Deciding whether or not you want to stay on-site at a Disney Resort or off-site is a big decision for many people.
Here we talk about the pros and cons of staying off-site, and we talk about resorts that are on Disney property, but aren't Disney resorts.
I have compiled all of the information on the hotels in area so that you can decide on the hotel that is best for your family.
Staying onsite is definitely the way Disney wants you to vacation. They offer so many perks that you might be wondering, "Why on earth would even consider staying off site?"
There are several reason that you might want to think about staying off-site.
1) Prices at the Disney Resorts don't fit in to everyone's budget. You can often find better values if you are looking at price only.
2) You don't want to stay in the "Disney Bubble" for your entire vacation. If you are also planning on hitting Universal or other attractions you might not want to be stuck on Disney property.
3) If you have hotel points from a chain you could use points for big savings.
4) Now that Disney charges guests to park at the resorts, that is one less perk if you are driving to Orlando.
5) Your travel agent can help you figure out the best non-Disney hotel for you. They can do the research for FREE so you can enjoy.
There are definitely perks that you will miss out on if you stay off-site. And the key to all of them is CONVENIENCE. These are some of the downsides to staying at an off-site hotel:
1) You wont have access to Magical Express, which takes guests from Orlando International Airport to their Disney World Resort (note that this service will discontinue after December 31, 2021).
2) You may miss out on reserving your FastPass+ reservations 60 days in advance. Only a handful of the hotels allow you access to FastPass+ reservations 60 days out. Most require you to wait until 30 days out (Note that currently FastPass is unavailable due to COVID restrictions).
3) You may not be as close to the parks, or have shuttles that run as often as Disney resorts.
4) You may not have access to Early Park Entry, which allows guests to enter the parks 30 minutes early if they are staying at a Disney Resort or participating third party resort.
I have put together a list of the off-site resorts so you can compare and decide which resort is best for you.
Standard Room
Preferred Room
Who is this is resort best for?
If you are looking for a resort that is close enough to walk to Disney Springs, but you don't want to stay on Disney property.
Additional Fees
The upside?
Lake View, and a bit quieter than surrounding hotels and park hotels.
The downside?
Shuttle to parks is shared by multiple hotels and makes multiple stops.
Standard Room
Preferred Room
Additional Fees
Who is this is resort best for?
If you are looking for a resort that is close enough to walk to Disney Springs, but you don't want to stay on Disney property.
The upside?
Walking distance to Disney Springs. You get some of the perks of a Disney World resort!
The downside?
Caters to weddings and large group gatherings, so could have large crowds.
Standard Room
Preferred Room
Additional Fees
Who is this is resort best for?
People who like spas! If you want a relaxing day in your trip, you have a full service spa in this hotel.
The upside?
Full Service Spa. Also, unique rooms; lots of personality and individual flair. This resort also offers a free shared shuttle.
The downside?
I guess if you don’t like personality and style it would be a bad fit for you.
Standard Room
Preferred Room
Additional Fees
Who is this is resort best for?
People who have to work on business while on vacation (boo that stinks); this hotel has a lot of business amenities (as does the other Hilton, but the Hilton Palace has more big meeting/ gathering spaces and this Lake one has small business needs more so than as- large gathering spaces.)
The upside?
This resort is going to be quieter than many of the other resorts in the area. It is said that the interior of the rooms of this Hilton are very nice and newly upgraded. The resort even has a shared shuttle to the parks.
The downside?
The other Hilton seems nicer in almost every regard. Room pricing is comparable.
Just rebuilt in 2016. Very nice and up to date. Rooms and property geared more towards children.
Standard Room
Preferred Room
Additional Fees
Who is this is resort best for?
Kids. People who like water parks.
The upside?
Kids will like it a lot. Lots of activities for them like the waterpark, arcade, laser tag, etc…
This resort also has a free shuttle to the parks
The downside?
There’s not as much for adults as at some other hotels. There is also Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista, which is slightly cheaper, just as close to WDW, and much more boring looking. Anyone considering Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista who has kids, should just go to the water park one instead.
Standard Room
Preferred Room
Suites
Additional Fees
Who is this is resort best for?
Anyone who can afford it. This is your best option for luxury.
The upside?
Well…To put it simply... it’s amazing. Think of a thing, and Four Seasons has it or can get it at the drop of a hat. It’s close and convenient, on Disney property but not operated by it.
You can also enjoy complimentary transportation to the parks.
The downside?
Obviously price. There is tons of stuff for kids to do here, including five acres of pools and water slides and playgrounds and a lazy river, but also a lot of less luxurious spots have such amenities for kids as well (minus the lazy river), and I don’t think kids are going to really care whether their slide is the fanciest slide out of all the slides in the area. Then again, you can always just order their luxury coach to take you and your kids to anywhere you’d like to go whenever you’d like to go, and Four Seasons concierges can satisfy any whim any client expresses at any time. Really, there’s no down side if you can afford it, and this is (in my opinion) a better option for a luxury spot than all the rest.
Standard Room
Additional Fees
Who is this is resort best for?
Rates are comparable to Disney resorts.
The Dolphin is now a Sheraton hotel, and Swan is Westin. Dolphin is bigger, Swan is quieter. Both share the same property and are right across from each other.
The upside?
Comparable rates, deals being offered frequently, and an on-site location with two award winning hotels. Plus, both hotels offer reward star points for staying there. Those points can be used at other locations. Plus, if you are with a big party and some want a big space and others want something quieter, your party can split in these two hotels and be right next to each other still, sharing pool and restaurant areas.
There are also complimentary shuttles to the parks, but Epcot is within walking distance.
The downside?
These hotels are on site but are, normally, slightly more expensive than comparable Disney-owned resorts. However they do frequent deals with DreamsRes so that might not be the case oftentimes.
There is golf and a spa and pools for adults, but the kid activities-amenities are comparatively lesser than at other hotels. Still, it’s right on site so the kids can just walk/shuttle over to stuff.
This is a hotel for active and retired military personnel + their families; proof of military service must be provided. Check eligibility requirements here:https://www.shadesofgreen.org/accommodations/eligibility
Standard Room
Preferred Room
Additional fees
Who is this is resort best for?
Active and Retired Military personnel and their family.
The upside?
This resort books reservations, shuttles guests, provides special offers, and purchases tickets within itself for its clients.
The downside
Most people are not eligible.
This resort is an all suites hotel that is in the Disney Springs area.
1 and 2 Bedroom SuitesAdditional Fees
Who is this is resort best for?
If you know you want a suite for your family, but you are looking for something more affordable. This resort is entirely suites and perfect for families needing more space.
The upside?
You'll have plenty of space to move around at the end of the day. There are fun pools and splash zones for the kids, and you are right by the parks, and Disney Springs.
The downside
If you don't have kids and are looking for a more adult hotel, you might not be a good fit for this particular resort.
I am happy to help! Contact me.
Get a free vacation quote here.
See you at the parks,
-Julie
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