When planning your dream Disney World vacation, it’s important to choose a hotel that meets your needs in terms of experience, price, and convenience. One of the most critical aspects of this decision is the hotel’s proximity to Disney World’s parks. This article will cover the closest hotels to Disney World and address some frequently asked questions to help you select the best spot for your stay! Here are the hotels within walking distance of Disney World parks.

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Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower

Walking Distance to Disney World Parks: About 0.7 miles (12-15 minute walk) from Magic Kingdom

Walking Route: From the hotel, follow the dedicated pedestrian path to Magic Kingdom. The path is well-lit and clearly marked, ensuring a safe and pleasant walk.

Hotel Highlights: Bay Lake Tower is conveniently located within walking distance of Disney World parks, with just a short 10-minute walk from Magic Kingdom, making it one of the most convenient options in the resort area. The hotel offers a variety of accommodations, from studios to sprawling villas, all elegantly decorated. Outside the hotel, guests can enjoy views of the beautiful Bay Lake surrounded by cypress trees and catch a glimpse of Cinderella Castle in the distance.

  • Multiple pools and water slides
  • Game room, basketball court, boat rentals
  • Disney Character Dining at Chef Mickey’s

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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Walking Distance to Disney World Theme Parks: Approximately 0.8 miles (17-minute walk) from Magic Kingdom

Walking Route: Follow the dedicated walkway from the resort, passing by beautiful landscaping and water views until you reach the entrance of Magic Kingdom.

Hotel Highlights: The Grand Floridian exudes Victorian elegance and offers a luxurious stay just a short walk from Magic Kingdom. The walkway to the park, which opened in 2020, provides a scenic route along Seven Seas Lagoon. My wife, Jaimie, and I stayed here for a romantic getaway and loved the tranquil, beautiful walk to the park.

  • Upscale dining options, including Victoria & Albert’s
  • Senses Spa for relaxation
  • Evening entertainment, including live orchestra performances

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Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas

Walking Distance to Disney Parks: 0.3 miles (9-minute walk) from Epcot’s International Gateway; 0.8 miles (17-minute walk) from Hollywood Studios

Walking Route: From the BoardWalk, follow the path along the waterway to Epcot’s International Gateway. For Hollywood Studios, continue along the waterway, passing the Swan and Dolphin Resorts.

Hotel Highlights: The BoardWalk Inn offers the shortest walk to Epcot and is conveniently close to Hollywood Studios. Its turn-of-the-century Atlantic City theme provides a unique atmosphere and many entertainment options.

  • Lively BoardWalk entertainment, including street performers
  • Variety of dining options along the BoardWalk
  • Keister Coaster water slide at the Luna Park Pool

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Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Walking Distance to Disney Parks: 0.3 miles (6-minute walk) from Epcot’s International Gateway; 1.1 miles (25-minute walk) from Hollywood Studios

Walking Route: Follow the same paths as the Yacht Club to reach Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The routes are well-marked and scenic.

Hotel Highlights: Similar to its sister property, the Yacht Club, the Beach Club offers easy walking access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Its more relaxed, beachy atmosphere makes it a hit with families. During our stay, our kids loved the quick stroll to Epcot, especially during the Food and Wine Festival.

  • Access to Stormalong Bay water park
  • Beaches & Cream Soda Shop for delicious ice cream treats
  • Sand-bottom pool for a beach-like experience

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Walking Distance to Disney Parks: 0.3 miles (8-minute walk) from Epcot’s International Gateway; 1 mile (23-minute walk) from Hollywood Studios

Walking Route: Follow the dedicated path along the waterway to Epcot’s International Gateway. For Hollywood Studios, take the path that runs alongside the waterway, passing the BoardWalk.

Hotel Highlights: The Yacht Club’s proximity to Epcot’s International Gateway makes it a fantastic choice for food and wine enthusiasts. It’s also about a 15-minute walk to Hollywood Studios, offering easy access to two parks.

  • Shares Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre water park, with Beach Club Resort
  • Yachtsman Steakhouse for fine dining
  • Boat rentals available for leisurely lagoon cruises

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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Walking Distance to Disney World Parks: About 1.2 miles (25-minute walk) from Magic Kingdom

Walking Route: Walk through the Grand Floridian Resort and continue on the dedicated path to Magic Kingdom. The route is scenic and well-marked.

