Unlock the Magic: The Best Hotels Next to Disney World
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Disney’s Magic Kingdom Castle
Disney World is as expensive as it is magical. Staying off-property near Disney is a great way to experience its magic while saving some cash. In this article, we take a look at some of the best hotels next to Disney World for guests looking to experience the thrills while saving some mickies.
In that spirit, we have researched and put together a list of the best hotels next to Disney World that might serve as a quality alternative to a staying on property. Peter Pan isn’t getting any younger (…or older?), so let’s fly!
The High Cost Of Disney World
The average cost for a family of 4 will run anywhere between $5,000 to $7,000 for a week long stay. Typically, this will be at one of their value or moderate priced resorts. While theme park tickets and airfare will bring high costs, the majority of your travel budget will likely go toward your hotel stay. Disney hotels range in quality, but they are all priced higher than equivalent hotels outside its “borders”.
While staying on-property does bring certain Disney perks such as Early Park Entry, Extended Evening Hours, and early Lightening Lane Access, they might not be worth the additional costs that staying on property bring. Many Partner and Good Neighbor hotels offer many of the same perks, for less cost. What are “Partner” and “Good Neighbor” hotels? When it comes to Disney World it’s all about convenience. That means some Disney ticket perks, close proximity to the parks and ease of transportation. At a minimum, these hotels will offer:
Close proximity to Walt Disney World Resorts and parks (ranging from 2 to 14 miles).
Shuttle transportation to the Disney parks (For Free or a fee).
Ability to purchase your Disney park tickets on-site, in their lobby or at the front desk.
If you want to experience Disney’s magic on the water, find out: Is A Disney Cruise Worth It? A Cost Breakdown
Best Partner Hotels
Walt Disney World Swan, the Swan Reserve & Dolphin Resorts
The Swan, Swan Reserve, and The Dolphin Resort are 3 resorts that are located on Disney property, but are owned and managed by Marriott. While these properties are at a similar price point to a moderate or Deluxe resorts, they are in an unbeatable location just a short walk from Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Staying at one of these three resorts also comes with nearly all the Disney perks available to those staying at Disney-owned properties, including free shuttle transportation to all the parks, early theme park entry, and early access to Genie+ and Individual Lightening Lane purchases. We say “nearly” all because the shuttles you’ll take to the parks are not Disney shuttles, but hotel operated transportation.
Being a Marriott property, you can also potentially use hotel points, earn additional points from the stay and enjoy valuable perks from being a Marriott Bonvoy member and/or having a co-branded Marriott credit card. You can also rest assured that your stay will be comfortable and smooth being owned and operated by Marriott International.
Pros:
Location! Location! Location! (Right next to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Boardwalk)
Comes with All Disney Perks (Transportation to Parks, Early Entry, and Early Access to Genie Plus and Lightening Lanes)
Marriott Owned and Operated (Additional ways to save on stays and earn points)
Cons:
Can Be Pricey (Prices can range from $350 to over $800 per night in peak season)
Lacks that “Disney Feel” (You will feel like you are staying at a high-end resort, but it won’t look or feel very “Disney”, so kids might be a bit disappointed in that regard.
A $35 per night resort fee
Address: Walt Disney World Dolphin, 1500 Epcot Resort Boulevard; Walt Disney World Swan, 1200 Epcot Resort Boulevard; Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, 1255 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
Never say “Why Did We Bring this?” again with our Disney Packing Guide & Free Disney Checklist.
Good Neighbor Hotels That Offer Early Entry & Extended Hours
Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek; Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace; Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, and Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista is 3 Hilton properties that are also “official” Walt Disney World hotels. As an official hotel of Disney, they all offer:
30 minutes early entry to the theme parks
Hotel-operated shuttle transportation to all 4 parks.
Ability to purchase your Disney tickets in advance online, or onsite through their concierge.
Access to discounts on Disney shopping and dining experiences
In addition, Buena Vista Palace and Lake Buena Vista offer a sky bridge for an easy walking distance to nearby Disney Springs for some mouse-related shopping and dining. While Signia by Hilton offers rooms with views of Disney World theme parks.
All 3 properties offer all the hotel amenities such as dining and swimming options that one would expect from Hilton for a comfortable stay. Much like the Marriott properties we mentioned earlier, you will be able to take advantage of additional savings and earning if you are a Hilton Honors member. You can use accrued Hilton points, earn points from your stay and utilize a co-branded credit card like the Aspire or Surpass for additional perks during your stay.
If you are looking for an off-site property and are a Hilton Honors member, then one of these 3 properties will be worth a look.
Pros:
Close to Disney Springs & Resorts (Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace and Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista are a 17-minute walk from Disney Springs. Signia by Hilton is a short drive from Disney’s Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Art of Animation resorts.)
Comes with Some Disney Perks (Shuttle transportation to Parks and Early Entry are the headline perks)
Affordable stays from $150 to $300 per night
Hilton Owned and Operated (Additional ways to save on stays and earn points)
Cons:
Does not offer early access to Individual Lightening Lanes with Genie+
Lacks that “Disney Feel” (You will feel like you are staying at a quality resort, but it won’t look or feel very “Disney”, so kids might be a bit disappointed in that regard.
