explore disney world's good neighbor hotels with magical savings
although staying at an on-site disney world resort offers a lot of perks, like extra magic hours, convenient transportation options, and being close to the parks, this does not mean you can’t experience some of the same magic by staying at an off-site hotel or resort. off-site stays can sometimes offer the same perks and are friendlier to your pocket book! by staying off-site you can find more affordable lodging options, spacious rooms, and comfy beds. it is all in what works best for your family and for your budget.
there are a variety of options when considering where to stay during your disney world vacation. If you are going to stay off-site, we recommend staying in the disney springs area or at a disney good neighbor hotel. good neighbor hotels are located near the disney parks and meet certain standards and offer services to help guest plan their disney trip. many good neighbor hotels offer ticket purchases with your stay, free bus transportation to and from the parks, and some even qualify for early theme park entry. in order to receive the access to early theme park entry, you must link your hotel stay to your my disney experience account. what is another money savings advantage of staying in one of these good neighbor hotels? you guessed it, many of these hotels offer a free hot breakfast!
book many of these good neighbor hotels with a ticket package directly through the disney world site. this includes the disney springs area hotels, the swan, dolphin, & swan reserve, four seasons, and many many other great good neighbor hotels close to disney world. when searching for these package deals on the disney site, choose edit your search filter– click on “other select deluxe hotels” or “great accommodations” to find these good neighbor hotel offers.
don’t want to book through disney? no problem. you can book these good neighbor hotels directly through their individual sites or other money saving sites. this gives you the opportunity to use any of your earned hotel reward points and discounted offers. these good neighbor hotel reservations can still be linked to your my disney experience account. what a great way to save and still experience a magical vacation.
there are many resort home type rentals in the orlando area to accommodate large groups and families. check vrbo or airbnb for deals and savings for such stays.
pixie dust tips:
Park tickets can still be purchased through the disney world website and linked to your disney account even though you do not stay at a disney property. This includes dining & lightning lane reservations.
For off-site stays, lightning lanes can be booked up to 3 days before your park visit.
Third party ticket purchases can be linked to your disney account whether you stay on-site at a disney resort or off-site at a good neighbor hotel.
**extra savings tips: on many of my stays at a disney resort or good neighbor hotel, i have linked my military tickets or third party purchases will ease. my go to site for ticket savings is undercover tourist. i have saved $100 to $150 on ticket cost compared to purchasing directly trough disney. see our tips and tricks savings page for detailed ticket savings.
there are 7 on-site disney hotels conveniently located in the disney springs area. these hotels offer many of the same perks as a disney resort stay, but with a much friendlier budget. these hotels include: holiday inn, drury plaza hotel, hilton orlando buena vista palace, hilton orlando lake buena vista, doubletree, wyndham garden lake buena vista, and renaissance orlando resort and spa. many of the disney springs hotels feature large family suites with views of the disney world park firework show.
disney spring area hotels prices range from $100 to $400 a night depending on the time of year you book your stay. it is best to book during the off season and avoid the holiday rush. the disney springs hotels offer guests a great value, convenience, and access to all things disney.
pixie dust tips: early theme park entry and the ability to charge purchases to their disney resort account, free bus transportation to and from the parks, walking distance to disney springs restaurants & shopping, and military discounts.
the swan, dolphin, & swan reserve resorts are luxurious hotels operated by marriott located directly on the grounds of the walt disney world resort. although they are not owned by disney, they are right in the heart of the disney magic. situated between epcot, disney’s hollywood studios, and the disney boardwalk resort area, these hotels are perfectly positioned for guests to walk or take a water taxi to the back door of epcot, hollywood studios, or to explore the disney boardwalk.
the average price per night for a room at these hotels start at $250 a night and up, including resort fees. however, prices can vary depending on room type and time of year you book your stay. these prices offer premium suites and fine dining. additionally, these hotels have poolside bars, coffee shops, and other casual dining options to suit all tastes and preferences.
pixie dust tips: early theme park entry, free bus & water taxi service to and from the parks, special rates for military, medical personnel, teachers, annual passholders, & florida residents.
the marriott village hotels are a group of three family-friendly hotels located just a short distance from the magic of the disney parks. these hotels include: springhill suites, fairfield inn & suites, and towneplace suites. these hotels provide a more budget-friendly comfortable option for guests looking to stay near disney without breaking the bank.
marriott village hotel prices range from $100 to $200 a night depending on the time of year you book your stay. these hotels offers room types from standard hotel rooms to spacious suites designed for families.
pixie dust tips: shuttle service to all disney parks, essential in-room amenities, and a food court.
captain hook tricks: unfortunately, the marriott village hotels do not offer early theme park entry.
the bonnet creek resort area is a secluded private property close to the disney world parks. it sits between disney's caribbean beach resort and disney's riviera resort. it is in close proximity to all 4 theme parks. It’s a prime location for a magical vacation. this area is ideal for families and larger groups, including spacious timeshare-style condos, suites, and villas.
bonnet creek resort prices range from $250 to $400 a night depending on the time of year you book your stay. these accommodations are equipped with fully stocked kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms.
pixie dust tips: early theme park entry, complimentary shuttle to and from the parks, a lazy river, private cabanas, and a variety of dining options.
feature: drury plaza disney springs
drury plaza is by far the best bang for your buck in my opinion. it offers free breakfast and a free 5:30 kickback served daily from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. this includes snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks with a rotating menu from sliders, hotdogs, salads and more.
pixie dust tips: i recently booked the drury plaza hotel for a stay in june 2025 with a discount code that was much cheaper than a booking at a disney resort even with the 2025 discounts offerings. i booked a two queen bedroom for $165 a night. Now, that’s savings with all the disney perks—free breakfast, 5:30 kickback, laundry facility, early theme park entry, and free bus shuttle to all disney parks.
budget the magic highlights
- value cost savings in comparison to disney resort stays. use of earned rewards and discounted offers.
- 30 minute early entry to theme parks for select hotels and complimentary shuttle to all disney parks.
- exclusive vacation packages or special offers, including discounts on disney merchandise or dining.
- spacious rooms & suites, comfy beds, essential amenities, and varies dining options.
- many of these hotels off senior citizen and military discounts.