit a beach in Florida that is relatively close to Walt Disney World, the first decision that you will want to make is the East Coast (Atlantic Ocean) or West Coast (Gulf Coast). Each coast has something to offer that is pretty spectacular. 

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Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

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East Coast Disney World Beaches

The East Coast beaches are slightly closer to Walt Disney World because Orlando is not exactly in the middle of the state, it is slightly more east. These beaches are typically your more brown sand and slightly more muddled water, but a day at any beach is better than a day without a beach in sight.

Cocoa Beach

Photo credit: VisitOrlando.com

At just around 70 miles from Walt Disney World, Cocoa Beach is located on the eastern coast of Florida’s beautiful Space Coast. Rent a car for the 75-minute drive to this activity-rich hot spot for one of your beaches near Walt Disney World. Situated near  Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex , Cocoa Beach is a great place to see a rocket launch if you are lucky!

Cocoa Beach’s spacious beaches allow you plenty of room to wet your feet! Beach access is granted from four parks: Alan Shepard Park, Sidney Fischer Park, Lori Wilson Park – Operated by Brevard County, and Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park – Operated by Brevard County. Or, cross over a dune to the beach where the city provides 40 “stub-end” streets with metered parking. An ideal getaway spot, Cocoa Beach is a blast – literally!

Cocoa Beach has something for everyone –  volleyball; a wide range of water sports, including fishing, kayaking, boating, parasailing, and water tours (just to name a few); bicycle riding, and, of course, surfing. Speaking of surfing, Kelly Slater, an 11-time ASP World Champion surfer, carved his career from the very waves that crash along this beach! If surfing intrigues you, stop into the world’s largest surf shop – Ron Jon Surf Shop which is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day!

While visiting this coastal paradise, visit the world-famous Cocoa Beach Pier ! It’s 800-foot stretch into the Atlantic Ocean houses restaurants, bars, gift shops, and live musical adventures. Riki Tiki Tavern , located at the end of the pier, provides a delicious variety of seafood-inspired dishes and specialty cocktails.

Whether you want to learn how to surf or build sand castles with your kids on the beach, this quaint beach, popular with WDW visitors, offers silky soft sand and warm ocean breezes.

Daytona Beach

Photo credit: Daytonabeach.com

Approximately 70 miles east of WDW (about an hour's drive), on the beautiful Atlantic Coast, escape the Disney World crowds by spending a relaxing day at Daytona Beach. This beach is one of the most popular options for beaches near Walt Disney World.

Daytona Beach has 23 miles of the white-sand beach to play on and offers visitors tons of water activities, seasonal free concerts on the beach, bicycle rentals, and even a boardwalk! This classic boardwalk has thrill rides, amusements, gift shops, snack bars, restaurants, and a classic arcade.

The area around Daytona Beach is filled with a variety of activities to fill your time, such as botanical gardens; Sun Splash Park; Ponce Inlet Lighthouse ; Daytona Lagoon water park, which offers go-karts, laser tag, and water slides; or tours through the ever-popular Daytona International Speedway !

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

A little over 100 miles (that’s an hour and a half drive from WDW) will lead you to a place that encompasses all of Disney’s magic nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean! Stay the night (or two) and experience all the amenities Disney hotels have to offer with the luxury of beach access steps away from your hotel doorstep! 

Since Disney’s Vero Beach Resort has the densest sea turtle nesting spots in the Western Hemisphere, you may even get lucky enough to witness sea turtle nests or the tedious journey the newly hatched turtles will take to get back to the ocean. 

As with everything Disney, your entertainment options are endless! If you are looking for some family fun on the water, rent boogie boards, sailboats, jet skis, kayaks, or banana boats! Or if soaking up the sun relaxing on the beach while your children play in the sand is your preference, rent chairs and umbrellas!

Looking for a little break from the kids? Disney offers that as well as soothing spa services while they offer supervision at the Children’s Activity Center! And no night is complete without a campfire on the beach roasting S’mores!

New Smyrna Beach

Photo credit: expedia.com

Only 70 miles northeast of Walt Disney World (about an hour and 15 minutes) is where New Smyrna Beach is located! Just south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach can be a little more of a family-friendly option if you happen to be visiting near spring break time. 

New Smyrna Beach is 17 miles of laid-back, white sandy beaches. There are so many activities that you and your family can enjoy while visiting including the boardwalk, driving on the beach, trails to walk, bike, or horseback ride, ocean diving on the wrecks, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sunset dolphin tours. If surfing really interests you or your family, Smyrna Beach is well-known by expert and amateur surfers alike. 

While many families don’t bring their four-legged furry friends to their Walt Disney World vacation, if you have, Smyrna Beach offers a dog beach located at Smyrna Dunes Park. 

While visiting New Smyrna Beach can be a day trip, you can also stay a little longer to visit some of the other amazing attractions New Smyrna has to offer like the Ponce Inlet and Lighthouse Museum, the Marine Discovery Center (home to the healthy Indian River Lagoon), or visit the NSB Speedway. You could also travel downtown to Flagler Avenue, a place you’ll find great places to eat, shop, and mingle with the locals.

West Coast Disney World Beaches

While the west coast beaches are slightly farther away, they offer nice white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters to swim in. 

Clearwater Beach

Photo credit: clearwaterbeach.com

Located 90 miles to the west of WDW on the Gulf of Mexico is a beach where the sand is a calming white against the turquoise water. Voted # 1 Beach in America by TripAdvisor, Clearwater Beach has everything you need to refuel for one of your beaches near Walt Disney World options.

Abundant water activities, such as boating, fishing, scuba diving tours, and of course, swimming are available to visitors. Are your kids obsessed with Pirates of the Caribbean? Well, take them on an actual pirate ship! Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship Tour will have them feeling just like Jack Sparrow!

And if that isn’t enough to occupy the kids, there is always Pier 60 , which houses a large playground on the beach. Another must-see attraction is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where you can say hello to Winter and Hope – the stars of the movies Dolphin Tale 1 and Dolphin Tale 2.

Cafes, snack shops, and restaurants are nearby when you need to refuel from all of the fun activities that Clearwater Beach offers. Between nature parks, performance centers, BayCare Ballpark (used by Major League Baseball teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies), and museums, Clearwater Beach is a place where everyone on your Walt Disney World vacation can find something to enjoy.

St. Pete Beach

Photo credit: visitflorida.com

A little farther at 101 miles away from Walt Disney World (almost 2 hours) is St. Pete Beach. This barrier island beach is one of the closest gulf coast beaches you can visit Walt Disney World. When visiting St. Pete Beach, you will be greeted by soft, white sand and clear waters. A positive here is that there is a place to visit for any mood you are feeling that day.  

With miles of beaches, shops, boutiques, restaurants, and surf shops, you can have a laid-back day relaxing on the Gulf Coast. 

Family fun can be found at Upham Beach Park, one of the only stretches of beach that you will find not located behind a hotel. Here your family can relax and enjoy the water or play a quick game of volleyball. 

If adventure is more your speed, book an evening LED-illuminated tour on glass-bottom kayaks, take a jet ski tour, go parasailing, speed boating, or windsurfing, or rent a bicycle at Lenny’s Surf Shop.

Siesta Key Beach

Photo credit: visitsarasota.com

At 122 miles away from Walt Disney World (right at 2 hours away) Siesta Key is the farthest beach, but well worth the drive. This beach is known for its relaxing atmosphere as you enjoy the warm waters of the gulf coast. This may be just the perfect getaway for a honeymoon trip to Disney World or an adult only trip. However, there are many family activities in the area as well.  

