Top 10 Off-Site Hotels Near Disney World
If you’re looking to save money or get more bang for your buck with better luxury accommodations, this list of the best third party hotels at and around Walt Disney World is for you. There are many great resorts in Orlando that are near the parks, including several that are on-site and closer than Disney-owned properties. (Updated October 9, 2022.)
What we do not cover here is whether you should stay off-site to begin with–this post assumes that you’ve already made that decision. In Off-Site v. On-Site at Walt Disney World, we cover the pros and cons of staying off-site. One thing we will note here is that many on-site perks have been eliminated entirely in the last two years.
While things like Disney’s Magical Express and the FastPass+ booking window are gone for good, some on-site guest benefits have simply changed. Extra Magic Hours has been replaced by Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours. Many of the third party hotels covered here are actually be eligible for one or both perks. See our Guide to Early Entry at Walt Disney World and Guide to Extended Evening Hours at Walt Disney World for more eligibility, strategy, etc.
With some 330+ hotels in Orlando, it would literally take an entire year of testing to come up with a comprehensive list. Rather, I want to rank our favorite hotels near Walt Disney World at which we’ve stayed, prioritizing those that are on-site or barely off-site. Consider this a work-in-progress, though. As we continue stay in more off-site/non-Disney/third party hotels, we’ll update and re-rank this list.
This list also doesn’t include the many excellent Universal hotels, a few of which would make the top 5 here. In general, those offer great value for money, on-site perks, unique themes, and efficient transportation to the parks. See our Rankings & Reviews of Universal Orlando Resorts for more on those.
With those caveats out of the way, let’s take a look at which hotels made the cut. Click on any of the hotel names to see more photos and read a full review.
10. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace — Given the divisive response to my review and mixed reviews on TripAdvisor, I sort of feel bad about including this. Not bad enough to leave it off, as this is my opinion, not crowd-sourced malarky. Besides, what does the general public know? You people are the ones who make every Transformers film a huge box office success. Joking aside, this property has seen several management changes in the last few years, and should now be better and more consistent.
There’s a lot to love about the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace. The hotel has an impressive slate of amenities, great guest rooms, nice interior design, and is an easy walk to Disney Springs. It’s also a bona fide resort complex, with a sprawling pool area that features Recreation Island and lush landscaping. All of that, plus great bang for buck.
9. B Resort & Spa — I know a hotel is cool if it makes me feel out of place. B Resort isn’t quite that hip, but it’s without a doubt a chic boutique hotel. With trendy atmosphere and nice rough-around-the-edges style, it’s unlike anything else at Walt Disney World and feels more like something you’d find in Miami.
This alone differentiates it from most other options. While I wouldn’t say it’s nearly as posh as something like the Waldorf Astoria, it brings to the table a totally different aesthetic and vibe. Prices are very competitive considering its quality and on-site location at Walt Disney World, too. It’s definitely not for everyone, namely, families with small children. Conventioneers or honeymooners looking to go out after the parks close and have a good time at Disney Springs will enjoy it.
8. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Like many of the best off-site hotels, the Hilton Orlando LBV is a great value for money option offering an exceptional location within walking distance of Disney Springs and solid amenities at a reasonable price. One of the biggest selling points here is the bedding.
Everything has been recently upgraded: Pacific Coast Touch of Down pillows, European 250 thread count linens, and Hilton Serenity Beds with pillow-top mattresses that will have you screaming SERENITY NOW! There are also something like 7 restaurants in the hotel, which overall features a sleek, modern style.
7. Floridays Resort Orlando – There are two villa-style properties on this list, with Floridays being the cheaper option of the two. Floridays makes the list solely because of its value proposition, which offers some incredibly nice villa accommodations for shockingly low prices.
Rooms that are far nicer than they have any business being at this price point. To be sure, it’s not a hotel that’s going to be featured on any Travel Channel specials covering the ritziest hotels in the world, but the value here is too good to ignore, especially given the solid quality.
6. Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort – One of the more well-rounded hotels on this list in terms of balancing price point, room quality, amenities quality, and location, the Wyndham Bonnet Creek snuck up on this list higher than I originally expected it would.
It checks off every box that it should, and at the end of the day, there is a lot to be said for reliable, upscale accommodations. However, due its relatively bland style and lack of a wow-factor, it can’t climb above #6.
5. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa – This is the newest on-site hotel at Walt Disney World, and between that and this brand’s reputation, it’s slightly disappointing that the JW Marriott at Bonnet Creek doesn’t rank higher. We love its smart styling and modern design. Both the guest rooms and common areas are incredibly nice–and to our tastes. It’s luxurious and offers a formidable slate of amenities that should make it appealing to couples or solo travelers looking for a more adult option with convenient access to (or even isolation from) the parks.
However, the JW Marriott is not for everyone. In particular, we have a more difficult time recommending it to families. It’s not that the hotel isn’t kid-friendly—to the contrary, it’s laid back and not even remotely stuffy or unapproachable. It’s more that other resorts cater to families better. In particular, the pool area is relatively pedestrian, with no waterslide, lazy river, or other fun features you might find at many hotels in Orlando.
4. Swan Reserve, Swan & Dolphin Resorts — The most “Disney” of the third party options (besides maybe Shades of Green, which doesn’t make the list because it’s not open to the public), Swan & Dolphin is the best compromise between Disney and non-Disney hotels. The rooms are nice, dining is solid, and amenities–especially the pool areas–are top notch.
The newest addition here is the Swan Reserve, which is located across the street from the core Swan & Dolphin complex. It’s quite a bit different than the main resort, with more suites and significantly nicer and more modern rooms. The trade-off is fewer in-hotel dining, higher nightly rates, and a slightly longer walk to the parks.
Essentially one in the same, the Swan & Dolphin are great options if you’re looking for a luxury experience or walking-distance proximity to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at a considerably lower price point. The resort fees here do bug me, but the fact remains that prices at the Swan & Dolphin are significantly better than comparable Disney-owned hotels even with added costs factored in, and the amenities give virtually every Disney-owned hotel a run for its money.
3. Waldorf Astoria Orlando — Now that Statler & Waldorf have opened a hotel in the name of synergy, I’d say it paves the way for Rizzo the Rat to open a pizza parlor. Arguably one of the most iconic hotel labels in the world, the Waldorf Astoria offers exceptional quality at prices that won’t make you sell a kidney to afford a stay here.
The hotel is superior to a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World in nearly every regard aside from theming, making those prices not at all unreasonable. One of the most luxurious hotels in all of Central Florida, the Waldorf Astoria is arguably the best overall option on this list. I just happen to prefer the top 2 options here.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a sister property of sorts to the Waldorf Astoria. It’s not quite as nice or luxurious, but has a lot of family-friendly amenities, some of which are shared between the two. (The only reason the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek doesn’t make the list on its own is because we haven’t stayed there since it was recently rebranded and renovated–but we’ve heard great things!)
2. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress — I have to admit that I’m a total sucker for Hyatt. If there’s such a thing as a “Hyatt Fanboy” (I doubt there is), you could call me one. I think it’s an exceptionally well-managed chain that strives to offer exceptional service, accommodations, and unique style. This is especially true in its Regency, Grand, and Park lines.
The Hyatt at Grand Cypress is no exception, with the most robust slate of activities and amenities at any hotel at which we’ve stayed in Orlando. The pool and water play areas even give the Yacht & Beach Club a run for their money. Chic style, top-notch service, exquisite dining, and great rooms–this Hyatt has a lot to offer. The price is certainly higher than other off-site options, but as far as luxury resort hotels go, it’s by no means bad.
1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando – Another hotel that’s on-site at Walt Disney World, this sprawling complex is inside the private Golden Oaks community and behind Fort Wilderness. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, including an Everglades sanctuary, and it feels like tropical paradise meets a country club. Of course, the rooms are luxurious and well-appointed, the dining is phenomenal, and there’s an array of amenities you’d expect from the Four Seasons.
