Here’s the deal: Disney vacations aren’t cheap. Most Disney enthusiasts can justify the costs with high-caliber service, magical memories, and stellar dining. Still, even die-hard Disney goers are happy to chip away at the vacation’s price tag.
Besides being conscious of your wallet, your Resort’s location is another crucial element to planning a Disney vacation. With excessive wait times, early Park access, and droves of families on summer break, staying at a Resort with transportation to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios is ideal.
To make the most of your Walt Disney World vacation, it seems like the only option is to book a Resort on Disney property. While that may not be wrong, it’s not totally right. Some crème de la crème accommodations offer onsite benefits—but for offsite prices.
If an onsite Disney Resort isn’t in the cards, check out these magical alternatives for your next trip.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and Swan Reserve
Not only are the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and Swan Reserve more affordable than your average Disney Deluxe Resort, but they also offer similar amenities to Disney’s top hotels. Its location could earn five stars alone, with Disney’s Boardwalk in walking distance and a five-minute walk to the entrance for EPCOT’s World Showcase.
Additional benefits:
- Park access 30 minutes before opening
- Complimentary Disney transportation
- Onsite and online Disney tickets
- Complimentary Disney parking
- Disney Planning Center
- Character dining
Wyndham (Garden) Lake Buena Vista
Though not as close as the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, the Wyndham (Garden) Lake Buena Vista hotel is just a short walk from Disney Springs. Guests can catch a bus to the Parks from Disney Springs, making it an accessible option. With two price points—the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista—Guests can easily plan within their budgets while staying nearby Disney Magic.
Additional benefits:
- Onsite dining options featuring Mickey Mouse waffles
- Character dining
- Aquatic playground
- Two pools
- Volleyball and basketball courts
- Proximity to the Parks
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
If you want the lazy river without Blizzard Beach, the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is your hotel. With a panoramic view of Disney Springs (and a short walking distance to it), this is another offsite Resort within close reach of the Parks. The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace also offers spacious rooms to accommodate larger families, which could be ideal for traveling with a group.
Additional benefits:
- Transportation to and from Disney Parks
- Onsite dining options, including a poolside option
- Cabanas, a splash pad, and a lazy river
- Suites to accommodate large parties
- Seasonal activities by the pool for families
- Proximity to the Parks
Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs
Guests can head to the Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs for the most budget-friendly option. It checks all boxes for a solid Disney vacation hotel for a fraction of the cost of staying at an onsite Disney Resort. The best part? It’s only an eight-minute walk from Disney Springs, and that’s nothing compared to the stretch from Kilimanjaro Safari to DINOSAUR.
Additional benefits:
- Park transportation is available at the nearby Disney Springs
- Children under 11 years old eat for free
- Cornhole, ping pong, and a game room
- Heated pool
- Onsite dining options
- Easy on the budget
With high-quality hotels within earshot of the land of hidden Mickeys, it’s possible to reap the Deluxe Resort benefits without the Deluxe prices.
Budget aside, these convenient offsite Resorts are life savers if a Disney vacation itch inspires a last-minute trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth.