Ranking Disney Springs Hotels 2024 – Perks, Who Should Stay?
There are seven off-site hotels within walking distance of Disney Springs that provide quality accommodations for your Walt Disney World vacation. These seven hotels, known as Disney Springs hotels, offer Disney World perks for a lower price. Disney Springs Hotels extend the possibility of saving some valuable vacation money on accommodations. Nevertheless, these hotels only offer some advantages that guests staying at an official Walt Disney World hotel receive.
Still, with the rising price of everything in our world, the appeal of saving some money on your hotel makes sense to consider. The Disney Springs hotels provide that chance. In addition, travel advisors, like Get Away Today, can help book these slightly off-site Disney Springs hotels.
The Disney Springs hotels resides along Hotel Plaza Boulevard near the shopping and entertainment district known as Disney Springs. Despite being so close to Walt Disney World, these hotels charge noticeably less than the official on-site Walt Disney World hotels. For example, guests might find a room at one of the Disney Springs hotels for around $100 per night. The lowest cost Walt Disney World hotel will cost about $150 for arguably lower quality accommodations.
Keep reading for a full discussion of each of the seven Disney Springs hotels and the advantages and disadvantages.
Disney Springs
The Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment area of Walt Disney World offers plenty of ways to entertain oneself. Disney Springs offers some of the best dining at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Disney Springs complex takes up about 120 acres of property along the eastern side of Walt Disney World Resort. That is almost the size of one of the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Disney Springs offers plenty to see and many areas to walk around. This property first opened back in 1975.
However, it became known as Disney Springs after several name changes and expansions. The facility includes four sections: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side. Buses and water taxis provide transportation between Disney Springs and other Walt Disney World Resort areas.
Though this entertainment and dining complex takes up a vast area, one notable advantage comes with Disney Springs. This facility offers free parking. This makes Disney Springs an ideal place to have a break day from the theme parks or enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening during your vacation.
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Disney Spring Hotels Pros
Seven main Disney Springs hotels are located within reasonable walking distance of Disney Springs on Hotel Plaza Boulevard. If any part of your Walt Disney World vacation involves enjoying shopping, dining, and entertainment at Disney Springs, these hotels work great.
We have been known to stay at one of these hotels for a few days and only visit Disney Springs, simply walking back and forth to our hotel. The Gideon’s Bakehouse cookies and the fried chicken at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ taste better that way. After consuming so many yummy calories, the walk will help anyway.
Though they are different hotels, they share many characteristics. These aspects make them solid choices for many groups looking to save money on hotel expenses during their Walt Disney World vacation.
Room Size and Suite Options
Many of these seven Disney Springs hotels provide suite options that sleep more than four. These suites also will cost far less than similar rooms at a Walt Disney World hotel.
Even if you only need to sleep four or fewer, the room size is larger. In addition, the room layout functions better than comparable Walt Disney World hotel rooms. During a longer vacation, this advantage makes togetherness far easier to live with and through.
Like Walt Disney World’s on-site hotels, the Disney Springs hotels are relatively close to Disney’s theme parks. These hotels sit within walking distance of Disney Springs. You are near the parks when staying at these hotels. However, you cannot walk to the theme parks but all these hotels provide complimentary shuttle service to the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Those shuttles need to be scheduled.
The procedure for doing this varies between the hotels. When you check-in, the staff will explain and hand you a written explanation.
Shuttle Service
Though complimentary shuttle service counts as a large plus, guests often are surprised by one aspect of them. The Disney Springs hotel shuttle service to the Magic Kingdom theme park takes you to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC), not the direct entrance to Magic Kingdom. The TTC serves as a primary transportation hub for Walt Disney World. All guests staying off-site must go through this area before visiting Magic Kingdom. Guests from the Ticket and Transportation Center will use other free Disney transportation to travel from the TTC to Magic Kingdom. Those choices are the Disney Monorail or a ferry boat.
The Disney Springs hotels use shuttle services that travel back and forth from the theme park to the hotels about every hour during the day. Unlike hotels farther away from Walt Disney World with limited shuttle service, guests at the Disney Springs hotels can return to their hotel any time of day. In contrast, depending on a shuttle service, guests staying off-site will have very few pickups and drop-off times each day.
Early Theme Park Entry
One of the largest advantages of staying at one of the Disney Springs hotels is the early theme park entry. Sure, we enjoy seeing some Disney touches in the hotel lobby and elevators. Yes, ticket assistance sometimes helps with a Walt Disney World vacation. Our friends love that many Disney Springs area hotels serve Joffrey’s Coffee at their lobby quick service locations. In most cases, Joffrey’s Coffee costs less at your Disney Springs hotel than on Walt Disney World property. Do not forget you can bring limited food and beverage with you into the Walt Disney World theme parks so that less expensive coffee saves you money and time.
