{"id":40743,"date":"2026-04-24T06:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T10:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/?page_id=40743"},"modified":"2026-04-26T14:50:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T18:50:47","slug":"how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"How Disney World Resort Areas Work (Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"entry-meta\"><time class=\"entry-time\">24 April 2026<\/time> by <span class=\"entry-author\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/steve-bell-founder-and-editor-in-chief-military-disney-tips\/\" class=\"entry-author-link\" rel=\"author\"><span class=\"entry-author-name\">Steve Bell<\/span><\/a><\/span> <span class=\"entry-comments-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#respond\">Leave a Comment<\/a><\/span> <\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#A_simple_way_to_understand_where_to_stay%E2%80%94and_why_location_matters_more_than_you_think\" >A simple way to understand where to stay\u2014and why location matters more than you think.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#What_Are_Disney_World_Resort_Areas\" >What Are Disney World Resort Areas?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Why_Resort_Location_Matters\" >Why Resort Location Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Overview_of_Each_Resort_Area\" >Overview of Each Resort Area<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Magic_Kingdom_Resort_Area\" >Magic Kingdom Resort Area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#EPCOT_Resort_Area\" >EPCOT Resort Area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#BoardWalk_Area\" >BoardWalk Area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Animal_Kingdom_Resort_Area\" >Animal Kingdom Resort Area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Disney_Springs_Resort_Area\" >Disney Springs Resort Area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#ESPN_Wide_World_of_Sports_Area\" >ESPN Wide World of Sports Area<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Transportation-Based_Resort_Groups\" >Transportation-Based Resort Groups<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Monorail_Resorts\" >Monorail Resorts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Skyliner_Resorts\" >Skyliner Resorts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#How_to_Choose_the_Right_Resort_Area\" >How to Choose the Right Resort Area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Military_Family_Considerations\" >Military Family Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Disney_World_Resort_Areas\" >Frequently Asked Questions About Disney World Resort Areas<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_simple_way_to_understand_where_to_stay%E2%80%94and_why_location_matters_more_than_you_think\"><\/span>A simple way to understand where to stay\u2014and why location matters more than you think.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most confusing parts of planning a Walt Disney World vacation is figuring out where to stay.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Disney-AllStar-Resort.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Disney-AllStar-Resort.jpg\" alt=\"Walt Disney World Split Stays\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Disney-AllStar-Resort.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Disney-AllStar-Resort-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Disney-AllStar-Resort-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Disney-AllStar-Resort-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Disney-AllStar-Resort-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Disney doesn\u2019t just have \u201cresorts\u201d\u2014it organizes them into something called <strong>Resort Areas<\/strong>. And once you understand how those work, choosing the right hotel becomes much easier.<\/p>\n<p>This guide will walk you through what each resort area means, how transportation plays a role, and how to pick the best location for your trip\u2014especially if you\u2019re visiting for the first time.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Disney_World_Resort_Areas\"><\/span>What Are Disney World Resort Areas?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Walt Disney World groups its resorts based on location and proximity to the theme parks. Each area gives you a general idea of what you\u2019ll be closest to\u2014and how you\u2019ll get around.<\/p>\n<p>The main resort areas are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Magic Kingdom Resort Area<\/li>\n<li>EPCOT Resort Area<\/li>\n<li>Animal Kingdom Resort Area<\/li>\n<li>Disney Springs Resort Area<\/li>\n<li>ESPN Wide World of Sports Area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>On top of that, there are also transportation-based groupings like the Monorail Resorts and Skyliner Resorts, which cut across multiple areas.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding both the location and transportation options is key to making the right choice.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Resort_Location_Matters\"><\/span>Why Resort Location Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>At Walt Disney World, where you stay affects more than just your room\u2014it impacts your entire daily experience.<\/p>\n<p>Your resort determines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How long it takes to get to each park<\/li>\n<li>Whether you can walk, take a Skyliner, or rely on buses<\/li>\n<li>How easy it is to take mid-day breaks<\/li>\n<li>What your evenings feel like outside the parks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Two resorts at the same price point can offer completely different experiences depending on their location.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overview_of_Each_Resort_Area\"><\/span>Overview of Each Resort Area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magic_Kingdom_Resort_Area\"><\/span>Magic Kingdom Resort Area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Magic-Kingdom.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24269\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Magic-Kingdom.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Magic-Kingdom.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Magic-Kingdom-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Magic-Kingdom-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Magic-Kingdom-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This area includes Disney\u2019s most iconic resorts, located around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.<\/p>\n<p>It offers the best access to Magic Kingdom, with transportation options that include Monorail, boats, walking paths, and buses.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s one of the most convenient\u2014and most expensive\u2014areas on property, but it also includes Shades of Green, which offers a strong value option for eligible military families.