The Siesta Key Beach offers plenty of amenities that make this a relaxing visit. According to “Visit Sarasota: Beaches and Beyond”, Siesta Key offers large parking areas, concession stands, a free trolley to get around on the island, and nearby fun in the Siesta Key Village. As you are enjoying the 8 miles of pristine sand and clear waters, search for the abundance of shark teeth that are known to wash ashore. 

The Siesta Key offers activities for all types of visitors. During the day, spend time relaxing at the beach or enjoy one of the activities Siesta Key has to offer including beach volleyball, playgrounds, shopping and dining, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, renting a boat or jet skis, taking a fishing charter, or going parasailing. Immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife of comedy clubs, live music, artistic performances, and more. 

Anna Maria Island

Photo credit: annamariaisland.com

Only 110 miles away (just under two hours) from Walt Disney World is the relaxing, 7 miles of beach known as Anna Maria Island. This beach is perfect if you are wanting the old Florida Beach feel. There are no high-rises to line the beaches on Anna Maria Island. 

A good meal is easy to come by, and you never even have to leave the beach if you don’t want to due to the public grills and picnic tables. However, if cooking sounds like too much work,, there are plenty of beach cafes and restaurants nearby.

There are tons of relaxing activities to enjoy such as fishing guides & charters, kayak & boat rentals, bike rentals, piers, or horseback on the beach. Historic Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island is a great place to browse art galleries, shop and dine. Anna Maria Island even has an air-conditioned trolley to help you get around while visiting. 

What is the best Disney World Beach?

You have already spent so much time planning your Walt Disney World vacation (made much easier thanks to Mickey Visit), how do you know which beach is the best one to visit for your family or traveling party?

Driving to Beaches near Disney World

If you drove to your vacation at Walt Disney World, you can’t go wrong with any of the beaches on our list. However, if you flew or took the train to Walt Disney World, getting to one of these stunning beaches may take a little more effort. One of the easiest options is to just rent a car if you know that you want to explore outside of Walt Disney World, and since parking is now free at the resorts, you would only have to incur the cost of the rental car itself. 

However, if you would prefer to use public transportation there are a few different ways to get to a couple of the beaches. Using https://www.rome2rio.com/ , a site that can tell you how to get to any destination in the world and what it may cost, there are a few beaches that would be relatively easy to navigate to using Florida’s transportation options. 

Taking a taxi to the Orlando Bus station would be your first point of transportation to get to a beach nearby. Then you could take the Orlando Bus Station to Daytona Beach, FL.

If you want to go to Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, take a taxi to the Orlando train station, take the Amtrak train to Tampa, and then another taxi to Clearwater or St. Pete Beach.

Beach Experience

Depending on the type of Walt Disney World vacation you are on, will most likely depend on which beach you want to travel to. Any of the eight beaches will offer a different experience, so no matter how many times you want to include a beach trip in your Walt Disney World vacation, you will have a great time. 

If you are looking for something a little more family-friendly, New Smyrna, St. Pete, Clearwater, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, or Cocoa Beach would be great options with tons of activities for a family.

If you want something a little more laid back to relax during an adults-only trip or something with vibrant nightlife, then Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, or Daytona Beach are probably the three that I would consider going to.

Beach Travel Time Disney World

Walt Disney World Vacations are incredibly fun, but they can also be stressful with the amount of planning it takes to do everything that your kids want to accomplish. In addition, most WDW vacations are a once-in-a-lifetime experience (we always hope not, but it happens) and you want to get the most out of your trip. When adding in a beach day, it may add to the stress and hustle to get everything done at the beach location of your choosing, so it may be wise to go ahead and plan to stay overnight at your beach destination when thinking about detouring from the Walt Disney World parks.

Florida tourism has a lot to offer, and just like if your Walt Disney World trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your visit to Florida may be as well. Budgeting and planning to stay at the beach of your choosing so that your family can experience all that it has to offer is a great idea! This will also take some of the stress of the transportation to and from WDW away. 

Ready to Plan Your Day at the Beaches near Walt Disney World?

Are you ready to escape the crowds at Walt Disney World and get busy doing nothing at beaches near Walt Disney World? Subscribe to our FREE deals newsletter which is full of helpful planning information and exclusive Disney deals! Better yet, our newsletter provides you with access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere! Let us help you plan your Walt Disney World and beach vacation:

• Disney World Hotel Reviews 2018: Pros and Cons of Every WDW Resort
• Walt Disney World Tickets 2018 Guide: Get Cheap WDW Tickets!
• The Ultimate Guide to Disney World Transportation
• Walt Disney World Character Meet and Greets: Ultimate Guide to Characters
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About Jessica Miller

Jessica is a full-time high school teacher and a part-time writer. She is also a full-time mom! When she isn't working, she loves to take vacations with her family to Disney.

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Hotels near Walt Disney World, Orlando

Enter your dates and choose from 651 hotels and other places to stay, featured hotels near walt disney world, star rating, review score.

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Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Lake Buena Vista, Orlando (1.6 miles from Walt Disney World)

Nestled in a secluded, residential setting within 26 sprawling acres, our AAA Five Diamond Resort is a lakeside haven dotted with gardens, pools and towering pillars of palms and cypress.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Lake Buena Vista, Orlando (1.4 miles from Walt Disney World)

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and garden in Orlando.

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Lake Buena Vista, Orlando (1.2 miles from Walt Disney World)

Located in the Walt Disney World Resort, this hotel offers a water taxi service to Epcot, Disney's Boardwalk, and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Swan

This hotel is located in the center of the Walt Disney World Resort. On-site hotel features include a beach, 5 outdoor pools, and 17 restaurants and lounges.

Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek

Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Orlando (2.3 miles from Walt Disney World)

Located on the grounds of Walt Disney World, Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek features 5 outdoor pools, 2 lazy rivers, 6 hot tubs, 2 children's water play areas, 3 restaurants, a spa and free WiFi access.

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Lake Buena Vista, Orlando (2.3 miles from Walt Disney World)

Nestled on 500 acres of lush tropical landscapes, this lakeside Orlando property is only minutes away from Walt Disney World. A full-service spa and 5 restaurants are located on site.

Top 10 trending hotels near Walt Disney World

Discover our most popular hotels from the last 30 days, enjoy breakfast at hotels near walt disney world.

Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs Area

Located in Orlando, 1.4 miles from Disney Springs, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs Area provides accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

Breakfast was excellent and the staff was friendly.

Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS Town Center

Located in Orlando, 5.4 miles from Disney's Boardwalk, Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS Town Center provides accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a shared...

New and clean, what more can you expect? Great place .

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS® Town Center

Located in Orlando, 5.4 miles from Disney's Boardwalk, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS® Town Center provides accommodations with free bikes, private parking, an...

Close-ish to disney nice pool breakfast was decent

Homewood Suites By Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings, Fl

Homewood Suites By Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings, Fl in Orlando features 3-star accommodations with a bar and barbecue facilities.

Very clean hotel good pool to relax friendly staff

Home2 Suites By Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings, FL

Featuring barbecue facilities, Home2 Suites By Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings, FL is located in Orlando in the Florida region, 5.4 miles from Disney's Boardwalk and 5.8 miles from Disney's Blizzard...

spacious suites, clean and very good breakfast.. friendly staff

Pestana Orlando Suites - Lake Buena Vista

Located in Orlando, 2.9 miles from Disney Springs, Pestana Orlando Suites - Lake Buena Vista provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a shared...

Great customer service at Reception. Lovely people.

ette luxury hotel & spa

Located in Orlando, 3.3 miles from Disney's Animal Kingdom, ette luxury hotel & spa has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden.

Staff where excellent. Boutique hotel that felt like home. Staff felt like Family.

Hampton Inn Lake Buena Vista / Orlando

Hampton Inn Lake Buena Vista / Orlando is located in the heart of Lake Buena Vista, just 1.5 mi away from the Walt Disney World Resort.