Outside, the grounds of the Four Seasons Orlando are a veritable oasis. The pool areas are brilliantly suited to both kids and adults, with an area called Explorer Island, delightful lazy river, and secluded areas for lounge chairs amidst a lush environment and canopy of palm trees. It’s simultaneously exciting for kids and relaxing for adults. Orlando has a lot of hotels with ambitious pool complexes, but few (if any) others manage to strike this balance. This is far and away the nicest hotel in Orlando, Disney-owned or otherwise. And it’s usually less expensive than the Grand Floridian and other Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World.
Ultimately, this just scratches the surface when it comes to great third-party accommodations near or on-site at Walt Disney World. Each of these hotels has a lot to offer, and the value proposition is definitely better than staying at a Disney-owned hotel. If you determine a third party hotel is right for you, these are great options!
There are many worthy candidates this list snubs, including but not limited to the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Marriott’s Cypress Harbour, Gaylord Palms, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, and more. Some of these are too far from the parks, while others we simply haven’t done yet. We will keep this list updated as we try out more hotels around Walt Disney World!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Do you have a favorite non-Disney hotel in Orlando? Thoughts on any of the hotels on our list if you’ve stayed at them? Considering one of these or a different off-site hotel? Do you agree or disagree with our list? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
We have a stay booked at the Swan and Dolphin for the week before Christmas for nearly free. We accumulate SPG points via our normal spending on a credit card, and it’s usually enough to cover a week in a nice resort. Next year, we’re going to Hawaii, staying in Hilo for a week, again for almost free.
We have a timeshare at Sheraton Vistana Resort and we love it…maybe not nice enough for a “trust fund kid”, but quite nice for the average working Joe. Ha!
#SVNLife for the win! Or rather, #VSE now … We’re there in a week, having just acquired a piece of the Sheraton Flex.
Love your lists! I would enjoy reading a list of the ten things you would never NOT do on a trip to WDW.
Hi Tom,
I have been to WDW on a couple of occasions with my young kids but my husband and I are planning a quick trip for just the 2 of us in late April. We are planning on one day at Universal (I’m a big HP nerd), one day at WDW parks (hoping to get in some attractions that our 2 littles weren’t interested in) and one day doing nothing but sitting around a pool, eating and relaxing ,which we haven’t had the chance to do since having kids. I cant decide between staying off property the Hyatt Grand Cypress (that pool!!) or staying at a moderate resort on property (probably CBR b/c of availability). We wont have a car so I’m trying to take into consideration Magical Express, bus system etc. What would be you recommendation? Have you used the Hyatt’s shuttle to the parks? Would Uber be better? Thanks so much for all you do to entertain the masses and help people plan awesome trips!
As someone who is utterly baffled by the the ridiculous success of the HORRIBLE, VOMIT-INDUCING Transformers’ movies…….your article had me from GO.
I’ve mentioned this before. If you’re a teacher, government employee, military, nurse, EMT or support staff for any of those things. The Swan does some deep discounts. I worked IT for Hospital/University and got a room for about 150 (this was about 5 years ago tho). Just bring your ID.
The Hampton Inn near Disney Springs has free Mickey waffles. Just saying….
Tom,
I have been a long time blog stalker. Wondering your thoughts on Gaylord Palms, I had stayed there twice, but most recently have been staying on property. The hotel itself is somewhat of an adventure, but we were greatly disappointed after the pool area reno.
We (myself, wife, and 2 little one) stayed in a villa at Marriott Harbour Lake a couple of years ago and were incredibly impressed by the experience; most notably the service and hospitality. For example, I dropped my phone and lost it while I was there; the staff went to great lengths to find it and when it was delivered back to me, they comped me free mini golf for the entire stay “for the inconvenience” (as if it was anything but my fault that I lost it in the first place).