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/magic-kingdom-resort-area-hotels-best-disney-world-resorts-near-magic-kingdom\/\">See our full Magic Kingdom Resort Area guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EPCOT_Resort_Area\"><\/span>EPCOT Resort Area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Located around Crescent Lake, this area is known for its walkability and access to EPCOT\u2019s International Gateway.<\/p>\n<p>You can walk to EPCOT and even to Hollywood Studios from some resorts, making it one of the most flexible areas on property.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/epcot-resort-area-hotels-best-disney-world-resorts-near-epcot\/\">See our full EPCOT Resort Area guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BoardWalk_Area\"><\/span>BoardWalk Area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_36574\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Disneys-BoardWalk-Area-Screen-Door-General-Store.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-36574\" class=\"size-full wp-image-36574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Disneys-BoardWalk-Area-Screen-Door-General-Store.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Disneys-BoardWalk-Area-Screen-Door-General-Store.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Disneys-BoardWalk-Area-Screen-Door-General-Store-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Disneys-BoardWalk-Area-Screen-Door-General-Store-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-36574\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Disney&#8217;s BoardWalk Inn<\/p><\/div>\n<p>A subset of the EPCOT area, the BoardWalk area focuses on lifestyle, dining, and entertainment.<\/p>\n<p>It offers walkable access to two parks and a lively atmosphere that continues after the parks close.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/boardwalk-area-resorts-walkable-disney-world-hotels-near-epcot-hollywood-studios\/\">See our full BoardWalk Area guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Animal_Kingdom_Resort_Area\"><\/span>Animal Kingdom Resort Area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Animal-Kingdom-Tree.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24264\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Animal-Kingdom-Tree.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Animal-Kingdom-Tree.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Animal-Kingdom-Tree-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Animal-Kingdom-Tree-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Animal-Kingdom-Tree-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This area offers some of the most immersive theming and relaxing resort environments, including Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Lodge.<\/p>\n<p>All resorts here rely on bus transportation, which makes it less convenient but often more affordable.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/animal-kingdom-resort-area-hotels-best-disney-world-resorts-near-animal-kingdom\/\">See our full Animal Kingdom Resort Area guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disney_Springs_Resort_Area\"><\/span>Disney Springs Resort Area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/WDW-Disney-Springs-Hotels-Bus.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-18958\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/WDW-Disney-Springs-Hotels-Bus.jpg\" alt=\"Walt Disney World Disney Springs Area Resorts\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/WDW-Disney-Springs-Hotels-Bus.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/WDW-Disney-Springs-Hotels-Bus-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/WDW-Disney-Springs-Hotels-Bus-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/WDW-Disney-Springs-Hotels-Bus-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Centered around Disney Springs, this area offers a more relaxed pace and easy access to dining and entertainment.<\/p>\n<p>It does not have direct access to any theme park, but it provides strong value and more spacious accommodations.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/disney-springs-resort-area-hotels-best-disney-world-resorts-near-disney-springs\/\">See our full Disney Springs Resort Area guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ESPN_Wide_World_of_Sports_Area\"><\/span>ESPN Wide World of Sports Area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Disneys-All-Star-Music-Pool.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-18704\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Disneys-All-Star-Music-Pool.jpg\" alt=\"Disney\u2019s All-Star Music Resort\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Disneys-All-Star-Music-Pool.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Disneys-All-Star-Music-Pool-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Disneys-All-Star-Music-Pool-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Disneys-All-Star-Music-Pool-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This area includes some of Disney\u2019s Value Resorts and is one of the best places to stay on a budget.<\/p>\n<p>It also benefits from Skyliner access, which gives it a major transportation advantage over other Value resorts.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/espn-wide-world-of-sports-area-resorts-best-value-disney-world-hotels\/\">See our full ESPN Wide World of Sports Area guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transportation-Based_Resort_Groups\"><\/span>Transportation-Based Resort Groups<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In addition to location-based areas, Disney resorts are often grouped by transportation type.<\/p>\n<p>These groupings can be just as important as the resort area itself.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Monorail_Resorts\"><\/span>Monorail Resorts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Walt-Disney-World-Monorail-stopped-at-Contemporary-Resort.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Walt-Disney-World-Monorail-stopped-at-Contemporary-Resort.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Walt-Disney-World-Monorail-stopped-at-Contemporary-Resort.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Walt-Disney-World-Monorail-stopped-at-Contemporary-Resort-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Walt-Disney-World-Monorail-stopped-at-Contemporary-Resort-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Walt-Disney-World-Monorail-stopped-at-Contemporary-Resort-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>These resorts offer direct Monorail access to Magic Kingdom and easy connections to EPCOT.<\/p>\n<p>They are among the most convenient\u2014and most expensive\u2014resorts on property.