Going to Walt Disney World with autism requires a lot of planning—whether you’re looking for the best Disney resorts for an autistic child, teen, adult, or even yourself. In our full guide to doing Disney with autism, we talk about building a manageable itinerary. One of the most important things? Give your child enough rest time. With so much stimulation in the parks, you need a resort where they can unwind and decompress.
I’ve done Disney with my autistic daughter three times now, and we chose different accommodations for each trip. On our first trip, we stayed at an off-site resort. The second time, we rented a private house with my extended family. And on our most recent trip, we finally stayed on-site. We spent three days resort hopping to find the best Disney resort for autism, focusing on how each one might meet different sensory needs. (If you’re thinking about resort hopping, check out Resort Hopping with Autistic Kids or my full Resort Hopping Guide on my sister site Mama’s on Vacation).
After touring them all, I’ve come up with a list of what I feel are the best Disney resorts for kids with autism, depending on your child’s unique needs.
My Top 5 Disney Resort for Autism Recommendations:
With prices for Value Season (first week of January).
- Riviera Resort: $368/night through DVC ($775 through Disney).
- Port Orleans – French Quarter: $289/night through Disney.
- Saratoga Springs Resort : $240/night through DVC ($499 through Disney)
- Old Key West Resort: $200/night through DVC, ($498 through Disney)
- Fort Wilderness Cabins: $368/night through DVC, ($493 through Disney)
If you want a quick look at all the resorts, check out Mama’s on Vacation’s TikToks, where I have tours of each one in under two minutes. Once you narrow it down to a few that look best for your family, look them up on YouTube for full walk-throughs.
For some kids, the ideal hotel will be calm and away from all the activity. Other kids may thrive at more stimulating hotels full of bright colors and familiar characters.
Location can also be a major factor in choosing the best Disney resort for autism, especially if you plan to rope drop or have a child who doesn’t tolerate long transportation rides. You may even want to consider a split stay—spending your Magic Kingdom days at a monorail resort (or Fort Wilderness/Wilderness Lodge for boat access), and your EPCOT or Hollywood Studios days at a Skyliner or BoardWalk resort.
Tip: Regardless of which resort you choose, there are ways to make the experience quieter. Avoid booking preferred rooms (they’re closer to the main buildings and high-traffic areas). Request a room that’s far from elevators and stairwells, doesn’t face the pool or busier areas, and is on the top floor so you won’t hear anyone above you. See our Autism Travel Tips post for more ways to make your vacation easier for your child.
Below I’ve listed my top picks based on the different needs an autism family might have. I’ve also included Value Season pricing for a family of four for one night (first week of January). For Deluxe Resorts, I’ve listed both the lowest price through Disney and David’s Vacation Club Rentals. If you’re not familiar with DVC rentals, it’s a way to rent deluxe rooms—for much cheaper than booking through Disney directly, and you still get all the Disney resort perks.
- My Top 5 Disney Resort for Autism Recommendations:
- Riviera Resort
- Port Orleans – French Quarter
- Saratoga Springs Resort or Old Key West Resort
- Fort Wilderness
- Animal kingdom lodge
- BoardWalk Inn
- Value Resorts
- Our Experience at All-Star Movies
- Off Property Recommendations
- Top 5 Off-site Recommendations:
- Westgate Town Center Resort
- Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
- Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark (formally the Nickelodeon Resort)
- Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area
- House Rentals (via VRBO)
Riviera Resort
Price: $368 (DVC), $775 (Disney)
Riviera is my top pick for a Disney resort for autism. It has the perfect balance of having a great location and being a smaller, less busy resort. The atmosphere feels upscale but remains calm and relaxing.
It’s on the Skyliner, making it quick and easy to get to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT — plus, you can easily come back for a mid-day break or nap if needed. Since the resort is compact and not spread out, getting to the Skyliner is quick (unlike Caribbean Beach Resort).
