15 Best Hotels Near Disney World in 2024

Staying at a Walt Disney World resort is not for everyone, and sometimes there are major advantages to staying off-site. But with 300+ hotels in the area, how can you choose the best for your family? Enter our list of the Best Hotels Near Disney World!

In this article, we are going to share our picks for the best hotels near Disney World and rank them from best to worst. We’ve even narrowed it down into 3 price categories (Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury hotels) depending on your budget.

For each one, we’ll cover the price range, location, and amenities, as well as the pros and cons of each one. We’ll talk about which hotels have the best pools, the best for big families, and how to get to and from the airport.

If you are staying off-site, finding a hotel with a free shuttle to the parks is very important and we have a full list of all of them in the area. Even better, some of them are within walking distance of the Walt Disney World theme parks, so no shuttle is necessary!

Another alternative to staying in a hotel near Disney World is renting a vacation home or Airbnb instead, and we’ll cover when that makes sense to do and how much money you can realistically save.

To be clear, we’re big advocates of staying on-site at a Disney World resort if your budget allows, but there is no doubt that there are many advantages of staying off-site too, including big price savings for the amenities you are getting. Some of the off-site hotels are way more luxurious and offer a better bang for your buck which are no small potatoes.

If you haven’t read them yet, here are some of our other best posts on Disney World Resorts:

• Best Disney World Resort Hotels Ranked
• Complete List of Disney World Hotels
• Best Disney World Resorts for Kids
• Best Disney World Resorts for Adults
• Cheapest Disney World Resorts

Before we get started, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we will update you with the latest Disney World Resorts updates, and share the latest vacation planning tips. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Comparing Staying Off-Site vs. On-Site

Guests visiting Orlando to be near Disney World are faced with an important question, “Should we stay Off-Site or On-Site?”

While this can be a debatable topic and each has its own positives and negatives, it’s important first to discuss what is off-site and what is on-site. 

Off-Site hotels are resorts that are in the Orlando Vicinity that are near Disney World but are not owned and operated by Disney, instead they are run by a third-party company. Occasionally, these hotels can be physically located in Disney World, but they are still not run by Disney.

These hotels can range from highly luxurious hotels that can be even more costly than Disney Resorts to more basic accommodations that can offer significant savings even from the Disney Value Resorts.

On-Site hotels are Disney-owned and operated hotels that are located and spread out over Disney World’s 40 square miles of property. These resorts fall into three categories: Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe Resorts.

While there are many perks of staying at a Disney World Resort that guests NOT staying at Disney World Resort don’t get to indulge in, the opposite is also true. 

What benefits do off-site hotel guests receive? 

• Larger variance in accommodations and theming
• Closer proximity to other Orlando attractions 
• Significant cost savings benefits 
• Complimentary Disney Park shuttles 
• Longer hours for things such as activities and pool areas 

These are just a few of the benefits of staying off-site. And while it ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and family needs, in this post we hope to help you find the best solution for your family at hotels near Disney World. 

Don’t just write off the idea of staying off-site just yet!

Where Do People Stay When They Go to Disney World?

When desiring to visit Walt Disney World, guests typically choose between a few different options:

Many choose to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort. These are typically the most expensive option, but provide a number of benefits of staying at an on-site resort. It’s personally my favorite way to go if you have the budget for it.

Others choose to stay at an off-site hotel. This could be perhaps due to financial reasons, they plan to visit other attractions and nearby Orlando locations, or maybe they just don’t want to be in the Disney Bubble 24/7.

And still, others choose to stay at a nearby vacation rental, such as an Airbnb, VRBO, a friend’s house, or other vacation properties. These can be the most cost-effective way for larger groups to have the freedom to come and go as they choose while having the amenities and space of a house, rather than staying at a Disney resort.

Best Hotels Near Disney World

Staying at an off-site hotel can be an overwhelming process for non-frequent visitors to the Orlando Area. Even if you’ve been dozens of times, it can be stressful! 

In this post, we are going to make it a whole lot easier for you. While there are literally 300+ hotel options to stay near the Walt Disney World Resort, we’ve narrowed it down to the very best of the best. 

In this section, we will break down our Top-5 off-site hotel choices for every budget! 

We’ve separated these hotels into three classes: Budget Hotels, Mid-Range Hotels, and Luxury Hotels. Each of them offers something different and has a significant amount of amenities that can cater to your family’s needs. 

In our rankings, we’ve taken a number of things into consideration. Of course price and additional costs are at the forefront for travelers. For example, many Orlando hotels include additional costs by adding ‘Resort Fees’, so we’ve factored in these costs to our rankings. 

We’ve also considered the theming of the resort, the proximity to Disney’s Theme Parks, the family-friendliness of the resort, amenities, food offerings, and more. So there you have it! Let’s get into our Top-5 choices for off-site hotels.

Best Budget Hotels Near Disney World

Those that fall within the ‘Budget’ Category are the most reasonable out of the off-site hotels. These hotels can typically save you significant amounts of money over on-site Disney World Resorts. 

While they don’t have the luxury aspect that the other two categories have, they are perfect for families that are on stricter budgets. 

These hotels all fall under the $200-a-night price and some of them are significantly cheaper than that! While they are ‘no frills’ hotels, they still have some excellent perks and amenities for families that plan on spending some enjoyable time at their hotel.

5. Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club

• Location: Celebration. Only about 5 miles from Walt Disney World 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $93 plus $34.05 Resort Fee per night

This Hilton Vacation Club property is situated on a golf course and is found in Celebration, just a few miles outside of Disney World. It’s a beautifully built resort with excellent amenities and top-notch value, allowing it to come in as our 5th favorite ‘Budget Hotel’ for off-site stays. 

Families of all ages will enjoy this resort which feels more like an amusement park than a hotel! The pool area is great with four heated outdoor pools, including an amazing 2-story waterslide. There is also an activity center for kids, a movie theater, batting cages, and bike rentals. This hotel is packed with activities and amenities. 

With complimentary shuttle transportation to Walt Disney World, this all-suite resort allows for larger families to stay in a 3-bedroom suite! These suites feature over 2,000 square feet of space and include full kitchens that allow for up to 12 guests to fit comfortably. 

This under-the-radar gem is a great value for larger families while being close enough to the Disney Magic, making it our 5th favorite ‘Budget Hotel.’

