Whether hiking a national park or exploring the big city, no vacation is complete without a place to rest your head. Disney World is no exception. While there are plenty of Disney World resorts to choose from, they are by no means the only option. In fact, Disney is positively surrounded by places to stay. However, not all hotels near Disney World are created equal.
If you’re traveling to Disney World but can’t or don’t want to stay on Disney property and you don’t want to sacrifice quality or Disney perks either, we suggest Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels.
What Are Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels?
Disney Good Neighbor Hotels are those which are located near the Disney theme parks (there are Good Neighbor hotels near Disneyland too) and have received Disney’s stamp of approval. Each of these hotels have been chosen not only for their close proximity to Disney World – within 2 to 14 miles, so no hour-long car rides here – but also for the quality standards, commitment to comfort, and good value they offer Disney guests.
Disney is known for its impeccable standards. So, it’s no wonder then that they expect the same of the Good Neighbor hotels in Disney World. All of the standard, premium, suites, and villa-style accommodations are AAA-approved, with many boasting waterparks, kids’ suites, and other family-friendly bonuses. Convenient amenities like transportation to the Disney resorts are provided, though some at an additional cost depending on the hotel. If you choose to buy your tickets on property, you can even skip those long lines and book their Disney World tickets directly from the Front Desk or Guest Services at their hotel.
Plus, with perks like free breakfast or a nightly reception at many Disney World Good Neighbor hotels, you’re sure to find a hotel near Disney World that fits your needs, whether it’s a value room for those on a budget or a sprawling suite. Amenities vary across the various properties, so be sure to double check if you’re looking for something specific.
Do Disney Good Neighbor Hotels Get All the Disney Perks?
You’re probably thinking, “where’s the catch?” Well, for those truly magical bonuses and time-saving amenities, you’ll have to stay at a resort on Disney property. Unfortunately, guests of a Disney Good Neighbor hotel do not have access to Extra Magic Hours. However, if you choose to book your Disney theme park tickets ahead of time, you are able to start booking your FastPass+ reservations up to 30 days in advance.
And don’t expect any complimentary Disney park swag here. Similar to Extra Magic Hours, Disney Good Neighbor hotel guests do not receive free Magic Bands for their stay. Although, if you want one to link to your park ticket or simply to have as a souvenir, you are obviously welcome to buy one at one of Disney’s many merchandise locations. Additionally, Good Neighbor hotels also do not qualify for Disney’s Magical Express, the complimentary shuttle service that runs between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World. But, most resorts will still operate their own airport shuttle, so do your research before making a reservation if this is a must for you.
Who Should Stay at a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel?
Now, we’ll be the first to admit that Disney World Good Neighbor hotels aren’t for everyone. For some, simply being close to all that Disney magic, even if it’s just at night, isn’t enough. They want to be completely immersed in pixie dust 24/7 and able to take advantage of the kind of amenities only a Disney resort can provide. And that’s ok! However, if you and your clan could care less about Extra Magic Hours, Magic Bands, taking a little bit longer to get to the parks, and staying at a hotel with detailed theming and storytelling, then a Good Neighbor hotel could work for you.
If you’ve ever stayed at a Disney resort before, then you know how costly they can be. While Disney hotel rooms can be prohibitively expensive – even their value resorts, depending on the season – Good Neighbor hotels were selected for their value. So, if you like offsetting your dining costs with complimentary breakfasts or you need cheaper room rates than those on Disney property, Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels are the way to go.
Do you get travel rewards points with a specific hotel brand? If it’s a Good Neighbor Hotel, this can be an excellent way to save even more money on your Disney vacation. Or perhaps you’re traveling with a large group of people? Unless you decide to stay in a Disney resort villa or a cabin at Fort Wilderness, chances are that you’ll have to take your party off-property. Disney Good Neighbor hotel accommodations come in a range of sizes, from standard hotel rooms up to massive villa-style suites.