This resort also has a few hidden gems for downtime. The beach tucked away past the pool is peaceful—when I first visited, there was no one there. There’s also a relaxing area behind the pools with chairs facing the lake. And my kid’s favorite find? The balconies off the lobby that almost no one seems to notice—ideal for enjoying a morning coffee or hot chocolate.
You’ll find plenty of less stimulating activities for kids on non-park days too. The Eventi room, a decent-sized community hall, offers crafts, movies, and games. The pool is well-themed with a waterslide, and right beside it is a kid’s water playground. Plus, it’s just a short walk to Caribbean Beach Resort for the playground on Caribbean Cay Island, along with more quiet beach areas filled with hammocks and lounge chairs.
Port Orleans – French Quarter
Price: $289 (Disney)
When I searched for the best Disney resorts for autism, Port Orleans French Quarter was one of the most recommended in chat rooms and forums. Most people like it because it’s small and quieter. It has a very serene atmosphere, which makes it less overwhelming for kids on the spectrum. Unlike some other Disney resorts for kids, you won’t be surrounded by bright colors, making it easier to unwind. Also, it’s not spread out, so it’s quicker to get around compared to larger resorts.
It’s home to Scat Cat’s Club Café, famous for its Mickey beignets — and they even offer delicious non-Mickey-shaped gluten-free beignets. The resort features a great pool with a waterslide, plus a kid’s water playground. For more relaxing spots and activities, it’s just a short walk to Port Orleans Riverside, where you can lounge in a hammock on Ol’ Man Island, go fishing, enjoy the playground, or rent a Surrey bike.
Saratoga Springs Resort or Old Key West Resort
Saratoga Springs Price: $240 (DVC), $499 (Disney)
Old Key West Price: $200 (DVC), $498 (Disney)
Both of these Deluxe Villa Resorts offer suites with full kitchens, which makes it easier to prepare meals if your child has food restrictions or sensory sensitivities. They also include separate bedrooms, making nap time or bedtime easier if your child struggles to sleep when others are still awake in the main living areas.
There are plenty of less stimulating activities to enjoy between park days. Both resorts have community halls and offer surrey bike rentals. Plus, they feature great pools with waterslides.
Resorts like Saratoga Springs and Old Key West are perfect if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle. However, both are very spread out, which means a lot of walking and longer travel times around the resort. While it’s nice to have more space between guests for a quieter atmosphere, this might not be ideal for kids who struggle with waiting.
Fort Wilderness
Price: $368 (DVC), $493 (Disney)
As a campground, Fort Wilderness is naturally serene. While it is another resort that’s fairly spread out, it’s also highly recommended for kids with autism—specifically the cabins, which offer a unique advantage.
You get a full kitchen and a separate bedroom like the deluxe villas, but the cabins have no shared walls with neighbors, making it a much quieter space. (You’ll find a similar advantage at the Saratoga Springs Treehouses and the overwater bungalows at the Polynesian if your budget allows.)
Fort Wilderness also offers more on-site activities than any other Disney resort. It’s the only place at Disney where you can go horseback riding, rent a kayak, or try archery. There’s also a huge beach, nightly horse-drawn wagon rides, the Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long, and dockside fishing.
Location-wise, it’s in a good spot—just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom—making it a great place to stay if you want something quieter than the monorail resorts.
Animal kingdom lodge
Price: $184 (DVC), $481 (Disney)
Animal Kingdom Lodge has the advantage of being away from the busier Disney areas, making it a quieter resort to unwind at.
It also offers plenty of kid-friendly activities, like the String of Memories events throughout the day and morning art tours around the resort. There are two pools with water slides, a kid’s water playground, a playground, and two community halls. Plus, there are animal viewing areas where you can see zebras, giraffes, and more.
The downside: it’s far from all the parks except Animal Kingdom, and the only Disney transportation option here is buses.
BoardWalk Inn
Price: $230 (DVC), $689 (Disney)
BoardWalk Inn also offers villas with full kitchens or deluxe studios with kitchenettes. This resort is ideal for teens. The pool has an amusement park theme, featuring a rollercoaster-themed waterslide. The community hall, tucked away near one of the quieter pools, is the best Disney community hall for teens, complete with free arcade games.
