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The Best Places To Stay in Orlando, Florida, for Your Disney Vacation

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Jessica Merritt
Edited by: Juan Ruiz
& Michael Y. Park
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Your Walt Disney World hotel can shape your vacation, from early park entry to how you spend your resort days. Whether you want full Disney World immersion at an on-site resort or the value and variety of off-site properties near Disney World, there are endless options.

If you stay on Disney property, you get early theme park entry, complimentary transportation, and Disney perks. Off-site hotels in nearby Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, and Bonnet Creek may have larger rooms, lower nightly rates, and the potential to earn and redeem points.

This guide highlights the best Disney World hotels across all price ranges, from deluxe resorts near the Magic Kingdom to budget-friendly family suites and luxurious off-site hotels.

On-Site vs. Off-Site Hotels Near Disney World

Whether you want to stay at a Deluxe Disney World resort with easy park access, a budget-friendly family suite, or prefer a vacation rental, there are numerous options in Orlando.

Staying in the Disney bubble at a Disney World resort can offer convenience, perks, and a more immersive experience, but nearby hotels and resorts may offer more space and value.

Disney World resorts have park perks that can enhance your stay, including:

  • Early theme park entry
  • Extended evening hours for guests of Deluxe resorts
  • Complimentary water park admission on your check-in day through 2025 and returning in summer 2026
  • Lightning Lane access up to 7 days in advance
  • Access to dining plans
  • Bus, boat, and monorail transportation
  • Hey Disney! voice assistant that offers wake-up calls, Disney trivia, and interactive experiences
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary standard self-parking at the resort and theme parks

Often, you might pay more to stay at a Disney World resort than at comparable off-site properties, though some Value hotels have low nightly rates depending on demand. There are no resort fees for Disney World properties.

Off-site resorts, hotels, and motels are plentiful in Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, and other areas near Disney World. Oftentimes, these properties may be more affordable and provide more space. Some accommodations offer complimentary breakfast and kitchenettes to make meal preparation easier. It’s common to find hotels near Disney World that offer complimentary shuttles, although these services may operate on a limited schedule.

Want to stay off-site but still get Disney World perks? Consider a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. These properties offer Disney park transportation, Disney theming, park information, ticket sales, and close proximity to the parks. Think something like a Hilton with Disney-themed photo ops, a gift shop full of Disney items, and free Disney DVD checkouts.

Families and large groups may prefer a vacation rental or condo-style stay with a kitchen and laundry. You can consider vacation club properties from Marriott, Hyatt, or Hilton and book them with points.

Hot Tip:

See the advantages and disadvantages of staying on property at Disney World.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels (On-Site)

Stay at a Disney World resort and you’ll be close to the parks and fully immersed in the magic. Whether it’s at a budget-friendly Value resort or high-end Deluxe accommodations, all Disney World guests get early theme park entry and complimentary park transportation.

Disney World offers more than 25 resort hotels, grouped into Deluxe (and Deluxe Villa), Moderate, and Value categories, each with its own range of prices and amenities. There are too many resorts to detail here, but you can see some of our favorite tried-and-true Disney World properties.

Deluxe Resorts and Villas

Prime locations, tons of dining, and themed feature pools are hallmarks of Deluxe Disney properties. Guests of Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts get extended evening hours at the parks on select nights in addition to the on-property benefits. These are desirable for guests who want easy park access and plan to spend their days at the resort.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

One of Disney World’s most iconic properties is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The classic Victorian property has a grand lobby with a pianist, and the resort is just 1 stop away from Magic Kingdom on the monorail. You can see nightly fireworks from the hotel lawn. Indulge in the spa or fine dining, including Victoria & Albert’s.

Grand Floridian Exterior Front
Grand, Floridian. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

Rates start around $800 per night.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort puts you in the heart of the African savanna. More than 200 animals roam the property, and rooms with private balconies have wildlife views. The resort’s restaurants, including Sanaa, Jiko, and Boma, are among Disney World’s best for food and atmosphere.

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge
Savanna spectacular. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Rates start around $500 per night.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has a New England nautical vibe, luxury amenities, and an excellent location for visiting EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Dining ranges from a seafood lounge with lobster rolls, a classic steakhouse, and waterside bar, and the Stormalong Bay pool complex is considered one of the best at Disney World.

Disneys Yacht Club Resort amenities boat transportation boardwalk
Get a Cape Codder at the Yacht Club Resort. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

Rates start around $650 per night.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

With a location on the same EPCOT-adjacent lake as Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has an excellent walkable location to EPCOT and easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the Skyliner. The resort has a Coney Island-style boardwalk with carnival games, seafood joints, and saltwater taffy. There’s a carnival-themed pool with a 200-foot waterslide, too.

Disneys BoardWalk Inn Boardwalk Propety View from Lake
Walk the ‘walk. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

Rates start around $700 per night.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Inspired by national park lodges, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has rustic beauty with Disney details. Warm wood architecture, cozy fireplaces, and nature trails offer a peaceful atmosphere at this lodge that’s just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Wilderness Lodge Lobbt
Cozy lodgings. Image Credit: James Larounis

Rates start around $600 per night.

Moderate Resorts

With a balance of affordability, immersive theming, and resort-style amenities, moderate resorts are a happy medium for many Disney World guests staying on-site. Comfortably sized rooms, multiple dining options, and great pools are available without a Deluxe resort price.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

This bright, island-themed resort will transport you to the Caribbean with fresh tropical dining, zero-entry pools, water slides, fishing, and shopping. With a central hub for the Skyliner on-site, it’s a prime location for a direct ride to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort beach view
Island beats. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

Rates start around $275 per night.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside has the charm of a Louisiana bayou with a delightful river cruise to Disney Springs. With peaceful surroundings, multiple pools, fishing, and rooms that accommodate up to 5 (including dogs), this is great for families seeking serenity amid busy park days.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside lobby water mill
Bayou vibes. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

Rates start around $300 per night.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

With a Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American vibe, Disney’s Coronado Springs is a lakeside resort with extensive dining and centralized amenities. This resort is a favorite for adults seeking a classic hotel experience on Disney property without astronomical rates.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Big. Classic. Image Credit: Katie Corrigan Seemann

Rates start around $300 per night.