Pros:

• Free transportation to/from the Disney Parks
• Incredible value with 2-bedroom suites that fit 8 people in the $150 nightly range 
• Tremendous activities and amenities for families
• Only a short 10-minute drive to the Disney Gates
• Beautiful Mystic Dunes Golf Course on-site 
• Large and spacious rooms that feature kitchens, washers/dryers, and balconies
• Free Parking 

Cons:

• Expensive nightly resort fees 
• Slow Wi-Fi
• Rooms and common areas are a little older and outdated 
• Not an official Good Neighbor Walt Disney World Hotel

4. Melia Orlando Celebration 

• Location: Celebration. Only about 3 miles away from Walt Disney World 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $85 plus $36 Resort Fee per night

Coming in 4th on our list of the best ‘Budget Hotels’ near Disney World is Melia Orlando Celebration. This official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel is located in the town of Celebration, which was originally developed by the Walt Disney World Company. It’s also listed in Forbes Magazine as one of the Top Ten Prettiest Neighborhoods. 

We love the location of this hotel with its surrounding village! It is loaded with options for dining and shopping.  The room options are also plentiful as well with a number of different suite options, including 1 and 2-bedroom suites with kitchens and living rooms that will fit up to 7 guests comfortably. 

It’s an under-the-radar hotel that features all the amenities of being a Good Neighbor hotel, including transportation to and from the Disney Parks, and definitely one to consider.

Pros:

• Spacious rooms with 1 and 2-bedroom options with equipped kitchens
• Comfortable beds lined with Egyptian cotton linens 
• Free transportation to/from the Disney Parks
• A unique experience being right in the heart of the village of Celebration
• A dog-friendly hotel that has a dog park on-site
• Fun activities for the family include mini-golf, a beautiful pool area, and table tennis
• Free parking for hotel guests 
• Outstanding value for what you’re getting

Cons:

• A few miles outside of the parks 
• Expensive nightly resort fees 
• Not overly fancy and some guests complained about the room furnishings being outdated
• Many reviewers complained about thin walls and hearing the neighboring rooms

3. Floridays Resort Orlando 

• Location: International Drive 3 Miles from Disney World 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $170 plus $30 Resort Fee per night

One of the best options for larger families, the Floridays Resort Orlando comes in at 3rd on our list of best ‘Budget Hotels.’ Another one of the Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels, Floridays is a different type of experience that is equipped with 2 and 3-bedroom suites that will fit between 6 and 8 people! 

Each suite features a full kitchen, dining room, living room, washer/dryer, and private balcony. These suites are located on a beautiful piece of property with a fun pool area for both adults and children. 

While staying here, you’ll only be 3 miles from the Disney World property, and you’ll have free transportation access to all of the Disney World Parks making for lots of conveniences at a good price.

You can’t beat the price here, and for larger families, this has to be amongst the best picks in the whole Orlando area!

Pros:

• Biggest and most spacious rooms (3-bedroom suites are over 1300 square feet) 
• Free transportation to/from the Disney Parks
• Incredible value with up to 8 people in a 3-bedroom suite for less than $200 per night
• Homey feel, allowing you to cook in the full kitchen or do your laundry
• Only a 10-minute drive to the Disney World grounds
• Pet-friendly resort 

Cons:

• Rooms aren’t anything fancy and can be a little outdated
• Expensive nightly resort fees 
• Not daily cleaning like a typical hotel room
• Some reviewers felt the furnishings were broken down or significantly worn and outdated
• Other reviewers complained that the rooms don’t feel clean

2. Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista 

• Location: Disney Springs Area 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $94 plus $30 Amenity Fee per night

The Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista came in 2nd on our list of ‘Budget Hotels.’ This is another one of Disney’s Good Neighbor Hotels, the location is also within a short 10-minute walk of Disney Springs. This hotel is a great option for the cost, with tremendous value packed into the nightly rate (it’s one of the lowest we can regularly find).

While it certainly isn’t a fancy option and is a step down from the Hilton, it still does a really nice job of providing great family amenities everyone will love. They have a number of family fun activities including a heated pool, arcade, ping pong tables, and cornhole.

They have updated room options that even have the option of adding a balcony to overlook the Disney fireworks. Sure it’s not as good as being at the Poly or Grand Floridian, but you can watch them at a fraction of the cost.

They also run scheduled shuttles to all the Disney Parks. A nice perk of the Holiday Inn is the ‘Kids Eat Free’ perk for children under the age of 11 years old.

We enjoy the Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista, and for the value, it’s unbeatable.

Pros:

• Free transportation to/from the Disney Parks
• Kids under 11 eat free! 
• Less than a 10-minute walk to Disney Springs
• Fun family activities all over the hotel grounds 
• One of the cheapest and best values on our ‘Budget Hotels’ list 

Cons:

• Not the most luxurious of stays 
• Expensive nightly amenity fee 
• In need of a renovation 
• Some reviewers have complained about the levels of cleanliness

1. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

• Location: Disney Springs Area 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $160 plus $39 Resort Fee each night

This recently upgraded Hilton Resort is perfectly situated within walking distance of Disney Springs and is on the Official Good Neighbor Walt Disney World Hotels list.

It’s a great value for the price, giving you both an upscale and modern feel to it while having the reasonability of a ‘Budget’ hotel. It’s our favorite of the Budget Hotels, hence it gets the designation of the 1st choice for families looking to save money and stay off-site. 

This hotel is jam-packed with activities for families, featuring several outdoor heated pools, including one for just kids. It also has rooms that can fit larger families with both 1 and 2-bedroom suite options. They also provide free shuttle service to all of the Disney Parks so no need to grab an Uber or rent a car.

We think this hotel is the perfect combination of both amenities, an upscale feel, and proximity to Disney, and that’s why we firmly place it at #1 in this category.

Pros:

• Free shuttle service to all of the Disney Parks
• Listed as an Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel that is actually on-property although it’s not owned by Disney
• A short 5-minute walk away from Disney Springs
• Room Renovations that include luxurious Pacific Coast Touch of Down Pillows and European 250 thread count sheets on top of the Hilton Serenity Beds
• There are seven restaurants on the property, including Disney character breakfasts on Sundays

Cons:

• The most expensive on our list of Budget Hotels
• Despite being updated recently, several parts of the hotel still seem outdated 
• Smaller rooms with smaller bathrooms 
• Expensive daily resort fees

Best Mid-Range Hotels Near Disney World

Our next group of hotels near Disney World falls under our ‘Mid-Range’ category. These hotels are a step up from the Budget Hotels in our previous section. With the added costs that the mid-range hotels provide come a significant upgrade in amenities, location, and dining options. 

We’ve had tremendous experiences at these resorts, and they can be every bit as luxurious as some of the on-site Deluxe Disney Resorts. These resorts are all typically found between $200-$300 per night, and that includes the additional resort fees. Not a bad bargain at all!

5. The Alfond Inn

• Location: Winter Park 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $239

Coming in at 5th on the list of our favorite ‘Mid-Range’ off-site hotels near Disney World is The Alfond Inn. This unique boutique hotel is a crowd favorite due to its wonderful appeal to couples and friend groups without kids. It’s located in the charming city of Winter Park and is surrounded by a wide variety of things to do. 

