Key Points
- Before booking an offsite hotel for your trip to Disney World, be sure to check out the hotels onsite that are not owned by Disney. They are typically a great value and put you right where you need to be.
- The best offsite hotels are either next to Disney Springs or at Flamingo Crossings. There are a lot of options here, and if you are planning on being at the theme parks most of the time a budget hotel may be the best choice.
- If you’re looking for a luxury experience, go with the Waldorf Astoria. Its top-notch amenities include a pool with a lazy river.
Staying at a Disney Resort during your vacation has a few perks, but it comes at a cost that is not worth the price for many guests. Luckily, there are plenty of good options for hotels just outside of Disney World that can give you similar amenities while keeping you close to the magic.
Continue reading to learn more about the best options for your family!
General Advice When Picking a Resort
When you visit Disney World, keep in mind you may be very busy every day in the theme parks. That means you’re only using your hotel as a place to sleep and may not have time to make use of its fancy amenities.
If you have extra time in your vacation to relax, a fancier resort may be worth the price. I always recommend a longer trip as opposed to a fancier hotel if you have the time – it’s simply a better way to make the vacation more enjoyable.
The Onsite Non-Disney Hotels
Before we get to the best off-site hotels, you may want to know a bit more about the hotels that are within Disney property that are not owned by Disney itself.
These resorts effectively operate as Disney Resorts and include the same perks, and therefore are often a great deal compared to Disney-operated options.
These resorts include:
- Swan and Dolphin (in Epcot’s Boardwalk area),
- The Bonnet Creek resorts (in the Disney Springs area), and
- The luxurious Four Seasons Resort (located closest to Magic Kingdom).
Depending on your budget, one of these is likely a top choice for your vacation. However, they’re not true “off-site” hotels, so I don’t want to go into too much detail about all of them.
Just know they’re a great option that you should definitely look into!
Extremely Close-to-Disney Offsite Resorts
There are two locations that stand out as good options the way that they’re situated: resorts next to Disney Springs and Flamingo Crossings.
These two locations are an excellent deal for most visitors due to their close proximity to Disney (low travel time) and nearby restaurant and entertainment options.
Though other resorts exist close by, they are on traffic-filled roads that can cause headaches, which reduce their quality significantly.
Resorts Next to Disney Springs
The B Resort and Spa
The B Resort and Spa I’ve only ever heard great things from based on family and friends visiting. The resort has a strong fitness presence and offers a great fitness center and spa option as a way to relax after a long day in the parks.
Many rooms are spacious and feature kitchenettes, making the resort a great choice for families. The resort also includes Disney perks as a “good neighbor” hotel, meaning you can enter the parks early!
The Best Western
Though not the most glamorous of hotels, the Best Western is nice and checks all the boxes for what you’ll need if you’re spending most of your time out and about.
It’s another resort within walking distance of Disney Springs, which adds a lot of value. Disney Springs’ new nightly drone show is just a stroll away!
The Hilton Buena Vista Place
Aside from being extremely close to Disney Springs, the Hilton Buena Vista Place is a great mix of high-class amenities at a decent price. The location has two pools and multiple restaurants, which allows you to spend more time enjoying the resort. The breakfast is also solid!
Flamingo Crossings Resorts
Located next to Disney’s new College Program housing, this area is located just a 5-minute drive onto Disney property next to Animal Kingdom. The location is excellent with new restaurants and stores and is on the side of Disney that isn’t full of chaotic traffic.
There’s a Ben and Jerry’s, Hot Pot, Pie-Ology Pizza, PDQ’s Chicken, and more! There’s also a Target and Walgreens, all located just across the street from these hotels. All are a great value, especially if you’re making use of Hotel Points.
There are multiple hotel offerings from Marriot and Hilton, all of which offer similar amenities. They include:
- SpringHill Suites
- TownePlace Suites
- Residence Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Home2 Suites
- Homewood Suites
Top Luxury Pick: The Waldorf Astoria
The Waldorf Astoria has an exceptional pool area complete with a lazy river – so if you’re planning a longer vacation with some days off to relax, this is a great option. The resort has many rooms with balconies facing the Walt Disney World property and is close enough to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks nightly. In general, the service and amenities are top notch.
The drawback to the Waldorf is that it only has hotel shuttles to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. That means you’ll be on your own if trying to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.
If you bring your own vehicle, this is not a problem – but keep in mind rideshare costs can bump up the price significantly.
Where NOT to Stay
Caribe Royale
Though I’ve heard of bad stories from many places, the single resort I’ve always heard horror stories about is Caribe Royale. Located across State Road 535 close by to Disney, it’s a nightmare to get in and out of and has heavy traffic all the time.
I used to drive by it on the way to Disney every day when I was a Cast Member, and every other week I’d see a crash where someone was trying to enter or exit the resort. Once, there was a cat flipped upside-down. Pair that with relatively old buildings, and it’s somewhere you should steer clear of.
Value Resorts along 192 (West Irlo Bronson Highway)
These hotels may seem like a good deal close to Disney, but they’re not worth the low prices.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for non-Disney Resorts that are a good value, the ones within Disney property and close by on Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Flamingo Crossings are excellent choices. If you’re looking for a luxury option, the Waldorf Astoria tops the list.