In short, if this is your first time visiting Walt Disney World, you’re not restricted to a tight budget, or if you want to get to the parks as quickly and with as little driving as possible, you might want to give Disney’s Good Neighbor hotels a pass. But, if this will be a returning visit, you’re watching your finances, or you don’t mind making a few sacrifices for the sake of your vacation overall, then we think Good Neighbor hotels near Disney World are a wonderful way to save money without sacrificing quality.
What Are the Best Good Neighbor Hotels at Disney World?
Located in the Lake Buena Vista, Celebration, Kissimmee, and International Drive areas, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for in one of the Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels. Whether you’re looking for an expansive waterpark resort or simply somewhere clean and comfortable to rest your head at night, these Disney-approved accommodations run the gamut.
For guests wanting a central location near the Disney parks and the dining and nightlife of Disney Springs, try a hotel in Lake Buena Vista. Planning to spend most of your time at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom or making a side trip to Legoland or Fun Spot near Old Town? Stay in Celebration or Kissimmee instead. Going to Universal or Sea World in addition to Disney? A Good Neighbor hotel in the I-Drive area will put you right in the middle of it all. So, while you have no control over Central Florida’s hot, humid, and stormy weather, at least you’ll know you’ll be taken care of at one of Disney’s Good Neighbor hotels, whatever your plans for your Orlando vacation.
For our list of the best Good Neighbor Hotels at Disney World, we selected a couple of our favorites from each of the areas – Lake Buena Vista, Celebration, Kissimmee, and International Drive. Each is among the best-reviewed Good Neighbor hotels on TripAdvisor, scoring a solid 4.5 out of 5, and offers family-friendly amenities like waterparks, complimentary breakfast, pools, bicycle rentals, game rooms, and golf courses – along with the other Disney benefits – at wallet-friendly room rates.
Caribe Royale Orlando | Lake Buena Vista
Looking for a tropical escape with a convenient location just a short drive from the Disney parks? Consider the all-suite Caribe Royale. Just a 7-minute drive to the Orange Garage at Disney Springs and a 10-minute drive to Magic Kingdom, this 4-star hotel feels like an island paradise just a stone’s throw from the Disney magic. Kids will love the lushly landscaped pool with a 75-foot water slide and cascading waterfalls and the two game arcades, while adults will enjoy relaxing at The Island Spa or getting in a workout at the state-of-the-art fitness center. There’s even a bicycle rental and catch & release fishing!
Although there is no complimentary breakfast here, there are a number of dining outlets available including The Venetian Chop House, the hotel’s AAA 4-diamond fine dining restaurant. Self-parking and valet parking are available for $15 per night. Shuttles are included in the hotel’s $25 nightly resort fee, and run on a schedule to the Walt Disney World Ticket & Transportation Center, Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, and the Premium Outlets on Vineland Avenue. Reservations are required.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista | Lake Buena Vista
Wanting a trendy, next gen stay that’s part of the Marriott family? Try the Delta Orlando at Lake Buena Vista. Only a 4-minute drive from Disney Springs, Delta Orlando is the closest non-Disney hotel to Walt Disney World. Designed with tech-savvy travelers in mind, this new, 3-star hotel is chock full of thoughtful techy touches like a kids’ game room complete with Nintendo and Xbox gaming consoles and enough charging ports to juice up all your devices. Even the TVs come equipped with Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and Crackle. After the family Super Smash Bros tournament, guests can unwind in the outdoor pool and hot tub or work out in the onsite gym.
The hotel’s standard rooms and a few larger suites come stocked with elevated touches like luxurious bedding and free spa amenities. While no complimentary breakfast is available, guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurant or get a glass of wine or craft beer in the bar. Self-parking is available for $15 per night, while the scheduled shuttles are complimentary.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando — Lake Buena Vista South | Kissimmee
Is breakfast your favorite meal of the day? Then start every day of your vacation with a selection of complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast favorites with a stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando – Lake Buena Vista South. Each of the huge, 2-room suites at this 3-star hotel come complete with separate bedroom and living areas and two TVs, perfect for families on vacation. After a day at the parks, guests can kick back at the complimentary evening reception before relaxing in the pool or trying out the game room. If you’re lucky, you might even snag yourself one of the fireworks-view rooms.
