OFF-SITE DISNEY WORLD RESORT AREAS
When Walt Disney was scouting property for what would become Walt Disney World, the Orlando area was about nothing more than fields of orange trees. Since purchasing the property in the 1960’s, the area has grown into a thriving metropolis and tourist haven that we know and love today.
If you are planning on experiencing some of the attractions that Central Florida has to offer in addition to the Disney theme parks you may want to consider staying at an offsite hotel.
If you would like to read on whether you think an onsite or offsite hotel is better for your Disney Vacation, click here.
Once you start looking at offsite properties, it is easy to get confused and overwhelmed by the options available. It can be difficult to figure out where hotels are located in relation to the theme parks. This blog post will detail the most popular resort areas which I hope will help you narrow down your search.
Disney Springs
Stay and play mere moments from the shopping, dining and entertainment of Disney Springs. Whether you’re seeking a soothing spa escape or family-friendly fun, there’s an Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel to suit your style.
B Resort & Spa – This stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
Best Western Lake Buena Vista – This 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World Resort, and offers two restaurants, a lounge, and wireless internet
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – This luxurious resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs Resort Area
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – The 27-acre, newly renovated hotel features a beautifully redesigned pool area with four pools, seven restaurants and lounges, spa, and a Character Breakfast every Sunday
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Closest hotel to Disney Springs, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
Holiday Inn Orlando – Offers the ideal setting to stay and play, featuring modern Florida décor, a beach entry swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and public areas
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – Featuring a Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 guest room
9-12 minutes to the Disney Theme Parks
Bonnet Creek
Bonnet Creek Resort is a 70-acre development in the southeast corner of Walt Disney World. The land, which is not owned by Disney, is bordered on three sides by Disney-owned land and on the fourth side by Interstate 4. It is surrounded by the Bonnet Creek nature preserve and is named after Bonnet Creek, which runs through the property. The entrance is located on Buena Vista Drive, just east of the entrance to Disney’s Riviera Resort.
The resort development includes a cluster of luxury and mid-priced hotels, including
Wyndham Resort
Wyndham Grand
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
JW Marriott Hotels, which opened in 2020
6-10 minutes to the Disney Theme Parks
Flamingo Crossing
On the western edge of the resort, Flamingo Crossing is a Disney owned mixed-use tourist commercial district just outside Disney’s gateway entrance. The area combines lodging, retail and dining in a pedestrian-friendly environment. If you’re looking to go shopping, the development is anchored by a Target and includes a Five Below, a UPS Store. (Perfect for mailing all those extra Disney souvenirs you bought) and a Walgreens. As far as restaurants are concerned, you can grab a beer at Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., as well as stop at Wendy’s, Domino’s, Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ, Firehouse Subs, Pieology Pizzeria and Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, PDQ, Five Guys, Ben & Jerry’s and Dunkin’.
In addition, seven hotels will also be found at Flamingo Crossings.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Hampton by Hilton
Four other hotels are also under construction, including Fairfield and Residence Inn by Marriott and Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites by Hilton.
10 – 12 minute drive to Disney Theme Parks
Lake Buena Vista
Although the Disney theme parks usually are associated with Orlando, they’re actually located in Lake Buena Vista, a municipality controlled by the Walt Disney Company. The entertainment in Lake Buena Vista doesn’t begin and end at Disney’s gates. In Lake Buena Vista, guests find that everything from dining to shopping qualify as amusements. Restaurants with delectable cuisine from around the world can be sampled both inside and outside Lake Buena Vista’s theme parks. And it is not difficult to find the special brand of dining entertainment known as dinner theater to delight young and old with shows, music, comedy, dancing and even medieval jousting. Several golf clubs are also located here.
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
Caribe Royal Orlando
Hyatt Regency Grand Cyprus
Sheraton Vistana Villages
Orlando World Center Marriott
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
International Drive
Boasting out-of-this-world attractions, dining and nightlife, sensational shopping, and quick access to our theme parks, International Drive — aka I-Drive — is the vibrant heart of Orlando’s tourism district. With so much to see and do, this walkable area is also one of the most desirable areas to stay while visiting Orlando, with dozens of hotels and resorts to choose from.
I-Drive North is home to the Universal Orlando Resort
While I-Drive South is home to SeaWorld
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Castle, an Autograph Collection Hotel
Wyndham Orlando Resort I-Drive
Marriott’s Grand Vista
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
20 – 30 minutes to Disney Theme Parks
Click here for more information on staying off property on a Disney Vacation
If you need help figuring out the best area and property for your family do not hesitate to reach out.
NEED HELP CHOOSING THE RIGHT RESORT?
The right resort can upgrade your entire Disney vacation—but with more than 25 Disney resorts and hotels to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! I can help you so you can choose the perfect-fit resort for your family—based on your budget, travel style, and family’s interests.
DOWNLOAD the Guide to Choosing the Right Resort to understand the differences in amenities, how to choose the resort with the right location and which resorts offer the activities you are looking for.
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