Big rooms which were important when travelling with kids

Budget hotels near Walt Disney World

Quality Inn & Suites By the Parks

Quality Inn & Suites By The Parks is located 1.5 mi from the Walt Disney World Resort and 8.4 mi from the Orlando Premium Outlets. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool and modern rooms with free WiFi.

Room sizes, beds were great, staff always friendly.

Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway

This Kissimmee hotel offers a free scheduled transfer service to 6.5 mi from Walt Disney World (6.5 mi) and other area theme parks. Two outdoor pools and a mini-golf course are on site.

Great room and facilities. Near Walmart and Starbucks.

Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East

This Kissimmee Seralago Hotel and Suites Main Gate East is adjacent to Old Town amusement park off US Highway 192. Features include 2 heated outdoor pools with 2 hot tubs .

La ubicación inmejorable tiene fácil acceso a todo

Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW - Celebration Area, an IHG Hotel

Located 10 minutes' drive from Walt Disney World, this Kissimmee hotel offers a 2 outdoor pools and 2 on-site restaurants. Guests will also be 5 minutes' walk from Old Town amusement park.

All the employees are friendly and customer service

Comfort Inn & Suites Kissimmee by the Parks

This Kissimmee hotel is 1 mi from the Disney Theme Parks. This completely smoke-free hotel offers a free scheduled shuttle to area theme parks and to the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Mall.

Fun room with bunk beds! Very clean. Good location

Motel 6-Kissimmee, FL - Orlando

Motel 6 Orlando - Kissimmee Main Gate East is located across the street from shopping and entertainment at Old Town. This hotel has an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy.

The location was good the staff was really really nice

Travelodge by Wyndham Kissimmee Orlando

Located in Orlando, 3.9 miles from Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, Travelodge by Wyndham Kissimmee Orlando has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue...

Su ubicación. Estaba relativamente cerca de los puntos de interés para mi.

Studio 6-Kissimmee, FL - Orlando

Studio 6 Orlando - Kissimmee is located in Orlando, 2.6 mi from Disney Springs and 3.1 mi from Disney's Hollywood Studios. Every room comes with a TV. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom.

The staff are helpful an the pool is not open yet.

Hotels with great access to Walt Disney World!

Marriott's Imperial Palms Villas

Located in Orlando, Florida, this resort is off of Highway 536 and is near Universal Studios and Disney World. It offers self-catering villas, an outdoor pool.

דירה מאוד מרווחת ומאובזרת היטב הצוות נתן שירות מצוין

Marriott's Royal Palms

Located in Orlando, Florida, this resort is 15 minutes by car to Walt Disney World. It offers a gym, outdoor swimming pool and kid's pool, as well as access to nearby restaurants.

great location, clean and well kept, friendly staff

Candlewood Suites - Orlando - Lake Buena Vista, an IHG Hotel

Located in Orlando, 2.4 miles from Disney Springs, Candlewood Suites - Orlando - Lake Buena Vista, an IHG Hotel has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center and...

they had a free shuttle bus and a convenient store nearby

AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista

Our new intuitively designed AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena vista is a perfectly precise hotel, with everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Clean, comfortable beds, modern bathroom and design.

Located on the grounds of Walt Disney World, Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek features 5 outdoor pools, 2 lazy rivers, 6 hot tubs, 2 children's water play areas, 3 restaurants, a spa and free WiFi access.

Everything was fantastic I would love to stay here again.

Marriott's Sabal Palms

Marriott's Sabal Palms is 2.6 mi from Walt Disney World. It offers an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and self-catering villas with a balcony.

appartement beautiful Shower great kitchen great

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS Town Center-Western Entrance

Located less than 0.9 mi from the Western entrance to Walt Disney World Resort, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando at Flamingo Crossings/Western Entrance features an on-site Disney Planning Center...

large rooms, free breakfast and beautiful pool area

TownePlace Suites Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS® Town Center/Western Entrance

Located less than 0.9 mi from the western entrance to Walt Disney World Resort®, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando at Flamingo Crossings/Western Entrance has an on-site Disney Planning Center...

Breakfast was good room was clean and plenty of sunshine

Walt Disney World Resort

Not small by any stretch of the imagination, this is an absolute universe of fun. There’s something for everyone – from the enchanting Magic Kingdom with its old-school Disney attractions and fairy-tale castle, to today's modern, adrenaline-packed theme parks. Highlights include water slides galore, an African safari brought to life, and a world within worlds at Epcot.

Planning a trip to see the Walt Disney World? Check out the latest reviews and scores

My family enjoys disney’s magical experience..

First of all, if you are visiting Walt Disney World - ALWAYS...

Don't like being called friend by disney staff..

Don’t go unless you are willing to pay thousands of dollars...

Pick magic kingdom has more variety for small kids and....

We had a lovely time on NEW YEAR'S EVE at the Star Wars'...

People are talking about Walt Disney World! Explore guest hotel reviews featuring "Walt Disney World"

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What Guests Said About Walt Disney World:

Hotel was a short drive to universal and it was nestled just inside the walt disney world resort.

Hotel was a short drive to Universal and it was nestled just inside the Walt Disney World Resort.

Went to Disney world with the kids to see their favourite Disney characters as well as universal studios to see more

Went to Disney world with the kids to see their favourite Disney characters as well as universal studios to see more. Fun fun fun all the way

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Stay in the Magic… and Play!

Customize a walt disney world resort vacation package to suit your style and budget., start planning your disney vacation, what’s exciting and new, finding nemo: the big blue… and beyond.

Witness a stirring spectacle of puppetry, music and more during this reimagined stage show set in Nemo’s vibrant underwater world.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Bring the whole family to zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen as you take in the sights, sounds and even smells from Remy’s world.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Leave the real world behind in this high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON .

Watch in awe as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in a nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.

4 Enchanting Theme Parks

Magic kingdom park.

During your visit, you can:

• Be dazzled by music, dancing and vivid pageantry during the Festival of Fantasy Parade —a grand tribute to the tales and inhabitants of Fantasyland.
• Enjoy iconic attractions and experiences across incredible lands—including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , a swaying family coaster ride that will have you racing through a diamond mine.
• Rediscover beloved classic Disney attractions such as Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world.”
• Delight in family-friendly thrills on ever-popular coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .
• Leave the real world behind for a high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON —on TRON Lightcycle / Run .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar . Here, you can fly on the back of a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, hike amid floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’Ara and take a mystical boat ride into a bioluminescent rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey.
• Set off in an open-air vehicle across a lush African savanna teeming with exotic animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris .
• Speed through the Himalayas on a runaway train while avoiding the Yeti as you conquer Expedition Everest .
• Wave to beloved Disney Characters as they sail along the Discovery River on fabulous flotillas.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Pack your imagination, switch tracks and take a ride on the cartoon side like never before when you hop aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway .
• Live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge ! Experience 2 thrilling attractions, build your own droid or lightsaber, savor Batuu’s tasty food and beverages, shop for Star Wars -themed merchandise and more!
• Discover big fun for kids and grown-ups alike at Toy Story Land . Take a wild ride on Slinky Dog Dash and go for a whirl on Alien Swirling Saucers.
• Watch in wonder as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in Fantasmic! —an extravagant nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.
• Celebrate every season at themed festivals featuring fantastic food, live entertainment and more—select dates throughout the year.
• Blast off on an intergalactic chase with Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind —a coaster inspired by the rockin’ movies.
• Board an ancient Norwegian vessel and be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle during a Frozen Ever After adventure.
• Journey around World Showcase , where you can explore the culture, arts, food and beverages of 11 different countries.

Save Up to 30% When You Stay 5 Nights or Longer

Stay in the magic with disney resorts collection, enjoy more time in the parks.

