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Ask Disney fans where you should stay for your Disney World vacation and they likely will tell you that staying on-site is the way to go. But what if you want more space, different amenities or something more budget-friendly? You can find all of that and still have a magical Disney experience even if you stay at one of the many off-property Disney hotels! Here are 11 of our favorite off-property Disney World hotels and why we love them for families seeking a different experience without losing the Disney magic.
In 11+ years of annual visits to Walt Disney World, our TravelingMom writers have stayed in Disney World hotels at all budget levels, both on- and off-property. We know that a vacation to Disney World doesn’t have to be cookie-cutter. You have options that are still magical. Plenty of them!
What we’ve found is that off property Disney hotels are not just for those looking for a budget-friendly option, but also for those wanting all-inclusive resort options or to be closer to the beach.
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There are even off property Disney hotels that offer the same perks as Disney resort hotels — they are close to the theme parks, offer shuttles to and from the parks and magical amenities like character breakfasts, onsite water parks and great pools. Yep, you can get all that in an off-property Disney hotel, too.
Below is our guide to several off-site hotels near WDW in Orlando, Florida, and why they work for our families — and will work for families like yours.
TravelingMom Tip: Find out what you need to know before visiting Disney in 2021, including changes to the Magical Express, Fastpass and more.
Closest Off Property Hotels to Disney World
One of the reasons many families choose to stay at onsite Disney World hotels is the close proximity to the Disney parks. But did you know that there are several off-site hotels that are actually within walking distance?
If what works best for your family is to be close to the Disney parks, take a look at these fab off property Disney hotels.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and Swan Reserve
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
The Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve Resorts are technically on Disney property, however, they are all managed by Marriott International. This gives you the best of both worlds: onsite Disney benefits and all the added perks you’d expect from a Marriott hotel.
TravelingMom Kristin Shaw raves about the Swan & Dolphin. “I’m a frequent traveler with Marriott Bonvoy points to use, so having the option to redeem them at the Swan & Dolphin is a thrill for me.”
And, best of all for Disney lovers, the Swan and Dolphin and the planned Walt Disney World Swan Reserve (set to open Sept. 1, 2021) will be added to WDW’s list of approved hotels for early theme park entry and extended evening theme park hours beginning October 1, 2021.
Why It Works for Families:
- You can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points! Both hotels fall into a rewards category 6, so you’ll need around 50,000 points per night to redeem at this hotel.
- The Swan & Dolphin are within walking distance to EPCOT and both offer a complimentary shuttle service to all Disney theme parks.
- You are entitled to resort perks like early theme park entry and advance golf tee times.
- Extra family fun includes the 5 pools, arcade, playground, volleyball court and Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Course located at the Swan hotel.
Wyndham (Garden) Lake Buena Vista
Address: 1850(B) Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830
The Wyndham (Garden) Lake Buena Vista is a TravelingMom favorite because of its close walking distance to Disney Springs and its inviting family atmosphere.
The hotel is separated into two price points: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.
The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista offers a slightly more budget-friendly rate and fewer room frills, but if you plan to spend your time in the parks, you’ll have everything you need at a super affordable price. An the kids can still play in the oversize swimming pool and aquatic center if they still have energy at the end of the day.
Why It Works for Families:
- Located within walking distance to Disney Springs
- Multiple onsite dining options including a coffee shop, poolside restaurant, cocktail lounge, quick-service cafe and breakfast restaurant serving our favorite Mickey Mouse waffles! This is also the place to find a truly affordable Disney character breakfast, each Tuesday, Thursday at Saturday in Wyndham Lake Buena Vista’s Lakeview Restaurant.
- Two hotel room options with different price points and the same great resort community amenities!
- Two pools with a kid’s aquatic playground. Plus, fun for little travelers at the zero-entry splash pool.
- Sand volleyball and basketball courts for non-theme park fun.
