Though many visit Disney World for a family vacation, it also can be a magical place for couples! With lots of resorts aimed at kids, it is important to pick one that fits the adult vibe you are looking for. This guide will break down all the best Disney World resorts for couples at any price range.
I have divided up this list into six categories with both on-site and off-site Disney World resorts. On-site hotels are ones that are affiliated with Disney World and offer some perks of staying there. These perks tend to come at a price, so I also have recommendations for off-site hotels that are either more affordable or offer more for couples. For those looking for a romantic Walt Disney World vacation, here are my top picks for couples!
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1. Budget – Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista
If you are planning a Disney World vacation on a tight budget, the Hyatt Place Lake Buena Vista is my recommendation for couples. This is a no-frills hotel that runs between $100-$200 per night, depending on the time of year and day of the week. It’s a five-minute drive to Disney Springs where many of the best restaurants are and it is less than a fifteen-minute drive to the theme parks.
This hotel is ideal for couples planning to do full theme park days instead of those wanting to relax at the resort. There is a pool, but you can buy a Resortpass and experience a nicer pool one day and still save money, as opposed to staying at a luxurious option all week. You also get free breakfast daily and a cheaper parking fee than most hotels at $12 per night.
There is a shuttle to the parks, but it tends to come at odd hours, so either rent a car or take Uber. This is the one con, but I think it is still much better quality than the Disney value resorts for the price. For a vacation minimalist, the Hyatt Place Lake Buena Vista is an affordable and convenient option that will not be overrun by kids.
2. Moderate – Coronado Springs
Next on the list is one of my top five best Disney World hotels, Coronado Springs. This is an on-site Disney World hotel in the moderate resorts category, which means prices range from $200 to $400 per night. With the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, this resort has a romantic atmosphere for couples who want to stay on Disney property.
If you are looking to get Disney World benefits like bus transportation and half an hour early entry, this is the best Disney resort for couples. You can get the perks and the atmosphere at a reasonable price and feel like you are on vacation in Mexico back at the resort.
The guest rooms are elegant and spacious, but the amenities are really what gets it on this list. There are a variety of excellent restaurants including Toledo’s Tapas and Steaks, with its amazing rooftop bar. The resort also has multiple pools, complete with hammocks, tropical drinks, and ambient music. Even if you don’t choose this hotel, I recommend having dinner here one night and walking around after dark. It really is a beautiful resort for a getaway.
3. Splurge – Four Seasons Resort Orlando
For couples that are looking for the ultimate romantic getaway, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is the top-of-the-line option. Rates for this resort are over $1,000 per night, so you can be sure a stay here will be accommodating! This is the only 5-star hotel on property, complete with Capa, a Michelin star restaurant in the hotel
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located conveniently in between Magic Kingdom park and Epcot which allows for easy access to the theme parks. There is a bus, but its transportation hours are limited. Guests will receive all Disney World resort benefits, including half an hour early entry, and advanced reservations for dining and fast passes.
There are also other benefits for couples without kids, like an adult-only pool, a lazy river, a world-class spa, and amazing views of the fireworks. Many think Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the most luxurious option, but it is actually the Four Seasons. If you can afford it, you can enjoy a stress-free vacation to the most magical place on earth.
4. Pay with Points – Swan and Dolphin Resorts
Couples with points or loyalty to Mariott should consider a stay at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. This Disney World Resort offers a stunning vacation atmosphere great for couples, and reasonable rates, especially if you have points. Rates range from $200 to $350 per night or 40,000 to 60,000 points per night.
As far as convenience goes, this resort complex has the three best hotels. They are within walking distance to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or you can take a boat ride to either. And though it has its own transportation, you can also take the Yacht and Beach Disney buses for easier access to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
This makes it really convenient for getting to and from the parks, especially during festivals at Epcot! Other Disney amenities here include half an hour early entry, occasional two-hour extra evening access to the theme parks, and advance reservations for dining and fast passes.
In addition to the Disney World perks, this hotel also has a lot going for it on its own. It’s situated right on the boardwalk with five large pools. Though none are explicitly adult only, kids tend to stick to the main pool and adults can relax in the hammocks by the quieter pools.