Shuttles are not run by Disney. They are run by the hotels and might not operate on the same schedule and will not have as much of a Disney feel.
Address: Signia by Hilton, 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821; Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace 1900 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Are you looking for tips on how to save at Disney? Check out our complete Disney Budget Guide!
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs Area
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs Area is the newest addition to the ‘“Good Friends” collection that recently opened in late 2022. The hotel is a Drury property, a national brand that runs Drury Inn, Drury Plaza, or Pear Tree Inns across the US. The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando was recently renovated and was previously a Best Western. They re-opened as an official Walt Disney World hotel with several additional perks that make them stand out from other Disney adjacent properties. Firstly, as an official hotel of Disney World, they offer:
30 minutes early entry to the theme parks
Hotel-operated shuttle transportation to all 4 parks as well as to Disney Springs.
Ability to purchase your Disney tickets in advance online and onsite.
Access to discounts on Disney shopping and dining experiences that are also “official” Walt Disney World hotels.
In addition to this, they offer free breakfast to all their guests, a free evening meal called the 5:50 Kickback as well as a pool and an onsite restaurant. The room prices are very affordable ranging from just $150 to 300 per night, which is similar to the “value” Disney properties…only Drury offers free food! If you join Drury Rewards (for Free) you can enjoy some extra savings.
Located just a 20-minute walk or a quick shuttle to/from Disney Springs, Drury is an exciting new option for Disney goers who do not wish to stay on property, but don’t want to sacrifice the essential Disney perks and would like to stock up on a free breakfast before they hit the parks.
Pros:
Close to Disney Springs (with free transport included)
Comes with Some Disney Perks (Shuttle transportation to Parks and Early Entry are the headline perks)
Affordable stays from $150 to $300 per night
Drury Owned and Operated (Additional ways to save on stays and earn points)
Cons:
Does not offer early access to Individual Lightening Lanes with Genie+
Lacks that “Disney Feel” (You will feel like you are staying at a quality resort, but it won’t look or feel very “Disney”, so kids might be a bit disappointed in that regard.
Shuttles are not run by Disney. They are run by the hotel and might not operate on the same schedule and will not have much of a Disney feel.
Address: Drury Plaza Hotel- Disney Springs Area, 2000 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Mickey Waffles at Breakfast
Other “Good Neighbor” Hotels That Offer Early Entry & Extended Hours
B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, Orlando
Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Holiday Inn OrlandoShades of Green
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
“Good Neighbor Hotels” That Offer Some Disney Perks
Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista
Great For:
World of Hyatt Members and Chase Credit Cardholders
Adults and Families looking for a quality stay at an affordable price point
Complimentary breakfast
Shuttle service to Hollywood Studios and/or Magic Kingdom (*This shuttle does not travel to Animal Kingdom or Epcot)
Not for:
Visitors looking to experience the “Disney Bubble” and feel. Not too much here will scream “Disney”.
If you are wanting early admission to the parks
If you’re looking for early access to Individual Lightening Lanes via Genie+
If you’ll be at the parks too early to enjoy the complimentary breakfast
Address: Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista, 8688 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort
Great For:
Larger families looking for a quality stay at an affordable price point
Guest looking for on-site activities. Tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, basketball, and volleyball courts, and even a putting green are offered.
Free shuttle to all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks & Disney Springs.
Complimentary made-to-order breakfast & Dining options.
Not For:
Visitors looking to experience the “Disney Bubble” and feel.
If you are wanting early admission to the parks.
If you’re looking for early access to Individual Lightening Lanes via Genie+
Guest who will be at the parks too early and/or all day and won’t be able to enjoy the on-site amenities
Address: Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort, 8100 Lake St, Orlando, FL 32836
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Great For:
Couples and Adults looking for a more luxurious stay with a beachy, Island vibe! (Guest rooms include Villas!)
Visitors looking to experience more than just Disney during an Orlando vacation.
Free shuttle to all four Disney Theme Parks & Disney Springs.
Easy access to Island H2O Water Park & Promenade at Sunset Walk. Entertainment options are located near the resort.
Not For:
Visitors looking for a Disney feel
If you’re wanting early admission to the Disney parks or Lightening Lanes.
Those who won’t enjoy the island theming of the hotel and don’t wish to splurge on hotel comforts
Guests who will be at Disney parks early and often and won’t be able to enjoy the on-site amenities
Address: Margaritaville Resort Orland, 8000 Fins Up Cir, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Other BEST Good Neighbor Hotels That Offer Some Disney Perks
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
The Grove Resort & Waterpark Orlando
Woody from Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Be Our Guest and visit Booking.com to get started on your Disney adventure.
Other Disney Reading
Packing For Magic: Your Free Disney World Checklist
50 Most Romantic Things To Do At Disney World
Disney On A Budget: Best Ways To Save
Is A Disney Cruise Worth It? A Cost Breakdown
