Visiting Walt Disney World during Halloween is always a good idea! But where should you stay? Whether you’re headed to Disney Springs for Fall into Magic, Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party, or just enjoying all things fall in the parks, choosing the right resort can help you add to the fun, stay out of long bus lines, and get close to the action. We are sharing our top picks for the best resorts to stay at during Halloween at Walt Disney World.
With so much to do at Walt Disney World during Halloween, it’s one of our favorite times to go! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is held at Magic Kingdom on select nights. But even if you’re not attending the party, there’s still Mickey Pumpkins and all sorts of fall decor up around Magic Kingdom. Halloween snacks can be found throughout the Parks, and at Disney Springs. So there’s plenty of spooky fun to be had even if you can’t go to the main event. But where should you stay? Here are some of the best resorts to stay at during Halloween at Walt Disney World.
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Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is the ultimate place to stay at Walt Disney World during Halloween. Disney doesn’t really do too much on their end, but the campers here are what makes this place really stand out! Campers all around the campground decorate their sites and RVs in full Halloween decor. And if you’re lucky enough to be at Walt Disney World on Halloween, they even have a Halloween parade where the campers decorate their golf carts and have a Halloween Parade!
Word to the wise though. Depending on how busy the campground gets, they sometimes issue wristbands to guests of the campgrounds and don’t let outside guests into the resort at a certain point. So if you’re not staying there, it’s possible you may be turned away from visiting. This usually only happens on Halloween. But be aware if you’re an outside guest, you may be denied entry!
We are huge fans of Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground any time of year! You can bring or rent an RV, stay in a cabin, or camp traditionally at a campsite. They’re all great options. And all give you a different way to experience a Disney vacation.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Right next door to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is our next pick for Halloween at Walt Disney World. While the resort itself is nothing fancy for Halloween, the convenience of Magic Kingdom just can’t be beaten. Not only is the Contemporary located on the monorail loop, making it easy to get to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot for the International Food and Wine Festival. Add in the fact that you can walk to and from the Contemporary and Magic Kingdom in under 10 minutes, and this is one of the best places to stay at Walt Disney World during Halloween.
Busses can get super packed after late nights at the Halloween Party. Lines can be super long for the monorail. And being able to just walk to your resort is a huge benefit of staying at the Contemporary Resort during Halloween. Plus, you can view the Halloween Party fireworks from the viewing deck on level 4, so even if you can’t make the party, you can still enjoy the show.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
Not only does Disney’s Wilderness Lodge have easy access to Magic Kingdom with its boat transportation, but it’s also just a bus ride away from Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground! So you can enjoy all of the fun Halloween displays put up by campers at the resort or rest days, and be surrounded by all the Halloween magic on your Magic Kingdom days. Plus this resort just screams fall to us! What better way to spend fall in a hot place like Florida, than pretending you’re actually somewhere cozy? We love it, and we hope you do too!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is another one that we love for the convenience of Halloween. A little further away than the Contemporary Resort, but still walkable, this is another great resort in a location that won’t force you to take Disney transportation on your way home from the Halloween Party. And will give you an advantage to getting to Magic Kingdom early to see all the fall decor before the crowds start rolling in. Last year, the Grand Floridian even had a huge chocolate sculpture of the Haunted Mansion hearse!
Gasparilla Island, the quick service restaurant here, always has fun Disney Halloween Snacks and Treats too. So grab something from the pastry case and head to the beach to watch the fireworks on Halloween Party nights. Plus, if you’re someone staying for the holiday transition from Halloween to Christmas, you’ll be in a prime location to see Magic Kingdom decorated the next day!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The Polynesian Resort isn’t necessarily as convenient as either the Contemporary Resort or The Grand Floridian. But being on the monorail loop definitely makes it a top contender. Again, the resort itself is not really decorated. But you can watch Mickey’s Not So Spooky Spectacular Fireworks show right from the beach. And we think the beach at the Poly is one of the best places to watch Disney fireworks outside of the Parks. That’s a huge win!
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
While this may not be the most obvious choice, and definitely not our top pick, hear us out! Saratoga Springs is located so close to Disney Springs and that’s a win for Halloween. Unfortunately, Magic Kingdom is the only Disney Park that really does much for the Halloween season at Walt Disney World, so staying close to the other Parks isn’t going to do you much good in terms of convenience to spooky season fun. But Disney Springs is a great place to visit during the fall at Walt Disney World. Enjoy all kinds of Spooky Treats, do some Halloween merch shopping, or stop by Gideon’s Bakery, which always has a slightly spooky vibe. As it gets closer to Halloween, there’s usually Halloween music being played throughout Disney Springs as well. Saratoga Springs makes it convenient to visit! And best of all, it’s free to go and no Park Reservation is required.
You can take a ferry from Saratoga Springs to Disney Springs, or you can walk over. Depending on where you’re staying, you can expect anywhere from a 10-minute to 25-minute walk.
Disney World Resorts for Halloween
As you can see there are a lot of great options! While most of these are deluxe resorts, if your budget allows, they are the most convenient and the most fun for the Halloween season. If they’re a little out of reach price-wise, consider a split stay. Or just a day visit if you have the time! Be sure to check out everything you can do for Halloween at Walt Disney World.
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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