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Sure, you can stay “on property” at Disney and get perks like free transportation to the parks. But you also can stay at one of these 11 off property Disney hotels and still have a magical experience with more space, different amenities and perks such as free transportation to the parks.
In 11+ years of annual visits to
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.
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:
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.
Disney fan 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 new
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
The Wyndham Buena Vista is a budget-friendly choice in Orlando and the resort pool area is fab. Photo credit: Cathy Bennett Kopf
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Wyndham (Garden) Lake Buena Vista
Address: 1850(B) Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830
The Wyndham (Garden) Lake Buena Vista is a She Buys Travel favorite because it’s just a short walk 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. And 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, where you can catch the bus to the parks
- Multiple onsite dining options including a coffee shop, poolside restaurant, cocktail lounge, quick-service cafe and breakfast restaurant serving our favorite, Mickey Mouse waffles
- 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
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Address: 1900 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Also a short walk away from 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.
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
She Buys Travel 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.
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
The dreamy Waldorf Astoria Orlando is the place to stay for a luxururious Disney vacation. 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.
- Golfers 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 She Buys Travel writer Gwen Kleist stayed in Marriott Village, she loved that 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.”
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
She Buys Travel 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.
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.
One Disney regular raved about 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:
- Walt Disney World is only 1.5 miles away, easily reachable by the 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
Magic Village Resort
Address: 3151 Pantanal Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Disney fan 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 (such as 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
When one of our writers 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- to 4-bedroom suites – each including a full kitchen
- Washer and dryer available
- Grocery delivery service available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are off property Disney hotels cheaper than staying on property?
A: It depends on the hotel and time of year. Some off property hotels may be cheaper than staying on property, while others may be more expensive. However, off property hotels often offer more space and amenities for the price.
Q: Do off property Disney hotels offer transportation to the parks?
A: Yes, many off property hotels offer free shuttles to and from the theme parks. Some even offer transportation to other Orlando attractions.
Q: Can you still get the same perks staying off property as you would staying on property?
A: Yes, some off property Disney hotels offer similar perks such as character breakfasts, onsite water parks, and great pools. It’s important to do your research and choose a hotel that fits your needs.
Q: Are off property Disney hotels far from the theme parks?
A: Not necessarily. Many off property hotels are located within a few miles of the theme parks and offer free shuttles to and from the parks.
Q: Are off property Disney hotels safe?
A: Yes, off property Disney hotels are generally safe. However, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable hotel with good reviews.
Mary Moore is the retro loving mother of two young children who enjoys the freedom of driving the open road in search of adventure. She and her family are working their way through the backroads and cities of America in their seafoam green 1950s Bel Air. You can read more about their lifestyle and adventures on the blog Raising Dick and Jane.