While we don’t like that it’s located a little further away (typically about 30 minutes from Disney World), we love the artsy vibe that makes it feel authentic and unlike the other chain hotels on our list. It’s been widely recognized by Travel+Leisure and other magazines as one of the top boutique hotels in the country, and it’s a beautiful property.

And while it’s different and a little removed, it can be great for travelers that want to be close to Disney but not TOO close. You’ll escape from the crowds and the many families with small children, providing you with some peace and tranquility at your hotel.

Pros:

• Unique boutique hotel feel in the middle of Winter Park
• No expensive resort fees
• Dog friendly
• Beautiful pool area
• Fun and artsy local vibe with a touch of class and sophistication 
• Not a typical large-chain hotel
• Larger rooms that will accommodate up to 6 guests 
• Wonderful southern-style restaurant on-site that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch 

Cons:

• Furthest hotel away from Disney World, usually around 30 minutes
• No complimentary transportation to the parks 
• Not overly exciting for small children

4. Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort

• Location: Bonnet Creek about 5 miles from EPCOT 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $199 plus $38 Resort Fee per night

This beautifully-themed Mediterranean-inspired hotel comes in as our 4th choice when it comes to ‘Mid-Range’ off-site hotels near Disney World. This hotel is only a few minutes away from EPCOT and is found in the woodlands as part of the other Bonnet Creek Resorts. 

We find it to be a versatile all-around hotel that features convenience, room options, amenities for the whole family, and shuttle service to each of the Disney Parks. 

With 4 on-site restaurants, a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and 5 different pools, it’s hard to complain about the number of offerings that the Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort presents.

Pros:

• Transportation to and from the Disney Parks 
• 5 Pools including 2 lazy rivers and 2 splash parks for kids 
• Rooms with bunk beds, making them ideal for smaller kids
• Terrific on-site restaurant options 
• A full-service spa and 24-hour fitness center
• Only a few miles away from EPCOT

Cons:

• Very expensive nightly resort and parking fees 
• An all-around resort that doesn’t do anything particularly great 
• Lack of privacy with many reviewers complaining the balconies allowed other guests to see inside their room.

3. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs

• Location: Disney Springs Area 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $186 plus $39 Resort Fee per night

Another ‘Good Neighbor’ Disney World hotel, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs is our 3rd choice of off-site hotels that fits into the ‘Mid-Range’ offerings. And while this hotel has had its fair share of issues, namely the considerable amount of times its changed management, it seems to have finally found some stability. 

This hotel features all of the wonderful perks of being near Disney, including many rooms overlooking beautiful views of Disney World fireworks in the evenings. They also have Disney character breakfasts every Sunday morning that are quite good, if I do say so myself. 

They’ve done a nice job of continuing to update this hotel in the last few years with beautiful rooms and modern designed rooms. Families with small children love this resort because of its terrific pool area, featuring a fun and relaxing lazy river and a kids’ splash pad. 

We enjoy this resort and while it isn’t as luxurious as the other mid-tier options it is stellar for families and a great deal!

Pros:

• Transportation to and from the Disney Parks 
• Terrific pool area including a splash pad for kids and a lazy river
• Larger room options with suites fitting up to 8 guests 
• Good dining options with 4 different restaurants on property 
• Modern and beautifully redesigned rooms 
• Every room comes with a private balcony and mini-fridge 

Cons:

• Expensive nightly resort fees 
• Not as upscale as the other mid-tier hotels
• Common areas can be quite loud 
• Several reviewers complained about the cleanliness of the rooms

2. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

• Location: Orlando just 2 miles outside of Walt Disney World. 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $200 plus $45 Resort Fee per night

A personal favorite of mine and 2nd on our list of ‘Mid-Range’ off-site hotels is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. With a less than 5-minute drive to the Walt Disney World gates, the Hyatt Regency brings about convenience and beauty! 

We absolutely adore the pool area at this hotel, with a massive pool that is full of caves, waterslides, and activities. The amenities scattered throughout this resort truly are stellar with the ability to get involved in rock climbing, water sports, jogging trails, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. 

This hotel sits on an award-winning golf course as well as a beautiful full-service spa. We love this resort, and it’s a very reasonably priced resort considering the amenities and quality of offerings.

Pros:

• Feels the most luxurious out of the mid-range hotels on the list
• Very reasonably priced considering the high quality
• Transportation to and from the Disney Parks 
• Offers both standard rooms and larger suites that fit larger families
• A short 5-minute drive to Disney Property 
• Incredible amenities with a full-service spa, fitness center, golf course
• One of our favorite pool areas in all of Orlando, including Disney Resorts
• Stellar restaurant options with 3 table service offerings 

Cons:

• Very expensive nightly resort and parking fees 
• Some reviewers claimed there was a lack of employees available

1. The Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve Resorts

• Location: EPCOT Resort Area on Disney’s Boardwalk
• Starting Rate Per Night: $270 plus $40 Resort Fee per night

While The Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are all technically different hotels, they are all on the same property and owned by the same parent company, Marriott. The combination of these three resorts is our favorite mid-range hotel that is “off-site.” 

Saying these resorts are off-site is truly a disservice because they are right on the Disney Boardwalk. They’re more or less on-property but not owned by Disney. 

The reason we love these sister Marriott locations is that they have the best of all worlds, they’re on Disney Property but not technically owned by Disney. And being that they are not owned by Disney, it can be a good thing at times, and it is in the case of the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve it absolutely is!

You can’t argue with the location of these hotels, they are located in our view, the best out of any of these hotels on this list! With convenient walking pathways to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, you can’t beat it. Better yet, you can take one of the Disney Friendship Boats over to the parks as well. And last but not least, you’re within a 5-minute walk to the Disney Skyliner!

The other nice thing about these resorts is that you can book these resorts with hotel points if you’re a Mariott Bonvoy Account Holder and have available points to rent. 

All three of these resorts are considered Category 6 Marriott Properties and will require between 40-60,000 points per night. We’ve been able to do many free trips using our points and it’s a great way to save money!

Pros:

• Best location out of all the hotels on this list, right on the Disney Boardwalk
• Outstanding dining options with top-end table-service dining experiences 
• Terrific nightlife entertainment on the Disney Boardwalk 
• On-site full-service Mandara Spa
• Transportation to and from the Disney Parks 
• A kids club, Camp Dolphin, allows you to get a night out  
• Five beautiful outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs 
• Enjoy many of the on-site park perks like early park entry and extended hours 
• Can book stays with Marriott points 

Cons:

• Expensive nightly resort fees 
• Convention hotels with large amounts of convention guests 
• Lack charm and ambiance and feel more “business-like”
• Don’t get all of the on-site benefits of Disney-owned hotels

Best Luxury Hotels Near Disney World

And lastly, we have our Top-5 ‘Luxury’ hotels near Disney World. These are for guests that want the absolute best when it comes to theming, resort ambiance, entertainment offerings, and just pure sophistication. 