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\">See our full Monorail Resorts guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Skyliner_Resorts\"><\/span>Skyliner Resorts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_18610\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Skyliner.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18610\" class=\"size-full wp-image-18610\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Skyliner.jpg\" alt=\"Disney\u2019s Caribbean Beach Resort\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Skyliner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Skyliner-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Skyliner-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Caribbean-Beach-Resort-Skyliner-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-18610\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Riviera Resort Skyliner Station<\/p><\/div>\n<p>These resorts connect to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner gondola system.<\/p>\n<p>They offer one of the best combinations of convenience and value.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\">See our full Skyliner Resorts guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Choose_the_Right_Resort_Area\"><\/span>How to Choose the Right Resort Area<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The best resort area for your trip depends on your priorities.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a simple way to think about it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Best for Magic Kingdom:<\/strong> Magic Kingdom Resort Area or Monorail Resorts<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for EPCOT and food lovers:<\/strong> EPCOT or BoardWalk Area<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for value + transportation:<\/strong> Skyliner Resorts<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for relaxation:<\/strong> Disney Springs or Animal Kingdom Areas<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for budget:<\/strong> ESPN Wide World of Sports Area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There\u2019s no one \u201cbest\u201d area\u2014just the one that fits your trip.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Military_Family_Considerations\"><\/span>Military Family Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For military families, choosing the right resort area can have an even bigger impact.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15552\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Welcome-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15552\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Welcome-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Welcome-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Welcome-1-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Welcome-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Welcome-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-15552\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shades of Green<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Here are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Shades of Green:<\/strong> Located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area and often offers the best value for eligible guests<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disney Armed Forces Salute:<\/strong> Available at many Disney-owned resorts, but availability varies by location<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transportation tradeoffs:<\/strong> Important when comparing Shades of Green to Disney-owned resorts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Understanding how location affects transportation is especially important when comparing military lodging options.<\/p>\n<p>If you want help choosing the right resort, we recommend working with a military-focused Disney travel specialist:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/the-mouse-experts-military-disney-vacation-specialists\/\">The Mouse Experts Military Disney Vacation Specialists<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you understand how Disney World Resort Areas work, planning your trip becomes much easier.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of just picking a hotel, you\u2019re choosing how your entire vacation will flow\u2014from transportation to park access to your downtime between park days.<\/p>\n<p>Take a few minutes to think about what matters most to your family, and you\u2019ll be able to find the perfect fit.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Still deciding? Check out the detailed guides linked below\u2014or let me know your situation, and I\u2019ll help you narrow it down!<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/magic-kingdom-resort-area-hotels-best-disney-world-resorts-near-magic-kingdom\/\">Magic Kingdom Resort Area Hotels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/epcot-resort-area-hotels-best-disney-world-resorts-near-epcot\/\">EPCOT Resort Area Hotels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/animal-kingdom-resort-area-hotels-best-disney-world-resorts-near-animal-kingdom\/\">Animal Kingdom Resort Area Hotels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/disney-springs-resort-area-hotels-best-disney-world-resorts-near-disney-springs\/\">Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/boardwalk-area-resorts-walkable-disney-world-hotels-near-epcot-hollywood-studios\/\">BoardWalk Area Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/espn-wide-world-of-sports-area-resorts-best-value-disney-world-hotels\/\">ESPN Wide World of Sports Area Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/disney-world-monorail-resorts-complete-guide-for-military-families\/\">Disney World Monorail Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/disney-world-skyliner-resorts-complete-guide-for-military-families\/\">Disney World Skyliner Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Disney_World_Resort_Areas\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions About Disney World Resort Areas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4>What are Disney World Resort Areas?<\/h4>\n<p>Disney World Resort Areas are groupings of hotels based on where they are located on Walt Disney World property. They help you understand what each resort is closest to and what transportation options you will have.<\/p>\n<h4>How many Disney World Resort Areas are there?<\/h4>\n<p>The main Walt Disney World Resort Areas are Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports. In addition, some resorts are commonly grouped by transportation type, such as the Monorail Resorts and Skyliner Resorts.<\/p>\n<h4>Which Disney World Resort Area is best for Magic Kingdom?<\/h4>\n<p>The Magic Kingdom Resort Area is the best choice if Magic Kingdom is your top priority. It includes the Monorail Resorts, boat transportation resorts, and Shades of Green.<\/p>\n<h4>Which Disney World Resort Area is best for EPCOT?