Early Theme Park Entry Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry —available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Early theme park entry gives you a head start in the parks, so you’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And you can enjoy this benefit on each day of your stay—in any park, subject to capacity.

For early theme park entry, you'll need valid admission and a MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours —experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Together with early theme park entry—available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests—you’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so you can maximize your time in the parks!

Review our calendar for extended evening hours and dates .

If using a ticket with the Park Hopper option that requires a theme park reservation, please remember that you must enter the park where you made your reservation before you can visit other theme parks.

Start Your Stay with a Water Park Day in 2025

With this water park benefit, it’s easy to unwind on the day you arrive. Get ready to zip down thrilling water slides, relax on sandy beaches, float along a lazy river... and let your cares drift away. Learn more about the Walt Disney World water parks .

More details about this benefit will be available in late 2024, and will be shared with you before your stay.

Important Information About This Benefit

• This benefit is exclusive to registered Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel with a check-in date from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. All Guests must be on the Resort reservation. View eligible Disney Resort hotels .
• This benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Check the park calendar and operating hours closer to your 2025 arrival to plan your check-in day.
• Usage of this benefit is subject to availability.
• At this time, a park reservation is not required to visit a water park; however, reservation requirements are subject to change.
• Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures, or may close for other reasons.
• Each of our water parks is refurbished annually. These routine maintenance periods are staggered, so our Guests should be able to enjoy at least one water park experience year-round.
• Water park admission is nontransferable, nonrefundable and has no cash value, and excludes activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public.
• Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refund or credit given for any such changes or cancellation. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

Savor a World of Flavor

With tasty meals and snacks moments away, it’s easy to make the most of the magic during your stay.

Explore dining experiences available for booking during your vacation.

View a full list of the dining options at Walt Disney World Resort.

Add a Dining Plan

Now you can add a dining plan to Disney Resort Hotel Packages.

Dining plans can add the convenience and flexibility of prepaid meals and snacks to your vacation—and give you peace of mind.

Highlights include:

• Savings: Save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package! Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.
• Convenience & Peace of Mind: With 2 dining plans to choose from, you can spend more time with your family enjoying the Disney magic (and less time on meal budgeting). And this gives you the opportunity to say that magic word to your kids... "Yes."
• Flexibility: There are more than 200 locations to dine at throughout our Disney Resort hotels, theme parks and select locations at Disney Springs. So there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

Learn more about dining plans .

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms and more, the Disney Resorts Collection offers Guests a variety of options that exemplify the Disney difference.

Proximity Staying at a Disney Resort hotel keeps you in the magic—close to the theme parks, water parks and shopping at the Disney Springs area.

Activities and Amenities Disney Resort hotels feature amenities that immerse Guests in the worlds of classic Disney tales—including themed pools with slides, poolside activities, Character Dining experiences, unique recreation, delightful surprises and so much more.

Endless Possibilities With all of the great options in the Disney Resorts Collection, you’re sure to find one—or more than one—that fits you. From theme to budget, you have a world of amazing options to consider. You’re not just choosing a place to sleep at night—you’re choosing your home for the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Want to wake up, look out your window, and say good morning to a giraffe? You can when you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . Ever stayed on the shores of the South Pacific? Drift away to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort . Or come home to larger-than-life recreations of scenes from favorite Disney and Pixar classics at Disney's Art of Animation Resort !

These are just a few of the Disney Resort hotels that await you at Walt Disney World Resort !

Make the Most of Your Visit

Get around with ease.

Resort Transportation

Our complimentary bus , boat and monorail services are available to take you to popular destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—some Disney Resort hotels even offer convenient walking paths to nearby parks.

Plus, the most recent addition to our fantastic world on the go, Disney Skyliner lets Guests glide across the sky while traveling between:

• EPCOT (International Gateway)
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels enjoy complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks, Disney water parks and the Disney Springs area.

Add More Magic

As a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you can purchase a MagicBand+ at a special pre-arrival price.

MagicBand+ includes all of the features you’ve come to love with MagicBand—and more! Your MagicBand+ can be used to:

• Unlock your Disney Resort hotel room
• Enter theme parks and water parks (with valid admission)
• Check in at Lightning Lane entrances and virtual queues
• Charge food and merchandise purchases**
• Discover enchanting surprises and interactions across Walt Disney World Resort
• Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your Disney account

Learn more about MagicBand+ .

Early Access to Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Entry

Get quicker entry to a couple of our most popular attractions! If you’re a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you’re eligible to make your first individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7:00 AM each day of your visit. You can select a one-hour arrival window, one at a time, for up to 2 different attractions per day. Guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green may also enjoy this early-access benefit. All other Guests are eligible to make their first purchase when the park opens.

Learn more about our Lightning Lane entrances .

Note: Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, and are not guaranteed. To enter a theme park, valid admission is required. A theme park reservation may also be required. Price, terms and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.

Make Reservations for Dining and More Get ready to dine or unwind! Here’s when you can make reservations for dining and Enchanting Extras Collection experiences :

• Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning , since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day.
• All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance.

To dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant, a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of Guests—regardless of age—is highly recommended. You will also need valid admission for the same park on that same date for each Guest ages 3 and up. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type. Learn more.

Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily.

** Credit card must be presented at Disney Resort hotel check-in for purchases with MagicBand. Purchases are charged to your Disney Resort hotel account.

Enjoy Magical Extras with Your Package

More fun for everyone, disney water parks.

Zip down some of the world's tallest and fastest waterslides, plunge into fun on a family raft ride, feel your cares drift away on a lazy river or unwind on a sandy beach. Plus, your little ones can splash around in kid-sized areas!

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Closed for Refurbishment Chill out in a winter wonderland at a one-time ski resort that melted into warm water.

Here, you can:

• Conquer the slopes of Mount Gushmore on Summit Plummet —one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall waterslides.
• Zoom down other thrilling waterslides, like the Downhill Double Dipper and Slush Gusher .
• Float along Cross Country Creek , a 3,000-foot-long lazy river.
• Let your little ones explore Tike’s Peak , a water play area with a snow castle fountain and kid-sized waterslides.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Now Open! Delight in this tropical paradise that’s been transformed by a legendary storm into an oasis of pure excitement.

• Ride a wave at Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool —North America’s largest wave pool.
• Grab a friend and take the plunge down Crush ‘n’ Gusher , featuring thrilling dips and turns.
• Watch your little ones enjoy a whimsical water playground with pint-sized slides, water cannons and other fun features at Ketchakiddee Creek .
• Relax as you float along Castaway Creek and take in lush, tropical surroundings.

Important Information Valid water park admission required. Water parks subject to seasonal and weather closures. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for refurbishment.

Disney Springs

Find happily whatever you’re after at Disney Springs:

• Delectable dining options to please almost every palate
• Shopping galore , from unique boutiques to whimsical Disney-themed stores
• Fun for all ages , with bowling, a movie theater, a carousel and more
• Live entertainment , including Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil® and Disney—a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration between 2 iconic memory-makers

Delectable Dining

• Character dining (with modifications) at Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Chef Mickey’s and more
• Signature dining where you can celebrate a special occasion in style
• Counter-service restaurants —ideal for grabbing a quick bite on-the-go
• Mobile Order at select quick-service restaurants, which enables you to save time by ordering ahead via the My Disney Experience app
• Spectacular rooftop dining at California Grill, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

When to Make Dining Reservations Get ready to dine! Make advance reservations at select Walt Disney World restaurants.

Enchanting Extras Collection

• Hands-on Star Wars experiences at Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (with valid park admission)
• In-Room Floral & Gifts , featuring beautiful gift and snack baskets, themed balloon bouquets and enchanting floral arrangements—all designed to celebrate your special moments
• Capture Your Moment , a personalized photo session with Disney PhotoPass photographers in a Walt Disney World theme park
• Fascinating tours that take you to special locations at Walt Disney World Resort—including Savor the Savanna and Behind the Seeds

Explore the Enchanting Extras Collection .