A number of dining outlets are available in addition to the complimentary breakfast including a lounge, table-service restaurant, and a grab-and-go marketplace. Self-parking and valet parking are both available for $13 and $18, respectively, with the hotel being about a 15-minute drive from the Walt Disney World Resort. There is also a scheduled shuttle that runs to Epcot.
Floridays Resort Orlando | International Drive
Hoping for a home away from home for your Disney World vacation? Check out Floridays Resort Orlando. Named TripAdvisor’s #1 family hotel in the US and #5 in the world in 2016 and recently awarded TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Travelers’ Choice award for 2020, this all-suite, 4-star resort in the heart of I-Drive is roughly a 15-minute drive from Disney World and only 8 minutes from SeaWorld. The luxury, condo-style accommodations – complete with a full kitchen, 2 full baths, living & dining areas, and TVs in each bedroom – are spacious and ideal for large families. Two pools are onsite for guests to enjoy, including a feature pool with a water play area.
Breakfast isn’t included, however, wi-fi, self-parking, and shuttle service to the theme parks are covered by the resort fee. Four-legged friends are also allowed at this pet-friendly hotel.
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Orlando Lake Buena Vista | Lake Buena Vista
Wanting a homey place to rest your head while you’re visiting the Walt Disney World Resort? Take a look at the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Orlando Lake Buena Vista. While this certainly isn’t one of the most luxurious options on our list, it is one of the most affordable. Add in tons of complimentary perks, a prime location only a mile from Disney World, and comfy one-bedroom suites and you get a lot of bang for your buck at this 3-star hotel. Rooms here come stocked with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a separate living room with a pullout sofa. For those looking to relax after a day at the parks, there is also a game room, fitness center, grills, basketball court, hot tub, and two different pools including a kiddie wading pool.
Freebies are plentiful at Hawthorn Suites despite the budget-friendly room rates. Guests can enjoy a whole slew of complimentary perks like free breakfast, self-parking, wi-fi, manager’s reception, and scheduled shuttles to Walt Disney World.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive South | International Drive
Looking for a clean, comfortable, and modern place to rest with the necessary creature comforts? Try Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive South. Don’t expect tons of bells and whistles at this extended-stay hotel near the Orlando Premium Outlets – this all-suites, 3-star hotel comes with all the essentials at a wallet-friendly rate. Guest rooms are equipped with a full kitchen, or you can barbecue on one of the outdoor grills. A fitness center and an outdoor saline pool are also provided.
What the Home2 Suites lacks in extras, it more than makes up for with its numerous complimentary offerings and other perks. Free breakfast is available in the mornings at Our Inspired Table. For those making the approximately 15-minute drive to Disney World, self-parking is included. Otherwise, a complimentary shuttle to the Magic Kingdom is provided. Dogs are also allowed at this pet-friendly hotel.
Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista | Lake Buena Vista
Needing a frills-free yet family-friendly place to stay near the Walt Disney World Resort. Consider the Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista. Just a 9-minute drive from Disney Springs, this 3-star hotel might seem like it’s made for buttoned-up business travelers only, but its Kid Suites with bunk beds and lushly landscaped pool tell a different tale.
There are several dining outlets available, whether you want to fuel up for a day at the parks at the complimentary breakfast buffet, grab a snack from the grab-and-go market, or unwind with a cocktail at the bar. Parking here is free, as are the scheduled shuttles that run to the Disney World theme parks.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando | Kissimmee/Celebration
Have you ever wanted to eat a cheeseburger in paradise? Sink into island time at Margaritaville Resort Orlando. Whether you’re looking for a plush hotel room or a spacious private cottage, this 4-star resort has you covered. With its sprawling water park and more than 20 water attractions, full-service spa, evening entertainment, and family-friendly activities, this is a great choice for families planning to do some relaxing outside the parks.
