Hotels Near Disney World That Don’t Sacrifice The Magic (Or Your Budget)

Knowing where to stay near Disney World and selecting a place to lay your head is one of the biggest decisions you will make during your Disney vacation planning. This post will guide you through some options and give recommendations for some of the best hotels near Disney World that won’t break your budget. 

But why wouldn’t I stay on property at Walt Disney World?

Let’s get this one out of the way. I love me some Walt Disney World resorts.

Obviously, staying on property is the most convenient. Plus, staying on Walt Disney World property does provide additional benefits such as a dining plan option and extra magic hours. Consult with a Disney vacation planner to determine if the pros outweigh the cost for your travel needs. Additionally, click here to check out travel deals and rates for Disney World resorts on Hotels.com.

But, this post provides some other options for those who want to be able to come to Disney, but may not be able to afford the on-property experience because of resort costs.

 

Disclaimer: These recommendations are made based on feedback on stays from family and friends, and research done on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com to help you narrow down your list. I have not personally stayed at all of these resorts and hotels.

Drury Inn & Suites Orlando – Orlando

Price Range: $88- $212 The Pros:  The Drury Inn and Suites is a great choice if you are interested in checking out both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. It’s just two miles from Universal and only about a 15 minute drive to Walt Disney World. Breakfast is included, parking and internet are free and they offer a shuttle to Universal, Sea World and Aquatica. The Cons: Though a shuttle is offered to Universal, you’re on your own when it comes to getting to Disney World. This is okay if you will have your own car or a rental. However, public transportation to Walt Disney World will take over an hour. So, if you stay here…budget for Uber. Distance from Walt Disney World:

Radisson Hotel Orlando- Lake Buena Vista

Price Range: From $87.00 Per Night The Pros: The Radisson is ridiculously close to Walt Disney World, and won’t even require a drive on I-4. Free parking and wi-fi are included, plus a free shuttle is provided to both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The Cons: The Radisson does not offer a free breakfast… but that’s what character breakfasts are for… right!? Distance from Walt Disney World:

 

Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway

Average Price Per Night: From $75.00 per night The Pros:  The Hawthorne Suites in Kissimmee is close to Disney World, offers a free buffet breakfast and theme park shuttles. Even if you don’t desire to use a shuttle, it’s so close that Uber will still be cheaper than the cost of parking at WDW. Plus, suite-style rooms with kitchenettes are helpful if you have small children and want to be able to store food to pack lunches and snacks. The Cons: There is currently construction going on nearby, so first impressions of the area are not ideal. Distance from Walt Disney World:

TownePlace Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings

Average Price Per Night: $179 The Pros: The TownePlace Suites is just minutes from Walt Disney World…just about a mile, actually. Your stay includes free wi-fi and breakfast. Rooms feature full kitchens, which adds convenience and flexibility for families who maybe want to save a few dollars by eating meals occasionally in the room. Pet lovers will also appreciate that this hotel is pet-friendly. Plus, the TownePlace Suites at Flamingo Crossings is a Disney Good Neighbor Partner Hotel. You can click here to find out more info about what that cool credential means. The Cons: Despite the short distance from Walt Disney World, it isn’t really walkable. You will likely need an uber or your own car. However, with the free parking provided by the hotel, Uber will likely be cheaper so long as car seats are not needed. Also, at the cost, it may or may not be a better deal to stay on property. It really depends on your dates of travel, length of stay and personal travel needs. Distance from Walt Disney World: 

Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista Resort – Orlando

Average Price Per Night: $170 The Pros: Embassy Suites are a parent’s dream, in general. Generally, the rooms have a separate bedroom ( read: kids can sleep on a pullout couch in one room and you get the other). Plus, the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista Resort has a great splash pad and outdoor pool area, free made to order breakfast and supervised activities for children. The Embassy Suites is also a Disney Good Neighbor Partner Hotel….which means that you get the added bonus of Mickey waffles in the morning. [bctt tweet=”Mickey Waffles…need we say more? #MickeyWaffles” username=”@flipflopweekend”] The Cons: It’s hard to find any with this resort, outside of the price. For what you get, it’s a good deal…you will just need to check if it is a better deal than staying on-property depending on your travel dates and you do have a pay a surcharge for parking. Distance from Walt Disney World: 

