Everyone sets a budget for their trip in advance so they can have an enjoyable experience. Some choose luxurious stays, while others save as much as possible without missing out on anything. There is nothing wrong with the fact that many people choose to have an affordable place to stay while on vacation and would rather spend their money on experiences rather than a hotel.
Disney’s on-site resorts are fantastic, but if you’d instead save money and avoid those, there are plenty of excellent hotels in the Disney World area that won’t break the bank and will make you feel just as pampered as if you’d stayed at a five-star resort.
There are many deluxe and budget hotels and other options within easy driving distance of the Disney theme parks if you don’t want to stay on Disney property.
- The Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Bonnet Creek) and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek are two off-site properties close to Disney World that offer 5-star luxury.
- There are also “platinum” hotels that aren’t quite as luxurious as “deluxe” ones but are still worth considering because of their lower rates.
- Next up are the standard rooms, which are ideal because they provide the essentials required for a comfortable stay but lack lavish extras like a spa.
If you are looking for the best off-site hotels to stay at during your Disney World vacation, you have come to the right place. I will review the top 5 off-site hotels you should consider booking.
5 Best Off-Site Hotels Near Disney World
There are many more hotels in the area, but these top five are exceptional and have earned a special place on my list of recommendations for those who prefer to stay off-site but near Disney.
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Bonnet Creek)
- Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
- Best Western Lake Buena Vista (Disney Springs)
- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
- Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark
1. Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Bonnet Creek)
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Bonnet Creek) is widely regarded as the finest of Florida’s many excellent off-site resorts.
Having access to such luxurious accommodations is sure to make your trip more memorable. The cherry on top is that those staying at the Waldorf Astoria are now good enough to qualify for Extra Magic Hours and have a FastPass+ pre-booked window of 60 days longer than regular guests.
The hotel’s interior was designed to evoke a sense of history, as it is steeped in its tales. After some time, the beautiful surroundings will win you over. When it comes to customer service, this place is unparalleled. Long ago, this hotel was also recognized as the largest in the world.
The outdoor space with the pool is to die for; it’s an oasis of calmness where you can sit for hours doing nothing but relaxing. Guests can unwind from their travels at the spa and get some of the best massages. In addition, there is a mini-golf course where you can have fun.
Here, rooms start at $500. So what are you still holding out for? Book now to ensure a luxurious experience on your trip.
2. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
All of the rooms at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek are airy and large. Everyone who is into working out will be overjoyed to learn that there is a fully-equipped fitness center available at all hours of the day and night. In addition, you’ll receive a free shuttle that will drop you off right at the front gate of Disney World.
Enjoy 12 on-site dining options, a pool spread across three acres, and a lazy river, as well as Extra Magic Hours and Disney’s FastPass+ benefits. Every imaginable amenity, from a jacuzzi to a pool, a spa to a kids’ club, and high-speed internet to a fully-equipped gym, can be found in this first-rate hotel.
It is located right next to Walt Disney World. To top it all off, you won’t find any Disney-inspired touches at this hotel, so the atmosphere is more upscale and sophisticated than cutesy. You won’t be able to enjoy the perks the Disney on-site properties offer unless you book a room at one of their on-site hotels, but the hotel is still a wonderful place to book a room overall.
The room rates here begin at $150 per night, but these numbers fluctuate with the seasons.
3. Best Western Lake Buena Vista (Disney Springs)
Hotel guests can expect a three-star stay at the Best Western Lake Buena Vista (Disney Springs). The hotel’s amenities are above average for a three-star establishment; granted, it is not a luxury option, but the low rates make it affordable for many tourists.
Though it has a great location, this hotel’s rooms look ordinary but large. The hotel’s management takes great care to ensure that each guest has a spotless experience by maintaining a high standard of cleanliness throughout the property. You can rest easy on the softest pillows and beds thanks to the high quality of the bedding.
Considering how basic the hotel is, you won’t find any Disney stuff or decorations. The hotel is beautiful, but the view from the upper floors makes it worth staying here. There is also a retro-style arcade that is fun for people of all ages. Additionally, there is a restaurant in this establishment’s lobby that offers reasonably priced meals. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s bar, heated pool, Disney store, gift shop, and car rental desk.
Nightly rates start at $130 but increase or decrease depending on the time of year.
4. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is the hotel you need to stay at if you want a simple yet distinctive setting for your vacations. Located just outside Disney Springs, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress provides convenient access to all of Disney’s theme parks on foot.
You will be astounded to learn that this reasonably priced hotel offers so many amenities, including a spa, fitness center, bar lounge, pool, and fine dining options, that you would typically only find in more expensive resorts like the ones I’ve mentioned above. The hotel’s rooms and design are also quite distinctive.
In general, the hotel was designed with great care. While some guests may prefer to stay on Disney property altogether, others may find that staying in a hotel that bears no Disney branding is the most relaxing and enjoyable option. The lobby is adorable and welcoming, perfect for passing the time with a friendly chat with fellow guests.
Nightly rates start at $170 (peak season) and vary by month, but the resort fee of $42.75 adds up for a night stay.
5. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark
Yes, you read that correctly. Here, guests will have access to a sizable waterpark where they can all unwind, chill out, and relax. In addition, if you are traveling with children, it is a fun place to stay because they can use the water-pool facility right outside their hotel room whenever they want. It has rooms that have contemporary furnishings and are fairly spacious.
Additionally, it has a children’s arcade and a cocktail lounge where adults can enjoy the tastiest drinks. You can choose from various fine dining options, including buffets and regular dining, so that you can indulge yourself during your stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark.
This hotel has a water park, so the staff takes extra care to ensure that the water is always fresh and sparkling for guests. It also has a fitness center, free WiFi, and a coffee shop, and it costs $66.50 per night (during low season) to stay here (during high season, it costs more). Considering all the fun things there are to do, this is a fantastic bargain. In addition, the hotel’s resort fee is fair, given the above amenities and the shuttle service to local hotspots.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a good idea of which five hotels off-site are the best bets, both financially and in terms of the range of services and amenities they offer for the price.
Well, off-site resorts also offer a range of room types, from deluxe to standard, so you can choose a place to stay based on your budget and personal preferences. So look at what’s available and book a room before everything is taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hotels Are Closest to Disney World?
The nearest resorts to Disney World are numerous and include the following:
- Lake Buena Vista Rosen Inn
- Orlando’s The Grove Resort & Water Park
- Resort at Cypress Pointe
- Grand Cypress Hyatt Regency
- Lake Buena Vista Wyndham Garden Disney Springs® Resort Area
- IHG hotel, Candlewood Suites Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
- Wyndham The Disney Springs Resort Area at Lake Buena Vista
Is It Cheaper To Stay at Disneyland or Off-Site?
There is a significant price difference between on-site and off-site resorts, so traveling to Disney is more affordable if you stay off-site. In addition, staying off-site will allow you to save money for other aspects of your trip, such as transportation, souvenirs, and meals.