The location is excellent—you can take a boat, Skyliner, or even walk to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Being on the BoardWalk means plenty of food options nearby, and you can easily walk to other resorts for even more dining choices.
The downside is that the BoardWalk area is popular with non-guests, making it very busy. While some teens may enjoy the lively atmosphere, younger children or those prone to overstimulation may find it hard to unwind between park days here.
Value Resorts
- Art of Animation: $223 (Disney)
- Pop Century: $206 (Disney)
- All-Star Movies: $135 (Disney)
- All-Star Music: $134 (Disney)
- All-Star Sports: $131 (Disney)
The five Disney value resorts offer something no other Disney resorts do—larger-than-life theming, bright colors, and giant characters everywhere. While this may be overstimulating for some kids, for those who can handle it, they’re a lot of fun. Plus, they’re the most affordable Disney Resort if you want to stay on-site and enjoy perks like Early Theme Park Entry and free transportation.
The most popular and best-themed of these is Art of Animation. It’s the only value resort with fully themed Disney movie rooms and suites. If you have a fan of Cars, Lion King, Little Mermaid, or Finding Nemo, this is the ideal spot. They also offer family suites with separate bedrooms and kitchenettes, which can make mealtime easier for families.
However, in my opinion, the best value resort is the one right next door, Pop Century (read why in this post). Both Art of Animation and Pop Century sit on the Skyliner route, giving you quick and affordable access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. While they only offer quick-service dining, the Skyliner makes resort hopping easy to find more dining options.
Of the other three value resorts—the All-Stars—All-Star Music is the best pick for families with an autistic child because it tends to be the least busy. All-Star Movies is the most popular of these affordable Disney resorts, and All-Star Sports often hosts sports teams, making both busier than Music.
None of the All-Star resorts have themed rooms beyond Mickey pictures, so even if your child is a huge Toy Story fan, there’s no real advantage to staying at All-Star Movies over All-Star Music. You can always walk over to All-Star Movies to check out the Toy Story section, and you’re allowed to use the pools at any All-Star resort, including the small splash pad at All-Star Movies.
Music is also the only All-Star resort to offer family suites, which run about $350 per night during Value Season.
Our Experience at All-Star Movies
On our last trip, we stayed at All-Star Movies. We were there during the first week of January, so it wasn’t too busy and no large groups were staying at the resort. Brie is 17 now, so she handles noise and stimulating environments much better than she used to. She wore Loop Engage earplugs anytime we left the room, and we packed her noise-reducing earmuffs just in case—but she never needed them at the resort.
While the outside of All-Star Movies is very visually stimulating, the inside of the rooms is not, which helped her decompress at the end of the day. That balance made this one of the more manageable Disney resorts with an autistic teen, at least during a less crowded time.
The only real downside to our stay was the weather. It was unusually cold, so we didn’t get to take advantage of the pool as much as she would have liked. During the day it warmed up, and we probably could have gone for a swim, but I overplanned our itinerary and didn’t leave enough time for a dedicated resort day (You can read more about that and other things I’ve learned in my full guide to doing Walt Disney World with Autism.)
We did manage to squeeze in one pool day, but Brie didn’t stay in long before she got cold and was done. The upside was that the pool was practically empty, so it turned out to be a peaceful way for her to unwind.
Off Property Recommendations
While there are plenty of perks to staying on-site, in my experience, Orlando has some incredible non-Disney resorts that are worth considering—especially if you’re visiting Walt Disney World with autism.
The biggest benefit of staying off-site with an autistic child is that these resorts are generally less stimulating environments. They’re not as busy or overwhelming as some of the on-site properties can be. You’ll also find family suites with full kitchens much more affordably than you would at a Disney resort.
From budget-friendly hotel rooms to luxury suites with more space and better amenities, there’s often more value off-site—without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Top 5 Off-site Recommendations:
With prices for the first week of January.
