3 Criminally Underrated Magic Kingdom Hotels

Maybe the most important decision you can make about your Disney World vacation is where to stay.

If budget is important to you, you might choose a value resort. If you’ve got a little more to spend, you may go with a moderate resort. No budget? Then deluxe it is! However, location could be a priority, and if you want to stay near Magic Kingdom, you’ve got a lot of great options. However, there are three Magic Kingdom hotels you might not be considering, but should.

When most people think of Magic Kingdom hotels, they immediately think of the three Monorail resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Yes, those are all fantastic options for staying near Magic Kingdom, but we’ve got three more hotels to add to the list. Maybe they’re not on the Monorail, but they’re still close enough to make transportation to Magic Kingdom a breeze.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

First, we’re just going to tell you that Disney’s Wilderness Lodge may be one of the most beautiful resorts on Disney property.

Wilderness Lodge is inspired by a Yellowstone National Park Lodge that existed in the early 1900s. The multi-story lobby is like stepping back in time and features an 80-foot-tall fireplace, rocking chairs, totem poles, wood carvings, teepee chandeliers, and loads of hidden Mickeys.

This place feels so authentic, you may never want to leave. But if you do want to get to Magic Kingdom, it’s a short and scenic boat ride away. There are plenty of room options, too, plus there are two Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas: the Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins. You don’t have to be a DVC member to stay in these, and yes, you read that right: You can get cabins for your group.

If you do want to spend some time at this resort (and trust us, you will), you’ll find pools, campfire activities, fishing, jogging trails, a health club, and more. There’s also some great underrated dining here with Geyser Point Bar & Grill. One of Disney World’s most unique character dining locations is here, too: Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. We also have to mention Whispering Canyon Cafe, which could be one of the most rowdy and fun dining experiences you can have in Disney World.

As this is a Disney deluxe hotel, you’ll also get Extended Evening Hours at the parks, in addition to Early Theme Park Entry.

Everything you wanted to know about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Did you know you could go camping in Disney World? If you want a super cheap stay and don’t mind sleeping in a tent, you can literally pitch a tent at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Have an RV? Well, you can hook it up for a trip at Disney World, too.  Headed to Magic Kingdom? It’s just a short boat ride away.

If you prefer not to rough it, though, you can always get a cabin. Fort Wilderness is completely revamping its cabins into DVC cabins, but you don’t have to be a DVC member to stay in them. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness are fully furnished one-bedroom suites and can sleep up to six adults. Some are even pet-friendly! These cabins are being completely updated with a modern look and feel, but will still have those rustic Fort Wilderness details.

Now, we’re going to warn you. You could visit Fort Wilderness and spend a week there alone. There is SO much to do, including horseback riding, archery classes, fishing, tennis, carriage rides, bike rentals, swimming, boat and watercraft rentals, and so much more. There’s even a segway tour! This is a great outdoors vacation destination in and of itself, so we recommend planning a resort day to see and do at least some of what Fort Wilderness offers.

You’ll find some good dining here, too, including one of Disney World’s best dinner shows, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. Also, if you’re staying at a campsite here, you get Early Theme Park Entry. If you’re staying in a cabin, you get Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.

Everything you need to know about Fort Wilderness

Shades of Green

If you or someone in your party is an active or retired member of the U.S. military, you can qualify for a stay at Shades of Green, which could be one of Disney World’s most underrated hotels that also happens to be a quick bus ride away from Magic Kingdom. This beautiful resort, which is also inexpensive, is nestled between TWO championship golf courses.

The rooms here are among the largest in Disney World, and each has two queen-sized beds plus a day bed or sleeper sofa. Every room also has either a patio or private balcony. There are also family suites available that sleep 6-8 people.  Room rates are based on pay grade and party size. Note that you will have to provide a valid military ID or Department of Defense ID and LES.

Shades of Green has two tennis courts, two swimming pools, a hot tub, a children’s pool and play area, a fitness center, gift shops, travel services, laundry facilities, restaurants, and more.

You can also get discount Disney World tickets by staying at Shades of Green plus Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.

Everything you need to know about Shades of Green

So if you’re looking for a hotel near Magic Kingdom, don’t overlook these three gems! Check back with AllEars again soon for more.

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Have you ever stayed at these hotels? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

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