Don’t Fall for This LIE About Staying in Disney World Hotels

There are so many decisions to make when planning a Disney World trip.

Dolphin Hotel

You’ll have to decide on how to get to Disney World, so you might need plane tickets, plus you have to think about what you’re going to eat. And of course, you have to nail down where you’re going to stay. We don’t want you to fall into the trap that you have to stay on Disney World property just to enjoy your trip. We want you to know that you have options!

Should you stay in a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel for the ultimate Disney theming and amenities? Or, should you stay in a Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel that offers many of the same perks as a hotel on Disney property? We’re breaking down the perks of the Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels so you can find out if staying off-site is right for you!

©Drury Plaza Hotel

Located near Disney World and in the surrounding areas, Good Neighbor Hotels are not owned by Disney but instead have partnerships with the company. There’s typically a person on staff at each hotel who can help you with your Disney World vacation, including purchasing Disney World theme park tickets. These hotels range in cost from Deluxe to Value Resort pricing depending on what you’re looking for.

Swan Reserve

What about transportation? When it comes to getting around, sure, staying at a Disney World Resort hotel has its perks. You’ll enjoy complimentary transportation to the parks, making it super convenient to dive right into the Disney magic. But guess what? Good Neighbor Hotels have got your back too!

Many of them offer transportation options that can whisk you to and from the Disney parks. Sure, there might be a small fee and the buses may run a bit differently, but hey, once you arrive at Disney World, you can still hop on the amazing Disney transportation system to effortlessly explore all the parks, no matter where you’re staying. So, rest assured, your journey to the Most Magical Place on Earth is filled with transportation possibilities that will make your Disney World adventure even more enjoyable!

Mears Connect

We all have to eat, right? To be sure, Disney World hotels are known for their diverse range of dining choices, catering to every budget and taste. Now, when it comes to off-site hotels, the dining landscape may vary. Some might have cozy coffee shops perfect for a quick bite, while others might surprise you with a plethora of dining options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

The key is to do some research and find off-site hotels that offer dining options that tickle your taste buds. Oh, and did we mention the cherry on top? Many off-site hotels treat their guests to complimentary breakfast buffets, giving you a delightful head start to your Disney adventures.

Drury Plaza Hotel breakfast

Let’s talk about maximizing your magical moments in the parks! Whether you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel or a select off-site hotel, extra time awaits you. Picture this: Early Theme Park Entry, where you get to stroll into any park 30 minutes before it officially opens its gates. Imagine the thrill of being ahead of the crowd, getting a head start on your favorite attractions, and soaking up the enchantment without the hustle and bustle. And guess what? This fantastic perk is not limited to Disney World Resort hotel guests alone. Yes, you heard it right! Some off-site hotels also offer this early entry magic, ensuring that you don’t miss out on a single second of the fun.

There are over 40 Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels, but only a few of them currently offer Early Park Entry, which are:

    • Walt Disney World Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin
    • Shades of Green
    • B Resort and Spa Lake Buena Vista
    • Double Tree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs Area
    • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
    • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace
    • Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek
    • Waldorf Astoria Orlando
    • Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs Area
    • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
    • Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
    • Four Season Resort Orlando
    • Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Early Entry

But wait, there’s more! As the sun sets and the stars twinkle, the magic continues with Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. These exclusive hours are a special treat for guests staying at Disney World Deluxe Resorts and Villas, as well as at these non-Disney-owned and operated hotels.

  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  • Shades of Green on Walt Disney World

So, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, both Disney World Resort hotels and select off-site hotels have your back with extra time to create unforgettable memories.

There was practically no wait!

So, while these perks are like sprinkles on the Disney cupcake, the magic of your trip ultimately comes from the unforgettable moments you create, regardless of whether you choose to stay at a Disney World Resort hotel or an off-site accommodation. It’s all about finding what brings the biggest smile to your face and creating memories that will last a lifetime!

All-Star Resort

As we’ve said, staying off-site at a surrounding hotel doesn’t mean you won’t have a fantastic Disney World trip. Both Disney World hotels and off-site hotels offer unique perks and advantages, and it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities. The key is to plan and choose the option that best suits your family’s needs and desires.

And, if you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

©Mouse Fan Travel

Until your next trip to Disney World, keep it right here and we’ll keep you updated with all the latest tips and tricks and all things Disney!

Ranking Disney World’s Good Neighbor Hotels

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Are you planning to stay on-site or off-site for your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments!

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2 Replies to “Don’t Fall for This LIE About Staying in Disney World Hotels”

  1. If you stay at a Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, will you have access to the midnight purchase Genie Plus and scheduling of ride reservations like onsite hotels do?

    1. Yes, but you will not be able to make the 7am Individual Lightning Lane reservations. You will be able to make regular Lightning Lane reservations, however.