Covid-19 Restrictions: Disney theme park transportation, character breakfasts, daily housekeeping, room service and Eclipse Lobby Lounge are temporarily suspended due to Covid-19. Check in with the hotel for the most up-to-date information.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Address: 1900 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Also within a short walk to Disney Springs is the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace. This beautiful hotel has a lot to offer your family, including a great pool with a lazy river, spacious suites to accommodate larger families and a panoramic view of the Disney Springs resort area from some of the rooms.
Why It Works for Families:
- Disney transportation shuttle available daily to and from the hotel and Disney theme parks.
- Four options for onsite dining, including a restaurant for poolside drinks and snacks.
- Lots of opportunity for fun in the sun with a pool, lazy river, kids splash pad and poolside cabanas.
- Family fun activities available by the pool on the weekends (seasonal).
- Suite options for large families with optional space for up to 8 people.
Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs
Address: 1805 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For a more budget-friendly hotel stay near Disney, the Holiday Inn in Orlando is a great option! It has many of the amenities families want, like a nice pool and dining options, plus it is less than two blocks away from Disney Springs.
TravelingMom Tip: Join the IHG Rewards loyalty program before you book. It’s free to join and being a member gives you the guaranteed lowest rate on your room and includes free WiFi, a big perk for families.
Why It Works for Families:
- Only an 8 minute walk to Disney Springs or take the shuttle to Disney World theme parks.
- Kids Eat Free perk for children under 11 (terms and conditions apply).
- Family fun activities including a heated pool, ping pong, corn hole and game room.
- Onsite dining options with kid-friendly menus.
- Budget-friendly choice.
Orlando Hotels with a Shuttle to Disney World
If you’re flying into Orlando to visit the theme parks, you might not have a vehicle to use during your stay. You might also not want to deal with the traffic and parking costs at the theme parks.
If you fall into either of these categories, here are our top picks for Orlando hotels with a shuttle service to Disney.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821
For those looking to book a luxury dream vacation, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a great option. This resort has food choices and activities for every member of the family. Plus, with complimentary transportation to and from the Disney parks, there’s no need to rent a car.
Why It Works for Families:
- Complimentary luxury transportation to and from Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks. You can also purchase your Disney park tickets on-site at the concierge desk.
- Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 18-hole Waldorf Astoria Golf Club created by acclaimed golf course architect Rees Jones.
- 12 onsite restaurants and bars make it easy to find something everyone will want to eat, from the foodies to the pickiest of eaters.
- Non-park days can include a relaxing time in the 3-acre lazy river, private cabanas and fun on the water slide.
- A choice between a Deluxe room or suite with room for up to 8 people.
- Seasonal scheduled family fun activities including poolside s’mores and movies.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village
Address: 8615 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32821
If you’re looking for a bit more room than you’d find in the Disney value resorts, at a comparable or even less expensive price, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista is a great option.
When TravelingMom Gwen Kleist stayed in Marriott Village, she loved how there were three Marriott hotels grouped together, allowing guests access to them all:
“When you stay at any one of the hotels at Orlando Marriott Village, you can enjoy the amenities at any of the three. (Can you say pool-hopping?) We especially loved the pool at the Courtyard, because it flowed from outdoors to indoors.”
TravelingMom Tip: This is a Marriott property, so join the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty club before you book to get the best deals and accumulate points for perks on future stays.
Why It Works for Families:
- Free park shuttle to and from the Magic Kingdom Transportation Center.
- A variety of rooms to choose from, including family suites with trundle bunk beds, cribs, free WiFi and mini-refrigerators.
- Breakfast is included in the room price — a big money saver for families with hungry kids!
- Family fun features include an outdoor heated pool and 24-hour game room with video games and air hockey.
- Budget-friendly.
Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel in Orlando
Address: 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando FL 32821
The Caribe Royale is a great choice if you want extra room space but still want to be near the parks.