I believe we paid less than $200 per night for a 1-bedroom villa in late March, which seemed like a great deal considering all of the onsite amenities (pools/water park, mini golf, animal shows, live music, daily ice cream socials, etc.). I’m not on the Marriott payroll or anything, but was mildly shocked that it didn’t make it on the list.
we own weeks at three of the Marriott properties, Harbour Lake, Cypress and Grande Vista (not a trust fund baby!!) We are small business owners and use them as perks fr our employees and have had nothing but praise for the resorts. Marriott is sometimes difficult to work with and seem to change their rules and policies every other day, but for location and accommodations it is great for us.
I feel the same way about the Marriott Grande Vista. For people who need some extra space and don’t care about Disney theming, the resort is great. Very clean and well maintained and the staff was great. My family of 6 has stayed several times in the 2-bed villas. (I think for around $260/night.) I love Disney, but for larger families, you really can’t beat that value.
Tom –
This is about the third or fourth time this week I’ve come across a reference to the Shades of Green resort, it has piqued my curiosity. Having done so, I did a quick scan of the site in the attempt to get some recon on the resort, understanding that it’s a limited-scope offering. My efforts were to no avail, thus piquing (is that an actual word?) my curiosity even further.
I’m beginning to reach the conclusion that Shades of Green could possibly be akin to the urban explorer video offerings of River Country and the pre-AoA Pop Century legendary years site…
Seriously though, why is SoG seemingly like finding a photo of Elvis serving hash browns at the Waffle House in Wetumpka, MN? Curious minds want to know.
http://www.shadesofgreen.org/
Shades of Green is dedicated to serving the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services community, their families, other eligible Department of Defense employees, and those they sponsor.
Sorry for ruining the mystery- you’re notions are much more fun 😉
We love the Hilton Bonnet Creek. It usually has decent deals (I get a great teacher discount) and is always super clean. The pool is great and the shared shuttle with the Waldorf is very nice and usually on time. As AP’s who visit pretty regularly we choose to save by staying offsite.
I stayed at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs this past weekend and agreed with your review for the most part, but for me it would make “top ten” especially over Buena Vista Palace. The room was plush and comfortable, service was consistently pleasant, and the location cannot be beat with the advent of the new pedestrian bridges to Disney Springs. Walkability is huge for me, so the Wyndham at Disney Springs would likely land somewhere around “5” on my top ten list. Swolphin would easily be my number one for that reason. Best all-around for us is the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Vacation Ownership – for the value, its location can’t be beat (we often rent a two bedroom for less per night than the Hilton Bonnet Creek or Wyndham Grand would be for just the standard room). Great list, Tom!
How is the shuttle service from the Waldorf to the parks? Convenience is important to me…
In my experience it is one of the nicer off site buses and they do have a set schedule that they put out a week in advance which is nice. We’ve used it on 5+ visits and have found it to always be on time. It is shared with the HIlton next door. However they don’t offer as many times or stops as the Disney transportation does.
I love your “top 10” lists, Tom! We always stay on-site, since we fly in and love to take ME and use Disney transportation instead of renting a car. However, it is getting so expensive for our family of 5 to fly, that we may have to make the 14-hour drive for future trips. I think if we drive, we will try out a nearby off-site hotel. I’ve been looking at your #5, so I was glad to see it on the list!
If you’re driving… be careful when pricing hotel options as many charge around $20 a day to park your vehicle! Some charge $20 *every time* you exit their parking lot (I guess Resort fees aren’t frustrating enough).
You’ll also be paying another $20 each day you park in the Parks.
A $200/week rental car may cost $300/week to park 😮
All WDW resorts do not charge parking fees at the hotel or parks, so it’s worth comparing. With parking costs continuing to rise in Orlando, an extra $40+/day savings adds value to on-site resorts.
Shades of Green should make the list. Excellent value and nice sized rooms. Many Disney perks (extra magic hours), walking distance to Polynesian and not technically a Disney Resort.