<\/h4>\n<p>The EPCOT Resort Area is best for EPCOT fans, especially if you want to walk to the park. Some nearby resorts also make it easy to get to Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios by walking, boat, or Skyliner.<\/p>\n<h4>What is the difference between a Resort Area and a Monorail or Skyliner Resort?<\/h4>\n<p>A Resort Area is based on location, while Monorail Resorts and Skyliner Resorts are grouped by transportation type. A resort can belong to both a location-based area and a transportation-based group.<\/p>\n<h4>Are Disney World Resort Areas important when choosing where to stay?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. Your resort area affects travel time to the parks, transportation options, how easy mid-day breaks will be, and the overall feel of your vacation.<\/p>\n<h4>Which Disney World Resort Area is best for military families?<\/h4>\n<p>The best resort area for military families depends on priorities. The Magic Kingdom Resort Area is important because it includes Shades of Green, while the Skyliner and ESPN Wide World of Sports areas often offer strong value through discounted Disney resorts.<\/p>\n<h4>Is Shades of Green in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. Shades of Green is considered part of the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, although it is not a Disney-owned resort and has its own transportation system.<\/p>\n<h4>Which Disney World Resort Area is best for budget trips?<\/h4>\n<p>The ESPN Wide World of Sports Area is one of the best choices for budget-conscious families because it includes Pop Century and Art of Animation, which combine lower prices with Skyliner access.<\/p>\n<h4>Which Disney World Resort Area is best for relaxation?<\/h4>\n<p>The Disney Springs and Animal Kingdom Resort Areas are often the best choices for a more relaxed trip because they tend to feel quieter and less hectic than the areas closest to the parks.<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are Disney World Resort Areas?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Disney World Resort Areas are groupings of hotels based on where they are located on Walt Disney World property. They help you understand what each resort is closest to and what transportation options you will have.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How many Disney World Resort Areas are there?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The main Walt Disney World Resort Areas are Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports. In addition, some resorts are commonly grouped by transportation type, such as the Monorail Resorts and Skyliner Resorts.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which Disney World Resort Area is best for Magic Kingdom?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The Magic Kingdom Resort Area is the best choice if Magic Kingdom is your top priority. It includes the Monorail Resorts, boat transportation resorts, and Shades of Green.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which Disney World Resort Area is best for EPCOT?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The EPCOT Resort Area is best for EPCOT fans, especially if you want to walk to the park. Some nearby resorts also make it easy to get to Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios by walking, boat, or Skyliner.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between a Resort Area and a Monorail or Skyliner Resort?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A Resort Area is based on location, while Monorail Resorts and Skyliner Resorts are grouped by transportation type. A resort can belong to both a location-based area and a transportation-based group.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are Disney World Resort Areas important when choosing where to stay?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Your resort area affects travel time to the parks, transportation options, how easy mid-day breaks will be, and the overall feel of your vacation.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which Disney World Resort Area is best for military families?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The best resort area for military families depends on priorities. The Magic Kingdom Resort Area is important because it includes Shades of Green, while the Skyliner and ESPN Wide World of Sports areas often offer strong value through discounted Disney resorts.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is Shades of Green in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Shades of Green is considered part of the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, although it is not a Disney-owned resort and has its own transportation system.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which Disney World Resort Area is best for budget trips?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The ESPN Wide World of Sports Area is one of the best choices for budget-conscious families because it includes Pop Century and Art of Animation, which combine lower prices with Skyliner access.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which Disney World Resort Area is best for relaxation?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The Disney Springs and Animal Kingdom Resort Areas are often the best choices for a more relaxed trip because they tend to feel quieter and less hectic than the areas closest to the parks.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n<div id=\"milit-3084811041\" class=\"milit-after-content milit-entity-placement\"><br>\r\n<div align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/ncp\/payment\/4V6YWP2M2DNAU\">Send Steve a Tip<\/a><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by A simple way to understand where to stay\u2014and why location matters more than you think. One of the most confusing parts of planning a Walt Disney World vacation is figuring out where to stay. Disney doesn\u2019t just have \u201cresorts\u201d\u2014it organizes them into something called Resort Areas. And once you understand how those work, choosing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":18424,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-40743","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"category-disney-resorts","6":"entry","7":"has-post-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Disney World Resort Areas Work (Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors) - Military Disney Tips<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how Disney World resort areas work, where to stay, and how to choose the best location for your trip.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/how-disney-world-resort-areas-work-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Disney World Resort Areas Work (Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors) - 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