 

The lobby of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort

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Consider a Vacation Rental

Vacation Rentals are fantastic, affordable options for families who need a bit more than a standard hotel room. For larger families or those that would just like to have separate rooms and perhaps kitchen and dining space, it can be tough to find a hotel or resort to meet your needs at an affordable price.

If you are trying to do your Walt Disney World vacation planning on a budget, then a vacation rental home in Orlando near Disney is definitely worth considering.

And there are several excellent options to choose from! To help make your planning a bit easier, I have collected some of my favorite vacation rental properties from my affiliate sites HomeAway and VRBO.

These properties have excellent reviews, are close to Disney and offer some little extra magical touches to remind you that you are visiting the Happiest Place on Earth.

Disclaimer: I have not personally stayed at these properties and discovered them through my own search. Utilizing my experience in travel planning and reading reviews, I am confident in my recommendations, but encourage you to read all the fine print before booking. I personally contacted all owners and received permission for the usage of photos and information in this post. Rates are based on averages and can fluctuate throughout the year. I conducted my search based on random dates in typical peak times.

12th Floor Unit

Distance From Walt Disney World: 1 Mile From Disney, with Disney views Sleeps: Up to 6 People. 1 King Bed, Bunk Beds, Sleeper Sofa Cost: Around $112/Night Why You Should Consider It: With nearly perfect 5-star reviews, this rental is just a mile from Disney and advertises free shuttles to Disney and other area attractions. This is huge if you are not renting a car or have available transportation. Plus, by being on the 12th floor, you are guaranteed to get a great view of Disney Springs and nightly fireworks. There are also 2 pools on-site and a washer-dryer in the unit for getting that sweaty theme-park funk out of your clothes. Things to think about: Disney shuttles are free ( at specified times), but there is a $12 per person surcharge if you want a shuttle to Universal.

Click Here To Find Out More About This Vacation Rental Property

Contemporary Disney Home

Distance From Walt Disney World:  About 4 miles Sleeps:  Up to 9 people.

Cost: Around $106/Night

Why You Should Consider It:  This rental can house a large group of people, which makes it especially affordable if you are traveling with extended family or friends. Free wi-fi and parking are provided. Plus, since the rental is part of a complex, there is a clubhouse on site that features a pool table and fitness center. Additionally, there is a playground and swimming pool on the grounds. Things To Think About: This property has a no-smoking and no pet policy.

Click Here To Find Out More About This Vacation Rental Property

Disney Dream Home

Distance From Walt Disney World:  Sleeps:  Up to 8 Cost: Around $117/Night Why You Should Consider It:  Your kids will feel like they are staying at a Disney resort in the uber-cute Disney themed bedroom, while you are comfortable in one of the other two bedrooms each outfitted with King and Queen beds respectively. The owners provide a high chair, a crib and an umbrella stroller, which is incredibly helpful for those with little ones. Plus, 24/7 security provides peace of mind, though the community is in a great location anyway. Outdoor lovers will love access to the tennis court, kayaks and canoes while kids can play on the playground and splash pad areas. The property has exceptional reviews from past travelers and the owner, Sabrina, is amazing at quickly replying to inquiries. Things To Think About: The Queen-sized bedroom is on the second floor, which may need to  be considered if there are members of your party who may have a hard time climbing stairs. This property has a no-smoking and no pet policy.

Click Here To Find Out More About This Vacation Rental Property

Have you stayed at a hotel near Walt Disney World that you would recommend? I would love to here which ones you would add to this list in the comment section!

If you like this post, you may also like:

Free Things To Do With Kids at Disney Springs  A Complete Guide To The Disney World FastPass System

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