- Westgate Town Center Resort: $148/night total (including tax and fees)
- Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts:$182/night (including taxes and fees)
- Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites: $176/night (including taxes and fees)
- Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area: $191/night (including taxes and fees)
- VRBO house rentals: varying prices
Westgate Town Center Resort
Westgate Town Center was where I stayed on my first Disney trip before having kids. It has changed a lot since I stayed there, but I remember it having a very relaxed, low-key vibe. It wasn’t busy or loud, and the kids—my niece and nephew, who were 4 and 6 at the time—loved it.
And that was before they added their main attraction: Shipwreck Island Water Park, which now includes a pirate ship-themed water playground, water slides, and a lazy river. There are 14 pools, hot tubs, playgrounds, mini golf, bike rentals, a movie theatre, and even an ice-skating rink.
For the same Value Season week, I priced for the Disney resorts, a deluxe villa studio (with a kitchenette) is just $148/night total (including tax and fees), and a one-bedroom deluxe villa with a full kitchen is only $186/night total.
It’s also located just 10 minutes from Magic Kingdom, which makes it a convenient off-site option for families doing Walt Disney World with autism—especially if you want a calmer environment and more space.
For me (and Brie), the on-site water park alone puts this high on the list—possibly even above staying at a Disney resort—for our next trip.
Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
My second Disney trip was adults-only, so while I can’t speak firsthand to what it’s like to stay at Summer Bay with kids, I can say the atmosphere was calm and serene—a good fit for families looking for a quieter place to unwind.
The resort’s highlight is Buccaneer Bay Adventure Park, which features a zip line, bungee trampolines, an inflatable slide, and a rock climbing wall. Right next to it is Parrot’s Landing Water Playground. They also offer scheduled activities and crafts, plus sports courts, board games, a movie theatre, and mini golf.
The one-bedroom condo includes a full kitchen—ideal for kids with food sensitivities or sensory needs—and is just $182/night (including taxes and fees) during Value Season.
For a non-Disney property, Summer Bay is a great alternative to a Disney resort for autism, especially if your family would benefit from extra space and a more relaxed setting.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark (formally the Nickelodeon Resort)
The Nickelodeon Resort (now the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark)is was the resort we stayed at for the kids’ first Disney trip when Brie was 7—in 2015, about a year before all the Nickelodeon décor and activities were removed and it became a Holiday Inn.
While the theming is gone, there are still some things I really liked about this resort that might make me return. That said, it’s important to be aware that the reviews are mixed. When we stayed (back when it was the Nick Hotel), the property was already getting pretty run down—which is why it was priced so much lower than a Disney resort.
Even though the resort was fully renovated less than 10 years ago, many reviews still describe it as run down. So if you’re considering this place for the price, know what you’re getting: it’s a budget hotel, and it’s not on the same level as Disney Resorts or Westgate.
Now, here’s what I did love—and what’s still there. The water playground. What made it stand out for me was how easy it was to supervise. I could stand at the bottom and see Brie wherever she went, which was huge. In most water parks and playgrounds, I had to go up with her. Here, she got her first experience to explore on her own, which she loved.
In addition to the water playground, the resort also has a large main pool, poolside activities, a second pool, hot tubs, mini golf, and basketball courts. According to their website, they’re working on adding a new Surf & Splash Waterpark with FlowRider and tube slides. (Note: As of writing, this expansion was announced but not confirmed as completed. Check their site for current updates.)
It’s also still an all-suites resort, with the same room layout I loved in the affordable 2-bedroom suite. There’s a master bedroom, a separate kids’ room with bunk beds, and a living area. It was spacious and easy to unwind in, and the separate rooms made it easier to give Brie her own space when she needed downtime.
During Value Season, the 2-bedroom King Suite costs $176/night (including taxes and fees). For families looking for affordable alternatives to a Disney resort for an autistic child, this layout alone makes it worth considering—if you go in with the right expectations.
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area
I haven’t stayed at the Drury yet, but it’s the resort I see recommended most by people who prefer to stay off-site, and I can see why.