TravelingMom Angela Tiffin enjoyed the spacious rooms at the Caribe Royale. “The rooms are well-appointed with two flat-screen TVs and all the rooms are suites so you have a separate sitting area, which is great when you have an early riser who wants to watch cartoons.”
Why It Works for Families:
- With Walt Disney World only 1.5 miles away, you can enjoy a quick, free shuttle to the parks.
- All-suite hotel rooms can accommodate up to 6 people making it a great choice for large families.
- Several opportunities for family fun, including bike rentals, pool with waterfalls, fishing, basketball & tennis, movies under the stars and arcade room.
- This hotel offers pet-friendly room options too!
Off Property Disney Hotels for Large Families
Traveling as a large family or with extended family? There are several options for you near Walt Disney World where you won’t need to book multiple rooms!
Magic Village Resort
Address: 3151 Pantanal Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34747
TravelingMom Hannah Rinaldi stayed at the Magic Village Resort and had this to say: “When it comes to finding a resort near Disney World, the Magic Village Resort exceeds all expectations. If you are trying to figure out where to stay near Disney World, look no further! This is a great family-friendly affordable option that’s perfect for a large family.”
Why It Works for Families:
- 3 and 4 bedroom villas within a gated community with space for up to 8 guests.
- Located near the entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- Include fully equipped kitchens and full-size washers and dryers.
- Free WiFi, free parking and no resort fee (although there is a cleaning fee)!
- Kids activities include a clubhouse with kid’s playroom and heated outdoor pool.
Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
Address: 9560 Via Encinas, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For a full range of vacation activities, the Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort is a top choice! Named one of the Top Resorts in Orlando by Condé Nast in 2019, this lakeside resort has a ton to offer larger families or groups.
Why It Works for Families:
- Family suites with space for up to 14 guests.
- All rooms have a full kitchen making it easier to feed a family on a budget or simply cook the meals you like while on vacation.
- Enjoy the outdoors with multiple pools, lazy rivers, waterslides, hot tubs and splash areas. Plus, the hotel has a barbeque and picnic area with gas grills available to guests and private cabanas.
- Lakeside walkway for exercise and views.
Orlando Hotels with Great Pools
When my family books a hotel room, we always make sure to check out the pool photos first. Since my kids love to swim, and we don’t have a pool at home, making sure they have a great pool is a vacation must!
If you’re looking for off property Disney hotels with a great pool, look no further. These pools aren’t just great…they’re amazing!
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Golden Oak, FL 32836
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy pool, Explorer Island at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is the spot. This near-Disney hotel includes a five-acre water park, transportation to Disney theme parks, magical experiences (like a character breakfast) and more.
Why It Works for Families:
- The whole family can enjoy the five-acre water park with splash zones, interactive fountains, water slides and pools.
- Complimentary transportation to the Disney Parks and character breakfasts available on Saturday mornings.
- Kids club with complimentary kids camp and activities.
- Adult-only pool.
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Address: 8113 Resort Village Dr., Orlando, FL 32821
Just a few miles from Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa is an all-suite option for families looking to have a great time both in the parks and out.
When one of our TravelingMoms stayed at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, she found her own space to relax with a margarita on the rooftop of Lani’s Luau.
Why It Works for Families:
- Shuttle to the major theme parks (temporarily available for a fee).
- Pirates Plunge pool is open until 10 p.m. for after-park fun and includes a giant pirate ship with waterslides.
- Onsite dining options and convenience store that make grabbing food easy.
- Choices between 1-4 bedroom suites – each including a full kitchen.
- Washer and Dryer available.
- Grocery delivery service available.
Covid-19 Restrictions: Some amenities and services are temporarily closed at this location due to Covid-19 restrictions, including the Kids Club.
Other Hotel and Vacation Rentals Near Walt Disney World
Looking for other off property Disney hotels or vacation rentals in Orlando, Florida? Use this interactive map to find the right accommodations for your family!
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