Hotel Highlights: The Polynesian offers a unique South Pacific atmosphere that’s worth the extra steps. The path takes you through the Grand Floridian, adding some scenic variety to your journey. As a family, we found the walk enjoyable and a great way to start the day.

  • Volcanic pool with a water slide
  • Dole Whip available at Pineapple Lanai
  • Spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks

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Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

Walking Distance to Disney Parks: 0.7 miles (16-minute walk) from Epcot’s International Gateway; 0.9 miles (20-minute walk) from Hollywood Studios

Walking Route: Follow the path along the waterway to reach Epcot’s International Gateway. For Hollywood Studios, continue along the same path, passing the BoardWalk.

Hotel Highlights: While not officially Disney hotels, the Swan and Dolphin offer comparable proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. These Marriott-operated resorts provide a luxurious stay with some Disney perks.

  • Mandara Spa for relaxation
  • Diverse dining options, including celebrity chef restaurants
  • Five pools, including a grotto pool with waterfalls

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Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Walking Distance to Disney Parks: 0.7 miles (17-minute walk) from Epcot’s International Gateway; 0.9 miles (21-minute walk) from Hollywood Studio

Walking Route: Follow the same paths as the Swan and Dolphin Resorts to reach Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Hotel Highlights: The Swan Reserve is luxurious and conveniently located for your Disney vacation. It is about the same distance from Epcot as it is to Hollywood Studios, so it will take you 15-20 minutes to walk from the hotel to each entrance.

  • Modern and luxurious stay
  • Four restaurants, a pool, and a fitness center

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Additional Tips and Information

Best Times to Walk: Early mornings and late evenings are ideal to avoid the heat and crowds.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Accessibility: All paths are wheelchair accessible, but consider using Disney transportation if mobility is a concern.

Alternative Transportation: All listed hotels offer boat or monorail transportation to the parks, providing a scenic and relaxing alternative to walking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk to Magic Kingdom from Shades of Green Resort?

No. There was a walking path connecting Shades of Green to the Polynesian (and therefore to Magic Kingdom), but that walking path is now closed due to a major roadway expansion project. The walking path is not expected to reopen.

Can I walk to Disney’s Animal Kingdom (theme park) from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge/Villas?

No. Despite the park and hotel’s proximity, there are no pedestrian paths between them.

Can I walk to Disney Springs from any Disney World hotels?

There is a pedestrian bridge that connects Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to Disney Springs. However, Saratoga Springs is a large campus-style resort, and it may not be a convenient walk if your room/building isn’t located near the bridge. It’s also possible to reach Disney Springs on foot from Disney’s Old Key West Resort, but portions of the path are available only during daylight hours, and the level of convenience will again depend on where you’re located in Old Key West (also a large campus-style resort). Some off-site hotels along Hotel Boulevard may also be within convenient walking distance of Disney Springs. It’s worth noting that Disney Springs is free to enter for all visitors, so it’s a great spot to walk to in the evening!

Can you walk between Disney World theme parks?

You can walk between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios; it’s a little over one mile from entrance to entrance (about 30 minutes of walking), so most people opt to take a boat instead. There’s no way to walk between Animal Kingdom and another park, or between Magic Kingdom and another park.

Are any Disney World hotels within walking distance of the water parks?

It is technically possible—though not necessarily practical—to walk to Blizzard Beach water park from either Coronado Springs Resort or the All-Star Resorts (I’d recommend taking the bus instead). However, there are no pedestrian paths to Typhoon Lagoon, and it is therefore unsafe to attempt to walk to that water park from any hotels that might appear to be nearby on the map.

Are any off-site hotels within walking distance of Disney World?

Some off-site hotels are within walking distance of Disney Springs, but you won’t be able to walk to any of the theme parks or water parks from an off-site hotel.

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Thanks for reading our article about what hotels are within walking distance of Disney World parks. Remember, the magic of Disney begins with the perfect plan. Happy travels, and may your Disney World adventure be filled with wonder, joy, and unforgettable moments!

Are you planning to visit Universal Orlando Resort as well? Check out our list of Universal Hotels that let you walk to the park.

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