They really are impeccable when it comes to luxury and classiness and all of them cost upwards of $300+ per night. These hotels are NOT cheap and in many instances, even more costly than the Disney Deluxe Resorts. 

A few of these hotels are ranked among the Top-5 Hotels in all of Central Florida and will cost a pretty penny. But when I’m telling you they are worth it, they are worth it!

5. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

• Location: Universal Orlando about 15 minutes north of Disney World 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $409 plus

Coming in at #5 on our list is Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. It feels a little sacrilegious to have a Universal Hotel on our list considering this is for Disney guests, but this hotel deserves a shout-out, even though it is a little farther away than some of our other options. 

There is so much to love about the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel from its picturesque seaside Italian theming to its ability to appeal to families with small children and adults alike! We love the hotel’s updated and beautifully themed rooms as well as the top-notch Mandara full-service spa that is found on-site. 

This hotel has a significant amount of amenities including three themed pool areas for kids including one with a giant Roman aqueduct slide. There is also a supervised children’s activity center that gives kids a large number of recreational options! 

And if a visit to the Universal Orlando Resort is on the cards, staying here doesn’t get more convenient!

Pros:

• The most reasonably priced resort on our ‘Deluxe’ hotels list and there are NO resort fees 
• Suite room options for larger families
• Awesome and beautiful theming including a large outdoor piazza that features Italian cars, restaurants, singers, and scooters
• Full-service Mandara Spa and Fitness Center
• A ton of different dining options, including 8 different restaurants 
• Free Universal Express Unlimited pass allows you to skip the rides at Universal parks (if you visit).

Cons:

• You have to arrange your own transportation to the Disney Parks and Disney Springs
• Considering it’s a Universal Orlando hotel, it will be packed with kids and doesn’t have the same levels of luxuriousness or exclusivity that the other resorts on our ‘Luxury’ list have. 
• The fact that it’s a Universal Hotel might be a turn-off for Disney lovers
• A little further away than the other resorts at around a 15-20 minutes drive

4. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

• Location: Bonnet Creek about 10 minutes south of Disney World 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $429 plus $45 Resort Fee per night

Coming in at the 4th spot on our list of the best ‘Luxury Hotels’ off-site is the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. Located nearby to the Waldorf Astoria, this JW Marriott offers a ton of family-friendly perks and amenities, including family loft suites that will sleep up to 9 guests! 

While there is also another JW Marriott in the nearby Grande Lakes, we prefer the Bonnet Creek location due to its proximity to the Disney Parks and stylish modern design. It’s so close to Disney that they have a rooftop terrace that allows you to view Disney’s fireworks nightly! 

While this resort might not have the same levels of luxury as the other resorts on our list, it is the most affordable and still comes with considerable luxury and high-end amenities such as a full-service spa, a fun pool area with a splash pad, and quality dining options.

Pros:

• Complimentary transportation to the Disney Parks
• One of the most reasonable hotels on our ‘Luxury’ hotels list, starting at only $429 per night
• Rooftop dining 
• Pet-friendly hotel 
• Awesome views of the Disney fireworks with rooms that have views 
• Very close to Disney Springs and the Disney campus 
• Spacious suite options that will fit up to 9 guests, including ones with bunk beds for kids 
• Hidden Garden Kids Club with a number of kids’ activities 

Cons:

• No lazy river option for kids in the pool 
• Can lack the appeal for kids due to its more mature and modern theming 
• Not a 5-star hotel, and is only considered a 4-star lacking the top-quality luxury that the other resorts on this list have 
• Very expensive nightly resort and parking fees

3. Waldorf Astoria Orlando

• Location: Bonnet Creek about 10 minutes south of Disney World 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $487 plus $50 Resort Fee per night

At 3rd on our list is the Waldorf Astoria Orlando which is found just south of the Walt Disney World campus in the Bonnet Creek Area. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a terrific choice for those looking for a luxurious experience outside of Disney. Why? 

A ‘Good Neighbor Disney Hotel,’ the Waldorf comes with the many perks of being an official Good Neighbor including complimentary transportation options to all of the parks, beautiful fireworks rooms, Early Theme Park Entry, and the ability to buy Discounted Disney Park Tickets in the hotel lobby. 

This beautifully-themed 5-star resort is one of the most reasonable options on our list considering the many amenities and luxury throughout. Starting at only $487 per night, this hotel is considerably cheaper than most of the Disney Deluxe Resorts while also arguably being significantly nicer than most of them. 

We also love its ability to cater to all members of the family. They feature a beautiful 18-hole golf course that was created by acclaimed golf course architect Rees Jones. And there are plenty of areas at the hotel for kids to be entertained, including the 3-acre lazy river and waterslide. 

The room options can be incredibly appealing considering they offer 2-bedroom suites that can fit up to 8 guests. We love the Waldorf, and it is a great luxury option for families while being fairly affordable in price!

Pros:

• Complimentary transportation to the Disney Parks
• Very close to Disney Springs and the Disney campus 
• Beautifully themed and nestled within a 482-acre nature preserve lined with palm trees 
• 12 different on-site restaurants and bars, appealing to every member of the family
• Beautiful pool area featuring a giant waterslide and a 3-acre lazy river
• Larger rooms available for larger families
• Beautiful full-service spa and fitness center on-site
• Terrific location just a few minutes away from EPCOT and the EPCOT-area hotels

Cons:

• Very expensive nightly resort and parking fees 
• The hotel tends to be more themed and catered to older clients

2. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes

• Location: Grande Lakes about 15 minutes from Disney World 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $479 plus $53 Resort Fee per night

Our 2nd favorite ‘Luxury Hotel’ that is found off-site, The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes is only about a 15-minute drive away, located east of the Disney World campus in the Grande Lakes area. This luxurious 5-star hotel features a ton of amenities, including a 40,000-square-foot spa, an 18-hole golf course, and 11 on-site restaurants. 

It’s beautifully inspired by the Grand Palazzos of Italy and is found on a beautiful 500-acre nature property. While it might appear to be more conducive to couples or adults, the Ritz appeals to families as well with its Grande Lakes Waterpark area which is filled with waterslides, and a lazy river. They also have an on-site Kids Club that is ideal for young kids. 

We love the outdoor nature options at this hotel, including access to bike trails, kayak rentals, boating and fishing, and tennis courts. We never get bored here! 

Considering the 5-star opulence, the prices at the Ritz are fairly reasonable, and again in sheer luxury, it beats most Deluxe Resorts at Disney. For those reasons, it lands at #2 on our list.