Design Your Disney Vacation

Explore places to stay.

Choose from uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels—with options to suit your style and budget.

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

Enjoy 4 days of theme park fun from $99 per day, plus tax (total price from $396, plus tax). One admission per theme park. One theme park per day.

Visit the Happiest Place on Earth

Experience Epic Universal Adventures

Creating magic on the high seas, making dream vacations come true.

Disney+ Subscribers: Enoy a FREE Dining Plan at Walt Disney World

Free Dining Promo...

Valid 7/1 through 9/30/24

Save up to 15% on Select Stays at a Disneyland Resort Hotel on Sunday Through Thursday Nights

With this offer, save up to 15% off select rooms at a Disneyland Resort hotel on Sunday through Thursday nights from March 11 to June 6, 2024. Subject to availability and restrictions.

Valid from 3/11/2024 through 6/7/2024

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Save Up to 30% on Select Stays of 5 Nights or Longer This Fall

Plan a spectacular escape this fall at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.

Valid 8/21/24 through 12/21/24

Disney® Visa® Cardmembers: Save 35% on Select Rooms for Stays of 5 Nights or Longer This Fall – Plus, Book Early to Receive a $150 Resort Credit

Cardmembers can save on an unforgettable stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi this fall.

Valid from 8/21/2024 through 12/21/2024

Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels When You Stay 5 nights or Longer this Summer and early Fall!

Guests can stay longer to save more, with up to 30% off a stay at select Disney Resort hotels for bookings of 5 consecutive nights or more; save 25% on shorter stays.

Valid from 8/08/2024 through 10/03/2024

Disney® Visa® Cardmembers: Enjoy this Delicious Meal

Disney Visa Cardmembers: Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a nondiscounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package.

Valid from 7/01/2024 through 12/21/2024

Trips booked: 13850 and counting…

Why Choose Me and the Mouse

We deliver stress-free dream vacations. Since 2012, Me and The Mouse has created unique, memorable, and affordable vacation packages for travelers and their families. This includes Universal Studios , Disney Land , and other destinations. As certified vacation planners, it’s our job to make sure your trip is magical, stress-free, and special.

1. Fun for Everyone

Our travel agents create and organize trips that include fun for the whole family. Thrill rides? Shows? Food? A themed cruise? Let us know what you’re looking to do!

2. A+ Communication

Your agent will be with you throughout the vacation planning process (which can take weeks if not months!). Any questions, our team is here to help.

3. A Personal Touch

Our team has actually been to these locations not once, but multiple times. Whether it’s a stay at Universal, Disney, a cruise, or a resort, we know the ins and outs of each adventure.

4. Travel Planning

A destination vacation shouldn’t be a burden. Our agents are here to help you plan your trip and make sure you’re not second guessing your packing and logistics.

5. Affordably Magical

We understand that a trip can be a major burden on household expenses. It’s our priority to make sure we plan adventures that fall within your budget and match (and exceed!) your expectations.

6. Discover Together

Our agents at Me and The Mouse Travel appreciate feedback from travelers. This helps us create unique and comprehensive travel packeges for you and other families. See our Guestimonials .

We know Disney . We want to know you.

As Authorized Disney Vacation Planners , our FREE vacation planning services are compensated by our suppliers and we guarantee to save you money, time, and stress. We are dedicated to providing you a memorable and magical vacation where no detail is overlooked.

Ready to plan your Disney vacation? Get in touch with our knowledgeable travel specialists today.

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Have you ever wanted to step inside the magical world of Harry Potter, or see the stories of Dr. Seuss come to life right before your eyes?

Our dedicated travel agents who specialize in Universal Studios can help you plan the vacation of a lifetime. From choosing the best resort and dining experiences to live entertainment and specialty tours, we can handle every detail in the planning process from start to finish.

The Happiest Blog on Earth

“Hey Disney” Let’s Have Fun!

4/9/2024 • Walt Disney World • The fun doesn’t stop when you get to your Disney resort room. Adding a little Disney magic to your resort hotel stay just got a little more fun. In each resort room, you can now find the “Hey Disney” device which allows you to ask questions, play games and even get a character greeting. It’s easy and fun. You simply activate the microphone on the “Hey Disney” device and you are set to go. And when you are done playing, you simply turn off the microphone and the interaction stops. “Hey Disney, read me a story”, which is a great way to get your littles a bedtime story before dreaming of the fun day they had in the park. “Hey Disney, play a soundscape”, is a soothing way to drift off to sleep listening to their favorite Disney tunes. Other entertaining options are the ability to play trivia or even […]

Comparing Princess Meals at Walt Disney World

4/2/2024 • Blog , Walt Disney World • For families with little girls, booking a princess meal at Walt Disney World is high on the must-do list but with multiple princess meal options – which one is best suited for your family? Cinderella’s Royal Table is located in Cinderella’s Castle. Hosted by Cinderella, you will have your family picture taken with her as you wait to be seated. After heading upstairs, other Disney princesses stop by your table to visit, allowing for pictures and autographs. For those with a dining package, this meal will cost two table service credits per person. Without a dining package the cost per person will be one of the more expensive meals on property. As this restaurant is small in seating capacity, you may need to be flexible with your preferred dining time. Located in Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is wonderful choice. This meal features multiple princesses that visit your table. At […]

Top 5 Activities for Adults-Only Trips to Walt Disney World

3/26/2024 • Blog , Walt Disney World • Going to Walt Disney World on an adults-only trip is an experience that must be enjoyed by all Disney fans. While you may miss the children for a few moments, there are some great experiences that you must try with your significant other or best friends. Here are some of my favorite activities on an adults-only trip. Jellyrolls – A dueling piano bar located on the Boardwalk, Jellyrolls is the place to hang out with your friends and enjoy top entertainment. With 2 piano virtuosos taking requests from the audience, grab a drink, make a request, and sing along for an evening filled with fun. Be sure to get there early for a seat as the bar fills to standing by 9pm each night and bring along small bills to give the players for those musical requests. Disney’s Tours - Touring Disney’s parks behind the scenes allows guests to see […]

Discover Paradise at Sandals’ Newest Resort: Dunn’s River

3/22/2024 • Blog , Sandals & Beaches • Welcome to Sandals' newest gem, Dunn's River Resort, where indulgence meets natural beauty in perfect harmony! I got lucky enough to experience this resort firsthand and I’m in love! In fact, I’ve loved it so much, I moved this blog to the top of my list to write and share with you. This resort has dethroned all the others as my favorite and we aren’t even halfway through our stay here as I sit writing this in its adorable coffee shop, Blum. And I can confidently say this as I have now been to every resort in the Sandals’ portfolio, and many other non-Sandals properties. This resort is nestled along the pristine shores of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. A haven of luxury and tranquility awaits discerning travelers here. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, an adventurous escape, or simply a rejuvenating retreat, this resort promises an unforgettable experience that exceeds all […]

Designing a Walt Disney World Trip Tailored to Your Family

3/13/2024 • Blog , Walt Disney World • Have you dreamed of your first trip to Walt Disney World but have put it off because the planning process is overwhelming? We won’t fool you – there is a lot that goes into proper planning of your trip unlike any other Disney destination. These basics will help you understand the big steps and the timeframe in which they should be completed in order to take advantage of all that Disney has to offer. Unlike most traditional travel agents, this is what the Travel Specialists at Me and the Mouse do! We know the ins and outs of the Walt Disney World Resort, and we are here to help you through the planning process! Me and The Mouse has received the distinction of being an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and is known for our impeccable service. Our goal is to exceed your expectations with our customized planning to compliment the […]