Speaking of saving time, Disney Springs area hotel guests enjoy early theme park entry to the four Walt Disney World theme parks. All guests staying at one of these hotels can take advantage of early theme park admission to any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks.
This advantage allows guests to enter the theme parks 30 minutes earlier than guests staying elsewhere. That advantage can enable guests to experience an attraction or two before most of the theme park crowds arrive. The benefit of early entry can make planning your Genie+ lightning lane selection easier.
Please remember that guests staying at these seven hotels receive different access to paid individual lightning lane purchase privileges than on-site Walt Disney World guests. You still need to wait until the theme park in question opens to pay for an individual paid access lightning lane for attractions like Tron Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Of course, these attractions with this paid access may change, so check with your travel advisor and the MickeyVisit.com blog as you get closer to your vacation dates.
Hotel Points Programs
Depending on how much you travel, an even more important reason for staying at one of the Disney Springs hotels may exist. You might be able to save on one of these seven hotels. Several of them offer frequent guest rewards. Since most, if not all soon, of these seven hotels function as part of larger hotel chains.
That means you can stay somewhere else within a hotel chain, like the Hilton or Wyndham. After those stays, if you are part of that hotel chain’s reward program, you can earn points to earn free nights within their hotels.
Since most of the Disney Springs hotels belong to major hotel chains, you can use points to pay for your Disney hotel stay. If you commonly stay at Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, Holiday Inn (IHG), or Drury Inn Hotels, you could use your reward points to stay at one of the Disney Springs area hotels.
The B Resort is part of a chain of hotels. However, that hotel chain is smaller and more boutique, so much more challenging to use rewards there. Still, the rumor of the B Resort & Spa near Disney Springs being purchased by a larger hotel chain like Radisson continues to float around.
Despite that, these seven hotels commonly offer more promotions than Disney-owned hotels. These include birthday ones, Florida resident discounts, teachers, and other seasonal offers.
Disney Springs Hotels Cons
Before breaking down some details about each property, these Disney Springs area hotels have weaknesses compared to the on-site Walt Disney World hotels. Of course, they need more ease of use of Disney transportation and thus depend on hotel-provided shuttle service.
Nonetheless, these seven hotels near Disney Springs generally cost less than the on-site Walt Disney World hotels. Still, Disney-owned hotels do not charge resort fees. Also, Disney-owned hotels do not charge overnight parking fees anymore.
That same thing cannot be said for the Disney Springs hotels. They each charge for parking. Most of them charge sizable resort fees. Before deciding to stay at one of these hotels, check for parking and resort fees. This can add up to nearly $60/night at some of these hotels. Also, if you choose to drive your car to the theme parks, you will have to pay for parking there, also adding another $25 to your theme park day. Guests staying at Walt Disney World-owned hotels avoid this issue.
Which of these seven Disney Springs hotel options is best for you?
Suppose you have taken some time to ponder the pros and cons of staying at one of the Disney Springs hotels. After that, you decide these options appeal to you and your group. How do you know which one works best for you?
Of course, you should consult your travel advisor, like Get Away Today, to help with that plan. Still, the seven hotels feature different things.
We strive to break down the difference for the rest of this resource. This should help make the choices clearer. The seven Disney Springs hotels are:
- B Resort and Spa
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
- Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
- Holiday Inn Orlando
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area
The Drury Plaza Hotel qualifies as a newcomer to the Disney Springs area. This hotel chain purchased the former Best Western location here. We find this hotel to be the best option for most groups when choosing between these seven hotels.
The room rates for this hotel start around $150/night. We suspect you will pay more than that. However, this hotel runs various special promotions throughout the year. These discount promotions range from annual passholder, military, AAA, Florida resident, and senior discounts.
This Drury Plaza Hotel charges a parking fee like the other Disney Springs area hotels. However, no additional resort fees are charged at this hotel. This difference causes it to stand out from the rest of the options.
This hotel is within reasonable walking distance of Disney Springs. However, it sits the farthest away from Disney Springs compared to the other six hotels in this area. The walk from this hotel to the eastern edge of Disney Spring measured about 0.7 miles.
Guests can also use free shuttle transportation to the four Walt Disney World theme parks. In addition, guests receive several other notable perks included with the price of their stay, like early theme park entry and complimentary hot breakfast.
In addition, a signature “Kickback” meal service from 5:30 until 7:00 happens each evening. The menu rotates each evening. The kickback meal and complimentary breakfast could provide significant savings for groups staying here. Of course, groups spending all day at the Walt Disney World theme parks might have difficulty returning to the hotel for the 5:30 meal.