Although breakfast isn’t complimentary here, there are a number of dining options available at the resort and in the immediate area. As for transportation, self-parking and the Disney shuttle are both free. Pets are also allowed here for a fee.
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate | Kissimmee/Celebration
Looking for a luxurious escape the whole family can enjoy? Then you won’t want to miss the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Nestled amid 36 holes of championship golf and 15 acres of watery recreation, this 4-star, 4-diamond resort is a must for families splitting their time between the theme parks and some old-fashioned relaxation. From its premium guest rooms to its massive villas (kitchen, dining room, living room, and patio included), you’re sure to find a room to fit your group. Aside from the golf course, there are enough amenities here to keep your family busy for quite some time including a water park with a lazy river and wave pool, miniature golf, the Mokara Spa, 24-hour fitness center, and 13 different onsite dining venues and bars.
The furthest hotel from Disney World on our list, it’s roughly a 15-minute dive to Hollywood Studios and 20-minute drive to Animal Kingdom. While self-parking is only free for those who book their reservations through Walt Disney World Travel, complimentary shuttles are available to Magic Kingdom’s Ticket & Transportation Center. A $23 daily resort fee also applies.
Other Good Neighbor Hotels in Disney World
Didn’t find what you were looking for on this list above? Here are all the other Good Neighbor hotels near Disney World.
Lake Buena Vista Area
Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Suites
Room Type: Suites
Room Type: Standard
Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre
Room Type: Standard
Courtyard by Marriott at Marriott Village
Room Type: Premium
Embassy Suites Orlando — Lake Buena Vista Resort
Room Type: Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites at Marriott Village in Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Suites
Hampton Inn & Suites – South Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Suites
Hilton Garden Inn Orlando/Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Standard
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – South Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Standard
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites & Waterpark
Room Type: Suites
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Standard
Homewood Suites by Hilton Lake Buena Vista – Orlando
Room Type: Suites
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Room Type: Suites
Radisson Lake Buena Vista Orlando
Room Type: Premium
Residence Inn Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Suites
Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort
Room Type: Premium
Sonesta ES Suites – Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Suites
Springhill Suites Orlando Theme Park/Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Suites
SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Marriott Village
Room Type: Suites
TownePlace Suites Orlando Theme Park/Lake Buena Vista
Room Type: Suites
Room Type: Suites
Celebration/Kissimmee Area
Best Western Plus Kissimmee – Lake Buena Vista South Inn & Suites
Room Type: Suites
Room Type: Suites, Standard
Fairfield Inn & Suites Celebration
Room Type: Suites
Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration
Room Type: Standard
The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
Room Type: Suites/Premium
Holiday Inn Orlando Southwest – Celebration Area
Room Type: Standard
Room Type: Suites
Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando Kissimmee
Room Type: Suites
International Drive Area
Crowne Plaza Orlando – Universal Blvd
Room Type: Premium
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center
Room Type: Suites
Residence Inn Orlando Convention Center
Room Type: Suites
SpringHill Suites Orlando Convention Center/International Drive Area
Room Type: Suites
Overall, while they may not be for everyone, we think Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels are a great option for families who are traveling on a budget, visiting Disney for a second or third (or twentieth) time, or needing a break from all the pixie dust. Have you ever stayed at a Good Neighbor Hotel near Disney? If so, let us know! If you’re thinking about staying on property at Disney World be sure to see our Property Hotel Reviews Guide. Also, don’t miss our complete Disney World Dining Guide to learn all about dining at the resort.
And while we’re talking about saving money, you won’t want to miss our discount Disney tickets. They’ll help your Disney vacation stretch even further, leaving you more cash for things like turkey legs, Dole Whips, and Baby Yoda merch.