The Swan and Dolphin Resorts also have fine dining, multiple hot tubs, a spa, tennis courts, mini-golf, and more. All this makes for an atmosphere that is a little toned-down Disney feel for couples, just a short walk to the theme parks.
5. Off-Site – JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa
One more option worth mentioning for couples is the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. Though it does not receive any Disney resort perks, I still think it is one of the best Disney hotels for couples. This is because it is within close proximity to the theme parks and offers a luxurious experience close to the Four Seasons but at slightly more attainable rates.
The cost ranges from $300 to $500 per night for a standard room or 40,000 to 60,000 Mariott points. This makes it a better use of points than the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, although it’s up to you whether the amenities here outweigh the benefit of the location there.
As for amenities, this hotel does offer shuttles that start arriving at the theme parks thirty minutes before opening so that you can line up early. You do not get the half-hour early entry benefit though. There are two gorgeous pools, with one being adults only, and also an activity garden with a surprisingly challenging mini-golf course and rock wall. The most unique amenity they have are complimentary daily wellness classes, many offered on a terrace.
Though it does not have a lot of the benefits that make a Disney World vacation convenient, it does exude luxury and relaxation. A couple that just plans to casually visit the theme parks and spend more time enjoying the pool and world-class dining, will probably prefer this hotel. The rooms are also beautifully done which can be a perk for a romantic vacation.
6. Airbnb – Margaritaville Resort
Last, but not least, I wanted to share an Airbnb style place for couples to stay in. If you like to have your own kitchen or stay with friends, there are a few options for villa-style resorts. Though you could book a villa at one of the Disney deluxe resorts, these tend to be over $500 per night. For something more reasonable, I recommend the Margaritaville Resort through Airbnb.
This resort offers residential homes and condos that can be booked for a vacation. Most 1 bedroom with kitchen options tend to be in the $200-$300 per night range. You can find cheaper options elsewhere, but for a Disney World vacation, I really recommend staying in Kissimmee or Lake Buena Vista. Anywhere else can quickly become a burdensome drive if you are going to the theme parks every day.
This resort is brand new and is within walking distance of a shopping and dining area. Couples can easily spend the mornings in the park and the evenings relaxing in Margaritaville. This listing looks like a great place to stay, but check out all the options and be sure to read reviews before booking.
Know Before You Go: Disney World Resorts for Couples
I hope this blog post helps you find the perfect place to stay for a romantic Disney World vacation! From price to location, there is a lot to consider depending on whether you want a more theme park-orientated trip or a more resort-focused one.
If you plan to be at the theme parks from opening to close, you can definitely get away with a cheaper hotel option. However, if you like to stay somewhere with a nice pool and lots of dining options, the deluxe hotels will be better. With this in mind, here are my tips for picking a Disney World resort for couples.
- Keep in mind that hotels near theme parks charge a premium and often the quality is less than what you would expect of a similarly priced hotel in a city.
- Walt Disney World Resort Hotels often offer Florida resident deals, so make sure to look through all the options before booking.
- Theme Park hotels are the cheapest during the offseason which tends to be August, September, and Late January-Mid February. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends.
- Hurricane season is June through October and in the event of a major hurricane these parks will shut down. I recommend avoiding this time of year unless you are okay with this risk.
- Most hotels charge a parking fee and a resort fee, so be sure to include these rates in your budget.
- If you plan to spend a lot of time at Epcot and Hollywood Studios, the options on the Boardwalk (Swan and Dolphin, Disney’s Yacht and Beach, and Disney’s Boardwalk) will save a lot of transportation time.
- For those who prefer Magic Kingdom, The Four Seasons, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are the cheapest.
- Couples who love Animal Kingdom might also consider Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, as that is only a short drive from the hotel.
- If you only plan to have one pool day, you could always stay at a cheaper hotel and then purchase a ResortPass to use the pool at a better one! This guide has some options for the best Orlando ResortPass options.
- I hope this guide helped you decide which Orlando theme park hotel to stay at! If you need help planning a trip to Orlando, I am partnered with Kelly’s Magical Vacations and highly recommend her services. Find out more here!
What do you think is the best Disney World resort for couples? Let me know if I missed your favorite! For more tips for couples visiting Orlando, be sure to check out my guide for romantic things to do in Orlando here.
If you are traveling with friends or family, my guide to the best theme park hotels gives more options to consider.