Pool and Restaurants
The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando also features poolside and lobby restaurants and bars, counter-service options with a selection of grab-and-go items (including Pizza Hut and Starbucks), a 24-hour fitness facility, a lobby business center, a resort-style saltwater pool with splash pad, and a game arcade. With all the amenities, guests can enjoy a nice vacation day at this hotel without even going to Disney Springs or the Walt Disney World theme parks.
This hotel provides almost everything a group would need for their vacation. Remember that you can earn free nights via the Drury Reward program. In addition, this makes a great option for all guests if you find a solid discounted rate. This hotel's only major potential weakness relates to walking distance compared to the other hotels.
Next Level of Disney Springs Hotels
With Drury Plaza Inn working best for most groups, the next level of hotels in our rankings are very close together. Your group’s personal preference will ultimately determine. For example, based on our stays at these hotels, we would probably select a different one than you might as the next option. So, for this experiment, what other Disney Springs hotel makes a good option if the Drury Plaza Inn falls out of your price range for the time being (or does not have the advantages you want)?
Larger Rooms With a More Resort Style Feel
This next section of hotels offers larger rooms and a more resort-style feel while being off-site from Walt Disney World. Of course, these come with a higher price point than the other three options remaining,
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs Area
This all-suite hotel provides plenty of room to stretch out for your group during their Walt Disney World vacation. The hotel offers 229 newly renovated one- and two-bedroom suites. At the DoubleTree, guests enjoy spacious suites with a private bedroom and a separate living room with a queen sleeper sofa and dining or work area. If your group needs or wants some extra space to stretch out, this hotel makes a good choice.
As a Hilton hotel, guests can cash in Hilton rewards point for perks and even free nights here. Holton operates three hotels in the Disney Springs area. This one tends to extend the best deals using your Hilton points compared to the others. Of course, remember the resort fee of about $25 per night and the parking fee too.
For a suite hotel, the prices remain low. The one-bedroom suites start at around $110. The two-bedroom suites run about $215 or more.
In terms of resort-level amenities, the Doubletree provides a reasonable amount. Still, none of them will amaze you. Of course, you receive a warm cookie at check-in. By the way, you can ask for a warm cookie every time you go to the front desk. That might save you money on sweets in the theme parks and Disney Springs.
Doubletree provides a small outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a kid’s splash pad. Kids might also enjoy the playground. The on-site dining options are adequate.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs Area
The most truly resort-like hotel would be the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista. If you desire a hotel with plenty of activities and fun, this hotel meets that need. The rooms are larger here. The pool area consists of more than just a basic pool. The pools are far larger. Also, this hotel provides guests with a lazy river.
The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace makes a far larger hotel property than the Doubletree. Also, it provides far more amenities than the Doubletree Hotel.
Of course, that equals a higher price too. Rooms start around $165 here. The prices increase based on size and amenities. The resort fee will be higher here also at almost $40 per night.
Accommodation ranges from an Island Penthouse suite that sleeps two to a two-bedroom suite sleeping eight. Some of the upgraded rooms provide views of the nighttime spectaculars at Epcot.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Place has several dining locations. These include a pool bar, a sports bar, and an American-style cuisine table service restaurant. The quick service options include Citrus 28, a grab-and-go place, and Starbucks for your coffee needs.
B Resort & Spa Orlando
B Resort & Spa functions as a boutique hotel experience. The hotel mixes a touch of modern sophistication with some fun environments. The hotel offers a bright, clean-looking interior and exterior to fit the more luxurious images.
The room costs around $115, for starting price. Still, remember the resort fee and the parking fee to be added to that figure when calculating your vacation budget.
The rooms possess many extra touches, like floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms. These rooms offer beautiful views of the area’s lakes, Disney Springs, and the fireworks at Epcot. Some of the suites include bedrooms separate from the main area. All the rooms provide more space than a typical hotel room. Of course, the Signature Blissful Bed cap these rooms off. Also, Keurig coffee makers are in each room.
B Resort & Spa remains the only Disney Springs hotel not a part of any major hotel chain. Nevertheless, we find this hotel offers a better overall look and stylish appearance than the other Disney Springs options.
The dining options stand up well here. The pool bar provides typical light meals and bar food. The “Pick-Up” quick service counter serves various food, such as sandwiches and Joffrey’s Coffee.
The American Kitchen Bar and Grill provides excellent table service dining for less than you will pay at the Walt Disney World table service restaurants. With Certified Angus Beef and a wonderful selection of options at the bar, this table service environment elevates this hotel.