Having stayed at Shades of Green growing up (and following their expansion a few years back), I definitely agree–in theory. The problem is that this is meant to be practical advice, and the vast majority of people reading this aren’t eligible to stay at Shades of Green, so it’s useless info to them.
We love staying at the Swan and Dolphin. For us walking distance to Epcot makes this our go to resort. On our last trip to WDW we stayed at AKL and we missed being able to walk to the parks. Rooms are fresh and clean and the amenities great! Also we tend to book through a travel agent in the UK the resort fees are bundled into the price so we don’t notice them. On our last visit our room overlooked Hollywood Studios so could watch the Frozen fireworks.
Even with the resort fees, most of the time the Swan & Dolphin are a pretty exceptional value as compared to the other Epcot-area resorts. About the only time I can see the Boardwalk or Y&BC offering better value is during Free Dining, and maybe not even then!
Your definition of “best” is interesting to say the least.
It looks like “Top 10 wanna-be Disney hotels that are just as big ripoffs”
Are you a trust fund kid?
Do you have any idea of the financial conditions of ordinary, hard-working Americans?
I’d love an explanation as to how hotels with lower price points than their comparable Disney counterparts are rip-offs.
I am quite cognizant of the financial conditions of ordinary, hard-working Americans. That’s one of the reasons I write this blog with such an emphasis on saving money at Walt Disney World. I’m well aware that even with the tips here, some people cannot afford a trip.
As to your question (which few would ever ask in person, but I guess some people have quite the bravado when hiding behind a keyboard): no, I’m not a trust fund kid, or anything remotely of the sort. I saved money while working fast food in high school, paid my own way through college (along with scholarships), got an academic full ride to law school, and here I am. I’ve worked my ass off my entire life, which isn’t to say others haven’t, but you don’t see me questioning your or their work ethic.
Tom, long time reader, first time commenting, but I must say . . . GOOD SHOW SIR!!!
Thanks for the list, Tom, and for all your very helpful advice and tips! I’m currently saving my hard-earned pennies for a Disney vacation, and I know I’ll be able to make the most of my trip thanks to your website! Your posts help keep readers like me (first-timers and people who haven’t been in a long while) from being completely lost and dumbfounded by all the decisions a proper Disney vacation requires. Plus the trip reports are just too much fun to read and really motivate me to do more planning and to dream bigger and better!
You tell him, Tom!
And keep the list coming. All of us trust fund kids find them very insightful…
Not sure why a post like this is necessary.
Perhaps if you spent less time trolling FREE Travel Blogs you could be using that time to make the world a better place; I promise it is a much more productive activity for HARD WORKING AMERICANS such as yourself.
ANYWAYS… nice list Tom! Looks like some great options for people who want to stay off property. I have stayed at a few “kuality” inn places that were nice enough, but certainly not recommended.
As someone who lives in Florida and stays (on a budget) in Orlando at least once a month, I would argue that most if not all of these hotels are actually much cheaper than any Disney hotel. I’m a teacher married to a firefighter and we usually make the financial choice to stay off site to save money. In my opinion this list is a great resource for others in the same position : )
Sorry you are having such a bad day, Mr. Setka. Do you feel better now?
Extra Magic Hours are the key to our touring plans at WDW, so that pushes Swan and Dolphin up on our list.
Excellent point regarding Swan & Dolphin. I *really* wish they’d offer Disney’s Magical Express, too!
I would give a vote to the Hilton “Las Palmieras”, a Grand Vacations property.
This was formerly a Westin charging upwards of $300 a night (which it wasn’t really worth). It’s now a timeshare resort but the decor hasn’t changed, and I got a room there a couple of days ago for $93 – which is a steal (but there’s a $25 resort fee).
I had never heard of that until now. It looks like a solid option, especially if you’re doing more in Orlando than Disney. Thanks for the heads up!
Hilton LBV still gets Extra Magic Hours, don’t they?
No, that perk ended as of January 1, 2016, unfortunately.