Embarking on the Ultimate Disney Springs Adventure

3/12/2024 • Tips , Walt Disney World • Let’s embark on a journey into the enchanting world of Disney Springs—a hidden treasure at Disney World often overlooked by first-time visitors. Consider this your Disney Springs 101 lesson, where we'll navigate through its dynamic history, diverse geography, culinary wonders, shopping extravaganzas, and the latest in entertainment. Lesson 1: The Evolution of Disney Springs Our journey commences in 1975 when Disney introduced Lake Buena Vista Village, originally envisioned for on-property residents. Fast forward to 1989, and the area transformed into Pleasure Island, catering to adult nightlife. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, eventually becoming the beloved Downtown Disney District in 1995. The most recent transformation occurred on November 18, 2010, giving birth to Disney Springs—a themed town inspired by a twentieth-century waterside town. Lesson 2: Navigating Disney Springs Disney Springs is divided into four distinct themed areas: -The Landing -The Marketplace -The Westside -Town Center Each area contributes […]

Our Clients Love Us

This is the second time we booked everything with Amy and WOW! She nailed it from start to finish. I cannot express how easy she makes the process. She knows it all, from the parks to the resorts and even character dining and other "things to do" We talked about everything from which attractions to visit first, down to the best place to get a stroller for our 4-year-old. She thought of EVERYTHING-was available any time I had a question and the care package we received was a magical "it's almost time" gift for my kids. Amy made our trip a breeze and I cannot say enough great things about her and the work she does. We WILL be returning again soon and we WILL be booking our trip with Amy! <3

Elizabeth, we want to thank you so much for planning such an amazing family vacation. Every detail was taken care of which allowed us to just relax and enjoy our time together as a family. We had so much fun that we are already talking about our next trip. All the tips and suggestions you had were spot on and the trip couldn’t have gone smoother. We will definitely be using Me and the Mouse again!

Becky Roland

Amy has amazing service!!! Answered all of my newbie Disney questions and made sure our first time was a complete success. Very thankful and will be referring to all of our friends!!

Sarah Garcia

We have taken our oldest son to Disney a few times before, but this was our first trip using Tressa and our first trip for our two youngest children. We are clients for life!!! Tressa planned the perfect vacation for our family. Every dining reservation, fast passes, and meet and greet was planned perfectly to make the most of our time there. No stress, planning, or worry for us. She had a million tips and suggestions to make our vacation magical. Thank you Tressa for planning our perfect trip!

Andrea Perry

We used Amy for our family vacation, we booked it just a couple of weeks before our trip as a last minute surprise for our family and she was able to get so many reservations that I thought would be impossible! She was so quick to answer any questions, offer great advice and the help with fast passes/dinner reservations, etc was AMAZING! Made our vacation so easy and effortless and we had so much fun! We will definitely use her again and again!!

Misty Nolan

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Walt Disney World

The 17 best Disney World hotels for your 2024 stay

Things have certainly changed since Walt Disney World opened more than 50 years ago . There used to be just a handful of hotels and one theme park. Now, you have the magic — and the challenge — of choice. There are more than 25 hotels to choose from and multiple parks to visit when you embark on a Disney vacation.

Related: The best travel credit cards

Choosing the best Disney hotel is a fun challenge, but a challenge all the same. The resorts at Walt Disney World range from those with views of live zebras and giraffes to treehouse villas and even log cabins in the woods.

When you choose a Disney World hotel, you not only stay in the "Disney bubble" but also gain access to the parks 30 minutes early each morning. Additionally, you can purchase individual Lightning Lanes for newer rides — like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron / Lightcycle Run — before non-resort guests, starting at 7 a.m. This means you'll have a better chance of snagging those coveted ride passes.

Related: 14 reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort property

Still, not all Disney resorts are created equal. Fortunately, TPG is here to help sort through the best hotel options at Walt Disney World. We've tried dozens of Disney-area hotels and carefully considered the best (and less-than-stellar) features of nearly every on-property resort to bring you this list.

Whether you're looking to be treated like a fairy tale princess or a grown-up who happens to be staying near a theme park, Disney World has you covered.

Here are our top picks:

• Best Deluxe Disney World resorts: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge , Disney's Contemporary Resort , Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Best Moderate Disney World resorts: Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter , The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Best Value Disney World resorts: Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Best Disney World resort pools: Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort , Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Best Disney World resorts for large families: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa , Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Best Disney World resorts for adults: Disney's BoardWalk Inn , Disney's Riviera Resort

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Best Deluxe Disney World resorts

The cream of the crop among Disney World hotels in terms of amenities, quality and price are the Deluxe resorts. These resorts have multiple on-site full-service restaurants and extensive pool areas with waterslides. Some are within walking or monorail distance of the theme parks.

All of this comes at a cost, though. Deluxe Disney resorts can range from $400 to $800 per night for a standard room. Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help bring this cost down at times, but a Deluxe resort stay will be an investment compared to the other tiers of Disney hotels.

As mentioned, Deluxe resorts are the most expensive of Disney's hotels.

While some offer luxury amenities like spas and fine dining venues, others emphasize great themes and proximity to the parks. You also get access to select parks two hours later than everyone else when staying in a Deluxe resort on eligible nights.

A true safari involves incredibly long flights and the possibility of malaria pills. For a safari-style vacation closer to home, there's Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Offering an unforgettable wildlife experience within U.S. borders, Animal Kingdom Lodge is its own ecosystem away from the hustle and bustle of most of the Disney World complex.

The soaring ceilings at Jambo House are adorned with traditional decor. If you want to see giraffes, zebras, ostriches and a host of other animals, all you have to do is merely walk past the lobby's expansive windows.

Dining at this Deluxe resort is another highlight of a stay here. Boma and Jiko are excellent choices if you want to experience an authentic African meal at the resort.

Look into the nighttime Starlight Safari , which comes with loaner night vision devices, for a unique experience.

The property is an example of an excellent time to rent DVC points, especially if your family wants more space while saving money. During low seasons, rooms start at just 7 points per night, with DVC points typically available to rent from David's Vacation Club for $21 to $25 per point.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge average around $485 per night.

Disney's Contemporary Resort is another original Disney World resort from the 1971 opening. It's about as close as you can get to The Magic Kingdom without pitching a tent inside the gates (and subsequently getting kicked out by security).

It may have been built over five decades ago, but its amenities have recently been updated. The rooms now sport an incredible new look. While the theme and renovations are a big step up, the main draw of this property is undoubtedly its monorail design and Magic Kingdom-adjacent location.

We prefer tower rooms over garden-wing options as they are more centrally located to the amenities and monorail, and many offer superb views of The Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks.

When you've worked up an appetite, you'll find a few of our favorite Disney World restaurants on-site, including Chef Mickey's. At this popular eatery, you can dine with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. For something more upscale, there's California Grill. If you time it right, it has some of the best views of The Magic Kingdom fireworks around.

Related: The 3 best Disney World character meals you've never heard of — and how to book them

If you're ready for a splurge-level stay at the Contemporary, there is also a club level where bites and beverages from the aforementioned restaurants are included.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort average around $575 per night.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is arguably the most traditional and iconic of Disney World's high-end hotels. You won't find many bright, in-your-face character themes here, but you will have access to some of Disney's most upscale amenities, including a spa and the fanciest (and priciest) restaurant at Disney.

It's one of Disney World's most expensive resorts thanks to its proximity to The Magic Kingdom, top-notch facilities, and over-the-top Christmas displays, including a gingerbread house in the lobby.

Fortunately, the Grand Floridian is undergoing a resort-wide renovation involving converting one of the hotel buildings into beautiful DVC studios. So, there's now one more reason to visit.