Overall, this hotel provides a nice option for families looking for a touch of luxury or a couple looking for a romantic getaway.
Budget Friendly Disney Springs Hotels
The remaining three Disney Springs hotels fit more of a budget-friendly idea. Each one is nice. However, they lack some touches that the previous four hotels show. In fact, two of them reside closer to Disney Springs than the other previously mentioned options.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area
The last of the Hilton-owned hotels on our list sits literally across the street from Disney Springs. With the pedestrian sky bridge, guests take a five to ten-minute walk to reach Disney Springs from this hotel.
The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista has room types of all shapes and sizes. You can choose a smaller room with a king bed all the way to the one-bedroom suites that sleep eight. Some rooms have incredible views of Disney Springs. However, those will come with an upcharge. The prices for rooms start at around $!35 per night. Once again, expect a resort fee of $35 with parking fees also.
This hotel offers two spacious heated pools and a splash pad for the kids. Also, the adults can hang out in the hot tub.
The dining options resemble the pattern of other Disney Springs hotels. The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista has a grab-and-go area, a Starbucks, and a Benihana restaurant. This hotel provides guests with six dining options overall.
This hotel makes a great choice for Hilton rewards members and those that wish to spend significant time at Disney Springs. We enjoyed three days of fun and food at Disney Springs when we stayed here.
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area
This Holiday In makes a great choice for people wanting to save a little money on their room but know what to expect. This Holiday Inn resembles many Holiday Inns in the United States.
For those with accumulated IHG reward points, this hotel could make a solid goal to save towards to earn for your vacation. Hotel rooms paid for with reward points just feel nicer.
The rooms are what you would expect, with a choice of one king bed or two queen beds. Keurig coffee makers are in each room. The starting price for a room is about $120 per night.
This hotel features a zero-entry pool and a hot tub. The pool area provides enough lounge chairs and room to relax.
The Holiday Inn offers fewer on-site dining options. Guests can dine at the main table service restaurant, Palm Breezes. Families with kids ages 11 and younger will appreciate that kids eat free with a paying adult here.
The hotel offers a grab-and-go market with snacks and sandwiches. In addition, guests can visit the lobby for complimentary coffee every morning and cookies and lemonade in the afternoon.
This Holiday Inn makes a great choice for those focusing on the Walt Disney World theme parks and not concerned about every amenity at their hotel. If you can use saved-up IHG points, then it is even better.
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Area
Like the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, this hotel sits very close to Disney Springs. In fact, the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Area Hotel sits on the same side of the road as Disney Springs. Depending on your room location, you can walk to Disney Springs faster from this hotel than the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista.
Like the other two hotels in this category, the advantage revolves around budget. This makes a reasonable choice for those who want to stay close to Disney Springs and not spend too much.
The rooms have been recently renovated. The lobby looks great. Still, thus hotel displays are older in terms of technology and heating and cooling. The room rates start around $105 before other fees.
All the rooms utilize exterior-access entrances like an older motel. Nevertheless, this hotel should not be judged in that light. Even though it fails to match many other hotels in this area regarding news and design, this place has much to offer. The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Area Hotel’s rooms have larger television sets than many of the other hotels previously listed.
Yes, the rooms look (and are smaller) than others in this group. That trade-off comes with proximity to Disney Springs and other amenities.
Dining
The hotel offers a variety of food and beverage options for your enjoyment. You can start your day with a breakfast buffet at the LakeView Restaurant. If you need some coffee anytime, a Joffrey’s Coffee shop can be found in the lobby. Joffrey’s serves the standard expected beverages, bakery items, and other breakfast items. Also, in the lobby area, the Sundial Café provides quick service options for meals.
This hotel has your food and beverage needs covered for those looking to visit the pool area. The Oasis Restaurant, located poolside, offers a variety of true table service level entrees for lunch and dinner. Of course, being a poolside restaurant, plenty of beverage options exist here.
The Pool Area
Speaking of the pool area, the pool area here elevates the quality of your stay. The newly re-imagined Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground will entertain kids of all ages. This pool area consists of two pools, interactive water features, and a large hot tub. People can relax on the beautiful pool deck and soak up the Florida sunshine. Of course, we advise you not to soak up too much sun in Florida.
Additional amenities for this hotel include a business center, state-of-the-art fitness center, sand volleyball court, basketball court, and a game room. The lobby area makes a decent place to work if needed, with plenty of power outlets and a place to relax.
Wyndham Rewards members should consider this place for their Walt Disney World vacation. The point conversion for a free room might save significant money.
This hotel is budget-friendly, lacking a few enhancements compared to others. Still, the location and pool area make this a good choice for some groups.
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