There are many reasons to consider booking an off-property Disney World resort. Cost is usually the biggest reason. It’s a great way to stretch your Disney vacation budget. But did you know that several off-property Disney resort hotels offer an upscale luxury experience? And several have extra amenities so your family can experience the best of both worlds when visiting Orlando.
Based on the experiences of SheBuysTravel moms, we’ve compiled our list of the best Disney World off-property resorts that offer on-property Disney hotel perks – they’re within walking distance or offer shuttles to and from the parks and have the magical amenities families want like early entry to the parks and character breakfasts. Here are our top picks:
Many have suite accommodations; others have multiple bedrooms and kitchens so you can spread out and save money on meals. Looking to splurge? Some have spas, so you can squeeze in some quality me-time.
Mom-Approved Off-Property Disney Hotels for Large Families
Traveling as a large family or with extended family? Book one of these resorts near
This section is sponsored by Extra Holidays, which specializes in offering condo vacations at hotel prices in destinations around the world.
Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek
Named one of the “Top 10 Resorts in Orlando” by the Conde Nast 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a European-inspired vacation resort a short ride away from Disney World.
The condo resort offers one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites that sleep four to twelve people. The units all have a fully equipped kitchen, separate living/dining areas, washer/dryer, and WiFi throughout. Book through Extra Holidays to get a condo and all its features at hotel prices.
Read More: Is Extra Holidays Legit? We Take a Deep Dive Into this Vacation Rental Site
The resort keeps families busy on non-park days with five outdoor swimming pools and two lazy rivers, playground, game room, activities program and mini-golf.
Why it Works for Families:
- Condo suites have private bedrooms
- Largest units can sleep up to 12
- All units have a fully equipped kitchen, separate living/dining areas and a washer/dryer
- Five outdoor pools and two lazy rivers
- Game rooms, activities program and mini-golf
Magic Village Resort
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:
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- 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
- Includes fully equipped kitchens and full-size washers and dryers
- Free WiFi, free parking and low resort fee
- Better for longer stays as cleaning fee is stay based and doesn’t factor in the number of days
- Kids activities include a clubhouse with kid’s playroom and heated outdoor pool
- Non-smoking property
Closest Off-Property Hotels to Disney World
One of the reasons many families choose to stay at onsite Disney World hotels is the proximity to the Disney parks. But did you know that several off-site hotels 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
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 Swan Reserve are on WDW’s list of approved hotels for early theme park entry and extended evening theme park hours.
Why It Works for Families:
- You can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points! Both hotels fall into rewards Category 6, so you’ll need around 60,000 points per night to redeem at this hotel
- The Swan & Dolphin are within walking distance of 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 advanced golf tee times at three championship courses
- Extra family fun includes the 6 pools, arcade, playground, volleyball court and Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Course located at the Swan Hotel
- World-class Mandara Spa
- Camp Dolphin Kids Club
SheBuysTravel Tip: Join the free Marriott Bonvoy program before you book to get access to Marriott perks and earn points toward future stays.
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista is a SheBuysTravel favorite because it’s just a short walk to Disney Springs and sports an inviting family atmosphere. Plus, it’s an Official Walt Disney World Hotel so hotel guests get 30-minute early entry into all Disney theme parks every day.
The hotel is separated into two price points: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista. The budget-friendly Wyndham Garden has 394 newly-renovated guest rooms located in a five-story courtyard-style building.
The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista offers 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 have energy at the end of the day.
Why It Works for Families:
- Easy walk to Disney Springs, where you can catch the free Disney transportation to the parks. There is also a free on-site shuttle that runs less frequently (requires reservations).
- Multiple onsite dining options including a coffee shop, poolside restaurant, cocktail lounge, quick-service cafe and breakfast restaurant serving our favorite, Mickey Mouse waffles
- 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
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
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 and EPCOT fireworks from some of the rooms.
Why It Works for Families:
- Disney transportation shuttle available daily to and from the hotel and Disney theme parks
- 30-minute early entry into the four Disney theme parks
- Five options for onsite dining, including a restaurant for poolside drinks and snacks
- Lots of opportunities for fun in the sun with two swimming pools, a lazy river, kids splash pad and poolside cabanas
- Family fun activities available by the pool on the weekends (seasonal)
- Suite options for large families that sleep up to 8 people
SheBuysTravel Tip: Join the free Hilton Honors program before you book to get access to Hilton perks and earn points for future stays.
Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs
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 and hotel guests get 30-minute early entry to the parks.
Why It Works for Families:
- Only an 8-minute walk to Disney Springs to catch Disney transportation
- Hourly shuttles to all four Disney World theme parks onsite (reservations required)
- Kids Eat Free perk for children under 11 (terms and conditions apply)
- Family fun activities include a heated pool, ping pong, corn hole and game room
- Onsite dining includes a seated and grab and go option
- Budget-friendly choice
SheBuysTravel 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
The dreamy, recently renovated Waldorf Astoria Orlando is the place to stay for a luxurious Disney vacation. It was named as the #9 Resort in the World in the 2024 Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards. This resort has food choices and activities for every member of the family. Plus, with complimentary motorcoach transportation to and from the Disney parks, there’s no need to rent a car. Just check the schedule service times for your stay online.
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.
- Some rooms have views of the Disney Parks fireworks shows.
- 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, two pools, private cabanas and fun on the water slide.
- Kids club available.
- 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
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
SheBuysTravel 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
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 2.3 miles away, easily reachable by their 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!
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
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, luxury transportation to Disney theme parks, magical experiences (such as a character breakfast) and 30-minute early entry to the Disney theme parks.
Why It Works for Families:
- The whole family can enjoy the five-acre water park with splash zones, interactive fountains, water slides and pools
- 30-minute early entry to the Disney Parks
- Complimentary luxury transportation to the Disney Parks and character breakfasts available twice a week at Ravello’s
- Kids club with complimentary kids camp and activities
- AAA Five Diamond Resort
- Adult-only pool called Oasis
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
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. The large suites and full kitchen make it easy to accommodate everyone. The Pirates’ Plunge pool makes it fun for kids and the full-service spa makes it fun for adults!
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 service provided to the major theme parks. Guests are given a complimentary code and must book online.
- Pirates’ Plunge pool is open late 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
- Onsite parking is free
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.