Where to Stay at Walt Disney World For The Rest of 2020

Now is the time to book a trip to Walt Disney World if you don’t mind the new policy changes.

Where to Stay WDW

The resort is only partially reopened, but public demand so far seems well below the reduced capacity limits at the theme parks. Wait times are at record lows despite the elimination of Fastpass reservations. Guests who visit undeterred by the warning signs and suspended entertainment can get a lot done in the parks even with shortened hours and no park hopping privileges.

When Walt Disney World first reopened their gates most of the resorts remained closed, but thanks to Disney’s announced timeline, we can recommend where to stay in Disney World for the rest of 2020.

Where to Stay in Disney World -Vacation Club Villas

The first resorts to open up were the vacation club villas. The Contemporary and Fort Wilderness also opened and so did Disney’s Pop Century. The best value among the first resorts to open is Pop Century, but if you want to stay at a DVC resort, Saratoga Springs has a lot going for it, including its location next to Disney Springs, room rates, capacity, and the spa.

Where to Stay in Disney World – Moderate Disney Resorts

Caribbean Beach is open right now too. It’s the only moderate resort available and it has a great location near Disney Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Coronado Springs will open in mid-October and it’s worth at least visiting. The location is less desirable, but the new Gran Destino Tower has an excellent rooftop lounge and Tapas restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine. The sprawling mid-range resort features stunning landscapes and a beautiful pool with a mesoamerican pyramid as its centerpiece.

The other moderate resorts, Port Orleans Riverside/French Quarter do not appear on the schedule to reopen in 2020.

Where to Stay in Disney World -Value Disney Resorts

Although Pop Century is open now, those visiting after November 1 should book Art of Animation. It’s right next door to Pop Century, but it is the better resort. Fully realized Disney elements, family suites, and a crowd-pleasing food court make it the best value despite a slightly higher room rate.

The cheapest value resorts, the All-Stars do not have reopen dates yet.

Where to Stay in Disney World – Deluxe Disney Resorts

Deluxe Resort fans usually have their favorites. Those choices are often based on location or theme. Right now, availability is a huge factor. If you have your heart set on a particular deluxe resort, you may have to book a DVC villa.

The Contemporary, Boardwalk Inn, and Saratoga Springs are the only available options until August 24. That’s when the Yacht Club opens. Beach Club remains off the list, but on September 21 Grand Floridian opens, followed by Polynesian Village on October 1.

Where to Stay in Disney World – Good Neighbor Hotels

Right now, Disney has massively cut benefits to resort guests, so it makes more sense than ever to save money with a Good Neighbor Hotel.

The best Good Neighbor Hotels are on property at Disney Springs or near Epcot. They offer more value for your money and might be a better choice for you on this vacation.

We are hoping that 2021 will bring most of the resorts open and ready to welcome guests. Time will tell what amenities and entertainment we will all be able to enjoy.

As you prepare to visit, please know that we’ve made updates based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. 

It may be different from the last time you visited. But Disney will continue to find new ways to create magical moments—and memories to treasure.

Know Before You Go

Park attendance is managed via the Disney Park Pass reservation system—now available to Guests with valid admission. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for Guests ages 3 and up.

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

You will be required to undergo a temperature screening with no-touch thermometers before entry to some locations at Walt Disney World Resort, including the Walt Disney World theme parks, the Disney Springs area and table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels.

Make the most of the magic with the My Disney Experience app. WDW strongly recommends that you have the latest version of this app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled. 

Helpful features include:

• Mobile Order Service for Dining: Please order ahead and save time at select dining locations using mobile order service. WDW highly recommends that you use this service during your visit.
• Scannable Codes for Select Restaurant Menus: While at a table-service restaurant, you can scan a code to access the digital menu.
• Online Check-In at Disney Resort Hotels: To aid in physical distancing efforts, WDW strongly recommends that you use Online Check-In Service prior to your arrival. When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the app’s digital key feature to enter your room!