Dining is another highlight here. The acclaimed Victoria & Albert's experience is unparalleled, with a dress code and a no-little-kids policy to match. For an equally excellent but more affordable option, grab a cocktail or mocktail at the "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired Enchanted Rose bar on the second floor of the Grand Floridian's lobby.

Related: More rides and fewer crowds: What to expect at Disney After Hours

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa average around $750 per night.

A short drive or boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is equal parts Great Wolf Lodge , Yellowstone National Park and Disney magic. There are great attractions and restaurants on-site, including a water feature that starts in the lobby and becomes a creek that feeds into one of two outdoor pools.

For a fun, reasonably priced family dining experience, try Whispering Canyon Cafe — and be aware that if you ask for ketchup, you may get a lot of ketchup. If rare Disney characters are more your jam, enjoy dinner with the Evil Queen at Story Book Dining at Artist Point .

Those who want more space and ambience than a standard hotel room should reserve one of the Copper Creek Cabins in the woods adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge or the truly spectacular two-bedroom Yosemite Suite . Both are pricey, but we promise you'll love staying in either option.

If you do opt for standard rooms (or even club-level rooms ), the good news is that Disney's Wilderness Lodge is generally one of the more affordable of the Deluxe Disney resorts. So, you can rest easy knowing you're paying a little less than average for Disney's high-end properties.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge average around $500 per night.

Best Moderate Disney World resorts

If you want a balance of price and amenities, the Moderate category of Disney resorts can be a sweet spot. At Moderate Disney resorts, there are some full-service restaurants, more on-site amenities, waterslides at the pools, and a great variety of themes and locations to choose from.

Expect rates at these hotels to range from $250 to $400 on most nights for a standard room.

One of the best Moderate resorts at Disney World is Port Orleans. We're especially partial to the French Quarter side, with its charming wrought-iron railings, bubbling fountains and an eatery serving tasty Mickey-shaped beignets.

This property is much more compact than other Moderate resorts like Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This makes everything from parking and catching a Disney bus to grabbing dinner that much easier.

It isn't the newest or fanciest option in Disney's resort portfolio, but it is a calm and lovely balance of theming and easily accessible amenities. Although you'll need a bus or car to get from this resort to any of the Disney World theme parks, you can catch the free boat to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

In addition to the property's relaxing vibe and manageable size, the greatest asset of Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is the price.

Rooms here are often more affordable than what you'll find at other Moderate properties, most likely because it's not connected to the theme parks by anything other than ground transportation (and Minnie Vans ).

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter average around $300 per night.

One of Disney World's lesser-known Moderate resorts is also one of its most entertaining.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort has plenty of campsites for tents and spots for recreational vehicles .

However, if you're not interested in either, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are an excellent choice. It gives you the best of many worlds regarding space, price and resort activities — especially if you're not planning to spend all your time at the theme parks. The cabins sleep up to six and offer a queen-size bed, a set of bunk beds and a relatively comfortable pullout sofa bed. And soon, Disney will replace the current cabins with 350 all-new cabins .

Related: How to enjoy Disney World without park tickets

Trust us, there is one essential Fort Wilderness expense you'll want to budget for — golf carts .

It costs $65 to $84 per day to rent one. However, it makes it much easier to travel to the Meadow Trading Post for snacks, the docks for transportation to The Magic Kingdom, and other parts of the 700-acre property. Lock in your golf cart reservation as far in advance as possible since they're known to sell out.

Fort Wilderness has a nonstop list of activities you probably didn't know you could do at Disney World, including pony rides, archery, fishing, and rides in wagons and horse-drawn carriages.

When the day winds down, you can also check out the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue , a lively performance full of dancing, singing and comedic moments.

Rates for standard cabins at The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge average around $460 per night.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is the poster child of a Moderate Disney property. It's an older resort with two-story buildings spread across a large area.

Complimentary theme park transportation is limited to buses, and on-site dining venues are mostly quick-service options, given the resort's large convention clientele. Additionally, the rooms are on the smaller side, though they were recently renovated.

But one thing changed a couple of years ago that catapulted part of this property onto our favorites list: the new Gran Destino Tower .

This "hotel within a hotel" has a stunning lobby and an equally snazzy lobby bar. If you're looking for a completely different perspective, let an elevator whisk you up to the 16th floor, where the rooftop Dahlia Lounge awaits — along with an award-winning wine list. Gran Destino Tower is light on a Disney theme, but otherwise, its accommodations are on par with many Deluxe resorts.

Gran Destino is also the only Moderate option at Disney World that has a club lounge, should you prefer an exclusive space to visit and grab refreshments throughout your stay.

Rates for standard rooms at the Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort average around $400 per night.

Best Value Disney World resorts

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable Disney World hotels.

Nightly rates start around $125 and increase to about $300 on peak dates. None of these hotels are walkable from the theme parks, but some are close to the Skyliner. Others require bus transportation.

Value Disney hotels don't have full-service restaurants or fun extras like waterslides, but they do offer grab-and-go food outlets, lively pools and colorful themes.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is the king of Value resorts at Disney World.

The resort features bright colors and memorable Disney cartoon characters. It's also accessible from both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios thanks to the Disney Skyliner gondola system .

Art of Animation really shines with its family suites, which provide a lot more room and have three beds in each suite (one traditional bed, one Murphy bed and a pullout sofa bed). The family suites have your choice of "The Lion King," "Cars" and "Finding Nemo" themes, while standard rooms feature decor inspired by "The Little Mermaid."

When it comes to pools, the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is actually the largest option available at any Disney World resort.

While the food here won't blow you away, Landscape of Flavors is a reliable cafeteria-style venue that can be a nice, easy option for families.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort average around $240 per night.

Disney's Pop Century Resort is across from Art of Animation. While it doesn't have our favorite theme (it's themed to bygone decades), it is usually the lowest-priced Disney resort that isn't one of the All-Star properties.

We generally prefer it to the All-Star resorts, as Pop Century is a stand-alone property that doesn't have to share a bus service. It's less likely to be packed with thousands of cheerleaders and children's sports groups. In addition to the included bus service to the parks, it also sits on the Skyliner route, so you can soar in a gondola to various parks and resorts.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Pop Century Resort average around $200 per night.

Best Disney World resort pools

Nothing beats an afternoon dip in your hotel's pool, so if you want to know which Disney resort hotels have the best pools, here are our top picks.

Disney's Beach Club Resort and its sister property, Disney's Yacht Club Resort , share access to Stormalong Bay, which offers top-notch poolside fun for the whole family.

Both resorts have the distinct feel of a beach in an otherwise landlocked resort thanks to sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, a pirate ship and a wicked waterslide, among other amenities that will keep young swimmers entertained for hours.

Related: The best pools at Walt Disney World

The Yacht Club is marginally more convenient to the large pool complex, but the Beach Club is a little closer to Epcot. Choose accordingly. No matter which property you pick, don't miss the huge sundaes at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, steps from the pool.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs average around $540 per night.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is one of Disney's Moderate resorts and one of the largest. Because the resort is so spread out, there are multiple pools across the property — six in total. The main Fuentes del Morro Pool is themed to resemble a Spanish fortress, with two waterslides, a zero-entry area, a 12-person hot tub and a pirate-themed splash area for kids.

The resort has a colorful island style, and some guest rooms recently received a Little Mermaid makeover. Despite the resort's size, it does offer convenient transportation options, including bus service and a Disney Skyliner station that can take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Rates at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort average around $300 per night.

One of the original Disney World resort hotels inspired by Walt Disney himself, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort sits on the monorail only a few minutes from The Magic Kingdom. Yet, it transports you to a lush Pacific island the moment you enter. It's such a great property we almost warn against staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort because it will set the bar pretty high for future Disney resort stays.