Pros:

• An affordable luxury option that is significantly cheaper than the Deluxe Disney Resorts while having additional amenities and extravagance
• Complimentary transportation to the Disney Parks
• Stellar dining options with 11 restaurants on the property 
• Beautiful Italian theming throughout the grounds
• Championship-level golf course designed by Greg Norman
• Beautiful and massive full-service spa 
• Fun activities for kids including a kids club, and an awesome pool area 

Cons:

• Very expensive nightly resort and parking fees 
• A 15-minute drive away from the gates of Disney World

1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando

• Location: Magic Kingdom Area 
• Starting Rate Per Night: $1260

It’s not really a surprise, but our number 1 option for ‘Luxury’ hotels near Disney World has to be the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. This is the gold standard when it comes to quality and amenities and is more luxurious than any Disney World Resort hotel. 

What sets this apart for us is the fact that it’s technically on-site within the Walt Disney World gates, and is located inside the prestigious Golden Oaks Community directly behind the Fort Wilderness Campground. 

This hotel brings about the natural beauty of Central Florida with its setting on a beautiful sanctuary, and the actual resort is incredibly luxurious and rich. It’s the best of natural beauty and man-made luxury, with phenomenal amenities and a lush environment enveloping the resort. 

Kids love the incredible pools found on Explorer Island at the resort which features a five-acre water park equipped with a lazy river, water slides, interactive fountains, and splash zones and couples love the adults-only section of the resort. 

While it’s incredibly pricey and the most expensive hotel on our list, it’s worth it if budget is not a concern. Appealing to couples, families, and business travelers the Four Seasons Resort Orlando strikes the perfect balance between location, luxury, and amenities, and a must-try!

Pros:

• Complimentary transportation to the Disney Parks
• Character breakfasts are available on Saturday mornings
• A complimentary kids camp filled with activities 
• Adults-only sections of the resort 
• Incredibly five-acre water park full of pools, lazy rivers, and water slides
• Top-notch five-star luxury with terrific dining options 
• On-site within the Disney Bubble with some of the same perks as Disney Resort Guests
• Unbeatable amenities and first-class treatment with a beautiful golf course and a state-of-the-art spa 

Cons:

• Incredibly expensive starting at over $1,260 for a standard room per night 
• While it’s on Disney property, it lacks any kind of Disney theming or feels

Overview of Disney World Areas

When considering the best hotel options for your visit, it is incredibly helpful to know the location and whereabouts of each of the 6 areas surrounding the 25,000 acres of Walt Disney World Property. 

The Disney company separates and organizes these different areas into 6 different named areas. They are:

• Magic Kingdom Resort Area – Located at the north end of the Disney World Property
• EPCOT Resort Area – Located directly in the center of the Disney World Property
• Bonnet Creek – Located in between the EPCOT Resort area and the Disney Springs area 
• Animal Kingdom Resort Area/Flamingo Crossings – Located directly to the west of the Disney World Property 
• Lake Buena Vista/Disney Springs Area – Located directly to the east on the Disney World Property
• Celebration/Kissimmee – Located all the way to the south of the Disney World Property 

Before you choose where to stay, it’s important to consider each of these different options and where they fall on the map. It’s helpful for planning a trip, especially if you are driving. 

But who should stay in each of these areas and what hotel options are there for guests that want to stay there? Let’s break down each of them.

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

For guests that want to be closest to the magic, a stay in the Magic Kingdom Resort area can be in the cards for you! These hotels can put you in the very best spots to be able to enjoy nighttime views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, allow you to easily access the Disney Monorail, and give you a significant amount of options for dining. 

• This is our favorite area for families with small children. 

When staying off-site, our absolute favorite hotel option for guests that want to be in the Magic Kingdom Resort area is the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. And while this is one of the most expensive hotels in all of Orlando, it puts you in an incredible location and features the best of luxury! 

While there are limits to the number of off-site hotels in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, there are a few on-site locations that stand out above the rest when it comes to being near the magic. For guests that are on a tight budget, staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and/or the cabins located there can be an awesome value! 

If your budget is a little more stretched and you want to be on-site putting you directly into the Disney World Magic, we absolutely love both Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Both are among the Disney Monorail Resorts and put you right next to the Magic Kingdom. 

You also have Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area and they are also solid picks that won’t lead families astray either.

EPCOT Resort Area

While it’s called the EPCOT Resort Area, it is technically in between both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, giving it convenient access to the two parks. 

Those staying at these resorts can walk into both parks, take a Friendship Ferryboat into the parks, or take the Disney Skyliner from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios. This is the most central location out of all of the 6 areas. 

The hotels located in this area allow for the best access to the Disney Boardwalk with its many different nighttime recreational offerings and dining options. We love this area for adults, and it’s our pick for the best area for adults. 

When staying off-site, you can stay at either the Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve. All three of these Marriott properties are found in this area. They are cheaper than the alternative Deluxe Disney Resorts also found in this area, and they are nearly on the same level as far as quality. 

If desiring to stay on-site at one of the Disney World Resorts, you have the option of staying at Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Yacht Club, or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Our personal favorite is Disney’s Beach Club Resort, due to its theming, pool area, and proximity to EPCOT.

Bonnet Creek

While they are technically on Disney Property, the hotels found here are all off-site hotels due to being owned by outside companies. 

The Bonnet Creek area is incredibly convenient for guests with cars, being that it’s only a few minutes’ drive to all of the Disney Parks. All of the hotels found here will also give you complimentary shuttles to the Disney parks as well, albeit on their time. 

The Bonnett Creek area is our favorite area for luxury. These hotels are all at the very least 4-star hotels and feature terrific amenities, luxury, and class. 

A stay here can be great for families that want to be close to Disney but at the same time not be enthralled by Disney all the time, getting a little bit more separation from the hustle and bustle of the parks. 

The hotels are all bigger chain hotels like Wyndham, Hilton, and Marriott. However, the nice thing is if you’re a ‘rewards points traveler,’ you can often use books to book stays here or rack up points by staying here.

You’ll get many of the same perks as staying at a Disney World Resort such as ‘Early Theme Park Entry’ and the ability to purchase tickets at your hotel.

These hotels typically charge resort fees and parking fees daily which can add up quickly even if they’re technically considerably cheaper than Disney Hotels. 

Our two favorite hotels found here are the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa and the Waldorf Astoria. Both are fantastically themed and elegant in nature, while not breaking the bank.

Animal Kingdom Resort Area/Flamingo Crossings

On the far west side of the Disney World Property is the Animal Kingdom Resort Area/Flamingo Crossings area. This area in particular feels more isolated than all of the other areas on the Walt Disney World Property, and it seems to take forever to get to the other areas in Disney. 