The resort has a pool with hot tubs and a splash pad, an arcade, two on-site restaurants, plus a Pizza Hut express and Starbucks. But the biggest selling point is the daily free full hot breakfast, free 5:30 pm “Kickback” (with drinks and hot food), and free popcorn and soda in the evenings. All with no resort fee’s.
During Value week, a two-queen bed room is only $191/night (including taxes and fees)
House Rentals (via VRBO)
My kids’ second Disney trip was a big family vacation. My mom brought me, my three sisters, and all of our families—19 of us total, with 11 kids and 8 adults. With a group that size, it just made sense to rent a house so we could all stay together instead of being split across multiple rooms.
Even if you’re not traveling with a big group, there are a lot of reasons to consider a house rental—especially if you’re doing Walt Disney World with someone with autism. It’s often a much more affordable way to get the extra space that makes rest days actually restful.
The biggest advantage? You can guarantee your autistic child has their own room. Having a quiet, private space to retreat to after overstimulating park days can make a huge difference. Most homes also have layouts that are more spread out, which helps when you need to separate different parts of the group or give a child space that fits their needs.
In our case, the house had a main-level master bedroom, with the rest of the bedrooms upstairs. It was perfect for Brie since she’s an early riser—it let her get up at her usual time without waking everyone else.
Being in a home setting is also just more familiar and calming for some kids. Some of them have themed bedrooms (like Princess or Star Wars), that add that fun Disney resort feeling, without being overwhelming. And of course, you get a full kitchen, which is a huge help if your child has food restrictions, or if you’re packing park lunches to save time and money.
And Brie’s favorite part? Our own private pool in the backyard. The garage was also turned into a games room, with a pool table and other activities that kept the kids busy during downtime.
We booked through VRBO. On the map above you can browse through their rentals near Disney to explore pricing and layouts that work for your family.
Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your Walt Disney World with Autism trip. Whether you need a resort that’s calm and quiet or one full of fun and visual stimulation, there’s something for every child’s needs.
If you’re trying to save money on Deluxe accommodations, I highly recommend booking through David’s Vacation Club Rentals. It’s a safe and cost-effective way to stay at a Deluxe resort without paying the full Disney price. And if you want more help planning your trip to Walt Disney World with Autism, be sure to check out our Disney World autism guide. It’s packed with tips to make your Disney trip as stress-free as possible.
For more travel tips and inspiration, including reviews for autism friendly events, attractions and hotels, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok!
Is there another Disney resort you think is great for children with autism, or maybe you found an off-site hidden gem I missed? Join our new Autism on Vacation Facebook group, where families can share reviews and tips or ask others for advice when planning their trips.
Want more tips of Disney with Autism? Check out these posts:
- The Complete Disney World Autism Guide
- Disney DAS Program: A Complete Guide
- Travel Sensory Kit for Autism
- Autism Travel Tips
- Tips for Traveling with Autism: Road Trips
- Resort Hopping with My Autistic Child
Looking for tips on where to stay at Disney? Head over to Mama’s on Vacation for my recommendations:
- The 8 Best Disney Resorts to Stay At
- The Best Disney World Value Resort
- Split Stay at Disney World Guide and Itinerary
Need ideas for your non-park days? Don’t miss these:
- Disney Day Bag Packing List
- Things To Do at Disney Resorts
- What to Do at Disney on Non-Park Days
- Disney Resort Community Halls
- Disney Resort Beaches
- The Best Beaches Near Disney World
Planning to do some resort hopping? Check these out:
- Disney World Resort Hopping 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
- Disney Resort Hopping with Kids
- The 8 Best Disney Resort Hopping Itineraries
- The Ultimate Disney Resort Hopping Itinerary
- My Resort Hopping Review
Need help eating gluten-free at Disney? Check out my reviews of the best spots.
- The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Disney World
- ‘Ohana Gluten Free Breakfast Review 2025
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ Gluten Free Review
- Hollywood & Vine Gluten Free Breakfast Review