At "the Poly," you'll find a couple of our favorite Disney restaurants. Notably, there's Ohana — a Polynesian-inspired dining venue within the resort's main building that serves delectable noodles and a mouthwatering bread pudding — among other options on the family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy menu.

There are plenty of activities and amenities on the grounds, such as free outdoor movies at night and a 142-foot waterslide that drops riders into the main Lava Pool (there is a secondary quiet pool, as well). There's also a large splash area with several smaller waterslides for younger guests, a zero-entry section, a separate quiet pool and a nearby stand to grab Dole Whip. The icing on the on-site Dole Whip is being able to watch The Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool in the evenings as the perfectly timed music pipes in.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort average around $640 per night.

Best Disney World resorts for large families

Large families and groups can really rack up a bill when visiting Disney World since most on-property rooms are designed for no more than four or five people. As a result, your choices tend to be limited if you have at least five or six people in your group. Fortunately, a few resorts offer plenty of space for larger families.

Related: The best Orlando hotels for large families

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is another DVC property, with room sizes ranging from studio suites to one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. Deluxe studio rooms have a kitchenette and a balcony or patio, and villas have separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, in-room laundry and a balcony or patio.

The resort also has multiple pools, bike rentals, tennis and basketball courts, and a Community Hall with movies, video games and daily activities like crafts and games.

In the woods behind Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are several Treehouse Villas that sleep up to nine people. Offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen, these spacious accommodations can easily fit an extended family.

Rates for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa average around $500 per night, while the Treehouse Villas average around $1,300 per night.

Best Disney World resorts for adults

We love Disney, but we're not afraid to admit that having a brief break from its intensity is sometimes nice. Luckily, a couple of options are ideal for those who want to stay near the magic without living with Mickey and his friends 24 hours a day.

Disney World's newest stand-alone hotel is easily one of the larger resort's best options for adults who want to balance a Disney trip with some less in-your-face Disney elements.

On the Disney Skyliner route, Disney's Riviera Resort offers easy access to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot without placing you right in the heart of all the theme park action.

The real highlight of this easygoing property, though, is its Mediterranean vibe. The blue-and-white decor, music and cuisine will transport you to the Mediterranean coast.

You'll find all the usual Disney amenities at this Deluxe resort, but it's just a touch more refined and grown-up without being stuffy.

We're serious Riviera fans thanks in part to its design, which includes everything from "Tangled"- and "Peter Pan"-inspired mosaics to marble bathrooms that may be the nicest in all of Disney.

Don't worry if you want to bring the kids, though. There's plenty for them to enjoy, including poolside gelato, a waterslide and our favorite toddler splash area at Disney World.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Riviera Resort average around $500 per night.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a DVC resort along Disney's BoardWalk in the Epcot resort area. That means you can easily walk to Epcot to eat and drink global cuisine around the World Showcase or to Disney's Hollywood Studios to fly the Millennium Falcon at Galaxy's Edge. The resort also offers water taxi and bus service around Disney World.

Related: Is a Disney annual pass worth it?

Guest rooms range from standard rooms to multi-bedroom villas, and the resort has three pools. You can splash and slide at the Luna Park Pool (or soak in the hot tub) or head for one of the quieter leisure pools.

This resort is all about location. In addition to being close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Disney's BoardWalk Inn is close to the dining, shopping and nightlife that line Disney's BoardWalk area. When you are done visiting the parks, you can visit Abracadabar, a magic-themed cocktail lounge, or Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn average around $600 per night.

Bottom line

Choosing the best resort hotel at Disney World gets easier once you identify your budget and priorities.

Do you want a great pool, more space, proximity to the parks or perhaps an immersive theme? No matter what is most important to you, you'll find a Disney property that will likely satisfy your needs.

Whether you're itching to splash around in the Stormalong Bay pool complex at Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, stretch your budget at Disney's Pop Century Resort, retreat to a cabin at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort or get an iconic eyeful of the monorail coming through Disney's Contemporary Resort, there's a Disney resort that will have every member of your family excited to be on vacation at Walt Disney World.

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Watch CBS News

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.? See the paths for the 2044 and 2045 events

By Cara Tabachnick

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 2:31 AM EDT / CBS News

Eclipse-watchers waited more than six years since the last time a total solar eclipse charted its way across the United States,  in 2017 . After the  April 8 event , prepare to wait a lot longer — the next chance won't be coming around any time soon.

Viewers in what's called " the path of totality " saw the moon completely block the sun  — an opportunity those in North America won't have again for 20-plus years. The next total solar eclipses in North America are not anticipated until 2044 and 2045.

"A total solar eclipse is one of the most spectacular things anyone can see in their lifetime," Virginia Tech astrophysicist Nahum Arav told CBS News. The eclipse "looks like a black hole in the sky," said Arav, who watched the paths of totality of eclipses in 1991 and 2017.

Monday's eclipse started around 11:07 a.m. PDT on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and then moved into Texas . The eclipse's visibility tracked  through 15 states  — Oklahoma, Illinois , Ohio,  Pennsylvania , New York , Vermont ,  New Hampshire  and Maine , among them — before heading northward into Canada and then exiting North America.

Even with spotty weather in some states, millions of people from coast to coast saw a partial solar eclipse, in which the moon partially covers the sun. However, only those within the path of totality experienced the darkness of the total solar eclipse. 

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. after the 2024 eclipse?

Solar eclipses happen about twice a year, said Arav. "Eclipses happen all over the Earth evenly," he told CBS News — but noted the timings when they occur are not regular. That means  eclipses can occur within just a few years, or every few decades, in North America.

Before the eclipse in 2017, the last total solar eclipse to cross North America was in 1979 . That was the first eclipse whose path of totality crossed the entire continent in 99 years. 

Even though eclipses may seem to occur randomly, scientists can pinpoint exactly when and where they will happen.

"There is no ambiguity, as we know exactly where it will land," said Arav. 

There will be eight total solar eclipses visible from North America in the 21st century, Arav said, with one occurring about every 12 years, on average.   

The next total solar eclipse to cross North America is predicted to occur on Aug. 23, 2044 , NASA said. However, the path of totality from this eclipse will only touch three states, according to  The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public interest in space.  

This next eclipse will mainly be observed in Canada, Arav said. 

Path of totality for the 2044 total solar eclipse

The 2044 eclipse will start in Greenland on Aug. 23, 2044, and will continue its path through Canada. 

The 2044 total solar eclipse will be short, mostly appearing in Canada. It will be visible from three states in the U.S.: Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.  

The path of totality will cross Williston and Dickinson, North Dakota, and Great Falls, Montana.

Path of totality for the 2045 total solar eclipse

The next solar eclipse that crosses a significant portion of the continental U.S. will be in 2045, said Arav. That year, a solar eclipse will darken skies in parts of the U.S., Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Brazil. 

In North America, the 2045 total eclipse will be visible in many states as it moves from coast to coast. The eclipse will start in California and move east to end in Florida, similar to 2017, Arav said. 

There will be numerous U.S. cities where eclipse watchers can view the total eclipse, including Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Orlando, Florida.

Future solar eclipses in North America after 2045

Scientists have predicted eight total solar eclipses will appear in North America in the 21st century.

"Natural phenomena are like a Swiss clock," Arav said. "We know exactly when and where they will appear."

After the 2044 and 2045 total solar eclipses, the next total eclipses in North America will occur in 2078 and 2099.

May 11, 2078

This total solar eclipse on May 11, 2078 , will pass over the southern United States.

Cities include:

Atlanta, Georgia

New Orleans, Louisiana

Charlotte, North Carolina

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sept. 14, 2099

This total solar eclipse on Sept. 14, 2099 , will cross a wide swath of the United States.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chicago, Illinois

Columbus, Ohio

Fargo, North Dakota

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.