Some might enjoy this and some might not, but it is certainly our pick for the quietest area! This area has a good balance in the hotel accommodations depending on the needs of your family.

When staying on-site, if you want to truly enjoy Disney Imagineering at its finest, a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is certainly worth a visit! 

If you have a slightly smaller budget, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a great option that falls somewhere in the middle, and it’s our favorite Moderate Disney Resort. All 3 of Disney’s All-Star Resorts are also found here and can be a budget-conscious option for families that want to stay on-site. 

For travelers that want to stay off-site, our pick would be the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando hotel. It’s only a few miles away from the western entrance of the Disney World campus and features larger rooms for bigger families.

Lake Buena Vista/Disney Springs Area

Now going to the opposite end of the map, the Lake Buena Vista/Disney Springs area is all the way to the eastern side of the Disney World Property. This area has the highest amount of options and accommodations for families of all sizes and interests. 

We love the ability to walk into Disney Springs which many of the hotels found here can do! This opens up a large amount of dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities for families. This area is our pick for the best shopping and dining! 

There are a number of great budget-conscious options that are found here, with most of them being ‘Good Neighbor’ hotels featuring many of the same amenities as on-site Disney Resorts. If you want to stay off-site, my favorite hotel in this area is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. It’s a beautifully-themed resort that is only 2 miles from Disney Springs. 

If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, I’d recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista. You’ll often find rooms here for under $100 per night! 

When staying on-site, the hands-down best option is Disney’s Saratoga Springs & Resort. It’s the only Disney Resort where you can walk into Disney Springs. Other on-site options that are just a short boat ride away are Disney’s Old Key West Resort and the two Port Orleans Resorts.

Celebration/Kissimmee

All the way to the south and underneath the Disney World Property is the Celebration/Kissimmee areas. These areas are packed with restaurants, hotels, and entertainment offerings. You’ll find loads of budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals that are within a few minutes of Disney. 

While we love the picturesque and idyllic town of Celebration, we tend to avoid the nearby Kissimmee area due to the sheer amount of people, traffic, and touristy feel. Parts of Kissimmee can feel very run down and in need of major updating! 

However, you’ll be just off the highway here, and a short ride away from the Orlando International Airport and other Orlando-area attractions. This area is our pick for guests that want to visit other Florida and Orlando attractions outside of Disney.  

While you’ll be able to find all kinds of off-site offerings here, you’ll certainly want to be mindful of the distance to Disney from your hotel.

Our favorite off-site hotel option is the Melia Orlando Celebration. It’s located in the town of Celebration and is just a few minutes away from the Disney Parks. It’s a nice place to be able to experience the cute little Disney-inspired town of Celebration here. 

Another option is the Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club. While still in Celebration, it’s a couple of miles outside of the center of town. It’s a great option for larger families that want room for up to 8 guests in a 2-bedroom suite.

Hotels Near Disney World with FREE Shuttles

If you are staying off-site near Disney World most guests would ideally want the option to have complimentary shuttle service to the Disney Parks. And while most of the Top-15 hotels on our list have complimentary shuttle service, a few do not. 

Keeping these things in mind is crucial, especially if you don’t plan on renting a car for your upcoming visit. Because of this, many guests find that spending a little more money at a Disney World Resort is worth it so that they can utilize the endless and complimentary Disney transportation. 

The good news is that most of the hotels near Walt Disney World include free shuttle service to the Disney Parks.

Hotels that offer free shuttle service:

• Avanti International Resort 
• Best Western Orlando Gateway
• Best Western Plus Kissimmee Lake Buena Vista South Inn & Suites
• Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista
• Candlewood Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Caribe Royale Orlando
• Clarion Suites Kissimmee – Orlando Maingate 
• Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort 
• Comfort Inn Maingate 
• Comfort Suites Maingate East
• Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre
• Courtyard by Marriott / Marriott Village Hotels
• Crowne Plaza Orlando
• Days Inn By Wyndham Orlando International Drive 
• Delta Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Doubletree Suites by Hilton Orlando at Disney 
• Embassy Suites Orlando – Lake Buena Vista Resort
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center
• Fairfield by Marriott Celebration
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake Buena Vista 
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Village Hotels in Lake Buena Vista
• Fantasy World Resort 
• Floridays Resort Orlando
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando
• Galleria Palms Orlando 
• The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
• Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista
• Hilton Garden Inn Orlando/Lake Buena Vista
• Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Orlando
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace 
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista 
• Holiday Inn Orlando Southwest – Celebration Area
• The Holiday Inn Express & Suites – South Lake Buena Vista 
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive South
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Lake Buena Vista – Orlando
• Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort 
• JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
• Knights Inn – Maingate Kissimmee
• Lake Buena Vista Resort Villa & Spa
• Margaritaville Resort Orlando
• Magic Village Resort 
• Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes 
• Melia Orlando Celebration
• Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club
• Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
• Ramada Kissimmee Gateway
• Ramada Plaza Resort & Suites Orlando International Drive 
• Residence Inn Orlando Convention Center
• Residence Inn Lake Buena Vista
• Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes 
• Rodeway Inn Kissimmee Main Gate West 
• Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista
• Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort
• Sonesta ES Suites Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
• Springhill Suites Orlando Theme Park/Lake Buena Vista
• SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village
• Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando Kissimmee
• SpringHill Suites Orlando Convention Center/International Drive Area
• Staybridge Suites – Orlando Royale Parc Suites
• Summer Bay Orlando By Exploria Resorts 
• Surestay Plus By Best Western Orlando International Drive 
• Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve Resorts 
• TownePlace Suites Orlando Theme Park/Lake Buena Vista
• Quality Inn & Suites By the Lake 
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando
• Westgate Blue Tree Resort 
• WorldQuest Orlando Resort 
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista 
• Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort
• Wyndham Lake Buena Vista 

I can’t guarantee that there aren’t some additional hotels here and there that DO or DO NOT offer complimentary shuttle service, I recommend that you always check first with the hotel. These hotels are continuing to change regularly as Disney regularly removes and adds hotels to the ‘Good Neighbors’ hotel list and they are subject to change at a moment’s notice.

All of these resorts have completely different schedules and timelines for how often they will bring you back and forth to the parks. As a general rule of thumb, expect between 1-3 shuttles to the parks and back each day.

Unfortunately, most of the above resorts will ONLY take you to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). That means from there you’ll have to use additional Disney Transportation to get to the park of your choice.

The above resorts are all between 0-15 miles from the TTC so it may take 30 minutes or more to get there depending on traffic at that time.

There are a few hotels on the list that will bring you to both EPCOT and the TTC. There are also a few that will take you to all 4 Disney Parks.