Value Resorts

Disney’s Value resorts are arguably the most fun, with vibrant energy and major bold Disney theming at the most affordable price point. Rooms are smaller than those at Deluxe or Moderate resorts, but have modern conveniences and all the benefits of staying on-site at Disney World.

All-Star Resorts

There are 3 All-Star Resort properties at Disney World: Disney’s All-Star Movie Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. Each stands alone, but they’re located next to each other in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom area.

These properties feature oversize characters, family-friendly pools, and lively food courts. With a low price and Disney resort comfort, these resorts are a favorable choice for families seeking budget accommodations and park-focused travelers who want a convenient place to rest.

Disney's All Star Music Resort amenities pool Calypso pool and building
The pool’s the thing. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

Rates start around $150 per night.

Hot Tip:

Annual passholders, Florida residents, Disney+ subscribers, and cardholders of the Disney® Visa® Card and Disney® Premier Visa® Card may have access to special offers for Disney resorts.

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Off-Site Properties

Staying outside the Disney bubble in areas such as Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, and Bonnet Creek can pay off with luxurious hotels, proximity to the parks, and opportunities to redeem points for stays. You may find larger rooms and lower nightly rates than those at Disney resorts. Many hotels near Disney World offer Disney amenities, including Disney-themed lobbies and complimentary park transportation.

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs Area

Connected to Disney Springs by a pedestrian bridge, this resort has a great location and comfortable amenities. Families love the lazy river and pool complex, and Hilton Honors members can redeem points for free nights.

Hilton Buena Vista Palace Orlando resort view from the lazy river
Stay connected. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

Rates start around $350 or 65,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve

The Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve (sometimes referred to as “Swolphin”) are Marriott Bonvoy hotels that are on-site near EPCOT but not Disney World properties. These hotels share multiple pools, lots of dining, and a white sand beach. Though they aren’t Disney World properties, you can take advantage of Disney amenities, including boat and Skyliner transportation, early entry, and extended evening hours.

Walt Disney World Dolphin night water view
Swoon over Swolphin. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

Rates vary depending on the resort, but start around $350 per night or 74,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando

This Hyatt resort near Disney Springs is set on a sprawling 1,500 acres with a private lake, golf course, and lagoon-style pool. Recreation, including paddleboats, an 8-hole Pitch n’ Putt Course, racquet club, bike rentals, rock climbing, and miniature golf are included in the resort fee.

Resort view at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando
Activities everywhere. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Rates start around $300 or 18,000 points.

Booking Disney Hotels With Points

You can’t book Disney World resorts with points directly, but on-site Disney properties may be available on credit card travel portals such as Chase Travel, AmexTravel.com, and Capital One Travel where you can book with points or miles.

Many off-site hotels near Disney World are part of major hotel loyalty programs, including World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards. You can earn or redeem points with these programs on your Disney World stay.

Hot Tip:

See our guide to visiting Disney World for cheap using points and miles to see how you can redeem rewards for stays, flights, and park tickets.

How To Choose the Right Disney World Hotel

The best place to stay near Disney World depends on your travel companions, budget, and how you plan to spend your time in the parks.

Families

Families often appreciate extra space, kitchenettes, and easy park access. On-site favorites such as Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have great transportation options that can make park mornings seamless.

Couples and Adults

Adults seeking a resort-style getaway should consider Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for its atmosphere and EPCOT proximity, or the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort for Marriott Bonvoy perks and dining.

Luxury Seekers

It’s tough to beat Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for a luxury experience at Disney World, as these properties offer rich theming and top-tier service. Off-site, Conrad Orlando at Evermore, Ritz-Carlton Orlando, and Waldorf Astoria Orlando have luxury experiences with points potential.

Budget Travelers

If you want Disney magic at low nightly rates, look to Disney’s All-Star resorts that offer early entry, a fun vibe, and family-friendly theming.

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Final Thoughts

Disney World has great accommodation choices for all budgets and travel styles. If you stay on-site, expect convenience, theming, and exclusive perks, while you may get more space, flexibility, and the ability to redeem or earn hotel loyalty points if you choose to stay off-site.

Whether you’re watching giraffes from your balcony at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, walking to EPCOT from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, or relaxing in the lazy river at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs Area, choosing a great resort can make your Disney trip more magical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Disney hotels have early theme park entry?

On-site Disney World resorts have early theme park entry. Select Disney Springs and Bonnet Creek partner hotels also offer early entry, including Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs Area and Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort.

Can you book Disney hotels with points?

Disney World resorts don’t participate in loyalty programs, but nearby hotels are bookable through programs including Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt. Some Disney resorts appear in credit card travel portals, including Chase Travel, AmexTravel.com, and Capital One Travel.

What's the most luxurious Disney hotel?

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney’s flagship property with a spa and fine dining. Off-site, Conrad Orlando at Evermore, Ritz-Carlton Orlando, and Waldorf Astoria Orlando offer luxury experiences.

Which Disney resorts are best for families?

Top family resorts at Disney World include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and All-Star properties, with family suites, kid-friendly pools, and affordable rates.

What's the best off-site hotel near Disney Springs?

There are numerous resorts along Buena Vista Drive at Disney Springs. We recommend the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs Area for its walkway to Disney Springs, lazy river, and on-site dining.

Jessica Merritt's image

About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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