Keep in mind though that just because they say on their website that they offer complimentary shuttle service to the parks doesn’t mean they offer it EVERY DAY. They could also simply be referring to bringing you to the TTC. As always, continue to check directly with the hotel to be sure.

Here’s how to get to the parks from the TTC:

• Magic Kingdom – Take either the ferry boat or the monorail to the front gate of Magic Kingdom.
• EPCOT – Take the direct EPCOT line on the monorail directly to the front of EPCOT.
• Hollywood Studios – From the TTC walk over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (5 mins) and hop on a Disney Bus that will take you directly over to Hollywood Studios.
• Animal Kingdom – Follow the same directions as Hollywood Studios, except hop on the Animal Kingdom bus.

Off-Site Hotels with Best Pools

When it comes to the best off-site hotels with the best pools there are two that stand out from among the crowd. The first is at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. This off-site resort is one of our favorite overall off-site resorts, located just a few miles from Disney Springs. 

We LOVE this pool area which features an 800,000-gallon, half-acre pool that is equipped with 12 different waterfalls, a 124-foot water slide, a kids’ splash zone, and two different whirlpools. 

The other pool area we are in love with is found at the Four Seasons Orlando. This hotel has multiple different pools, including an adults-only pool area, a splash zone, and a lazy river! 

The family pool area is a great location to take the kids to watch the interactive fountain that launches water 30 feet into the air! You’ll also be able to take the 74-foot plunge down the Manson tower water slide.

Best Hotels Near Disney World for Big Families

There are so many choices of hotels near Disney World that are conducive to larger families! Two of our favorites are the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, which features larger rooms that will accommodate small children with bunk beds. 

Our other favorite option is the Floridays Resort Orlando, which is only 10 minutes or so from the Disney Property but is incredibly reasonably priced. Rooms here can fit up to 8 guests and they come equipped with full kitchens and living areas, perfect for cooking a meal or two and saving money in the process.

Check out our post on the Best Disney World Suites for our favorite on-site and off-site selections.

Hotels Within Walking Distance of the Theme Parks

There are several Disney Resorts that are on-site that are found within walking distance of the Disney Parks. By having the opportunity to walk to the parks, you’ll be able to save an incredible amount of time, while not being overly reliant on slower forms of transportation. (Yes I’m talking about you Disney Buses!) 

And at the end of a really long day, this can be invaluable as to save you time and energy in avoiding having to wait around waiting and waiting.

Each of these resorts is within walking distance of at least one of the theme parks:

Disney’s Contemporary Resort – A stay at the Contemporary brings about the easiest and shortest pathway to Magic Kingdom. You can easily make it to the front gates of Magic Kingdom in under 10 minutes. This is one of the easiest walks you’ll find! 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – With the addition of the new walkway to the Magic Kingdom which opened in 2020, you’ll be able to walk to Magic Kingdom from both of these resorts. 

The Polynesian is a little bit of a longer walk because you’ll need to walk to the Grand Floridian first.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Resorts – All three of these resorts are located on the Disney Boardwalk. This brings about incredible convenience and access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, great for visiting the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. 

If you don’t feel like walking you can take the Friendship Boats or the Disney Skyliner to Hollywood Studios, which is a slightly longer walk. 

Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve Resorts – These three sister resorts are located next to each other on the Disney Boardwalk. They are the only non-Disney and “off-site” hotels that will enable you to walk directly into both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – While it’s not within walking distance to one of the Disney parks, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has incredible access to Disney Springs. By use of the walking pathways, you can reach Disney Springs within a short walk, depending on which building you’re staying at. 

If staying at either Congress Park or The Springs parts of the resort, you’ll be incredibly close, and it may be worth the higher room price for the convenience if you’ll be spending a lot of time there.

How to Book Hotels Near Disney World?

When booking hotels near Disney World, there are several different ways you can do so. First I’d recommend you narrow down the few hotels that you like the best and that seem within your budget. Once you know the 3-5 hotels you like the best, do ONE of the following:

1. Search yourself by using the different online search portals to find the very best deals.
2. Use an authorized Disney Travel Agent, such as Show You The World Travel to help you find the best rates on the hotels of your choice.
3. Book one of the ‘Good Neighbor’ hotels directly through Disney here.

To learn why we feel that using an authorized Disney vacation planner is your best option, click here.

Best Online Search Portal for Hotels

Deciding the best online search portal for hotels is very subjective and individualized by each person’s opinion. Here are my favorite sites to use:

1. TripAdvisor – I love using TripAdvisor to explore reviews and read the most current ones. By using TripAdvisor to book a hotel, you’ll be presented with all of the popular search portals with the cheapest available price on each, allowing you to click on a link to book. They make it super easy for both research and booking! 
2. Booking.com – I feel that Booking.com has the best pictures out of any of the hotel sites. You’ll get large screen photos of every aspect of the hotel, enabling you to look closely at rooms. I also love that most hotels on Booking.com typically don’t require you to Pay Up-Front. They generally have a Pay-Later option which gives me a fallback option if I need to cancel prior to our trip.
3. Priceline – Though it’s been a little while since I’ve used Priceline, I’ve always found myself getting great deals! The ‘Express Deal’ option, although it’s a bit of a wildcard, enables you to get significant savings on an unknown hotel! It’s fairly easy to find out which hotel the Express Deal is with a little finagling and research and you could save big bucks!

How to Get from Orlando Airport to Your Hotel

Now both guests staying off-site and staying on-site need to figure out their own transportation back and forth to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) upon arrival and departure. What are the best options for guests? 

• Shuttle/Bus Services – Like the old Magical Express Service, these shared services allow you to get to your hotel in a reasonably priced fashion. You’ll save money by sharing rides with other guests on bigger buses but be prepared it will be a longer ordeal.
• Ride Sharing Service – By using a service like Uber or Lyft you can efficiently get back and forth to the airport with minimal hassle, time, or effort. They can be slightly more expensive than a shared shuttle service but far quicker! 
• Town Car or Limo Service – This private service is a step up in terms of price, allowing you more flexibility and freedom if you want to stop along the way. This is typically the fastest and most efficient way while also being the most expensive. 
• Rent a Car – If you’d like to have a car on you for your stay, by renting a car you can come and go as you please. Just keep in mind off-site hotel parking and Disney Parks parking can add up quickly if you’re not staying on-site or don’t have an Annual Pass.
• Taxi Service – The old-school way of traveling prior to Ride Sharing, Taxis are an easy and carefree way to get back and forth to your resort without any advanced planning needed. 

These are the few main options when it comes to getting back and forth to the airport. For the entire list and our favorite recommendations, be sure to check out our article here.

Things to Do Near Walt Disney World

If you decide that you’re staying off-site there are a TON of things to do outside Walt Disney World. We highly recommend exploring and seeing other parts of Central Florida and Florida in general. I think you will LOVE it!

What are our favorite recommendations? Here are our Top-10 Things to do near Walt Disney World but off-site. 

1. Visit Universal Orlando – While our family is incredibly loyal to Disney, every few years we will take a day or two to visit the Universal Parks to see what new things they have! The parks are between 15-20 minutes away from Disney World Property. 
2. Discovery Cove – A few years back, we had the pleasure of visiting Discovery Cove! It was such a fun day. Taking a dip with a dolphin while enjoying a number of other aquatic wildlife was an unforgettable experience! 
3. Go to Kennedy Space Center – If you’ve never had the opportunity to drive out to Cape Canaveral and visit the Kennedy Space Center it’s worth a visit to see where the shuttles launch. 
4. Take an Airboat Ride – Visit the Florida Everglades on an airboat tour where you can see the Florida Wilderness at its finest! If you like alligators, this is your chance to see them up close!
5. Visit the Disney Character Warehouse Outlets – These are official clearance centers for items that didn’t sell in the parks at significant discounts. You can find some real gems here instead of paying the extra money in the parks.
6. Go to an Orlando Magic game – Whether or not basketball is your thing, a visit to the Amway Arena to see a basketball game in the center of Downtown Orlando can be a great way to spend a night. You may even see a star or two sitting courtside.
7. Manatee Watching – By visiting the nearby Blue Spring State Park, you can sit and watch manatees! My sister-in-law loves this and is completely mesmerized by these incredible creatures.
8. Visit Leu Gardens – Situated in Downtown Orlando, this beautiful 50-acre botanical oasis is a wonderful way to spend a few hours exploring. And it’s only a few minutes’ drive from the original Gideon’s Cookies. Stop by and get a box or two!
9. Go Shopping – With both the Mall at Millenia and the Florida Mall located nearby Disney, you’ll have hundreds and hundreds of shops to enjoy! 
10. Visit Lake Eola Park – This beautiful public park is situated in the heart of downtown Orlando and is surrounded by the Walt Disney Amphitheater. My sister and brother-in-law went there a few years ago and rented the Swan Boats! It was a memorable afternoon and a great place to go on a date.

Should You Rent a Car?

When considering whether to rent a car a huge part of the discussion needs to be whether you’re staying off-site or on-site. 

When staying on-site in most instances we tend to avoid renting a car, but when staying off-site, renting a car COULD make more sense. 

With Disney recently removing the costs of paying to park for on-site resort guests, those staying at a Disney resort have an additional incentive now to consider renting a car. 

But should you? While having your own car gives you endless freedom and options as far as doing whatever you want when you want, that comes with a price.

With the cost of the car rental, tolls, hotel parking, Disney parks parking, rental insurance, gas, etc. It all can add up very quickly and what seemed like a way to save money can quickly turn into spending more than you wanted. Our guide to parking at Disney World shows just how much that one addition can add to your total cost.

On the other hand, when staying off-site without a car, you’ll be at the hotels’ mercy when it comes to transportation options both to the parks and other locations you want to visit. Having to wait for your free shuttle bus back to your hotel can be a real hassle and quite frankly, not worth it most of the time.

It’s a difficult choice that you and only you can make. For a more thorough dive into this question, please read our Guide to Renting a Car at Disney World.

Hotels vs. Vacation Home Rentals

When visiting Walt Disney World, our family has enjoyed staying at both off-site hotels and vacation home rentals. And while each has its own merits, the consideration of those within your group is of utmost importance:

We typically recommend hotels IF:

• You’re only going to be staying for a few days
• You want to be closer to the action 
• You have a smaller group
• You don’t need access to home-like amenities such as a washer/dryer or a kitchen
• You just want to relax and don’t want to have to worry about driving or traveling a considerable distance to get to places 

We typically recommend vacation homes IF:

• You have a larger group and you plan on spending a significant amount of time at the house
• You need significantly more space
• You’d like to save additional money by packing more people into the house
• You plan on cooking and having more home-like amenities 
• You would prefer additional privacy 

These are just general rules. Both certainly can be lovely and can be appropriate for specific trips. Hotels generally are located in closer proximity to where you want to be with less travel time, so if time is of the utmost importance, you may want to go that route.

With larger groups, you’re likely going to save a little bit of money getting a house rental and we’ve gotten some incredible houses for ridiculous value! Just remember that most of the vacation rentals are in more touristy and crowded areas, such as Kissimmee which can require you to sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic if trying to get to the parks. 

If you’re just a smaller group, you’ll likely save some money getting individual hotel rooms. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach and good value can be had at either.

Is it Cheaper to Stay at Disney World or Airbnb?

While the cost of Airbnb rentals has significantly risen over the last few years, in most instances, the cost of a top-rated Airbnb will still be usually less expensive than most Disney Resorts when going on a per-person basis. 

A really nice Airbnb will typically cost in the neighborhood of a Value Disney Resort per person. Of course, the more people sharing the cost of an Airbnb, the more you will save and if you rent a house for just your family, you may end up spending more.

A price comparison is needed to see which is the right fit for your family.

FAQ

Can You Use Disney Transportation If Not Staying On-Property?

Any visitors that are visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can use and access Disney Transportation for free to get to and from the parks and resorts. 

Of course, if you are staying off-site you will need to have a way to get to Disney World, which means renting a car or using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.

Do Non-Disney Hotels Have Free Airport Shuttles?

While having free airport shuttles was once a common thing amongst travelers staying within a Disney World Resort. Unfortunately, guests staying at both Disney resorts AND most non-Disney hotels will have to arrange their own transportation back and forth to the airport.

Which Disney Park is it Best to Stay Close to?

When it comes to which Disney Park is best to be close to, it’s a matter of personal preference. Families with small children tend to want to be by Magic Kingdom. Adults tend to enjoy being closer to the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios area.

How Many Hotels Can I Find Close to Walt Disney World?

There is no shortage when it comes to looking for hotels in the Walt Disney World Resort. Deciding which one to stay at is the difficult part! There are well over 300+ hotels in the Orlando area close to Walt Disney World.

How Many Entrances are there to Walt Disney World?

Many visitors are surprised to know there are 8 total entrances to Walt Disney World! They are found at:

• World Drive
• Vista Blvd.
• Western Way
• Buena Vista Drive
• World Center Drive/Epcot Center Drive
• Hotel Plaza Blvd
• Osceola Parkway
• Reams Road

That wraps up our ranking of the top Hotels Near Disney World Resorts. We hope that we gave you some good choices that will help you have a great time and save money on your trip!

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our ranking of the Best Hotels Near Disney World…

• What is your favorite Off-Site Hotel Near Disney World?
• Which do you think is #1?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